Dominating Iris

To be free

Then she noticed Khalisi wasn't paying attention to her, but kept her gaze at someone behind her on stage. The woman beamed at Alex with libidinous eyes.

"But you got my back... my friends got my back... Alex..." she turned to Alex, who probably didn't hear what she was saying because he engaged the woman in a staring contest. Amanda looked back at her audience. "Alex had been my greatest comfort. He's my best friend, my best fuck buddy..." she paused as the audience howled, "... the best dom I know— well, aside from Morris, of course," she said.

"Alex designed my costume, by the way, he did it with his bare hands... and told me I was going as Joan of Arcadia or whatever... and I thought I looked disgusting. I didn't like it... but then I realized it was exactly how I looked through the world's eyes— a disgusting slut, all tied-up, whipped, and naked— and I deserved to be punished. Little did they know that I actually enjoyed it." She laughed.

"And I have Morris to thank for the whipping I got last night, it took me to subspace... or whatever that is— it was amazing." She said, turned around and showed her freshly whipped ass. Hoots and laughter erupted.

"Well, I guess I've managed my two-page worth of speech... again, thank you all for the warmth and love. Happy Hallow's Eve, everyone," she blew the crowd a kiss and waved.

"Thank you for that warm message, Iris, it melted my heart." Georgie said when she took the microphone from Amanda. "How about we give her another round, friends. Now, to take the fun going up a notch, please welcome our guest band from the Philippines who will rock this ship with their music." The audience broke into a frenzied applause as Alex took Amanda's hand and led her off the stage.

A popular 70s tune came up as they walked back to their table. "I love this song," Alex said, as he sang a line, "... I got you babe..." and gave her a squeeze on the shoulders.

Amanda draped her cape around her shoulders before she took her seat. Still puzzled and annoyed with Alex's flirtations with the hot Khalisi, she avoided looking his way and toyed with her drink.

The band segued to a song, 'After All' by Cher and Peter Cetera. Couples started flocking to the dance floor.

"Dad used to play this song a lot when I was young, it's his favorite. Let's dance, Iris." Alex pulled her into his arms, and danced with her right beside their table.

She let him take the lead and pressed her face on his chest as he swayed her. She felt a twinge in her chest as she listened to the words of the song, and memories of them together floated in her head...

I still remember when your kiss was so brand new...

Every memory repeats, every step I take retreats

Every journey brings me back to you...

After all the stops and starts, we keep coming back to these two hearts.

Two angels who've been rescued from the fall...

After all that we've been through, it all comes down to me and you.

I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all.

The song and the memories enraptured her, she couldn't tell if Alex was truly kissing her in that moment.

Then he broke the kiss with a smile, "They're playing our song, Iris, it's about us."

She smiled back but didn't reply. The heat that grew inside her, and wanted him to take her right where they stood.

"Hey," Alex caressed her arm, "I have to go and check the exhibit to make sure everything is prepped before it opens."

"Sure," she said as she returned to her seat and twirled the ice in her whiskey glass once more. She turned as he walked away, and saw the Khalisi woman walk out ahead of him.

She looked around at her friends who were occupied in their own humorous discussions, but she wasn't in the mood to join in. Jo and Justin didn't talk much, but their hands were all over each other, oblivious to their surroundings.

"Excuse me, I need to get some air," she said to no one in particular, and walked out of the hall.

She knew it would be chilly out on the deck and hoped her woolen cape would keep her warm enough.

The deck was empty, except for the barkeep wiping up the counter in his Superman outfit. He waved at her when she stepped out, "An old fashioned for you, Iris?" he said.

"Sure, that would be great, thanks." She smiled and walked towards the railing to watch the waves. The ship had gone miles away from land as New York harbor faded into a misty horizon of skyscrapers, and the only thing recognizable was the towering silhouette of the Statue of Liberty. The snapping autumn winds warned of a harsh winter coming.

The bartender brought her drink over. "It's a bit chilly out here, Iris, I made you a double shot to keep you warm," he said.

"That's quite thoughtful of you, Superman, thanks," she said with a wink as he zoomed back to the bar.

Alex dominated her thoughts, mixed with feelings of confusion and annoyance. Jealousy struck her as silly but destructive, she wanted to brush it away— but its sticky claws clung to her. She tried to inject the thought of freedom in their open relationship, but her heart refused to agree.

"I'm sure you didn't come as Elsa from Disney's Frozen. Can I give you a bit of warmth?" Said a low voice behind her, she turned around.

It was Khal Drogo up close and had just gotten personal. She smiled up at him in surprise. "Hey, I'm fine, but you gave me a scare."

"I'm Jace, by the way. I hope you don't mind if I join you?" he said.

She really wanted to be alone and chill out, but welcomed the hot distraction. "Not at all, Jace, that would be nice. I'm Iris."

"Everyone knows you around here, Iris. I came out here because Denise went with Alex, and left me with no one to talk to," he said, and noticed the surprise on her face. "Oh... you didn't know? Sorry, I thought he'd told you..." he said.

"No, he didn't... but he didn't have to tell me anyway... he's free to go with anyone. I just thought he went somewhere else." She said and turned her gaze toward the sea.

"So, what are you doing out here in the cold with that... outfit? Although that flimsy gown is hot as hell, I don't think you'll last another minute without turning into a popsicle... which I would love to lick up even in the dead of winter." He teased.

She blushed. "I'm fine, really. This wool cape is doing a great job to keep we warm. I don't mind the cold anyway."

"Would you mind if I get my hands warmed up inside it?"

She stared up at him and smiled. "Go ahead."

He slipped his hands through the flaps of her cape and glided on her warm skin. "I think we need some more heat going, Iris..." as he closed in and explored the source of heat between her legs. She moaned.

Jace wanted to give her what she needed from Alex, while he gave it to somebody else.