Exposed: Palace Scandal, #1

By Jasmine Bell

Having weathered a few storms as well as heartaches throughout his life, Alex has devoted his life to his beloved Astoria. He only indulges his carnal desires at Luxe, the underground sex club. It's the place where he can truly let himself go and not be ruled by obligation. Especially in the arms of his mysterious sub.
Finally free from an abusive relationship, Bethany Sinclair only feels safe when she gives the reins of her body to the mysterious Dom she meets regularly at Luxe. His dominant streak perfectly compliments her submissive side. And even when she discovers who really is, she cannot stop herself from falling into his arms every chance she gets.
Alex suddenly finds himself thrust into the limelight as the heir to the throne of Astoria, the last thing he needs is a romantic scandal. Bethany Sinclair has been hired by his mother, the queen, as her stylist. An affair between the two of them is not the kind of scandal anyone needs.
Can they both overcome the obstacles bound to test their very existence to find the happily ever after that desperately needs, yearn for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jasmine Bell
• Release date: Feb 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393752844

Book preview

Chapter One

Alex

The slamming of metal on metal echoed through the locker room as Alex slammed the door to his locker closed. He pulled down his mask and swung his black kit bag over his shoulder. Besides the anonymity being necessary for him, the mask was also commonplace at Luxe. No one at the underground BDSM club showed their face, not even in the safety of the locker room. He stepped outside his private cubicle and made his way over to his best friend, sitting on a bench and leaning against the wall behind him.

Carlos was also wearing a mask, but Alex would recognise him anywhere. The man was big and broad, and even behind the black mask he let off a don't fuck with me vibe. With the mask on no one would disturb him. Which was probably what he needed. Alex knew his friend was doing a rope demonstration with his girlfriend, Jane, a little later. It was something Carlos had done hundreds of times before, but it would be Jane's first time on display like that.

It was highly unlikely Alex would get to see the display. He had his own scene to prepare for. Hopefully by the time Carlos and Jane take to the stage, he'd be balls deep in his own little sub.

He didn't know her name and had never seen her face. But he knew how those lips felt wrapped around his cock, he knew what she tasted like. He and his little novia had been scening together since she started attending the club a little over two months ago.

Alex sat alongside Carlos and enjoyed the quiet for a little longer. Neither of them spoke, content to allow the evening they had planned to invade their thoughts. He was looking forward to seeing his little sub dressed up in the outfit he'd chosen.

More importantly, he was looking forward to spending the weekend with her. Naturally, it wouldn't be all BDSM, all weekend. It would be more like a little sex getaway with a little kink thrown in. With a complete stranger, of course. Though, he doubted they would be anonymous by the end of the evening. He'd booked one of the VIP suites for the weekend. Being best friends with the owner of the club had to have some perks. Carlos was allowing Alex to stay all weekend.

For his sub's own peace of mind, it made more sense than inviting her back to his place. He wanted her to feel safe and secure. Taking her from the club to an unknown location would not do anything to accomplish that. His sub's security was his first priority. Once that was settled, almost everything else fell into place.

He'd packed all the equipment he'd need for the weekend, as well a few items of clothing in case he needed to leave their suite. He'd arranged for a late dinner and an early breakfast to be delivered to the suite. But other than that, he'd need to order in take-out for the rest of the weekend.

The most fun part of the week was the messages he exchanged with his sub each day through the club's app. He'd given her instructions and teased her with all the things he planned on doing to her. If she followed the instructions, she wouldn't have touched herself at all. He was looking forward to giving her her first orgasm of the evening.

Alex looked up at the clock in the locker room. It was nearly time to meet his sub in the lobby. He made sure she had the password she needed to give the front desk when she arrived. They in turn knew to give her his special gold bracelet. It would ensure he'd recognise her when she came from the ladies’ locker room. Though he was certain he'd recognise her mask and all, no matter where they were.

He clapped Carlos's back and stood up. His friend lifted his chin in greeting. Still, neither of them exchanged a word. And they wouldn't once they were on the floor, either. The less time they spent together, the less likely they were to be recognised.

He picked up his kit bag and stepped out of the locker room. A few other Doms were waiting as well. Many of them were likely part of long-term couples. In very few cases they were doing what he was. Waiting for a total stranger. Most of the Doms who walked from the locker room went straight to the Dungeon floor.

The lobby was the gateway between the reception area and Dungeon floor. The hardwood floors were a consistent feature throughout the club, with the exception of some of the speciality rooms. The pale walls were littered with tasteful commercially available art. Not so much as a side-boob could be spotted among the pictures. No activity happened in the lobby. It all needed to wait until members reached the Dungeon. No street clothes were allowed. Everyone wore fetwear of some sort.

