Taking Courage Read online

  Evernight Publishing

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2014 S.J. Maylee

  ISBN: 978-1-77130-875-5

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: Karyn White

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To my husband and sons, you three give me courage and love daily. I’d be lost without you. I love you all so much.

  To Anne, thank you for lighting the way for me to see the whole story. Your help was priceless.

  To Karyn, you did it again! For the second time, you sparked the idea that led to an epilogue. Thank you for your wise advice.

  TAKING COURAGE

  Love Projects, 2

  S.J. Maylee

  Copyright © 2014

  Chapter One

  They were expecting her. Janna picked up her pace. She could almost see the club entrance. It was her last night in Chicago, and this time she was going in.

  The dark entryway with no markings appeared innocent. She knew what went on behind the black doors and what it took to get through them. She'd visited her doctor, obtained a referral from an online friend, and mailed the guest paperwork. This was not the time to second guess her actions. She'd save that for the flight home tomorrow.

  She pulled the heavy door open. No sound greeted her, nor could she see what lay ahead. The hall was dark as night, and she hesitated. Her heart kicked into high gear. The door shut behind her and thrust her forward a step. Her hand reached out tentatively. Soft velvet knocked into her knuckles. She pushed it away and found the soft glow of the foyer.

  The rich ruby red of the fabrics and sconces along the wall drew her gaze to the grand staircase at the end of the entryway. A large bear of a man behind a podium spotted her immediately in the otherwise empty room. He kept his gaze on her as she crept closer.

  “State your purpose.”

  “Ah ... I'm supposed to be a guest tonight. I sent my paperwork.” She shuffled through her purse for her confirmation. “Yes, here it is.” She handed the paper to the man.

  The curtain behind her at the front door billowed, and a leather clad man walked towards her. She forced her line of sight back to the man in front of her and flipped her long blonde tresses behind her shoulder.

  “Yes, sure, Mistress Charlie mentioned you'd be coming.” He scrutinized her confirmation. “I’ll be right with you, Master Simon.”

  The man stopped next to her, and her ability to play cool faltered. A Master. She took a deep breath and drank him in, starting with his dark boots of luscious black leather. Her gaze took the scenic route along his legs, drank in his firm body, to his broad chest encased in a casual black shirt.

  “Can I see your ID?”

  She continued her perusal of the Master and found the hard angle of his jaw and stopped at his striking green eyes, which were set directly on her. She couldn’t move. With his look alone, he commanded her attention.

  “Miss, your ID, please.”

  “Sorry, of course.” She yanked her thoughts back to her situation and into her purse. Heat flashed across her cheeks, and her fingers tripped over themselves. Finally, she pulled the card from the tight inside pocket and passed it to the man.

  He pulled her ID down to her paperwork, clearly comparing the two. He looked up at her a few times and back at the ID. Her gaze drifted back to the Master next to her. He was still watching her.

  “Very good.” He handed the ID back to her, and she slipped it back into her purse. “Mistress Charlie wanted to escort you into the club, but she's busy with a collaring ceremony at the moment. She asked me to give you this if you arrived before she was finished.” He handed her a folded note.

  The hand writing was crisp, but the statement was tender—the two qualities she'd come to recognize in Charlie. She read the simple message again. You’re ready, my dear. The only thing you need to remember is to be open and honest.

  “You'll need to wait here for an escort, unless Master Simon has time to escort you tonight.”

  She shoved the note into her purse before it shook and announced her nerves. Her heart stopped mid-beat, and she bunched her toes inside her shoes. He was a Master. He'd be perfect. It's okay if he says no. His wife or girlfriend could be waiting inside. A rejection from a stranger meant nothing. Nothing.

  “Sure, I can take her in. What's your name, Miss?” His strong tone rumbled over her senses.

  She tugged on her purse strap, like it was a lifeline. She wanted to know more about this man standing next to her, pulling all of her attention. She wanted to find out how soft his skin was under that shirt and how warm and hard his chest was, too. Seconds continued to tick by as her nerves danced away with her ability to speak.

  He didn’t move while she examined him. He hadn't re-asked the question or stepped closer.

  “I'm Janna.”

  “Nice to meet you, Janna. You look beautiful this evening.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  “Will you allow me to escort you this evening?”

  “Thank you. I’d like that, Sir.”

  Master Simon walked around her and started up the broad staircase. She looked back at the man that had greeted her. He tilted his head toward Simon, and she scurried to catch him.

  This time she would not back down. No more questions, no more thinking. She’d promised herself two months ago, when she got the opportunity to attend the conference in Chicago, that she would walk into this club. No more wondering. Tonight, she would find out if she truly desired what she had so often read and had chatted about online.

  The landing at the top of the stairs revealed a bulky set of wooden double doors. Simon stood waiting for her like a gatekeeper to the lands of all things erotic. Her pulse thumped in her ears, and a cold sweat tickled between her breasts. He opened the door and held it for her.

