Journey from Submission to Love

By P. A. Loder

Although Jason and Marilee are out of town, life at Paradise Isles must go on. Left to run the elite Florida BDSM club are Dr. Michael Learner and Steven Reagan, both Master Dominants.
Paradise Isles welcomes several new Dominants along with a new submissive. Melissa Donovan, nicknamed Lissa by her father, is a recent transplant to Florida. She has been an established submissive for four years. Lissa recently relocated to Bradenton to distance herself from a Dominant/submissive relationship that ended badly
Lissa’s quiet beauty and uncanny resemblance to Marilee has Master Michael’s interest piqued. After spending time with Michael, Lissa realizes he is the perfect Dominant and the perfect man. They both want the same thing—a long-term monogamous relationship; but she must battle her overwhelming attraction to Master Steven.
Master Steven, like her former Dominant, prefers playing the submissive field, and even though she is attracted to him, she has no interest in another relationship under those terms.
Master Steven, on the other hand, finds their instant attraction and her borderline irreverent spunk testing his ability to adhere to his own cardinal rule: never become involved in an exclusive Dominant/submissive relationship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504922258

P. A. Loder

P. A. Loder is a RN living in Florida with her husband of 33 years. They are members of an area BDSM club. She was born in the small steel town of Coatesville, Pennsylvania and she loves cheesesteaks. As a domestic violence survivor, she has always found solace and healing while getting lost in a good book. Her hope is to provide the perfect fantasy where others can get lost. The process of writing this book has been a healing experience as well as a labor of love. She is grateful for the wonderful people she has met on her journey. When asked about her favorite line in the books, she smiled and simply said: “You can ask me anything.”

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2015 P. A. Loder. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   12/14/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5049-2224-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-2225-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015910991

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

None of the scenes in this novel are meant to be instructional and should not be used as such. Dominants practice diligently to perfect their skills. There are instructional manuals available.

Cover Design by: MihaelaJoeDesigns

Contents

Acknowledgment

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

About the Author

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank my husband of 33 years. Without his love and support, none of this would be possible. Doug, I love you. Misty and Seal, thanks for the assistance and encouragement. I love you both. Special thanks to my family for tolerating my obsession with writing.

Cover photo by Misty Loder.

Chapter 1

Melissa Donovan turns her car off Cortez Road and pulls into the restaurant parking lot. She pushes the shifter into park, sighs and leans her head back against the headrest. This is such a difficult thing to do. There has never been a time in her entire life when trying to be an independent socializer has been comfortable. Walking into any social setting alone is something she’s never gotten used to. For one thing, she always feels conspicuous, as though she stands out like a sore thumb. There will be no one here today she knows, not one person. Social events are always much easier to navigate when she has a friend or acquaintance to act as an ice-breaker.

Well, she may not have anyone to help her break the ice, but hopefully she can remedy that problem today. After careful thought, she’s decided getting acquainted with the people of Paradise Isles may best be done at the monthly munch. If she chose to simply show up at Paradise Isles on a play night the atmosphere would be much more protocol-oriented. It’s more difficult to meet people. A munch is typically a more casual setting than the dungeon. After all, the purpose of the munch is to help people meet and mingle outside the dungeon. Back home, everyone gathered at a local restaurant or bar, usually in a separate room from the other patrons and they were free to grab something to eat and talk about life. It’s been her experience that the conversations are nearly always about anything and everything except the lifestyle. For the most part, people talk about their jobs, their kids and vacations. It’s the perfect place for new people to meet some of the regular members. At least that’s the way it was when she attended the munch back home. With any luck, it will be the same here today.

During the drive to the restaurant, she made the decision to give the munch an hour. That seems like more than enough time and then, if after that hour she still feels uncomfortable or out of place, she will simply go home. Then again, the way she feels at the moment, an hour may be a little optimistic. But she needs to at least give herself a chance to get to know the members. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right before her move to Florida, Master Matthew told her that this is an excellent club and that it has exceptionally high standards. Besides, she’s been living in Bradenton for a month now and she really misses being involved in the club scene.

Before leaving her apartment she double checked the information on the club’s website. The site confirmed that Paradise Isles’ munch is held at this address on the third Saturday of every month. She bravely made it as far as the restaurant parking lot and now she must garner enough courage to walk into the restaurant alone. Nothing will come of sitting here. Unfortunately, her resolve appears to have slipped.

