Page 83 of James

He pushed open the heavy double doors and Kate intercepted him before he could take more than a single step inside.

“Kate,” he greeted her. “What’s the matter? Why did I need to get here ‘pronto’? What’s the emergency?”

A playful smirk danced on Kate's lips as she crossed her arms. “Oh, stop stressing, my dear worrywart.”

Her light-hearted teasing alleviated his concern, but raised his curiosity.

“There’s a pleasant surprise waiting for you in the main room.” Raising her hand, she motioned for him to proceed. “No questions. Just go!”

James regarded her skeptically. What the hell had gotten into her? He wasn’t sure he liked this. No, he was sure he didn’t like it; he’d never liked surprises. He had several questions he wanted to ask, but he knew Kate. Edging was her specialty. As much as he wanted to demand answers, he recognized that she wouldn't divulge any details. With a resigned sigh, he decided to trust her.

James continued through the club toward the main room. The dimmed lighting and the murmur of voices heightened his anticipation. His eyes scanned the room, trying to decipher the enigma that awaited him.

And then he saw her.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

Laura stood in the center of the room, glowing in the light of a single well-aimed lamp, radiant in her silence, her stillness. She posed like a goddess, hips and shoulders tilted to emphasize her perfect, full curves, one hand demurely cupping one breast, the other outstretched, inviting.

Speechless, James took a step toward her, his gaze moving hungrily over her mostly bare body, drawn further into the scene Kate had orchestrated for him. Music began to play through the club’s speakers and his desire took on the pulse of the beat as he drank in the sight of her.

Desire pulsed through him as he took in the sight of her: barely dressed in exquisite lace-trimmed silk lingerie, the deep wine color accentuating her flawless complexion. Her dark brown and silver-streaked hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face in captivating waves. The heels she wore added an extra touch of sensuality to her already alluring presence. But it was the wide ribbon tied around her waist like a sash, complete with alarge bow matching the color of her lingerie, that caught James's attention.

As he approached his submissive, a surge of emotions overtook him, so tightly interwoven, it was difficult to identify any particular one, apart from desire. Their connection, once threatened by uncertainty and fear, now bloomed in bright new colors. His heart pounded in a primal rhythm as he stalked toward her, deciding maybe surprises weren’t so bad after all.

With a raised eyebrow he stopped in front of her. “What’s this about, honey?” he inquired, letting her see his hungry gaze move over her body.

Laura's nervousness was evident in her eyes, but his woman stood straight. “You know how doubtful I’ve been about a serious relationship. I wanted to show you I’m ready to commit by giving you a special present.”

Elation coursed through him at Laura's answer. The weight of her commitment and submission settled upon him, filling him with a deep sense of satisfaction. He had dreamed of this moment, yearned for it with every fiber of his being. But he had to ensure that Laura understood the significance of her decision. His voice held a husky intensity as he asked, his eyes locked onto hers, “You’re giving yourself to me?”

Laura nodded and bit her lip.

Primal possessiveness stirred within James as he continued, “Do you realize if you commit, you’re mine – body, mind and soul?” As far as he was concerned, there was no room for doubt or half-heartedness in the dynamics they were about to embark upon. If she was in, she was his.

Laura didn’t hesitate. In her response, her voice steady and filled with trust. “Yes, sir.”

Before another word could be spoken, James’s lips crashed over hers and he kissed her, his tongue demanding control of her mouth. His tongue delved into her mouth, demanding control, and she met him with equal fervor. As Laura kissed him back, she eagerly followed his tongue with her own.

As their lips finally parted, a playful giggle escaped Laura's lips. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she told him, “I’m afraid you’ll have to unwrap the gift yourself, Sir.”

“Unwrapping you will be my great pleasure, sub,” he murmured, savoring the power and connection that flowed between them. “I think I’ll need to inspect my present.”

“As you wish, Sir,” Laura responded, her voice a soft submission that sent a shiver down James's spine.

Taking a step back, James circled around Laura, his eyes roving over her form, appraising his present. He drank in every detail, committing the sight of her to memory. The lace-trimmed silk panties clung to her curves, accentuating her feminine allure, while the matching bra enhanced the natural beauty of her breasts. Her creamy skin glowed under the soft lights of the room, begging for his marks.

With each step James took, the air crackled with anticipation. He observed the way her breath hitched, the subtle quiver in her limbs, and the heightened color that painted her cheeks. She stood before him, vulnerable, yet resolute and proud.

When he returned to the front, his fingers deftly untied the bow that held the wide ribbon sash in place, slowly removing the elegant adornment. As the ribbonslipped through his hands, he tested the material for strength and softness.

The sash now discarded, James let his hands glide along Laura's sides, his touch both possessive and tender. His fingers traced the delicate lace of her lingerie, savoring the texture against his skin. The unspoken promise of their dynamic lingered in the air, a dance of power, pleasure, and surrender.

“As lovely as I think this looks on you –” He moved behind her and lowered her arms. “— it has to go.” He undid the clasp of her bra and lowered the straps from her shoulders and down her arms. “But I have plans for this bow.”

He guided her toward the St. Andrew’s Cross. The sturdy wooden structure highlighted by a spotlight stood as a symbol of her ultimate submission.

For the briefest of moments, James hesitated. A few people were at the bar already and more would be coming in soon. James’s scenes always caught the attention of the club members.Is she ready for a public scene?