Page 20 of Royal Flush

Before he twisted a handle, he whipped me around to face him, cupping my jaw as he’d done before. I’d found myself wanting him to kiss me so badly I’d almost made the first move. This time was no different other than he had yet another entirely different look in his piercing eyes.

Did this man have multiple personalities?

“My dear, sweet koala bear. You know nothing about acts of BDSM to any degree if you believe I’m going to force you into performing kinky acts without your consent. You call me a monster but I’m not a madman. The submissive is always in charge whether they understand that or not.”

I was slightly taken aback by his statement. Maybe there was a lot I needed to learn about the art of D/s. Although I certainly wasn’t going to admit that to him. “So everyone wants to be here?”

What a lame question.

He laughed, which just caused another wave of embarrassment. I was an adult who had certainly benefitted from a very expensive education. Why did I feel like some small child who knew nothing?

“While you will see cages and people in shackles of all kinds, whips and other implements of punishment, and even apparatuses that will seem more like torture tools to you than finely crafted art, I assure you that no one has ever been forced here against their will. I give you my word.”

His word. I wondered if it was worth anything. “Okay.”

“Now, trust me. I think you’ll find I’m merely introducing you to the lifestyle to your liking.”

He certainly didn’t seem to have any plans of allowing me to answer. When he threw open the door, I was struck by the darkness. But that was short lived when a powerful drumbeat rumbled through a stereo system, lights coming alive in various vivid colors in time to the beat.

There were guards at the door prepared to check the color-coded key cards provided to every member and guest. I could only imagine what color allowed for entrance into the incredible facility.

The beat was tribal, the vibes electric, and while crowded, the space still seemed intimate somehow. Within seconds as he walked me further inside, I felt a sensory overload of lights and sounds coming from all directions. As soon as he released my hand, I spun around in a full circle, staring up at what appeared to be a star-kissed ceiling. Of course I knew the club had a roof and it suddenly dawned on me given the irregular shape that we were in the pinnacle portion of the resort.

I could remember looking up at the cathedral-like dome wondering what fabulous place was nestled inside.

Now I knew.

There were cages swinging in the air, both male and female dancers inside. They wore various costumes from leather to feathers, the lights accentuating their wild performances every few seconds. I noticed at least two bars where even the bartenders were in BDSM uniforms. They were also dancing to the beat, providing the customers with their artistic bartending skills.

Guests were also dressed in various wild outfits, some having nothing to do with domination or submission while others were being led around by leashes like pampered animals.

“What do you see?” Braxton asked as he inched closer.

“Utter debauchery.”

“Very good. Come. Let’s grab a drink.”

Once again, he grabbed my hand, leading me deeper into the crowded space. Only then did I notice there were also at least three dance floors, people of all ages dancing as if this night would be their last. Every move seemed primitive, savages mating in the wild.

I was in awe as I watched, gawking as if I’d never seen anything provocative in my life. I’d been to wild clubs before. Australia had lots of them, but this was… in a class on its own.

As he continued weaving his way toward one of the bars, I also noticed there were what seemed to be mini BDSM stations spread throughout the dance floors. I wasn’t certain what to call them but there were shackles screwed into walls, bars with them attached to something in the shadowed ceiling. I’d never seen anything like it.

But I had to admit I was drawn not only to the dance floor but to the apparatuses. Maybe I’d come here to seek a different kind of freedom than I typically achieved with gambling.

I didn’t hear the man order but suddenly there was a glass of red wine in my hand.

How had he known my favorite drink? Of course. He’d studied every camera. I should have known better than to come here.

But… I had to admit I was fascinated by the resort and by the man, whether I’d tell him that or not. I could admire without feeling any guilt.

He moved through the crowd, many of the guests nodding out of respect, even widening a path so we could pass. Perhaps he felt like a king given their behavior. It was amusing if not completely self-indulgent.

As we moved to a standing table near one of the dance floors, I could tell he was watching my reactions like I was observing the crowd. I noticed famous athletes, rock stars, and movie people as well as some corporate moguls I’d seen in Fortune magazine.

It was an eclectic mix but unlike clubs filled with the same generation of folks, the diversity allowed me to feel more comfortable.

“What is the name of this club?” I asked as we both leaned in across the round table.

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