Page 40 of Echoes of Desire

Jasper leans in, his hands hovering over my waist as if waiting for my permission. “Pet, you’re in control. If you don’t want us to continue, say the word, and we’ll stop. Understand?”

I nod, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. Their unwavering attention feels like a lifeline, grounding me in the midst of the vulnerability I’ve willingly stepped into.

Jasper’s fingers lightly trace the ropes around my torso, ensuring the bindings are secure but not restrictive. “This,” he says to the crowd, “is a reminder that bondage is as much aboutfreedom as it is about restraint. It’s about the release of control, about letting go and trusting someone to hold you, physically, emotionally, completely. It all boils down to trust. That’s the key component of this entire lifestyle.”

The intensity in the room grows as Jaxon steps forward with a small silk scarf in his hands. He meets my eyes, his expression softening. “This is for you,” he says, tying the scarf loosely around my eyes. “A symbol of trust—not too tight, not too loose, but just enough to remind you that you’re safe. If at any point you want it removed, say the word.”

I exhale slowly, the weight of the moment settling over me. They’re putting on a show, yes, but it’s not just for the crowd. This is for me, too.

Jasper addresses the room again, his tone commanding but intimate. “In every interaction, consent is paramount. Before you touch, before you bind, before you dominate, you must ask yourself: Does your Sub trust you? Does he or she feel safe in your hands?”

Jaxon adds, “And if the answer is no, you stop. No questions, no hesitation. Their safety is the foundation of this dynamic. Without it, there’s nothing.”

They work seamlessly, adjusting the ropes and ensuring my comfort as they explain each step to the captivated audience. Their words blend with their actions, creating a masterclass in respect, dominance, and submission.

Finally, the movement of the ropes stops. “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you honor the gift of submission.” Jasper touches my cheek with a gentle caress, his voice softening. “How do you feel, Pet?”

For a moment, I’m speechless. The vulnerability, the trust, the connection…it’s overwhelming. “Safe,” I whisper finally, my voice trembling but firm. “I feel safe.”

Jasper removes the blindfold and smiles, a rare softness in his expression. “And that’s all that matters.”

“Also, a bit turned on,” I admit, much to the crowd’s amusement.

The crowd erupts into applause, their appreciation for the demonstration clear. But as Jasper and Jaxon untie the ropes, their focus shifts entirely to me. In this moment, the world fades away, and it’s just the three of us connected by something far deeper than the bonds that held me.

As Jaxon helps me to my feet, his hands steadying me, he leans in close. “You did beautifully, sweetheart. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Jasper nods, his hand brushing mine as he adds, “Tonight wasn’t just a demonstration. It was a declaration. You’re ours, and we’ll never let you forget it.”

The warmth in their words wraps around me like a second set of bindings, and for the first time, I truly believe it. I belong to them just as much as they belong to me.

Grabbing the ropes that bound me just moments before, Jasper says something that causes the music and lights to switch back to club mode. The next thing I know, I’m being tossed over Jaxon’s shoulder and rushed from the room.

“I can’t wait to taste that pussy that I know is dripping for us, sweetheart,” he says, causing a following Jasper to laugh.

What is the world have I gotten myself into?

Chapter Thirteen

Blaze

We’re taking Raven to meet our family. Steel and I are beyond excited, but I can tell she’s nervous.

“I’m not going to know any of them,” she says as we walk to my truck. “What if I think I’m talking to one of you about something private, but it’s one of your brothers or friends instead?”

We’ve explained how some of the men are our blood brothers, how Ma and Pops are our real parents, and how the rest are brothers in the club. But I don’t think she’s fully grasped it yet that all of them are family.

“We’ve come up with a way for you to always know it’s us,” Steel tells her, his voice calm and reassuring.

“What is it?” she asks, curiosity replacing some of her worries.

When we reach the truck, Steel and I both pull off our shirts. It’s not something we usually do. Our bodies are our temple, and while we’ve always taken care of them, we rarely let others see. Even during sex in the past, we’d kept most of ourselves hidden. Now, though? Now, our bodies are hers, and we want her to look at us as much as she wants.

“Okay, wow,” she says, her eyes wide as she takes us in. “Not that I’m complaining, but why did you just do that? Was it to distract me from something? Because it’s working.”

“Good to know you like what you see,” Steel teases with a grin. “But no, that’s not why. Look at these.”

He points to his left pec, drawing her attention to the tattoo there. Her gaze shifts to my right side, where a matching tattoo sits. A simple set of angel wings. I tap my chest over the tattoo twice, and Steel repeats the action.

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