As an ER nurse, Melissa has never considered herself an insecure person. She’s shy, especially around strangers, which is why social settings are difficult, but she manages to work well under pressure.

A knock on the car window startles her. When Lissa turns, she finds herself gazing into the big blue eyes of a cute little blonde. Lissa hits the button on the armrest and the window whirrs down.

Hi, are you going into the munch? The little blonde asks flashing Lissa a warm smile.

Lissa takes a deep breath.

I’m thinking about it.

Good, we love meeting new people. Come on, we can walk in together.

That would be wonderful, she replies. Closing her eyes, she sighs as relief washes over her. Again she hits the button on the arm rest. With keys in hand, she climbs from the car and turns back to the little blonde.

My name is Lissa, short for Melissa. My dad called me Lissa when I was young and it stuck, she says as she shrugs and grasps the little blonde’s extended hand.

I’m Holly. It’s very nice to meet you, Lissa. Let’s go inside. Holly grasps Lissa’s hand and pulls her towards a side entrance.

They enter a large, dimly lit room that boasts a bar along one wall and restaurant tables scattered around the perimeter of the room. Holly stops at the table that sits just inside the entrance and hands Lissa a sticky name tag and a black marker.

We typically use only first names or nicknames. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable, we have this back room to ourselves for our monthly munch. You can relax, everyone here today is part of the scene or interested in becoming part of the scene, she explains. You’re a submissive?

Lissa nods and Holly attaches a small blue sticky dot to the name sticker. Lissa smiles as Holly attaches an identical blue sticky dot to her name tag.

The Dominants wear a red dot. Let’s grab the empty table over in the corner. Holly turns to Lissa and smiles reassuringly.

Lissa follows behind as they make their way to the empty table. Holly exchanges friendly greetings and hugs with every person they pass as they slowly try to maneuver their way to the table. Jeez, she knows everyone and everyone seems sincerely happy to see her.

I thought we could get something to eat, then we’ll mingle and I’ll introduce you around. Have you been to a munch before?

I haven’t been to a munch here in Florida, but I did usually attend the munch we had back home.

Where’s back home?

I just moved here from Pennsylvania, Lissa replies and watches, a little bewildered, as Holly’s smile widens.

Is that funny?

No, not at all. My best friend moved here from Pennsylvania, too. She’s back there now for a few weeks. Her husband’s brother had some kind of open-heart surgery. I’ll be glad when she’s back home. I miss her, Holly says despondently.

How long has she been away?

It’s only been a few weeks, but it seems like forever.

I was a member of a club outside Philadelphia. When I decided to move to Bradenton, one of the Masters said he’d e-mail the owner of Paradise Isles to help break the ice for me. He mentioned that he visited Paradise Isles several times during vacations.

Well, he’d have e-mailed Master Michael or Master Jason. Together they own Paradise Isles. Master Jason is in Pennsylvania for a few weeks with his wife and my best friend.

Your best friend is married to one of the owners of Paradise Isles?

Yes, they’re great together. I suppose the e-mail must have gone to Master Michael. She tilts her head towards the bar.

Master Michael is the guy with dark hair wearing the black t-shirt. The blonde standing next to him wearing the blue t-shirt is Master Steven. The amazingly good-looking guy in the gray t-shirt is Master Markus, he’s my Master.

Ahhh, Lissa says arching her eyebrows suggestively. Very nice Master you have there.

Holly giggles. Yeah, I suppose he’ll do. Master Steven and Master Michael aren’t too bad either. We have quite a few Dominants at Paradise Isles who are quite pleasant to look at.

Lissa gazes at the three men standing at the bar and smiles in wonder. They each look as though they’ve just popped off the cover of a body builder’s magazine. Holly’s right. All three are extremely pleasant to look at and as she glances around the room, she notes that most of the men are quite good-looking. Of course, by the looks of things, the club has its fair share of beautiful women, too.

She slyly gazes at the three men as they converse among themselves. Judging by the way they are gesturing, it’s fairly obvious they’re talking sports. Master Michael appears to be slightly older than the other two, but he’s an incredibly handsome man. His dark hair and five o’clock shadow give him a rugged appearance. His handsome face, snug jeans and tight t-shirt give him a sensually dark and sexually dangerous guise. Women must fall over themselves to get their hands on him.

Holly’s Master is also quite good-looking. He’s darker than the other two in a Latin sort of way. Master Markus’ hair and eyes are both dark. He has a nice tan and a very prominent dimple in his cheek. The dimple is quite noticeable when his gaze wanders in Holly’s direction and he smiles.

