Page 65 of Fallen Roses

I watch as a robed figure grasps the wrist of another, their masks obscuring their features along with their robes.

“How do they choose?” I’m surprised because all of their features are disguised and James whispers, “It’s all about the sexual act, not attraction.”

“That’s quite liberating.”

“It is. Attraction has nothing to do with the way you look, or how expensive your clothes are. You are stripped of all the material trappings of society and are merely a receptacle for sin.”

I watch as the masked man leads the silent woman to one of the many doors set against the surrounding walls and James grips my hand.

“Come, I’ll show you what happens next.”

We head to one of the doors and I note the green light outside and as we head inside, he locks the door behind us and switches on the light.

He says nothing as I stare around a small room, itspurpose leaving me in no doubt at all about its use. It’s basic, extremely so and there is only a padded bench set in the middle and an array of devises on boards strung up on the walls.

A small sink is in one corner and there are shackles attached to the bench.

I swallow hard.

James whispers, “You bring the submissive here and indulge your fantasies. Every participant has a safe word and if the game gets uncomfortable for either one, they say the word and the game ends.”

“Has anyone ever used the safe word on you before?”

I turn to watch his reaction and he nods. “Yes.”

“I see.” My heart beats like a steel drum as I imagine James in here, unleashing his anger on some poor woman who was out for a night of fun.

I perch on the edge of the bench and say with interest, “Have you ever used the safe word?”

“No.”

He joins me and takes my hand in his.

“This club was my escape. A release from the hell Adele held me captive in. Unlike with her, I am in charge here. I call the shots and I say what happens next.”

I’m silent and he sighs. “In here I am free. I’m no longer James Warner, victim of life. Orphan child who was exploited by a woman who should know better. I’m in control. I call the shots and what I say goes. It’s difficult to explain, but it gives me my dignity back and allows me to cope when I’m with her.”

His eyes gleam behind his mask and the atmosphere surrounding us sends electricity through my veins. This is another world—his world, and it’s as if I’m an imposter. I understand nothing about it but if I’m to understand him, I must experience the whole of him first.

My breath trips on my tongue as I whisper, “Then show me, James. Pretend I’m a submissive you picked off the stage. Show me who you really are.”

CHAPTER 35

JAMES

I’ve missed her so much. Missed holding her, touching her, tasting her and consuming her. I’ve missed our intimacy and the brilliance of her mind. She is the whole package. The perfect woman and now she is begging me to ruin her.

If she knew what I was capable of, she wouldn’t be asking. She wouldn’t even be here now and would have remained in Russia where she probably belongs.

Her eyes sparkle with lust behind the mask and her breathing is intense.

It would be so easy.

My gaze moves past her to the scarlet walls, decorated with lust and sin along with the devices I’ve used on many occasions to bring pain and pleasure. To drive away the demons and to gain some sense of self control along with self-worth.

This place is my sanctuary, but I have found a new one now.

She shivers as I reach for her robe, my fingers shaking slightly, my heart rate increasing along with my intention to conquer.

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