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  “You’re learning such control. I’m proud of you. Now push back against me, Michelle.”

  As his finger slid in, she felt a slight burning sensation. Not much, but it was new and disconcerting.

  “Good girl.” He reassured her as he slid the strands of the flogger up and down her back.

  Just as she had relaxed and adjusted to his invasion, he began swatting her back with the flogger and moving in and out of her ass with his finger. Her clit started throbbing at the mixture of feelings strumming through her.

  “Do you want me to stop?”

  “No…please don’t. Crap!” She’d said “no.”

  Sean’s chuckle was low and slightly evil. She could just imagine the smile on his face. “Tsk, tsk. You disobeyed your Dom, Michelle. You know what that means, don’t you?”

  “No…te, I’m very sorry. It was an accident.” Cr—aaa—pp! she’d done it again.

  “Very creative, Michelle, but it won’t keep you from facing the consequences. Do you know what they might be?”

  “Not really.” She giggled nervously.

  Sean slowly pulled out of her ass. He kept his thigh pressed against hers, but nothing else. She heard a few noises, but had no idea what he was doing. Her tension level shot through the roof. Would he use the tawse? Dang it! Why did she forget and say that blasted word?

  “I know the wheels are turning in that busy brain of yours. I bet you’re wondering if after you’ve taken your discipline you’ll be able to sit comfortably in class tomorrow.”

  Oh God. She hadn’t even considered that. Shit. He’d warned her.

  “Don’t worry, my love. You’ll only be deliciously sore, not painfully.”

  “That’s only marginally reassuring.”

  He laughed again and she felt it in her toes. She was falling in love with him. How the hell did that happen? A week ago she didn’t even think there was such an emotion and now she was feeling it in spades. Oh there was a whole lot of lust thrown in for good measure too, but it couldn’t mask the foundation the lust was built upon.

  “You need to relax, honey, and press back against me again.”

  She knew immediately he wasn’t using his finger this time. It felt too big and she started to panic until he began talking to her again.

  “You’re doing fine, Michelle. Take a deep breath and push against it like you were trying to shove it away.”

  Forcing her muscles to relax, she followed his instructions. Just as it entered her, Sean swung the flogger down, striking her breast with the heavy, flat strands. Michelle gasped as the sensations flooded her torso and she forgot all about her ass. Sean began swinging the flogger in what felt like a succession of over- and under-handed swats along her back. The pressure inside and around her ass no longer scared her. The discomfort was gone as well.

  “Such a good girl, Michelle. Thank you for trusting me. We’ve just taken the second step toward anal sex. How are you doing, honey?”

  The flogger strikes were slowing down and becoming gentle. “Good.”

  “That’s my girl. I can’t wait any longer. I have to be inside you, my love.”

  Sean rubbed all the places he’d hit with the flogger. Oh God, it felt good. Even with her ass feeling oddly full, she wasn’t sorry she’d misspoken. She heard the fabric moving around, then the tip of his cock was pressing at the opening of her pussy.

  “We’re going to go slowly, Michelle. This will feel more full than normal. If it’s uncomfortable, tell me. It shouldn’t hurt. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Sean. I need you inside me. Please hurry.”

  “So impatient.” His voice sounded strained.

  He moved just an inch or so at a time. Michelle was dying to push back against him and bury his cock deep inside her pussy. Somehow she managed to stay still.

  “How’s that, Michelle? Does it hurt?”

  “Feels so good, Sean. Please. I need more.”

  “So do I, baby. Stay with me.” Sean began to pump into her, slowly at first, then he set a punishing tempo.

  He felt huge moving within her. She was so stretched and throbbing with need—she’d definitely be sore tomorrow. And she’d savor the decadent reminder.

  “You’ve been a good subbie and taken your discipline without complaint so I’m going to let you orgasm. Are you ready, my love?”

  “Yes.” More than ready. Her breasts were aching to be touched as they slapped side to side along the wooden bench.

  “Are you sure? Maybe you’d like to wait a few minutes longer?”