Master Steven, on the other hand, is just over the top gorgeous. Any submissive would happily pay to run her hands over him. Idly, she wonders what he’s hiding under that t-shirt. He’s muscular, that’s obvious even through his shirt, but is the shirt hiding chest hair? She’s always loved the feel of chest hair under her hands. Several of her friends prefer a chest devoid of hair. She, on the other hand finds nothing more arousing than running her hands over a muscular chest with a smattering of coarse chest hair. She sighs heavily, it’s so male ... alluring and masculine. Simply gazing at the three men makes her squirm in her seat.

What is that sigh for? Holly grins knowingly.

Oh, I was just wondering what’s under that blue t-shirt, Lissa giggles. Master Steven is the blonde, right?

Yes, the tall, good-looking man with dark hair is Master Michael.

Master Steven is very good-looking. Is his sub here? Lissa asks as she gazes around the room speculating who the lucky submissive may be.

He doesn’t really have a regular sub.

You’re kidding. Why doesn’t he have a submissive?

There’s no way I’d know that, but I prefer to think he’s just not met the right one yet.

Wow, I’m surprised. He’s so good-looking. Is he a good Dominant?

All the Dominants at the club are good people and good Dominants, Holly says proudly. Master Michael and Master Jason have exceptionally high standards and are extremely vigilant. They either educate or weed out anyone who doesn’t meet their standards. They consider Paradise Isles a teaching club for both Dominants and submissives. Master Steven is one of the best Dominants at the club. Holly shrugs and smiles.

Wow, I can’t believe he doesn’t have a regular submissive. He’s so gorgeously hot. Lissa sighs and then giggles. Oops, sorry, I believe I’m thinking out loud.

Holly tilts her head to one side with a suggestive arch of her eyebrows and flashes Lissa a broad grin.

Let’s order something to eat and then we’ll mingle. My favorite thing about coming to our munch is that it’s very laid back. Everyone is approachable, even the Masters. Everyone is addressed by their first name and we’re all equal. Well, at least for the most part. Protocol begins at eight p.m. when the dungeon opens.

Thanks for helping me get through this first munch. I’m not entirely sure I would have made it into this place on my own. I was sitting in the car having some serious second thoughts.

Holly smiles warmly and nods.

You’re welcome. You’ll feel much more comfortable when you get to know the regulars. Just pay it forward. If you see someone new then you can return the favor. Let’s eat, I’m starving.

Markus, Steven and Michael wander towards the table the two girls occupy as the waitress carries their empty plates away. Lissa’s breathing hitches audibly. God, all three men are so heart-stoppingly perfect.

Holly beams as Markus approaches and he smiles warmly in return. He gently runs his knuckle over Holly’s cheek and she flushes slightly. They’re adorable together.

They are so obviously in love. Even as a stranger, she senses it. It’s so nice to see that a Dominant and a submissive can be happy.

Markus, Michael, Steven, I’d like you to meet Lissa, short for Melissa, she says as her lips curl into a grin. She’s just moved here from Pennsylvania. One of the Dominants from the club she was a member of outside Philadelphia told her he e-mailed an introduction.

Master Matthew, yes, I received the e-mail a few weeks ago. Welcome Lissa, are you planning to join us this evening? Michael asks. His smile is breathtaking and his hazel eyes are warm and sensually beautiful. Lissa flushes under his steady gaze.

Yes Sir, I was planning to visit tonight, at least for a little while.

Markus grins and then winks at Lissa.

I’m Markus, Lissa. I see you’ve met Paradise Isles’ very own newbie Welcome Wagon.

Lissa smiles as Markus places a sweet kiss on Holly’s cheek and drapes his arm around her shoulders in a clearly loving and possessive manner.

I’m glad I met Paradise Isles’ Welcome Wagon. I was sitting in the parking lot for a while trying to get up enough nerve to walk in here alone. I’m not sure I’d have ventured in if it wasn’t for Holly. She gazes shyly at Steven. His eyes are a beautiful pale gray with an extraordinary dark gray ring at the outer edge of his irises and surrounded by impossibly long lashes.

Steven extends his hand and Lissa places her hand in his. Slowly, he pulls it to his lips and kisses the back softly. She audibly gasps at the sharp electric tingle his touch has created on her skin. The atmosphere between them palpably charges. His grasp tightens and his brow furrows and then he smiles. His smile is warm and boyish as he cocks his head to one side.

