Ravish Read online

  “Evening, Lara,” Max said.

  “Hi, Max,” she replied. “Colby.”

  Colby’s eyebrows rose, then he drew her into his arms and kissed her. Oh man, what a kiss. His tongue parted her lips and delved into her mouth. Her arms slid over his shoulders and around his neck. His palms cupped her ass, pulling her close, as the kiss went on.

  A clearing of a throat had them pulling apart. Heat swept up her neck and face. “Sorry, Max,” she said softly.

  “Nothing I haven’t seen before, but I figured you might want to get things set up before people start arriving.”

  “Yeah.” She slid her hands from around Colby’s neck, but her palms trailed over his collar bone and down his chest before she let her hands drop.

  Within fifteen minutes, they had everything out of the car, and Lara was setting up while chatting with Sierra.

  “I talked with Max. We’re going to get you a store room where you can keep things you need here at the club so you don’t have drag everything back and forth,” Sierra said.

  “Thank you. That would be nice.” Lara thought about what she could keep here at the club.

  “Are you excited about Colby’s demo?” Sierra asked, picking up one of the mac and cheese bites and popping it into her mouth.

  “I am. I saw some of his drawings of the floggers he makes.” A tremor of excitement flowed through her veins.

  “The demo is going to be first, isn’t it, Max?” Sierra asked.

  “Yes.” He put his arms around Sierra’s waist and pulled her against him. “Which reminds me. Colby, I gave you the night off since you’re doing the demo.”

  “I didn’t expect that,” Colby said.

  “I know, but there’s enough of us here tonight to cover your shift.”

  “Thanks.” Colby’s gaze caught Lara’s, and she ducked her head. The heat in his gaze burned her skin.

  “You deserve it.” Max guided Sierra away.

  “Are you going to be okay with me doing this demo with Regina?”

  “Yes.” Lara smiled. He’d been worried, but she wasn’t. Regina was nice and didn’t have her sights set on Colby.

  “I’m going to keep a spot open in the front just for you.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” A little thrill of passion flowed through her.

  “I do.” He cupped the back of her neck. “I want you close.”

  * * * *

  Colby checked the scene one more time. His floggers were laid out on the small table, and he had lotion ready as well, along with a blanket. He’d talked with Regina about the scene. She was fine with his floggers and what he wanted to do.

  The area was filling up, but Sierra made sure no one sat in the place he had reserved for Lara. Where was she? He looked over at the buffet, but he didn’t see her. It was almost time. Regina climbed up on the stage.

  “Do you want me nude, Sir?” she asked.

  “If you want to be. I need access to your ass and shoulders.” He could do that with a bra and thong on.

  “I’m fine with it, Sir.” She took off the short thin slip she wore and walked over to the St. Andrew’s Cross and leaned against it so her back was to him.

  Colby followed her. “Do you want me to restrain you?”

  “Yes, Sir. It helps me get into the scene.”

  Colby fastened the restraints, making sure they weren’t too tight. “Safe word?” While they’d already negotiated the demo scene, he always asked.

  “Cotton.”

  His lips turned upward. “I’ll start off slow.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “We’re ready, Colby,” Max said.

  Colby turned to the gathered group. “Good evening.” Colby spoke up so everyone could hear him. “Master Max asked me to do a flogging demo tonight. Regina graciously consented to be my sub.” He pointed to her. “Flogging is something you need to practice before you try it on your sub or partner. You can practice on pillows, dummies, or even the wall. I also suggest, as you get more proficient, you allow someone to flog you.” A murmur went up from the crowd. “It’s important you know how it feels so you know how your sub will feel. The power you put behind your strokes makes a difference.”

  He walked over to the table and picked up a small flogger. “This is a good one to start with.” He flicked his wrist and snapped it against Regina’s ass. She giggled. “This is a rabbit flogger. Very soft and low impact. Remember, if the flogger is new to you, try it out on yourself by hitting your upper arm or your thigh with it. If it hurts, think about how it will feel to your sub.”