  “Please, Sean, let me come.”

  “As you wish, subbie.”

  All of a sudden her entire lower body began to vibrate. Her scream mingled with Sean’s, drumming out the low hum that had begun the moment her world exploded.

  “Oh, my God, Sean!” As soon as her first orgasm ended another began, fear began to skirt down her spine. She couldn’t stay still with the force of sensations beating at her. The bindings were the only thing keeping her on the bench as she rocked from side to side. Each pull of the ropes triggered more aftershocks.

  When he knew she couldn’t take any more, Sean lowered the intensity of the vibrator and eventually shut it off. She lay facedown on the bench, utterly exhausted. She whimpered as Sean pulled out of her. Already, she missed him filling her. In a heartbeat, Sean was face-to-face with her, kissing her cheeks and lips. She could feel his voice flow over her, but it was too much trouble to pick out the words.

  “Open your eyes for me, Michelle.” He brushed her hair from her face and tugged at her eyelids until she opened them.

  He was so handsome. She could look at him 24/7.

  “How are you doing, baby? Talk to me.”

  Sean was removing the ropes and rubbing her skin where they’d touched her. It always felt so good to have his hands on her. I love you, Sean.

  “Come on baby, talk to me. Are you doing okay?”

  “Mmhmm.”

  “Good girl.” His hand was pushing on her back. “Stay still, baby, but push for me one last time.”

  With her brain running on autopilot, she obeyed his command and the fullness receded from her ass. She heard a loud clanking sound, then Sean was picking her up. He wrapped her in a blanket and carried her to his office. By the time they were sitting on his couch, she’d worked her arms out from under the covers and wrapped them around his neck.

  “I might have to start telling you no more often,” she murmured against his neck.

  He gave her thigh a swat, but the blanket softened the blow. They both dissolved into laughter.

  “You mean the world to me, Michelle. I hope you know that.”

  She looked him in the eyes for a moment, maybe longer. “Back at ya, Sean.” His lips immediately found hers. He kissed her gently then held her tight, stealing the remaining pieces of her heart she’d tried to keep locked safely away.

  Michelle had no idea how long they stayed like that. She was pretty sure she’d dozed for a bit. Sitting on his lap, safe and secure in his arms with her ear pressed against the steady beat of his heart, it was easy to do.

  “Okay, Michelle. You’ve got class tomorrow. We need to get this place cleaned up and get home.”

  She rolled off his lap, feeling stiff and achy. No doubt she’d pulled a muscle or two straining against the ropes that held her bound to the spanking bench.

  “Are you feeling all right, baby?”

  “I feel wonderful, Sean. Don’t worry so much about me. I’m not made of porcelain.” She spun back around and kissed him on the cheek before heading to the restroom.

  “I like taking care of you. It makes me happy.”

  She definitely liked it too.

  Once they’d both cleaned up and dressed in street clothes, they left the office.

  “I need to clean up the privacy room and make one last round of the club before we head home.” Sean kept his arm wrapped tight around her waist until they reached the bar.

  “Okay, no hurry. I’ve g
ot a little more cleaning to do.” Sean kissed her cheek, then headed down the path toward the privacy rooms. She watched his sexy-as-hell ass until foliage blocked her view. After she’d wiped down the counters and made a list of needed supplies, she remembered the salad she’d left on the table near the stage.

  She had planned to just throw it away, but her stomach started rumbling. Apparently, good sex built up an appetite faster than anything she knew of. Michelle took a few bites, then bit into something squishy and very salty. Within seconds it was hard to breathe. She was dizzy and she knew immediately she was in trouble. She tried to scream for Sean, but couldn’t draw in enough breath.

  Scrambling from the table, she ran toward the office. She patted her shoulders feeling for her purse. Oh God, the key to the office was in her purse. Her vision had narrowed to the door, if she could just make it that far.