I look forward to seeing you at the dungeon this evening, little Lissa.

Thank you, Sir. I’m looking forward to this evening, too.

Lissa flushes and glances at her hands. The tingle from his touch remains. He leans close, his soft whispers warm against her throat.

When we’re here at the munch, it’s Steven, not Sir. She squirms under his intense gaze and close proximity.

It’s very nice to meet you, Lissa. I hope we’ll see you this evening. Michael’s voice is warm and alluring as he again flashes a beautiful smile.

Lissa’s breath catches. Michael is extremely good-looking and quite sexy, especially when he smiles. There’s no doubt he’s a Dominant. She turns her gaze back to Steven. A small smile plays on his lips and he gives her a quick nod.

Markus leans close and plants a soft kiss on Holly’s lips. It’s such a sweet, tender gesture. The three men turn away and walk back to their place at the bar.

Well, Holly says. What do you think? I told you everyone is approachable at our munch.

I think I forgot to breathe, Lissa giggles, fanning her face with her hands. They are quite good-looking. Jeez, amazingly good-looking. I don’t think they grow guys that perfect in Pennsylvania.

Holly grins proudly and extends her hand. Come on, I’ll introduce you around.

After a whirlwind of introductions and many short conversations, the two girls wander back to their table. The people of Paradise Isles are all so friendly. Every person Holly introduced her to went out of their way to pull her into their conversations. Everyone was curious about the dungeon in Pennsylvania, and each one has managed to make her feel very welcomed. Lissa follows Holly’s lead back to their table.

Well, are you overwhelmed? Holly asks with a grin.

A little I suppose. I’ll never remember everyone’s name.

I wouldn’t imagine anyone could remember that many people. You’ll get to know more of them when you come to the dungeon regularly. Look around and tell me who you remember.

Well, I know Steven, Michael, Markus and you, of course.

That’s a start. Look around and tell me if you remember anyone else.

Lissa scans the room. Okay, Katie is the tall sub with the strawberry blonde hair and gorgeous green eyes. Kelly is the sub with the long dark hair and brown eyes standing next to her. They’re both very perky and giggly and it’s quite infectious. Just being in their company makes me smile. Oh, and Corrine is the shorter sub with short red hair. She’s much quieter than the other two.

See, you remember seven of the people I introduced you to. That’s seven more than you knew a few hours ago.

Yeah, you’re right, Lissa says and smiles. Is Corrine really quiet or did I say something wrong?

Holly shakes her head and smiles. Corrine likes to get a lot of attention at the dungeon, so she’ll probably be slightly standoffish until she gets to know you. Don’t take it personally. She’s a sweetheart once you get to know her.

Ahhh, I see.

A tall, beautiful woman with long dark hair approaches them, instantly grabbing Holly and Lissa’s attention. She takes the seat next to Holly, and smiles at Lissa.

You’re a hottie, she states. She holds Lissa’s gaze for a moment and then allows her gaze to wander over Lissa’s body from head to toe.

Very nice, little sub.

Thank you. Lissa flushes and grins self-consciously.

Does she walk on my side? The tall, dark woman’s question is directed at Holly.

Holly shakes her head and giggles.

Sorry, I don’t think so. She’d like to walk on Steven’s side though.

Lissa’s face heats as the two women laugh loudly.

I’d consider becoming a switch for that man, the woman nods and smiles.

Sorry Cat, I cannot see you as an obedient submissive. You’re a damned good Domme though.

Lissa, this is Lady Cat. Cat, this is Lissa. She’s just moved here from Pennsylvania.

It’s very nice to meet you, Lissa.

It’s nice to meet you, Lissa replies, trying to hide her self-conscious grin. There is something about Lady Cat, and Lissa takes to her instantly.

Will you be joining us tonight? Lady Cat asks.

Yes Ma’am, I will.

Well good, if you need anything, I’ll be at the club tonight, too. Don’t hesitate to ask. She stands, gives Holly a quick hug and smiles at them both. I’ll see you two later.

Thank you, Lissa says with a smile. She turns her attention back to Holly. Is Lady Cat a switch, a Domme or a submissive? Lissa asks quietly as Lady Cat joins another table.

She’s a Domme, and a very good one. To tell you the truth, I cannot envision her switching from Dominant to submissive and back again. She jokes all the time about becoming Steven’s submissive, but I’m afraid if those two ever got together, it would result in nothing but head butting. In all honesty, Lady Cat loves the Dominant control too much to relinquish it.