  “Welcome to Club Voyage, Janna.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” She took a couple steps to get her through the doorway. The smells hit her first, leather, sweat, and sex. Club music, with a heavy bass, beat against her body. She stopped and waited for Master Simon to walk around her and lead her into the room.

  Her gazed centered on his lower back and his fine ass. He stopped, turned back to her, and most certainly caught her checking him out. Warmth gathered in the center of her chest and spread.

  “You need to stay close to me this evening.” He reached out and grasped her shoulder. His fingers caressed in a gentle motion. “Close enough for me to touch, okay?”

  “Okay. I like the sound of that, Sir.”

  “Take a look around the room. Notice the different sections, the ropes that cordon off the play areas, the signs at each station.” He walked around her, took her hand, and pulled her further into the room. “Along with my Master duties here, I’m also a trainer. Feel free to ask me any questions.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  The darkness of the room did nothing to hide the decadence. Couples gyrating on the dance floor caught her attention first with their beautiful imitation of sex. Smacks of paddles, whooshes of whips, and bodies meeting filled the room with sound. Her eyes, wide with trepidation and exhilaration, located the nearest scene.

  She turned to Master Simon. “Can I take a closer look?”

  “Absolutely, show me what interests you.”

&nb
sp; Her feet found their way.

  A woman knelt before her Dom with her eyes focused on him alone. Her hands were bound behind her back. Janna melted in want. The man thrust his cock in and out of her mouth, his control clear. Heat pooled between Janna's legs, and her breasts tingled with desire.

  She licked her lips and turned to Master Simon, who was watching her. His hands may be casually tucked into the front pocket of his pants, but his eyes had turned to a darker shade of green. Her nipples tightened. She couldn’t tell what was pulling her into the moment more, the beautiful scenes around her or the observant Master at her side.

  She could see why her friends in the chat rooms called the attention of a Dom addictive. All the scenes she’d read hadn’t prepared her for the power of his look. It was beautiful. It was true. She had to know more.

  She wanted a man to want to dominate her. She wanted this man to dominate her.

  “You like what you see.”

  “Yes, it’s breathtaking.”

  “Are you new in town?”

  “I'm here for one more night. I wanted to see what the Chicago club had to offer.” The last thing she wanted was for him to think she wasn't ready or that she was unworthy of his attention.

  “I'm free all night if you have questions or if you want to scene before you go home.”

  “Thank you, Sir. It’s been a stressful couple of weeks. I could use the release found within a scene.” The pounding in her chest threatened to escape, but she mustered the courage to keep her shoulders relaxed. She would not back down. For once in her life she would follow through.

  He lightly tapped her shoulder. “Relax, darling, we'll talk first.”

  The tension released, and a soft moan escaped. But damn it, he'd picked up on her stiffness. She needed to keep her thoughts straight or he might think her unworthy.

  “That's better. Now, tell me what you need tonight.”

  “But it's not about what I need.” She looked at him directly, holding onto her next breath. Her statement felt right, but it was her first in-person conversation with a Dom. Her uncertainty froze her stance.

  His eyebrows drew tight, and his gaze searched her expression. The cracks in her veneer were no doubt calling out like a warning to this Dom, and she had a lingering feeling she'd already forgotten to tell him something. All the practiced conversation starters jogged around in her head. She couldn't remember what she'd forgotten. Her belly quivered in unease, and her breathing increased. A metallic taste filled her mouth. She sucked on her lower lip. She'd split it with her worry if she wasn't careful.

  She recognized the signs of defeat. She'd been here before. Chickening out was Janna's specialty. A pattern she'd hoped to break on this trip. She lowered her head and let the excitement of the night drain away.

  He grasped her chin. She steadied her gaze on him alone. The storm froze in its wake.

  “Stressful trip?” His gaze continued its investigation.

  Be open and honest.

  “It's been a long couple of years actually.” She pushed her sleeves past her elbows and then pulled them back down.

  “It would please me to bring you to release and help you let go. Would you allow me that pleasure?”

  “If it would please you, Sir. I would be happy to release control.” It was possible her heart had stopped.

  “Done. Give me your hard limits.”

  Master Simon was her opposite. His lack of hesitation was one of the sexiest things she’d ever seen. This was the kind of man she needed in her life.

  Shit. She hadn't reviewed her limits list today. It was on the list her on-line submissives group told her to review before entering the club. “I, ah ... no pain, Sir. I mean nothing that leaves marks. I'm okay with public displays, but I'd prefer private scenes to include at least audio surveillance.”

  “That fits with club policy. Video surveillance is available, too, if you want. Anything else?” His gaze remained trained on her. He left no room to fidget, and her muscles didn't know what to do.

  “No knife, blood, or breath play. I have a couple soft limits, too, Sir.”

  He tucked his hands in his back pockets. “Okay, give it to me.”