  Chapter Eight

  Sean heard a noise coming from the stage area. If Michelle was mopping, he’d turn her over his knee on the spot. He started to wind up the last bit of rope, but something about that sound sent a shiver down his spine. He threw everything into his bag and walked back into the arboretum. Michelle wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He started to go back to the privacy room when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. What the fuck? A table was lying on its side and rocking back and forth.

  “Michelle?” He sprinted across the club. “Michelle, answer me now!” he shouted in his most commanding voice. She had to be in trouble. No way would she not answer him. His heart thundered in his chest as he ran to the bar. Not seeing her there, he headed toward the office.

  Oh dear God! Michelle lay sprawled across the hallway. Her face had a blue tint and her eyes and hands were swollen. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. With his stomach in his throat, he dug the cell phone from his pocket and dialed 911. Even before the operator picked up, he’d swung Michelle into his arms and had taken her into his office. “Come on baby, stay with me. I love you, Michelle. Stay with me, baby.”

  When the operator finally answered, Sean went on autopilot. “She can’t breathe. She’s turning blue. Get help immediately.” He rattled off the address. The operator’s calm, businesslike demeanor did nothing to alleviate his fears.

  “Lay her on her side. Is there anything obstructing her airway?”

  Reluctantly, Sean laid her on the floor on her side. “I don’t think so, her face and hands are swollen. She has food allergies.” It all came together for him. “Son of a bitch. Someone slipped seafood into her salad.”

  “Does she have an EpiPen, sir?”

  “Yes, it’s in her purse.” He looked into the bathroom and saw it sitting on the counter. Sean dumped the contents onto the vanity and looked at the big thick pen. “How the hell do I use this?”

  Sean listened and followed her instructions. An eternity passed before she was gulping for air. “Oh thank God. She’s breathing.” Sirens could be heard in the distance. “Can I pick her up? I have to unlock the door for the paramedics.”

  “She should be okay while you open the door.”

  “Fuck that.” He picked her up and carried her out the office door and down the hall to the outside entrance. “You’re gonna be fine, Michelle. Help’s coming. Stay with me, baby.”

  Her breathing was ragged and she looked like shit. So pale. The swelling around her eyes was receding enough that she could open them though. “Key.”

  “Don’t try to talk, baby. Just breathe for me. The paramedics are here.” Sean pushed the end button and dropped the phone back into his pocket out of habit.

  Sean recapped what little he knew and stood back out of the way. One man had her head and shoulders elevated on his lap while two others were taking her vital signs. He heard them radioing for an ambulance. They cut the sleeve of her blouse and inserted an IV.

  Damn it, the marks from his ropes were still visible on her arm. Michelle wouldn’t like the questions that would bring. The medic had pointed it out to another firefighter and he had run back to the truck. Sean wasn’t surprised a few minutes later when a patrol car pulled into the parking lot.

  Michelle held out her hand to Sean. “I’m here, honey. It’s gonna be okay.”

  “I forgot the key in my purse. I’m sorry.” Her hand went to her throat, as if talking might hurt.

  “Don’t talk, baby. Just breathe.” It wouldn’t have mattered if she’d had the key. She hadn’t made it to the door. He remembered hearing somewhere that repeated exposure to an allergen made each subsequent episode that much more dangerous. He hoped that wasn’t true because this one had scared the hell out of him.

  “Do you know what brought this on, ma’am?” The fireman was rubbing her arm just below the IV.

  “Anchovy.” She looked at Sean. “I’d left my salad on the table. I took a few more bites. There were anchovies in it.”

  Stella! He was going to fucking kill her.

  Michelle tightened her hold around Sean’s wrist. “You don’t know that it was her. Anyone could have done it.”

  “Ma’am, I’m Officer Tyler Jones. What happened this evening?”

  “I’m allergic to seafood.” She smiled up at Sean, obviously thinking of her safeword.

  That moment of shared intimacy loosened a few knots in his belly.

