Page 12 of The Ties We Break

“What do you mean they are a couple in real life?”

“Oh, I thought I told you. They are married in real life. They come here for fun and to scene. They do live the Dominant and submissive lifestyle a little at home, but not much. If he starts telling her to do something she doesn’t want to do when they are not scening, she can refuse without punishment. They have built up an amazing level of trust, but that is what you would expect for a couple that’s been playing together for over ten years.” My mind is blown as I take in all of Sian’s explanations. I had no idea people could live an everyday life with this hidden lifestyle when they enter the bedroom. I feel so out of my depth, and I think it must show on my face as Sian grabs hold of my hand and pulls me away.

“Come on, let’s go and get a drink. You look like you need one.”

I nod and let her lead me back to the bar. My mind is whirling, and I have no idea how many questions I have right about now. I feel like I have tunnel vision, and all I can see is Sian leading me to a seat at the bar. Instantly, a shot appears in front of me, and I down it. It’s vodka, and the burn laces my throat, pulling me back to reality. Sian hands me another, but I put it down, needing a short break before I have another. I’m still savouring the burn from the first one. Besides, I can’t hold my alcohol very well. One or two more shots and I will be past tipsy and heading for vomiting drunk.

“So, after seeing that, have you decided you don’t want to do the auction?” Sian asks as she swallows her shot. Her words pull me out of my head, and I look at her with confusion. Did she really think showing me that scene would put me off?

“No, why would you say that? Of course, I still want to do the auction,” I splutter, and Sian's eyes go wide as saucers.

“What the fuck? Come on, Boo. You know I love you and want to support you, but this is crazy. You would be out of your depth in a scene like that. Plus, you won’t know the person that buys you, so that level of trust won’t be there. Hell, how can you even tell people what your hard limits are? You haven’t even tried anything. I’m sorry, Boo, but this is insane!” she shouts, and my hands tighten into fists as I become more enraged with my best friend.

“I don’t have a fucking choice, Sian. I have no fucking money. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get out of this fucking shithole and make something of myself. If I have to do something that isn’t me, just for one night, to get the life I have always wanted, then I sure as hell am going to do it. You can show me as many rooms as you like, but I have made my decision.” My voice didn’t waver even a little because my mind was made up before I stepped foot into the building. Coming here is research, and to see what I’m getting myself into, but nothing Sian shows me will make me change my mind.

“Fine, come with me,” Sian says as she jumps off her bar stool. I down my shot and climbed off the seat too.

“Where are we going?” I ask as she walks us around the bar, aiming toward a man sitting with his back to us.

“If you want to be in the auction, you have to ask permission from the boss.”

Sian stops next to the man sitting at the end of the bar. He is facing away from us, talking to a good-looking, boy-next-door type of guy with messy blond hair and bruises across his face. He has a boyish charm, but the glint in his eye tells me he’s dangerous. My heart starts to race, and my hands get clammy.

“Declan, Sir, I’m sorry to bother you. My friend here would like to ask for permission to join the auction at the end of the month,” Sian says, and I’m not entirely sure which one she is talking to. The blond guy smiles, and two adorable dimples appear, which cause a blush to spread across my cheeks. He doesn't miss it and winks at me. Fuck, that isn’t going to help with my embarrassment.

The man with his back to us turns to talk to Sian, and as his chair swivels around, my heart literally stops when I realise Declan, the boss of this club, is the guy I have been eyeing up all night. How did I not realise he was important? There are lots of other people in suits, but now I can see he seems to wear his differently—with more authority.

As soon as he sees me, a storm cloud descends across his face, and he takes a moment to rake his eyes over my body. I feel completely naked as he ogles me, but I don’t move, continuing to meet his gaze.

“No!” he snaps before turning back to talk to the blond with dimples.

Sian turns to me and begins pulling me away, but I hold my ground. She leans in to whisper in my ear. “His word is law around here. Now, come on.” Her arm grips mine as she tries to pull me away, but I yank my arm back.

I don’t know where the confidence comes from, but once I pull out of Sian’s hold, I not so gently tap Declan on the shoulder. “Excuse me, but you can’t just say no. I really need to take part in this auction. Please,” I say, the last word coming out as a croak, my desperation unmistakable for all to hear.

He turns to face me, and this time instead of his usual brooding look, he looks intrigued. Like I’m an exciting puzzle he is desperate to solve. “I said no. You’re not suitable for the auction,” Declan states firmly.

“You don’t know that. You don’t know me!” I shout, suddenly very riled up by this guy's attitude. He may be correct, but I hate when people underestimate me.

Leaning in closer, to make sure I can hear him, he whispers in my ear. “I can tell just by looking at you. You’re too innocent for this place. You need to experience a hearts and flowers romance, and then you can come here to find your sexy side. Go home.”

“I have my reasons for needing to do this auction. Please. I may not look like the type of girl who does this kind of thing, but desperate people do desperate things. I’m becoming despondent, so please sign me up.” My voice is stern, and my eyes never leave his. I want him to see how incredibly fucking serious I am.

It’s like the whole world around us has dropped from existence, and there’s only us. He’s so close to me now, I can feel his breath on my cheek. My stomach rolls, but in a good way. The type you feel down in your core.

“If you truly mean that, you will have to prove it.”

“I promise. I will prove to you how much I need this,” I tell him, hoping I can back up my words. My legs are starting to wobble, and my heart is racing. I’m unsure how much longer I can continue pretending to be a strong, confident girl who knows what she wants.

“Good. Then drop to your knees and suck my cock,” he whispers against my ear.

Fuck! Now, what do I do?

“Good. Then drop to your knees and suck my cock.”

As soon as the words pass my lips, I study her beautiful face, waiting for the response I know will appear. I have met girls like her before. They are desperate and think they will do anything for the money, but when it comes down to it, they can’t follow through. This is probably one of the easiest things she will be asked to do compared to what happens at the auction.

Don’t get me wrong, I sure as fuck make sure my auctions are as safe as they possibly can be. But, in order to police them effectively, the girls have to specify on the contract what they like, what they don’t, and most importantly, what their hard limits are. I only have to spend a few seconds with this girl to know she doesn’t belong here.

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