He frowned slightly, tilting his head to one side. Then he cupped her face with his hand. “Pet, just because you make a mistake it doesn’t mean I’ll reject you. You made the mistake, you were punished, you’ll try not to do so again. Now come. I have another naughty sub to deal with.”
He placed his hand around the nape of her neck, leading her without pulling at her. She was acutely aware of her bare, probably red ass and her face burned at the knowledge, but she’d learn from her mistake.
She supposed that was probably all part of the punishment.
She followed him through the dungeon until they reached the middle of the room where a set of wooden stocks sat. Holes had been cut out in the wood for someone’s head and hands. Attached to the floor a few feet back were some leather cuffs. For ankles? Holy hell. Saxon paused next to a tall, thin Dom with light blond hair. The submissive who had come and gotten Saxon knelt beside him. Another sub knelt in front of him. Aspen stared down at the dark, flowing hair that cascaded around her face, hiding her. Her stance wasn’t exactly submissive. She was tense, as though expecting a fight. She glanced up and her face lit up when she saw Saxon.
What the hell?
“Pet, please go and kneel beside Jasmine.”
She jolted slightly but figured it was in her best interests to obey him. She wanted to be able to sit tomorrow. She moved next to Jasmine and studied the other woman’s pose. Back straight, legs apart, hands resting on her thighs, gaze down. Okay, she could do that.
“Very good, pet.” The approval in Saxon’s voice warmed her and was worth any embarrassment she felt about having her ass and breasts on display.
“Master Saxon, you’re here. I couldn’t find you.”
“And why would you be looking for me, Elizabeth?” Saxon’s voice was cold.
She shivered, hoping he never had a reason to speak to her so disapprovingly. She snuck a look at the other sub. She was beautiful. Her body curvy and lush, her large eyes surrounded by thick, dark lashes, and her lips red and pouty. Aspen sighed.
Saxon glanced over at her. “You’re doing well, pet, but your eyes should be down.”
Whoops. She looked down but not before she caught Elizabeth glaring at her. What was her problem?
“Master, I wanted to speak with you. I-I’m scared of doing a suspension scene. But I’m willing to try. With you. You’re the only one I trust.”
Manipulative bitch. Aspen stiffened. If Saxon fell for that—
“Elizabeth, if you wish to participate in a suspension scene there are any number of Doms who are skilled in that area.”
“Bu-but I want you, Mas—”
“Quiet,” Saxon said in a low voice that made Aspen flinch. “Elizabeth, I don’t know what sort of Doms you dealt with before coming here, but I can only conclude that they were blind and deaf if they fell for your manipulations.”
The other sub gasped. “Mas—”
“I said silent, girl. You are only adding to your punishment.”
Aspen risked a look up and saw how pale Elizabeth looked. She might have felt sorry for her if she hadn’t been trying to manipulate her man. Possessiveness filled her, but as Saxon turned she quickly dropped her gaze. She didn’t want to bring his ire down on her.
“Mark, what did she do?”
“She’s been asking for you. Wanted me to find you. I told her to wait in the submissives area. Instead, she pitched a fit and interrupted my scene with Jasmine. Sorry I had to bother you.”
“Making demands on a Dom, disturbing a scene and trying to manipulate me into scening with you? Doesn’t sound good, does it, Elizabeth?” His voice had grown cold again.
“But, Master Saxon, when we played together there was a connection. I—”
“Elizabeth, we scened together once, three months ago. You were never promised anything more. Your behavior tonight has been appalling.” There was a pause. “Jasmine, would you please go and get Master Jardin for me?”
She peeked up as Jasmine rose to her feet, looked over at her Dom, who nodded, and darted off. Mark smiled. “She meant to say, ‘Yes, Sir.’”
Saxon smiled. “She’s very eager to please. And unlike some, doesn’t have a manipulative bone in her body.” He glowered down at Elizabeth.
“Saxon? You wanted me?”
She tilted her head so she could see the man standing next to her. It was the Dom from the whipping scene earlier. Jardin Malone. She shivered and dropped her eyes down. No way did she want to bring his attention to her.