  Movement caught his attention. Lara. She slipped onto the seat Sierra had saved for her. He froze for a second. She was wearing a pair of boy shorts and a gauzy looking shirt. Her nipples were hard against the fabric. His mouth went dry.

  Colby set the rabbit flogger on the table and picked up the suede one. “Now this is a little heavier.” He snapped it out and hit Regina’s ass. She let out a sound, almost as if he surprised her. “This is good for a light to medium flogging. A lot depends on the power you put behind hit.” He snapped it again, and Regina giggled. “That was a light strike.” He did it again and she let out a moan. “That was harder.”

  “Excuse me, Sir?” a man in the audience said his hand in the air.

  “Yes?”

  “It didn’t look like you changed anything.”

  Colby grinned. “It didn’t look like it to you. Regina, can you explain to the Dom the difference in what you felt?”

  “Yes, Sir. The first hit was more like a soft caress against my skin; the second one was like a hand slap against my ass.”

  “Thank you, Regina.” Colby ran his hand over her back. “While you didn’t see anything, every time you use a flogger, you have to remember the power you put behind it. For example.” Colby walked back to the table and picked up a bullhide flogger.

  With care, he flicked it, and Regina yelped.

  “This is bullhide; it is very heavy and thuddy, but a sharp thuddy.” Colby motioned the Dom forward. Colby handed him the suede flogger. “Use it against your arm.” The man did, then Colby handed him the bullhide one. The Dom tried it and winced.

  “I see, Sir.” The Dom handed the flogger back and retook his seat.

  “After the demo is over, please come up and try the floggers out. One thing I should mention: These floggers are all balanced for my hands, by that, I mean they’ve been made for me. The grip fits my hand, and the handle is balanced.”

  Colby put the bullhide flogger down and picked up a leather one. He continued until he’d gone through all his floggers. He walked up to Regina. “Are you okay to do the Florentine?”

  “Oh yes, Sir.”

  The excitement in her voice made him smile. Colby glanced at Lara; she was leaning forward, watching.

  “What I’m about to do is called a Florentine. I am able to do this only after years and years of practice, and it’s not for everyone.” Colby twirled the floggers, getting his mind into the game, and approached Regina.

  The crowd let out an “ohh” as he flogged Regina, moving up and down her body. Shoulders, ass, and upper thighs. Colby didn’t do it for long, just a few minutes, then he stopped.

  There was silence for a few moments, then applause. Colby set his floggers down and grabbed the lotion. “I’m going to rub lotion into your skin, Regina.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Her voice was soft, but she was still with him.

  Colby rubbed the lotion in, his touch gentle, but impersonal. Once he was done, he grabbed the blanket and covered Regina and undid her restraints. She stepped back as he wrapped the fabric around her.

  “Aftercare?” he asked, knowing she was one who didn't always want it.

  “No need, Sir.” Regina smiled at him. “I’m nice and tingly. I think I’ll find a Dom to play with on the bondage system.”

  “Be careful, and thank you, Regina.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss against her temple.

  “It was fun to be your demo sub, Sir.
” Regina strode off the stage.

  Colby chatted with the Doms, many with questions and others wondering about the floggers. Several wanted to understand more about the balance of the flogger he’d talked about, and Colby showed them. He also explained he’d made all the floggers he used tonight.

  Several of the Doms smiled and said they would be contacting him. When the last Dom walked away, Colby put all his floggers back in his bag, and stored it in the cubbies by the bar before going to find Lara by the buffet. She was putting fresh trays on the table to replace the empty ones.

  “How did you like the demo?”

  Her eyes were bright. “It was very interesting.”

  “So is the outfit you’re wearing.” A blush warmed her cheeks.

  “Do you like it?”

  Colby drew her away from the table and pulled her into his arms. “I want to peel it off of you,” he whispered.

  Her smile lit up her entire face. “I really did enjoy your demo.” She tilted her head. “I’d love it if you’d do it to me someday. It got me all hot and bothered.”

