Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders 12)

Lightning fast, Ben trapped her face between his hands. “You’ll see plenty of smiles from me tonight.” He pressed his mouth to hers, letting the kiss linger, but not taking it deeper.

A delicate shiver rippled through her. When she attempted to retreat, he let her.

“It’s time.” He removed the white bracelet and slid it across the table.

She removed the gold bracelet and exchanged it for the white one.

“Now. Let’s talk about hard limits,” he said.

“No other players.”

“Understood.”

“No public scenes between us.”

That put a kink in his kinky plans. “You’re sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“How do you know you won’t like it until you’ve tried it?” he countered.

She shook her head. “That’s a hard limit. No exceptions.”

“Fine. What else?”

“No anal.”

“Have you ever experimented with it?”

Two bright pink spots appeared on her cheekbones. “No. And I don’t want to start tonight.”

“Okay. What about bondage?”

“Yes, because I assume you know what you’re doing with ropes and such?”

“I’ve had a few years of practice. Anything else?”

“No. But if something you’re doing makes me uncomfortable…”

“Use your safe word and I’ll stop immediately. But keep in mind it’s not for casual use.”

“Gotcha.”

“The public club safe word is red. You should have a personal one too. So what is yours?”

Her nose wrinkled. “Broncos.”

“Why?”

“I hate that team.”

Ben grinned. “Guess you and I won’t be watchin’ football together any time soon, since that’s my favorite team.”

She didn’t crack a smile. She fidgeted as if debating something.

“Ask me the question.”

Her startled eyes zoomed to his. “How did you know what I was thinking? Oh right. This isn’t your first rodeo, is it, cowboy?”

“Nope.”

“What if I don’t meet your expectations?”

Like that’d ever happen. “My list of expectations is short. One, complete honesty between us at all times. Two, keep an open mind because I’ll push you more than you’ll expect. Three, you don’t just up and leave when we’re done. We will talk about everything that goes on between us tonight and how you feel about it. Especially important this first time.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “Much of what happens between a dominant and a submissive is psychological, not just physical. I need to know you ain’t gonna bail on me the second I undo your restraints.”

“I won’t run out. I promise.”

“Good. Now, would you like a drink?”

“Yes, please. Bombay Sapphire and tonic.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t they have waitstaff?”

“No. Keeps interruptions to a minimum. If members want a drink they can get it themselves.”

Gil already had a bottle of Ben’s brand of beer out when he approached the bar. “What does the lady want?”

Ben told him and waited, taking a sip from his beer. When Gil returned, Ben asked, “What time are Murphy and Layla doin’ their thing?”

“Any minute now. Same place they always use.”

“Thanks.” Ben wondered if he should tell her about the scene. Could Angel handle seeing her friend publicly whipped and f**ked? He took the chair beside her.

She said, “What’s wrong?”

“That.” He pointed at her drink. “You know that stuff looks like watered down glass cleaner, right?”

“Doesn’t taste like it.” She sipped. “If the honesty thing applies to you, tell me what’s put that wrinkle in your brow?”

Astute little sub. “Murphy and Layla are doin’ a public scene.”

“That’s not normal for them?”

“No. Some couples give up exhibitionism once they’re in a committed relationship.”

“So why are they doing this?”

“Layla got herself into a bit of trouble last night.”

Her eyes widened. “Is it because of me?”

“In a way. Layla never should’ve lied to Murphy to get you into the club. It was her choice, so she has to deal with the consequences. Their scene will be about punishment.”

She paled. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. So we can stay here until it’s over. Or we can go find a room right now.”

“You suggesting I hide? Even though it’s partially my fault she’s being subjected to punishment?”

“It’s not your fault. Layla isn’t a novice to the lifestyle, Angel. You are.”

“Will it be bad?”

“I swear to you Murphy won’t hurt her beyond what she can handle. But the whole point is to remind her of her submissive, not subversive, role in his life.”

Determination flitted through her eyes. She drained her drink. “I want to watch.”

Brave girl. “Just as long as you understand you cannot interfere. Period.”

“I won’t.”

Ben left his unfinished beer on the table. Clasping her hand, he led her through the crowd, taking a left at the hallway.

Two dozen people were in front of the medieval room. He nudged her to a space in the middle of the crowd, wrapping his arms around her upper body, unsure if he meant to hold her up or hold her back.

She gasped softly, seeing Layla in chains, arms above her head, a spreader bar keeping her legs apart. Her naked back faced the audience. Murphy wielded a single tail whip.

Layla stuttered, “F-fourteen, Sir.”

Welts decorated Layla’s back. Murphy didn’t move as he cracked the whip again; the tip scored the tender skin on her left side.

Angel jumped and Ben held tight. “This part is almost done,” he murmured. “Murphy never does more than twenty strikes.”

Layla counted, her voice staying strong. But Murphy didn’t look happy when he leveled the final blow. He put the whip aside and stood in front of his submissive, forcing her to meet his gaze as he unhooked the manacles from her wrists. Then he nodded at Sully, who rolled a pommel up front.

Layla said something to Murphy and he snapped, “That earned you another ten.” He hoisted her off the floor, placing her torso on the modified pommel horse. Her head and arms dangled on the opposite side, which left her ass sticking up in the air. With her legs spread by the bar, her pu**y and her anus were totally exposed to all who watched the scene.