More than a Dare (Masters Club 4)

Hayden remained unruffled. “First, I’ll give you the clinical response. Human sexual arousal covers a broad spectrum, and it’s completely subjective. There’s a growing body of scientific literature that delves into the nuts and bolts of the pleasure/pain continuum and the recognition of BDSM as a healthy, legitimate form of sexual expression. I’ll send you some links if you’re interested. But the bottom line is, what Dahlia and I enjoy isn’t a perversion or an act of abuse on my part or self-debasement on hers. It’s part of a consensual power exchange that satisfies a deep longing in both of us, as elemental as the desire for love.”

He cupped his glass in his hands. “A Dom’s role is not only to control, but to nurture and protect. Like doctors, at our most basic, Doms are caregivers. We give our subs what they need. Masochistic submissives, of which Dahlia is one, experience erotic pain differently from their vanilla counterparts. I should clarify that erotic pain is very specific, and not to be confused with plain old unintentional pain, like banging into the corner of a table or spraining your ankle. It always comes back to context and consent. Being struck in anger is very different from the giving and receiving of erotic pain. That’s never okay, in any context. But that’s not what we’re talking about here. Think about a runner’s high, or a deep-tissue massage. It hurts, but it hurts so good, if you follow me. There’s pain involved, but at the same time, there’s this incredible endorphin rush.”

Naomi appeared to be really listening now, instead of waiting for a chance to press her own point. This reminded Dahlia why she liked Naomi so much. While her friend could be impulsive and sometimes too quick to judge, in the end she was thoughtful and willing to see other points of view.

“Okay,” she said. “I’m with you so far.”

Hayden nodded. “D/s is about so much more than just one person inflicting pain and the other tolerating it. There’s a special connection between a Dom and a sub. It’s there from the start, and only deepens with time. During a scene, I become hyperaware of my partner’s responses. When a scene is going well, there’s this almost telepathic connection between us. I can feel what she needs, and sense how much she can handle, even when she, herself, isn’t certain.”

Hayden placed his hand on Dahlia’s leg beneath the table. His fingers moved along her inner thigh, lightly brushing her crotch, sending a jolt of raw desire through her. Without missing a beat or glancing her way, he continued, “I love binding my sub in rope and chain, giving her that experience of controlled helplessness that leaves her vulnerable and open to me. While I do get off on inflicting erotic pain, it’s not about leaving marks, though that’s an inevitable result with certain kinds of impact play. It’s about delivering the intensity of experience she craves.”

Now he turned to Dahlia, his eyes hooding, his sexy voice casting a lovely, shivery spell over her. “I love feeling her pulse beneath my fingers, and the pounding of her heart when I take her to the edge. I never tire of the sudden intake of breath and the cries of pain that segue into moans of raw, dark pleasure. Best of all is when she flies—when I can lead her to that trancelike state of submissive euphoria that comes from enduring intense sensation. It’s a power rush like no other. But more than that, it’s an act of love.”

Dahlia had to press her thighs together to keep from wriggling on her stool, or worse, climbing directly onto Hayden’s lap and grinding against him.

She glanced at Naomi, who also seemed to be caught in Hayden’s sensual spell. Her lips were slightly parted, her eyes bright. Perhaps feeling Dahlia’s stare, Naomi started to speak, cleared her throat and barked an embarrassed laugh. She fanned herself with a histrionic flapping of hands. “Whew, is it hot in here, or is it me?”

“Both,” Dahlia asserted, while Hayden only chuckled.

Naomi turned to Dahlia. “Okay, I understand better now. I’m sorry for being so judgmental. I just love you is all.” She fanned herself again, flashing a grin in Hayden’s direction. “I just have one question. Does this gorgeous guy of yours have a brother?”

They all laughed, the tension gone between them. Dahlia relaxed at last, happy and relieved she hadn’t been forced to choose between the two of them.

The conversation turned to more general fare as they finished their drinks. Dahlia was proud of Hayden, who had explained things so well without making Naomi feel defensive in the process.

Naomi glanced at her watch. “Oops. I have to run.” She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen. After a moment, she said, “Oh, good. Someone named Vlad will be here in five minutes.” She turned to Hayden. “Thanks for the drink and the education.”