Page 7 of Body and Soul

“We cater to a variety of tastes and desires here,” I said with a knowing smile. “The lounge is mostly for socializing. The real fun happens past that door.” I nodded toward the door with the members' only sign on it.

Eli met my eyes again before giving me another look up and down.

I took a step closer. “Perhaps you'd allow me the pleasure of giving you a private tour? As a birthday gift.”

Eli hesitated for a moment, glancing at his friends.

The girl downed another shot before waving him on. “Go on, Eli! Live a little!”

Eli bit his lip, the black ring glinting in the dim light. Then he looked up at me from beneath long, dark lashes. “Why not?”

“Excellent.” I smiled and extended my hand to him.

Eli's slender fingers slid into mine, his skin cool against my palm. When he stood, he was a few inches shorter than me, the top of his head barely reaching my chin. The perfect height.

I placed a guiding hand on the small of his back.

Keres was already thrumming beneath the surface, stirred by the way Eli’s breath hitched when I touched him. Eli’s submission was unspoken but clear, and Keres’ need to claim, to dominate, surged to the surface.

I led him away from the table, his friends already forgotten. They no longer mattered. Nothing mattered except that Eli was mine.

Ours, Keres corrected.And we are never letting him out of our sight again.

I popped another candyonto my tongue as the door shut behind us. The space on the other side was a hallway with a clean white tile floor and warm track lights on the ceiling. There were posters promoting safe sex and a table full of condoms and pamphlets. People were milling around, most barely dressed or wearing BDSM gear.

“Clothing beyond this point is optional.”

I jumped at the sound of Shepherd’s voice so close to my ear. I’d been so busy taking in the sights that I’d almost forgotten he was right there.

I stole a glance at Shepherd. He was nearly a foot taller, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his fitted black suit jacket. The material clung to his muscular chest and arms, emphasizing his strength. His dark brown hair was cropped close on the sides, with a few longer strands swept back. A hint of stubble graced his sharp jawline, adding an edge to his already commanding presence.

Shepherd's dark eyes met mine and one corner of his mouth quirked up. A rush of heat flooded through me. I quickly looked away, my face warming. Damn, he was undeniably attractive. The way he carried himself—exuding an effortless confidence and quiet dominance—was magnetic. It pulled me in, sparking a rush of excitement that mingled with a hint of nervousness.

He paced forward, hands behind his back. “Normally, you wouldn’t get such an eyeful on your first trip through.”

“It’s fine,” I said with a shrug. “I’m not shy.”

“If at any point you’re uncomfortable, all you need to do is speak up.” He gestured to a doorway off to my left. “There are lockers for your belongings, and a changing area this way.”

He dropped his hand, moving down the hall. “These rooms are the most popular part of the venue. As you can see by the plaques on each door, they’re each named after a color. Each one has a theme. The white room is our medical play space, the red room is equipped with a wide range of impact play equipment. The blue room is our bondage room, equipped with everything from handcuffs to silk rope.” He pointed out each one as he walked by.

I stopped in front of the blue room. The door was slightly ajar. I stepped closer, peering through the crack. I could see a huge four poster bed draped in deep blue silk sheets. Thick metal rings were affixed to each bedpost. My mind wandered, imagining strong hands pulling my arms taut and securing them to those rings with padded leather cuffs. I'd watched videos like that online late at night, one hand shoved down my boxers. But seeing it in person sent a jolt straight to my cock.

I shifted my weight, trying to adjust myself discreetly as my cock began to swell. What would it feel like to be spread out on that bed, completely at someone's mercy? Unable to move, helpless, while they did whatever they wanted to me? My breath quickened at the thought.

“The equipment in the blue room is quite extensive,” Shepherd commented.

I nearly leaped out of my skin. Fuck, I'd basically been panting over it right in front of him. Heat rose in my cheeks. “I've seen stuff like this online, but...” I rubbed the back of my neck.

Shepherd stepped closer, his breath warm on the back of my neck. “There's quite a difference between watching videos online and experiencing the real thing firsthand.” He pushed open the door and gestured for me to step inside. “You’re welcome to take a closer look.”

I hesitated for a second, my heart jackhammering against my ribs, before taking a deep breath and crossing the threshold. The room was dimly lit by recessed blue lights in the ceiling. It gave everything an almost underwater quality.

“Pick something up if you'd like. Everything here is state-of-the-art. We’ve spent a small fortune on each of these rooms, ensuring they have nothing but the best equipment,” Shepherd said proudly.

I ventured deeper into the room, drawn to a large wooden X-cross propped against the far wall. Thick black leather cuffs dangled enticingly from each corner. I reached out, brushing my fingers over one, marveling at how buttery soft the leather felt—clearly expensive as fuck.

Next to the cross was some kind of bench thing with a padded leather top. Buckles and d-rings covered the sides. My imagination raced with visions of being strapped down, thighs spread wide and completely exposed, vulnerable to whatever pleasures or torment awaited me…

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