It didn't take long for his little novia to emerge from the ladies’ locker room. He was still not used to the sight of her. The tell-tale gold bracelet sparkled on her slim wrist. That sent a jolt of lust through him, and he took her in.

She wasn't tall at all. Even in her four-inch heels she barely reached his upper chest. The shoes weren't too high since he preferred her being comfortable as they walked around the Dungeon floor. The black lace top stockings reached her upper thigh, exposing a delicious expanse of creamy skin. Her lace thong didn't do much to cover anything, but fuck, it got his cock instantly hard. Then there was her corset. Deep red and strapless with a delicate lace trim. Her breasts were on the smaller side, just enough to fill his palm. Yet, it still looked as if they were about to spill over the top. She'd put her dark hair in a ponytail as he had requested. He loved the way it showed off her pale and delicate shoulders.

His sub handed him her phone and he dropped it into his kit bag. As a rule, phones were not allowed on the Dungeon floor. It was something that was strictly policed. However, if all parties agreed, phones could be used in the privacy rooms. Since she couldn't have her phone out in the open on the floor, he would keep it safe in his kit bag for her.

Alex stepped up to his sub, a smile tugging at his mouth. "Novia, you look beautiful this evening. He made a circle motion with his forefinger. Turn around for me, please."

She did as he asked and slowly turned in a circle. Alex stifled a gasp as he took in the full effect of his fantasy come to life. It was everything he expected and more. So much more. Once she was facing him again, he gave her a nod and she dropped to her knees.

Having this beautiful woman on her knees for him, wearing the clothes he'd picked out, did things for him. He lowered his hand to her cheek and spoke softly. "Look at me, novia."

She looked up at him. While he couldn't see all her features behind the mask, he could not mistake the trust in her eyes. That trust was a gift, it was something he had earned. And only he could make her take it back. He sure as fuck would prove to her that her trust was not misplaced.

Good evening, Sir. Her soft voice wrapped around him, turning him on even more than he already was.

Good evening, gorgeous. He smiled down at her. You're looking lovely as usual.

She gave him the smallest smile. I'm glad Sir approves.

Alex offered her a hand, and she took it as he helped her up. She turned around and allowed him to place his collar around her neck. It was a thin strip of black plaited leather with a clasp. He turned her to face him again and stroked a finger down her cheek. Let's have a walk around Dungeon. Maybe we can catch an exhibition before we head off to the room I booked for us.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. We're not doing an exhibition, Sir?

I wasn't planning on it, no. He wanted her to himself all weekend. He had no intention of showing her to other people. It wasn't a possessive thing. They both had an exhibitionist streak and he had done all manner of things with her on the Dungeon floor. Were you hoping to do some sort of exhibition?

Her ponytail swayed as she shook her head. No, it's just become our habit before we move to a privacy room.

That was true. He supposed if they weren't careful, they could get into rut. That would be a shame since they weren't even in a relationship.

I thought we'd mix it up a little.

She smiled up at him. The kind of smile he never took for granted. The one a man could believe was just for him. That's probably a good idea, Sir.

They settled to watch a sub get a spanking from his Domme. This was the part of the BDSM lifestyle that Alex enjoyed. The couple on stage would likely look very similar to him and his novia. She was petite with an even smaller frame than his own sub, maybe just a little taller. The man was roughly the same size as Alex, possibly with more muscles. He definitely had more tattoos than Alex.

And yet, under the cover of Luxe, the man could hand over control in the bedroom to his lovely Domme. He could so easily overpower her but that’s not what he needed or wanted. And the way she looked at her sub, it was obvious she appreciated the gift she had been given.

Alex settled behind his sub to watch the exhibition. His arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled her closer. No doubt she could feel his erection settled at her lower back.

Occasionally she'd squirm, causing him to stifle a groan. When he could no longer stand the movement, he lowered his mouth to her ear. "Novia, are you looking for trouble?"

Maybe, Sir. He could hear the teasing in her voice. The exhibition may be getting me a little worked up.

God, he loved her honesty. She didn't play coy, didn't pretend to not know what she was doing.

Well then, let's get out of here. He picked up his kit bag and moved his other arm around her shoulder and tugged her closer. We'll likely not be leaving that privacy room for the rest of the night, so I need you to be sure you're ready.

She nodded. I'm sure, Sir.

He led her out of the Dungeon. They passed a few people along the way. Thanks to the anonymity of the club, they were not forced to make small talk with anyone.