Jeez, is everyone so friendly and helpful?

For the most part, Holly says. Lady Cat is one of my best friends outside the club. Inside the club, she’s the best Domme I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I think the three of us will become very good friends and I’m a very good judge of people. The count is climbing. Now you know eight new people.

Thanks to you, this is the best munch I’ve ever attended. I need to run to the ladies’ room. I’ll be back in a minute, Lissa whispers.

Lissa stands in the doorway, glancing around. There is certainly a crowd of beautiful people in this room. Her head is suddenly pulled back. Lissa gasps and her knees weaken. She’s gazing into beautiful pale gray eyes.

Oh, I do look forward to seeing you at the club tonight, he whispers against her throat. He slides his hand out of her hair and chuckles softly as he walks back to the bar.

Lissa breathlessly makes her way back to Holly.

Holly grins and bites her lower lip. You’re a bit flushed. That hair grab thing makes you go all mushy too, doesn’t it?

Lissa inhales deeply, slowly expels the breath and nods. She leans towards Holly.

I don’t know how they do it. It never hurts, just takes your breath and weakens the knees. Lissa glances at her hands and then back towards Holly. I’m still nervous about walking into the dungeon alone tonight.

Don’t worry, I have that figured out. I spend my evenings with Markus, but Katie and Kelly have volunteered to show you the ropes for as long as you need them. Lady Cat has volunteered to scene if there’s something you’d like to do. She’s a good Domme, really. No strings, she’s aware you have your eyes on Steven. By the look of the hair grab, it appears he may have his eyes on you, too. Anyway, she only wants to help you become comfortable and ease you into the activities in the club.

Wow, I think Markus hit the nail on the head. You are an amazing Welcome Wagon.

Nah, it’s just the way the people are at Paradise Isles. Helping you out today reminds me how much I miss Marilee. You do have an edge on her though. When we first met, she had no clue.

She was a virgin newbie?

Yeah, she had just met Master Jason on a plane and I guess he and I helped ease her into it. She was so unaware, Holly says with a small giggle. Marilee knew nothing about any of it. She wasn’t aware this lifestyle even existed before she met Master Jason. The only thing she knew was that she loved him. I do remember telling her that she and I would become good friends and we are. I’m just a really good judge of people. Anyway, sometimes I think she’s still a work in progress. Marilee tries very hard, but she’s managed a few big blunders. Jason is incredibly patient, and they have a really solid relationship.

Holly slides a piece of paper across the table.

We’re going to be good friends, too. I can tell. That’s my cell if you want to talk.

I can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to meet you on my very first visit. Lissa shakes her head.

As Master Jason has always been so fond of saying, fate Miss Lissa, it must be fate.

Lissa stands in front of her closet trying to decide what to wear to the dungeon tonight. There was a familiarity and comfort level in the style of dress at the club up north, but there’s no way to know how the submissives dress here. Since the club up north is the only one she’s ever visited, it could be possible the dress codes are different at each BDSM club. Why hadn’t she thought to ask Holly how she should dress while she was at the munch this afternoon? At the time, she was obviously too distracted by the abundance of testosterone in the back room of that restaurant. She giggles.

Unable to make a decision, she sighs and pulls the cell phone along with the piece of paper Holly gave her from the back pocket of her jeans.

Not familiar with dress code for club. I don’t want to over do or under dress. Lol. Can’t decide between jeans or a very tight, very short black dress.

Within a few minutes, the phone chimes.

Wear the dress. You have the body for it. You’ll fit right in and WOW them. There’s a locker room if you want to change after you get to the club. Text Katie when you get there and she’ll meet you in the locker room and walk into the dungeon with you. Her number is on the other side of the paper I gave you.

Found it. See you tonight. Thanks. Lissa hits send.

She pulls into the drive of Paradise Isles and gawks open-mouthed, wasting a good five minutes. The structure is huge and amazingly breathtaking. Lissa passed quite a few stately homes on the drive here, but Paradise Isles reminds her of an old plantation house, like Tara. Gone With the Wind has always been one of her favorite movies. The beautiful two-story red brick building has six floor-to-ceiling windows, three on either side of the wide, ornately carved wooden door. There are six large white pillars that line up along the front edge of the wrap-around porch. It’s beautiful.

