Page 55 of The Cartographer

Everyone here will recognize how strong he must be and not because of his size. They all know what it is to submit, to hand yourself over to someone else, and though they’ve mostly seen me be benevolent, everyone but Cris has seen what I can demand when I’m in the right mood. It is not for the faint of heart. I lay my hand on the small of his back and urge him a step forward because he doesn’t need to shrink or be afraid. The way his muscles shift under my hand as he obeys my gentle prodding is a thing of beauty.

“They know,” I say low in his ear so he’s the only one privy to my words. “They know, and they have nothing but the utmost respect for what I put you through. Chin up, Hart, because you are nothing short of magnificent.”

He stiffens momentarily, but then the words sink in and he stands taller at the same time his shoulders drop. The glow inside me intensifies because he truly is a gift. One I’ll wrap back up carefully, diligently, when he’s ready to move on, because I’ll make sure he goes to someone who deserves him.

Introductions complete, we find our seats at the table and none too soon. There’s a knock on the door and a waiter comes in bearing a tray of drinks. It was perhaps presumptuous of me, but I’ve ordered ahead. For everyone. Constance indulges me because we’re friends, and I doubt Cris will care as long as the food is good. It’ll be delicious because I wouldn’t bring him somewhere it would be anything but. When the drinks have been passed out and the waiter’s bowed out, I propose a toast.

“To all of us. May the coming year bring your preferred engrossments of pain and pleasure, deprivation and decadence. I’m grateful to have you all in my life.”

The urge to palm Allie’s crotch through his pants strikes, but I resist. There’s a moment for unabashed groping, but this isn’t it. I won’t make him feel cheap, used. Not now. Later is a different matter.

*

A garbled cryrings out in the dungeon, and I smile. It’s a fantastic sound.

Constance has Glory strung up against a post and is drawing her arm back to lay down another whip strike. The cane used to be Constance’s favorite, but in the past couple of years, she’s developed a taste for the singletail and I approve. Glory does, as well. Her fingers are digging into the wood of the post, clutching as she presses her forehead into the vertical beam, her wrists wrapped in lined leather cuffs.

I love to watch the two of them play. It’s enjoyable because I know them so well—their style, their tolerances—so I can dial back the laser focus I can’t shut off normally.Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Another gasping cry as Constance lays a welt across Glory’s back. The pitch is different this time, though not particularly distressed. Constance steps forward, lays a hand on Glory’s hip. “Can you take three more?”

“Yes, mistress.”

“Would you take more than that?”

“For you, mistress, anything.”

They’re pretty words, those. She’d do it, too. She’d let Constance whip her raw, and Constance would work her up so skillfully I bet Glory would beg for more. I’d like to see that. But this kind of play is relatively new for them, and Constance won’t take the chance. She’ll hold herself back, and I like her all the more for it. Glory’s got to get on a plane in a few days, and while some discomfort—knowing she’s suffering for Constance’s pleasure—would please them both, there’s such a thing as restraint.

“Just three, love. I want you to ask for them, though. Beg me.”

“Please, mistress, please. I want your stripes on my back. I would bleed for you. Please, hurt me.”

Glory could medal in pleading, and though it’s not particularly my kink, it’s still damn fun to watch. It’s pretty clear the pain’s passed the point of enjoyment for Glory, and yet she’s still begging for more. For Constance. The sacrifice is absolutely mouthwatering. If I didn’t think Glory was approaching her edge, I’d like to watch it all day. It’s a flavor of pleasure I don’t get to indulge in as often as I’d like, my favorite form of voyeurism. It’s possible I should play more, work less, but the guilt might eat me alive.They need you, Rey. Don’t let them down.

Allie’s sitting on the couch next to me, as absorbed in the scene as I’ve been. I doubt he’s ever seen anything like this. Our thighs and shoulders are pressed against each other, so I’ve been able to feel every shift, every squirm while he’s watched. I’ve darted surreptitious glances at him, though he’s been so absorbed I don’t think he would’ve noticed if I’d been staring the whole time.

Constance has finished up the lashes, and as she removes Glory’s bondage, I nudge Allie. “What’d you think?” His pupils are dilated, and he looks dazed. A little high. Smugness wells inside of me. “Envious?”

“Yeah.”

His answer is short, distracted, as his gaze is dragged back to the happy couple.

“Of which one of them?”

“Both.”

I’d been teasing, certain in his answer, and I hate the cold frisson of doubt that runs through me.A switch? And I missed it?Though I guess I haven’t had the opportunity to see him with someone he might top since we’ve only been together. I’d been so confident. Embarrassingly so.

“Why’s that?” My tone is light, but inside I’m scrambling. No, it’s okay. Just something to keep in mind for the future. I’ll have to find him another switch or someone who won’t mind if he plays with other people. I should start coaching him from the top’s perspective too. How could I have—

“I mean, look at them. I didn’t know…it could look like that. Is that what we look like? I mean, I know I’m not as good as Glory. I can’t believe a little thing like her can take so much. Is it, though? At least a little?”

He’s turned back to me, his face arranged in hope.Tell me I please you.I think of the ecstasy on Glory’s face, the excitement and lust on Constance’s, the blatant love and adoration in how they’re looking at each other now that Constance is lifting the limp and replete noodle of her partner into her arms while she coos words of praise.

More than you know, Allie.

“Yes. Aside from the obvious differences. I could show you sometime if you’d like.”

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