He opened the door to their suite for the weekend and let her in. He smiled as she looked up at him. Keep the shoes on, and let's get you out of that corset.

Chapter Two

Beth

For practical purposes, Beth had worn a corset with the hook clasps at the back instead of one with a lace-up ribbon. It actually didn't make things any quicker and if he used the knife she knew he hid at his right ankle, it was faster to slice through the ribbon. But she enjoyed taking her time getting undressed. She was inclined to believe her Dom preferred it too.

It was weird to refer to him as her Dom. Yes, he was hers for the night. Or even the weekend, as the case may be. But it felt like more than that when she said it. It wasn't like they were exclusive. He'd been with one or two other subs since their first session together on her first night at the club. At least she thought it was him. She liked to believe she could recognise him even with his mask.

His thick crop of dark hair that never had strand out of place always drew her attention. Then there were those mesmerising dark green eyes, the only part of his face she could see besides that strong jaw and full lips.

Beth had also been with other Doms when he wasn't around or available if she needed to scene. But she never had sex with any of the other Doms at the club. She wasn't sure she could say the same for him, but that wasn't her business. And she preferred not to think about it.

She turned her back to him and pulled her ponytail over one shoulder. He lowered his mouth to her shoulder and pressed his lips against her skin. A shiver ran down her spine and straight to her core. Slowly, she felt his nimble and oh so talented fingers undo the clasps of her corset.

Beth darted her eyes around the VIP suite he’d booked for the weekend. It wasn’t opulent or extravagant. It was classy in an understated way with just a hint of practicality. The snowy white comforter on the queen-sized bed looked like a cloud in the middle of the room. The solid oak furniture dotted along the walls gave the room a cosy feel while likely housing some standard equipment and supplies.

"I have been looking forward to this all week, novia. His deep voice was rough and laced with lust. I've been picturing you all trussed up, just for me."

Beth couldn't help her smile. She'd tried not to picture any of it, since she wasn't allowed to do anything about it all week. Did you jerk off to the images in your head, Sir.

He kissed the ball of her shoulder and turned her around as the corset fell to the floor. Maybe once while I was formulating everything I wanted to do to you. But once I told you not to touch yourself, neither did I.

That was good to know. It meant he'd be just as on edge as she was. He bent down in front of her and kissed her stomach. Hooking a finger on either side of her panties he slowly pulled them down over her hip.

She held onto his shoulder as she stepped out of her underwear, acutely aware that her Dom's lips were mere inches away from her centre. He dragged a finger up from her ankle and over her shin. Her nipples puckered and she could feel herself growing wetter. He circled his finger at the back of her knee, sending another shiver through her, before continuing it's journey up her thigh. He swapped over to her other leg before he reached her apex.

A whimper escaped her, and her voice became breathless. Sir.

Patience, little one. His rough voice held a hint of amusement to it. He was enjoying torturing her. We don't want to rush anything.

Yes, she did. She'd been waiting all week, she was ready. They could go slow and gentle later. They had all weekend after all. But for now, she needed a release. If it was possible, he dragged his finger up her other leg even slower. Beth needed to grip her Dom's shoulder even harder. Her nails dug into the muscle, but if she didn't hold on, she'd topple over. Of that, she was sure.

Finally, his fingers grazed over her pussy. "You're so wet for me, already, novia."

She didn't even bother to hide her moan as she threw head back. Her Dom must've sensed she was close. He pushed one finger inside her. Slowly, he pumped inside her. He added a second finger and brushed his thumb over her clit.

Stars danced in front of her. She was sure she broke skin as her nails dug even deeper into his flesh. He applied just the right amount of pressure to her clit as he curved his fingers inside making sure he hit just the right spot.

The orgasm overwhelmed her. She screamed his moniker, Sir, as she didn't know his name. In all her life getting finger-fucked had never felt like that. Like he owned her body. It was his to do with as he pleased, and he was the only one who knew how to play with it.

She didn't know how long the orgasm lasted. Her knees must've given in at some point since her Dom was holding her around her waist with his free hand to keep her steady. With her breathing laboured she looked down into his dark green eyes. They were still filled with lust. His satisfied smile told her she had exactly the reaction he was going for.

That was just a small one to take the edge off while I get to do the things I want to do to you.

Small one? That was one hell of an orgasm. If that was how they were starting, she was in major trouble.

Her Dom picked her up and carried her to the bed. "You okay, novia?"

Yes, Sir. She was sure there was a very content and satisfied smile on her face. "Yes, Sir.