Page 69 of Interview with a Sadist
“It was so good seeing you guys again,” I say as I pull Octavia into a hug in front of the restaurant, while her husband Mike talks to Nolan off to the side.
“Yes, you two are always a good time,” Ocatavia says as we embrace. “I can’t even tell you how happy I am that everything worked out with y’all. You guys are an incredible couple, and we love hanging out with you, so let’s figure out what we want to do next weekend and make plans. Oh, and I know E and J are working tonight, but they need to come, too, so let them know.”
“We definitely will,” I reply just as Mike and Nolan shake hands and engage in that quick little embrace that guys do, basically just bumping shoulders.
“Okay. I’ll see you at work on Monday, and congratulations again, Bree. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Octavia. I’ll see you Monday.”
Nolan and I split from Octavia and Mike, headed our separate ways to our respective corners of the parking lot. Nolan grabs my hand as we walk, and opens the door for me when we reach the car. I can’t help the smile on my face as he waits for me to slide into the passenger seat, before leaning into the car to kiss me. My palm finds his cheek and we sink into it, forgetting the car pulling up next to ours, and ignoring the stares of other patrons walking by. When we’re together, it’s just us. No one else matters in our world. We smile as we struggle to pry ourselves apart before Nolan closes my door and walks around to his side to start the car and whisk us away.
“I love hanging out with them,” Nolan says as we hit the highway, headed for Center City. He reaches across the center console and blankets my hand with his.
“I know, right? Mike is cool, and Octavia hasalwaysbeen the best. She’s so supportive,” I say. “When you and I were first starting, she was the one who had my back. Hell, she even helped me realize how trash Melissa and Teagan were, which is why I haven't spoken to them in so long. I’m glad she and I have gotten so much closer over the past few months.”
“Me, too. There’s nothing like having true supportive friends. I never would've made it this far without E and J. They’re the ones who anchor me. I would’ve floated away into oblivion a long time ago if it wasn’t for them.”
“Yeah, those two are awesome. I love how excited they were when we found out about the nomination.”
“Well, it’s not every day one of their friends gets nominated for a Pulitzer. You did such an amazing job with that story about how we met. You put yourself on the map big time and you deserve all the praise. We’re all so proud of you, babe.”
I smile from ear to ear just thinking about it. I may not win the Pulitzer Prize, but just being nominated for publishingInterview with a Sadist is enough for me. I knew the moment I sat down that the story would be phenomenal, but I didn't think it would take off the way it did. Even Chase said it was the most incredible story he’d ever read, and he was honored to publish it. I guess things are different when you're writing from your heart instead of your head. The personal connection I had with the story could never be matched, which is why the nomination is so important to me. I’ve known about it for a week now and it still feels brand new, even after celebrating tonight with two of our friends.
“Thank you,” I say with a proud smile, just as Nolan pulls into his private parking space on the side of the club. The bright light from the sign shines into the car, making us glow.
“Now, are you ready toreallycelebrate?” Nolan asks.
I nod, grinning. “Absolutely.”
We step out of the car and walk hand-in-hand into the club, where a sea of people and music flood our senses the moment the door is opened. Bass blares through the speakers from every corner as bright lights dance, jumping from wall to wall. The smell of perfumes and scented lotions fill the air as leather, latex, and bare skin cover the place from floor to ceiling. It’s an adrenaline rush just to walk into The Black Collar, and for us, this is home sweet home.
Nolan takes my hand and leads me down the hall, where people talk and dance, grinding against each other as the music gives them endless energy. They all move out of the way so Nolan and I can have a clear path to the dancefloor and bar. Ethan serves drinks behind the counter, while Jackson looks down on us from the VIP section upstairs—his new domain since Maddy is awaiting trial and will never return. We nod to both of our friends as we walk past the bar and head for the darker section behind it.
Nolan high fives with the bouncer at the entrance of the main stage, and the two of us step inside the room that is completely full of people. They’re broken into multiple groups, huddled up together like they’re trying to keep warm around a fire, but they all stop what they’re doing when we walk in. Their eyes find us and lock on, all of them in complete awe as we walk down the center aisle and ascend the steps leading to the stage.
The energy in the room shifts from admiration to exhilaration as Nolan and I stand center stage facing the crowd, and they silently take their seats in the auditorium. My heart thuds, making my knees weak as I turn my back to the crowd and take off my black jacket, revealing my bare back, just before I step out of my leggings, wearing nothing but lace underwear. I don't turn around and show them my bare chest, because although Nolan and I want to display our love on the biggest stage in the club, only he gets to see me naked.
Nolan removes his shirt and gives the crowd their first glance at the striated muscles in his chest and abs as he reaches into a large box next to me and pulls out our favorite toy, or as he would call it, his favoriteweapon. The crowd murmurs as the long tresses dangle down to the wooden stage and brush across it while Nolan holds onto the shaft, flexing his wrist as he prepares to put the Cat O Nine Tails to use.
I look over my shoulder at the toy and smile to myself as I step up to the St. Andrew’s Cross in front of me and position my limbs in front of the massive black X. Nolan hangs the tresses of the flogger over his shoulder, and steps behind me, locking my wrists and ankles in place before rubbing his hands up my back.
“You’re so fucking perfect,” he whispers, before kissing his way up from my shoulder to my ear. “Meeting you is the best thing that ever happened to me, Bree, and I can’t believe I’ve found someone to share this stage with. You and I are the example of love in BDSM this world needs. We’re the leaders they can follow. We are king and queen of this palace, and I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. Thank you for completing me, Bree. I love you.”
My heart warms, sending heat to the rest of my body as I smile. I can’t believe I’m here. The Old Bree never would've thought doing something like this was okay, but Nolan made me anew, and belonging to him is my greatest honor.
I didn't want the assignment when Chase gave it to me, and if I never would've met Nolan, I’d probably still be stuck in a bad friendship and miserably closed-minded. I never would've known about this lifestyle, and I never would've known how trapped I truly was. He freed me, and the drama we’ve made it through together has done nothing but make us stronger. So, Nolan is right. We’re the example he always wanted the world to see, and there isn’t any other place I’d rather be.
Nolan kisses me on the cheek as I look over my shoulder at him, grinning devilishly. “I love you, too … Sir. Now show them what love and Dominance truly look like.”
Nolan’s smile matches my own as he pulls the Cat O Nine Tails off his shoulder and grips it tightly. He takes two steps back and positions himself behind me as I look forward with excitement coursing through my veins, my skin vibrating with anticipation as I await what’s coming.
“With pleasure, Princess,” Nolan says, just before he flicks his wrist and the tails of the flogger crack in the air like a whip, striping my back with beautiful red art.