Lissa climbs the steps to the porch and walks through the front door. The massive entrance is tastefully decorated. Her entire apartment could easily fit into this one room. A beautiful chandelier hangs in the center of the room. The dimmed lighting gives the entrance an almost romantic feel. It’s quite elegant. A very nice looking man is seated behind a desk that’s set at an angle to the right of the front door. To Lissa’s right, directly behind the desk is a door with a white sign that has the word office written in graceful black calligraphy. Below the sign is a plaque. She’s seen that quote before. All bring joy to this office, some when they enter and some when they leave. Lissa giggles and slowly approaches the man seated at the desk. His smile is warm and friendly as he glances over his shoulder.

A truer statement has never been made. My name is Bruce. Can I help you Miss? He asks in a deep voice.

Yes sir. My name is Melissa Donovan. This is my first night.

Okay Miss Donovan, just fill out the paperwork and you’ll be good to go.

Just call me Lissa, she says, returning his smile.

Okay, Lissa.

She walks behind the desk, takes a seat on a small sofa in the corner of the entrance and begins filling out the paperwork attached to the clipboard. When she’s finished, Lissa walks back to the front desk and hands the clipboard to Bruce. Bruce, that makes nine. Lissa grins broadly. Now I know nine new people. He quickly checks through the paperwork and glances at her.

Welcome Lissa. You’ve read through the dungeon rules and initialed the paperwork. Here’s your receipt for the membership fee.

What about the cover charge? She asks softly.

Master Steven took care of your cover charge earlier today. He said to tell you welcome to Paradise Isles. The locker room is right through that door, he says pointing to the heavy wooden door to his right.

Lissa pauses and glances a little nervously towards the door opposite the entrance. The dungeon must be through that door.

With building excitement, Lissa turns and walks towards the locker room unable to hide her smile. Master Steven paid her cover—hmmm. She sets her purse on one of the wooden benches and texts Katie to let her know she’s in the locker room. After changing out of her jeans and into the little black dress, she stows her clothes and pulls a new combination lock from her purse. Quickly, she jots down the lock combination, pushes her purse into the locker and closes the door.

Within a few minutes, Katie enters the locker room and Kelly is following closely behind.

I’m so glad you made it, Lissa, Kelly says with a smile.

I am too. Katie hugs Lissa tightly.

I wasn’t sure about this, but you’ve both made me glad I came. Lissa slips the lock combination into her black high-heeled shoe, slips her feet into them and stands. Okay, I’m ready, I think.

Come on. Kelly grabs Lissa’s hand and pulls her towards the door. Lissa, you look super hot. I think you will be very busy tonight.

I’m not sure I’m ready to play a scene yet. I don’t really know anyone.

You know us, Kelly says. We’ll watch out for you. Holly will hang us out to dry if we don’t take good care of you. She can be scarier than the Dominants at times.

Lissa smiles as both girls giggle. They are sweet. They’re also very perky and giggly. Lissa catches herself grinning. Perhaps their perkiness truly is infectious. Simply being in their company makes her happy, and she now has friends to walk with her into the dungeon. With these two young women at her side, she can relax and enjoy herself.

Both girls pull Lissa across the entrance towards the dungeon door. Lissa stops just inside the door and gawks open-mouthed for the second time tonight.

Is something wrong? Kelly whispers.

No, no, nothing’s wrong. I guess I’m just ... surprised. This place is so much nicer than the dungeon up north. Don’t get me wrong, it was always fun, but it was kind of crude and rustic. This is so elegant.

Yes, it’s very nice. I’ve heard it’s supposed to be the best club on the east coast. The Masters have extremely high standards in everything and every member.

Lissa glances around the massive room. In the center stands an oval bar and a dance floor is not far from the bar. Master Matthew’s dungeon has music, but there is no dance floor. All the play areas are nestled around the perimeter of the room and there are sofas, chairs and small tables scattered throughout. Some are surrounded by potted plants. It’s quite classy.

Lissa is suddenly warm. Sensing someone behind her, she turns and finds herself gazing into the gray eyes of Master Steven. Her breath catches as she drinks in the sight of this gorgeous man. He’s dressed in tight black leathers. His vest is open, and he’s bare-chested answering her question from this afternoon. Her teeth sink into her lower lip in an attempt to hide her smile. Steven’s chest is perfect, and she must force herself not to break protocol by reaching up to run her fingers through the hair and over his taut muscles. Steven slides his hand into her hair and pulls gently forcing her gaze from his chest to his eyes. For the second time today, he’s managed to weaken her knees, heat her cheeks and she’s breathless.