  “I've only ever been with one man at a time. Anything different would need to be discussed. I've never had anal sex, but I've experimented with plugs. Anything besides finger teasing will need to be discussed.”

  “Okay. Is that all?”

  “Yes, Sir. That's all.”

  “Your safe word?”

  “Lasagna, Sir.”

  He smiled, but didn't comment. “You’re well prepared. I appreciate a submissive who can state her boundaries so clearly.”

  “Thank you, Sir. I may not have the experience like many of the submissives who frequent your club, but I make up for that with my research.”

  “I have a feeling that research comes to you naturally.”

  “Most definitely, almost to my detriment. I’ve been in town for a week now, and this is my first night in the club.”

  “I’m glad you decided to come in tonight.” He reached out and caressed her cheek.

  She leaned into his touch.

  “We can scene right here where you can view the other scenes and you're surrounded by surveying Masters. Acceptable?” He pulled his hand away.

  “Yes, Sir.” She'd done it. Her studies had paid off. Her friends from the chat rooms were right. She was ready.

  “Remove all your clothes and jewelry. Place everything on the side table there.” He pointed to the table next to the couch a couple feet behind them. “Would you prefer to go back down to the locker room?”

  “No. I want to stay here with you.” If she went back downstairs, she feared she'd walk right out the front door. Her heart galloped in her chest. She wanted this. She’d dreamed of this moment. She needed to stay right here where this Dom could see her. Under his watchful gaze, she could imagine herself doing as he asked.

  He widened his stance and folded his arms tight across his chest. This Master was a patient man, but she shouldn’t push him. Everyone had their breaking point.

  The orders lingered between them, but she had yet to move. He was right. She needed release, not discipline. She unbuttoned her blouse and let it slip off her shoulders. The skirt zipper released too easily leaving her in only a matching bra and panties.

  She picked up her garments and held them to her chest. His eyes traced her every move, but his expression was unchanged. What does he think of me? Not even a hint of an opinion in his expression. She made a made a mental note to get back to her workout schedule when she returned home. She set her clothes on the table.

  The sounds of the club nagged at her attention, but they couldn't compete with the dominant male watching her every move. She had a feeling his attention could be addictive.

  She shook her head. Now was not the time to analyze. It was time to act. Her bra and panties needed to come off. She needed to reveal her body, not to the room, but to this man ... correction, this Dom. She was not leaving without giving this a real try.

  Her gaze locked onto his and remained. After one more deep breath, she reached around and unclipped her bra. The free hand held the cups and smashed them into her chest. One arm, then the other and her shoulders were free. After one more deep breath, her fingers clawed around the bra cups and pulled, revealing her small breasts.

  Cool air swirled around her tender tight nipples, and his gaze remained, unwavering. Could he see the nerves dancing along her skin? Her thumbs dragged along her thighs to her hips, hooked the corner of her panties, and pulled.

  With the last of her clothes set on the table, she straightened her back and let her shoulders fall. She'd done it.

  Master Simon made quick work of the buttons on his shirt, pulling it off his thick shoulders and added the garment to her pile. He stalked towards her, stopped about a foot away, tempting her. “Well done, pet.”

  She melted on the inside and swayed her hips as warmth filled her core. His
gaze released her, and she stood silent as he looked her over. Nerves threatened to walk back in, but she barred the way.

  “Turn back around now and watch the others around us.”

  A couple of new scenes had started. One in particular caught her attention. The sub was strapped to a horse of sorts and the Dom was fucking her from behind. Janna's nipples tightened further, and her core heated until honey coated her sex. She'd watched similar scenes on-line dozens of times. The live version was unbearably hotter. A moan escaped her lips.

  “You're beautiful.” His warm body pressed up against her back, and a hand slid along her waist pulling her into him. She melted. His mouth caressed her ear. “Do you like what you see, pet?” He pressed her hips back against his fly. His hand lifted from her belly and smacked her pussy.

  “Oh.” A delicious mingling of sensations floated over her.

  “You must answer my questions. Do you understand?”

  “I do, Sir.” Her sex heated further.

  “Do you like what you see?” His hand returned to her stomach and pulled, pressing their bodies together.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “I will be touching you while you watch the sub get fucked. You are free to orgasm.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  “You will use your safe word if you need to?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He shifted and pressed his hard cock into the left side of her ass. “Very good, pet. Now, watch the couple while I explore your body.”

  His hand moved along her stomach and up to take hold of her breast, molding and tugging on the supple skin. She had never felt more alive. Pressure encased her nipples as he pinched and pulled.

  “Oh!” Clamps were no match for the tension he was able to elicit. Her breasts swelled with glorious pleasure. “Sorry, Sir.”

  “You can vocalize your pleasure. I like knowing you like what I do to you. Now is not the time for conversation, however. Unnecessary words will lead to punishment.” He pulled her nipples again. “I suspect you like the way that feels?”