Battleship (Anchored 2)

“We’re very lucky,” Zack agrees. “Now,” he looks from Christina to me and back again. “Why don’t I pour us a couple of drinks before you ladies start getting ready?”

“Yes, please,” I slip my jacket off and hang it on the coat rack by the door. My boots go below the coat. Then I follow them into the kitchen.

“What’s your pleasure?” Zack asks.

“Rum and Coke,” I tell him easily.

“Nice choice.”

“I try my best.”

“Are you nervous about tonight?” Zack speaks smoothly, easily. He speaks with a certain grace I don’t think most men possess.

“I’m not really sure what to expect.”

“I was nervous my first time, too,” Christina says. “But I think it’s incredible now.”

“Did Christina tell you we met at the club?”

“No,” I shoot her a sideways glance, like what else don’t I know about my colleague? Christina just smiles, though, and nods.

“It’s true,” Zack hands me my drink and I take a sip. Instantly, I start to relax, and he smiles. “You can drink while we’re there,” he says. “Since you aren’t a member of the club, you won’t be able to play.”

“Play?” My voice comes out high-pitched and squeaky.

“That’s the word used to describe what happens at the club. Basically, Anchored is a sexy sort of club. Some people are into hardcore BDSM, but there’s a lot of light play, as well. So you might see someone tied up and being whipped, but you might just see people having sex in public. ‘Play’ is the word that encompasses all of that.”

“Whipped?” I sip my drink again. “Are you two…will you guys?” Shit. How do I ask my friend if I can expect to see her being beaten tonight?

“Christina and I both prefer lighter play,” Zack says quickly. “She likes to be tied up and I like to spank her, but we usually keep our play pretty tame compared to some people.”

“And will you…tonight?”

Christina shrugs. “Honestly, tonight we’re there to show you around. If the mood strikes us and you’re comfortable and having fun, we might play around, but tonight we’re just planning on hanging out with you.”

“And you don’t normally drink at the club?” I’m trying to take everything in, but there’s a lot of information.

“Because BDSM requires you to have a clear head, it’s not a good idea to drink and play. Members can’t drink on nights they’re playing. If they want a drink after, that’s fine, but they have to wear a bracelet that indicates they can’t play anymore,” Zack seems calm, collected. He seems like he’s discussing the news and not the details of a sex club.

“Okay,” I tell them. My drink is gone and I hand Zack my glass, but he doesn’t refill it. He sets it to the side of the sink.

“If you have any questions, we’re happy to help you.” And suddenly, I know exactly what Christina sees in him, and it’s more than just the pretty face and fucking muscles. He genuinely seems kind and caring, and that’s kind of wonderful.

“And if you decide you hate it, we can totally leave early. No hard feelings. And if you love it, we can get you an interview to become a member, okay?”

“Wow, I didn’t realize sex clubs were so serious. I thought you just kind of showed up, had your fun, and left.”

“Some clubs are like that,” Christina says. “But Anchored is different. Membership is taken very seriously. Everyone has to have health checks and psychological assessments before they’re allowed to touch people.”

“To play,” I say, remembering the term.

“That’s right,” Zack says. “She’s a quick learner,” he tells Christina. “I like her.”

“Me too,” Christina squeezes my hand and sets her glass down. “But enough talking. What do you say we get you dolled up? It’s going to be a fun night.”

Zack settles on the couch with a book while Christina and I head upstairs. She explains the differences between Dommes and submissives and tells me that I might be one or the other or both or neither, and that’s all fine. Then we look through her closet.

“So usually, I get dressed at the club,” she says. “Since it’s the middle of fucking winter, that’s what we’re going to do. Otherwise, we’ll freeze our asses off in the parking lot. We’ll pick out an outfit here, do our hair and makeup, and then get dressed at the club, okay?”