  If his cock wasn’t already rock hard, it was now. His demo had lasted for over an hour, and Max had given him the night off. “What if I give you a personal demonstration? I can ask Max to reserve us one of the spanking benches.”

  Lara’s eyes went wide. “Ummm…”

  “I’m pushing.” He ran his finger over her flushed cheek. While she didn’t say it, the panic in her eyes said it all. It would take time for her to be comfortable playing in the club he reminded himself. “How soon can you leave?”

  Desire flashed in her eyes. “Not for a little bit yet.”

  Colby bit back a groan.

  Hannah approached them. “Sir, Ma’am.”

  Lara opened her mouth to correct her, but Colby shook his head. Lara frowned.

  “Miss Lara, Sierra asked me to come over and ask if you would show me what needed to be done so you could leave with Sir Colby.”

  Colby glanced over his shoulder to see Sierra standing with Max, a wide grin on her face. They were setting them up, and he didn’t mind.

  “Oh, but—” Lara looked at him for help.

  “Miss Sierra said she wanted to give you some time with Sir Colby and that I was to tell you the only right answer is yes.”

  Colby laughed, and Lara shook her head.

  “Okay...Sorry, I don’t know your name.”

  “Hannah, Miss Lara.”

  “First off, Hannah, it’s Lara.”

  “I’ll let you show Hannah what to do.” Colby crossed the room to where Sierra and Max were standing next to the bar. “You two set this up.”

  “Guilty,” Sierra said. “You two deserved some private time together.”

  “How do you know we’re not getting it?” Colby asked.

  “Logan told us about the break-in. He wanted everyone in the club to be on alert.”

  Colby frowned. “Have others from the club been targeted?” That would mean the break-in at Lara’s wasn’t random.

  “No, but Logan isn’t happy,” Max said.

  “Yeah.” Colby had talked to him earlier in the day. “Apparently, the burglar had his lawyer waiting when they got to the station last night.” Unwelcome news. “Maybe I should see if he has any new information.” He turned.

  Max’s hand on his arm halted Colby. “Not tonight. Go spend some time with your lady tonight.”

  “Max is right, Colby. Lara was very into the flogging scene,” Sierra said.

  Colby let out a breath. “Quit playing matchmaker,” he said softly to Sierra.

  “Who me?” Sierra fluttered her eyes, and Colby laughed.

  “Now you see why she always has me tied in knots,” Max said.

  “I do?” Sierra’s voice held surprise.

  Colby shook his head and walked back across the room to Lara and Hannah. They were chatting and laughing. “Ready?” Colby asked.

  “I think so,” Lara said.

  “Please don’t worry, Lara. I used to work at a restaurant; I know what to do,” Hannah said.

  Colby looped his arm around Lara’s waist and led her away. If he didn’t, she’d stand there another hour or more. Max and Sierra stood by the door with Colby’s bag and Lara’s purse and another bag.

  “How did you get my things?” Lara’s voice held surprise.

  “Override for emergencies, like this one.” Sierra grinned.

  “Leave your bike in the lot. You can pick it up tomorrow or Monday, whenever you need it,” Max told Colby.

  “Thanks.” Lara took her purse, and he took the bags and guided her out to her vehicle. “Will you allow me to drive?”

  She stopped and looked at him. “Okay.” She dropped the keys into his palm. Surprise jolted his body. “Thank you,” he said. Colby blew out a breath as he opened the passenger door for her. He didn’t want to argue, but he didn’t want her driving. Once she was in, he dropped their bags in back before he got in.

  He had to push the driver’s seat back as far as it would go. Lara laughed.

  “Hey, I’m a big guy.”

  She ran her hand over his arm. “Yes, you are.” Her voice had dropped to a seductive level, and his cock pulsed.

  Colby drove away from the club. “My place okay?” he asked.

  “Yes. Hannah mentioned Logan was telling people about local break-ins and to be careful.”

  “Yeah, we’re a community that protects our own.” Colby reached over and took her hand in his.

  “So maybe it was just a random break-in,” Lara remarked.

  “Are you still worried?” She’d seemed fine this morning, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t concerned.

