Schooled (Mastered 2.5)
“Well, aren’t you looking every inch the black angel of death,” Amery said and then wrapped her arms around his waist. “Ninjas wear black to blend in?”
“Always.” He kissed the top of her head. “You ready to go?”
“Yep. Are we taking a car to the club?”
“It’s better to take public transport. The part of Roppongi the club is in is rougher than other areas with upscale hotels and office buildings.” He looked at her curiously. “How’d you find out about this place?”
“Google?” She shrugged. “I picked it since it seemed to be off the beaten path, which I took to mean it caters to locals. The cover charge is high so that probably keeps the tourists out.”
It appeared she’d done her research.
Amery tucked her phone in her front pocket and her ID in the opposite pocket. “You sure I won’t need money?”
He lifted a brow.
“Right. You da man. You always pay. Let’s go. I don’t want to miss anything.”
***
Their stroll from the train station to the bondage and fetish club district in Roppongi was uneventful, besides their being accosted by members of a geisha drag club to watch their show.
The pink and black sign above the door had kanji symbol for the number five—Go.
Once they were approved by the bouncer, they entered a small entryway. The woman behind the counter focused on Ronin. “Cover charge for VIP section is thirty thousand yen per couple, which includes checking two cell phones.”
Ronin removed his wallet and handed over his credit card.
She rang up the sale and slid a basket with a lid across the counter.
“What’s that for?” Amery asked.
“Our phones. No recording devices allowed.”
Her eyes searched his. “Seriously?”
“It’s fine. Actually it’s good they enforce a privacy policy.”
She dropped her phone next to his.
The clerk handed Ronin a receipt and a metal claim tag for the basket. “VIP seats are in the first two rows. Read and understand the rules before you enter the staging area. The next show begins in ten minutes.”
“Thank you.”
Ronin held the black velvet curtain open and he ducked inside behind Amery. “You sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, Ronin—it was my idea, remember?”
Something didn’t fit. Then it clicked. “Was this really your idea? Or was it Yasuji’s?”
A blush stole across her cheeks. “He mentioned I might enjoy visiting this club.”
“How the hell did that come up in conversation?”
“I’m your rope model, Ronin. He is your teacher. He suggested I see a rope demo from a neutral perspective. One where you’re not tying me or someone else.”
He curled his hand around her neck, holding her head in place so she couldn’t look away. “I didn’t ask him to have a conversation with you.”
“I know. I’m here out of curiosity and respect to you, Master Black.”
Ronin pressed his thumb under her chin, angling her face to kiss her. She tasted of sake, with a hint of mint. His tension drained away and his smile broke the seal of their mouths. “Then let’s take in the show.”
The space had theater-style seating on three sides around the stage. Most people were in their seats but a few milled around looking at the photos decorating the walls. The mainly Japanese crowd numbered about a hundred. Some were eccentrically attired in fetish clothing; others wore the usual club clothes.
After they settled in the front row, Amery said, “No one else paid for prime seats?”
“Some people want to be far back to get the whole scope. I’d rather be closer to watch the rope-tying technique.”
“You’ll be judging his skills?”
“Of course. The sign outside claims every demonstration is given by a bakushi—a kinbaku and shibari master.”
“You don’t believe the hype?”
Ronin shrugged. “Easy to say one’s a master; harder to prove.”
“So the proof is in the knots?”
He smiled at her. “For one thing. I’ll reserve my final judgment for when the demo is done.”
“Which clubs around here did you demo in?”
“None of them are in business anymore.”
“What were the women like? Professional rope models? Or rope bunnies?”
Rope bunnies. She’d definitely been talking to Yasuji. “I was a student, Amery. None of the women were memorable. I was all about refining my rope skills, not my sexual techniques.”
“Don’t get snippy.” She paused. “I have a right to ask you questions.”
“Yes, you do. But I have to know where all these questions are coming from?”
“From curiosity. From jealousy. But also from pride.”
“Explain that.”
Amery lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m the luckiest person in the room tonight because I have my very own rope master. I don’t have to fantasize about all the different ways I’d like to be bound. All I have to do is ask you to do it.”
Such sweetness. Ronin brushed his mouth over her ear. “Anytime, baby.”
“Remember you said that.”
The house lights cut out. A voice boomed through the loudspeaker. “Tonight at Go, Bakushi Iggy will tantalize your senses with his rope mastery.”
Ronin translated.