  “We were eating salads at one of the tables in the club when we were distracted for a bit.” She took a few more breaths before continuing. “I left my salad there while we attended to other things. Honestly, I forgot about it until I was cleaning up so we could leave. I was a little hungry so I took a few more bites.” She rubbed her throat and took a deeper breath. “As soon as I bit into it, I knew I was in trouble. My EpiPen was in the office, but I’d forgotten the key. The next thing I remember I was in the office wondering why I was on the floor.” Again she looked up at Sean and smiled.

  He remembered her accusing him of having a problem with the floor. God, he loved her so much.

  “Who knows of your allergy?”

  She looked at Sean. “I don’t know. Sean, of course.”

  “I told the club manager and her direct supervisor, Steven, and both Liz and Stella were in the lobby when I picked up the food. Liz made a comment about how being allergic to seafood would be dreadful. On the takeout container ‘no seafood’ was written across the top. I believed the comment pertained to that. Have you even met Liz, honey?”

  “No.”

  “Um, ma’am, there are some marks on your wrists. Do they have anything to do with this incident?”

  Michelle looked from her wrist to Sean, turned bright red and shook her head. “No, Officer, they do not.”

  “Is there anything you’d like to tell us about them?”

  Michelle looked the officer directly in the eyes and grew very serious. “Yes, Officer, mind your own business. They aren’t related.”

  “Yes, ma’am, that’s what I figured, but I needed to ask.”

  This time it was the officer who was embarrassed. Michelle was anything but weak. Sean was so fucking proud of her.

  By the time they were loading her onto the gurney, some of the color was returning to her face.

  “Sir, we’re going to take her to Hilton Head Regional. This was one of the more serious reactions we’ve seen. If you want you can follow us,” one of the paramedics advised him.

  “Sir, I’m going to need a bit more information,” the officer informed Sean.

  “Sean…” Her grip on his arm was strong.

  “I’ll be right behind you, baby. I promise.” Sean walked with her to the ambulance and watched as they loaded her inside.

  “Sir, you might want to get her purse. They’re going to need her ID and insurance information.”

  Shit, he didn’t know if she even had insurance. It didn’t matter—he’d pay for it. “Can we do this at the hospital? I don’t want her wondering where I am.”

  “Sure. I’ll stay with you until you get the place locked up then I’ll give you an escort. You’ll get t
here sooner that way.”

  Sean wasn’t fooled. He wanted to see the inside the club. Fine. Sean didn’t care. He ran a clean establishment. If the man was hoping to find drugs or other illegal substances, he would be disappointed. He jogged back to the club and held the door for the officer.

  “Do you think it was a mistake at the restaurant or do you think someone here did it on purpose?”

  “It was someone here. I know the owner of the restaurant. He wouldn’t have allowed his employees to make a mistake like that. And she’d eaten most of it before…we were distracted, as she put it.”

  “She seems like a sweet girl. I wouldn’t want to see her hurt again.” The officer’s voice had an edge to it.

  Sean stopped putting the contents back into her purse and looked at the officer. “Believe me, Officer, it won’t happen again. I should have fired Stella the first time she pulled a move like this. I’ll be damned if she gets away with it this time.”

  “Is Stella a previous girlfriend?”

  “No, she’s an employee. Was an employee. Past tense. She’s gone.”

  “Sir, if this was done with malicious intent, it’s a criminal offense.”

  “I doubt she meant to kill her, but it was definitely malicious.”

  “Could there have been any witnesses?”

  “I think I got everything. Let’s get to the hospital.” They walked out to his car. “Last week, Stella put some hybrid hot peppers on Michelle’s pizza, which burned her mouth and throat. Luke saw her do it and then she confessed to tampering with her food. I wanted to fire her then, but Michelle talked me out of it. Instead we suspended her without pay. In fact, she shouldn’t have even been allowed at the club today, but Steven allowed it.”

  “We’ll talk more at the hospital. Stay behind me and I’ll escort you there.”

  * * * * *

  Michelle woke in the hospital alone. Once she’d been moved into a regular room and the scare factor had faded, she’d sent Sean home. He’d put up quite the fight, not wanting to leave. Eventually, he gave in when she told him she needed some fresh clothes.