I’m glad you decided to join us tonight little sub. You are quite breathtaking, he murmurs as his gaze runs the length of her body.

Her face heats even more and she flushes a pale pink.

Thank you, Sir. Oh, and thank you for taking care of my cover charge tonight. That’s very nice of you, she whispers nervously. At the sound of Katie and Kelly’s faint gasp, she turns back to face them.

It’s my pleasure, Steven says, re-capturing her attention. Why don’t you join me at the bar for a glass of wine?

Thank you, Sir. That would be lovely.

Steven grasps Lissa’s elbow and nods towards Katie and Kelly as he leads Lissa to the bar. She glances back at the two young women and catches their grinning faces and up-turned thumbs.

Master Steven pulls a towel from a stack sitting on the bar. He covers the barstool and effortlessly lifts Lissa onto the seat.

From behind the bar, Master Michael approaches. He flashes Lissa an arousing and provocative smile.

Good evening, little Lissa, he murmurs softly. I’m happy you’ve decided to join us this evening.

Thank you, Sir, Lissa responds quietly, lowering her gaze. Damn! Master Michael is dressed in leathers, too. The sight of his well defined chest and the much darker smattering of hair tightens every muscle below her waist.

Steven leans close to her ear. His warm breath and soft whispers send a shiver down her spine.

Lissa, would you prefer a glass of red or white wine?

White wine, please Sir.

Master Michael, a white wine for our new little sub and I’ll have water with lemon, please.

Of course, my pleasure.

Master Michael places the drinks on the bar in front of them. Lissa returns his warm and comforting smile. A small grin plays on her lips as she watches Master Steven take the barstool next to hers. Placing his hands on either side of her seat, he swivels her to face him.

When you finish your wine, I will take you on a tour of the club. If you see something you’d like to experience, I am your Dominant this evening. Is that agreeable?

Yes Sir, she smiles, lowering her gaze and trying to hide her flushed cheeks. Anything with him is agreeable. Gosh, just being near him does things to her. Every muscle in her entire body has just contracted in a most delicious manner.

Lissa curiously glances around the massive room and her eyes fall on Master Michael. She smiles shyly. His gaze is intent as though he’s studying her and she flushes self-consciously.

Come little sub, Steven commands, holding out his hand. Lissa slips her hand into his and slides off the barstool.

As they walk towards the open play areas, Steven releases her hand. Her breath hitches when his hand slides over her behind before settling at her waist.

I like this dress, little sub, he smirks.

Michael studies the interaction between Steven and Lissa. Her eyes are very much like Marilee’s. They’re the same color and the same shape. He misses Marilee and Jason. His gaze continues to intently follow her. Yes, Lissa is a vivid reminder. The resemblance is most noticeable in and around her eyes, but her hair is also nearly the same, as is her obvious shyness. So much about the new submissive reminds him of her.

This has been a long few weeks. He’s been in an emotionally perplexing funk since she and Jason left for Pittsburgh. He’s missed both of them, but he’s felt especially lost without her. Somehow, even though they’re not together, her presence grounds him. Throughout this past year, he’s tried very hard, and for the most part succeeded in hiding his feelings for Marilee. Not having seen her in such a long time is adversely affecting him more than he thought possible.

She is married to his best friend. This is a fact he’s managed to accept and deal with as long as he could maintain some sort of contact with her. A small smile plays on his lips. Marilee has always turned to him in a crisis. She has allowed him in even as she has excluded all others, including Jason, and it has been their special connection.

Not seeing her these last few weeks has been difficult. Perhaps even a bit depressing. He has come to the realization that part of his heart has gone with her and will probably always be wherever she is. His hope is that his mood will improve when she returns.

He smiles as Steven leads Lissa away. She has a nice ass, but Marilee’s ass is fine. The nicest ass he’s ever held against his body. He again reminds himself that he needs to get past this—she’s married to Jason. Perhaps he should consider setting up a scene with the new sub. If he closes his eyes, little Lissa could perhaps fill the void he’s felt the entire time they’ve been in Pennsylvania. He shakes his head. It would not be fair to Lissa if he tried to satisfy his own needs by using her as a substitute for Marilee. There will certainly not be anyone for him for a long time.

Steven’s hand slides over Lissa’s behind, and the simple action sends a shiver through her. Simply his touch affects her entire body. It’s such a surprise.