  “A little bit. Today was bridge day at Aunt Tammy’s house. They were still playing when I left, so that makes me feel better. Plus, the new locks. Thank you for that.”

  “Any idea why your alarm was off?” He still found that odd. He’d made sure it was set last night and again today when he left after installing the locks. Lara had given him a special code.

  “I could have forgotten to set it.”

  “Not likely.”

  “I have to agree. I called the alarm company. They’re going to send me a report on the codes used and when. Plus, I got the information on how to change my code.”

  “Good. What about the café?”

  “Oh the café is fully alarmed as well.”

  “I’m glad you have a system at the café too.” It bothered him that the man hadn’t tried to take anything. Logan mentioned this morning the man had a long list of B&E’s. But that was it. Interesting that he’d lawyered up so quickly.

  Colby pulled up to his place. “Stay here,” he said. Lara frowned at him, but she didn’t move.

  Chapter 10

  Colby got out and jogged up the steps to his place. He automatically glanced at his mother’s house. Security lights on, dark inside, and all looked well. After opening his apartment, he made sure everything was as it should be and no one else was in the apartment, then he went back down the steps to the car. He pulled their bags out of the car and escorted Lara upstairs.

  “Are you always this protective?” she asked as he closed and locked the door.

  “Yes. I won’t risk you getting hurt.” He ran his fingers over her cheek and saw her shiver.

  “Colby,” she started, then glanced at the floor. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t need to say anything.” He led her into his bedroom and dropped their bags on the floor.

  Lara took her jacket off and his mouth watered. “Damn, woman, you look good.”

  “Thank goodness for Sierra. She helped me pick it out.

  “She did?”

  Lara nodded. “I wanted to surprise you.”

  “That you did.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “I want to peel the outfit off of you.”

  “Please.” Her voice was soft, but passion flared in her eyes.

  Colby undid the buttons on the blouse, sliding it off her shou
lders. Next came the boy shorts. He laid both on the chair and took in Lara from head to toe. She stood there in bikini briefs.

  “I don’t know how I made it out of the club without ravishing you.”

  Her skin flushed. “I want you to ravish me and more.” Her voice was soft.

  “Get on the bed while I gather a few things.” He turned away, trying to keep his cock under control.

  He opened his closet and looked at his toys there. He grabbed some items for them to use. When he turned back, Lara was lying on her side watching him.

  “You are so damn beautiful.” His dick pulsed with need and desire. He crossed to the bed and dropped the items on the side table. “Rabbit flogger, sensation mitt, and nipple clamps. Are you okay with all of it?”

  She licked her lips. “Yes, Sir.”

  Colby removed his hoodie and removed the rest of his clothes. His cock was hard. “Keep that up and I’ll have those lips wrapped around my dick.”

  “As if that would be a hardship, Sir.”

  Her words hit him like a rogue wave, almost sending him to his knees. Lara was so open and adventurous with him in private. “Not tonight.” As much as he’d love to have her mouth on him, he wouldn’t last more than a minute with her luscious lips wrapped around his cock.

  Kneeling on the bed, he hooked his fingers under the fabric of the bikini briefs at her waist and peeled them off her. “Roll onto your stomach,” he said as he grabbed the sensation mitt. Once Lara was on her stomach, he ran the mitt over her back.

  “Ohhhh, that is nice, Sir.”

  “It’s designed to awaken the nerves.”

  “It does that, Sir.”

  * * * *

  Lara closed her eyes as Colby caressed her with the mitt. It was soft against her skin, almost like a caress. Slowly, the tension of the last few days dropped away. As he stroked her body, new sensations awakened.

  Her pussy tightened when he caressed her ass. The flogging scene earlier this evening had gotten her hot and bothered. Heck, just putting on the leather outfit had awakened her libido.

  She’d been worried about wearing the boy shorts and gauzy blouse, but Sierra convinced her it was the right look. Sierra had been right. The passion and fire in Colby’s gaze when he saw her had made Lara grateful she’d been sitting down.