The Prize by International Bestselling Author Ashe Barker

Chapter 2: Yes, Sirs

"No, madam. I am Pemberton, as I believe I mentioned. And I am absolute Master here."

"I... see." I regard the imposing figure with renewed respect. Is this man to be one of the Doms who will attend to my somewhat singular needs, then?

"Good. If you would accompany me, Miss Barnett, we can get the formalities sorted out and you may proceed with your evening's entertainment."

I nod, then follow him in silence as he crosses the hallway and shows me into a small ante room. There is a table and one chair in the centre of the space. A sheet of thick, cream-coloured paper lies on the table, and alongside it a pen.

"Please read our terms of business, Miss Barnett, and if you find everything acceptable perhaps you would be so good as to sign the document where indicated. Once that is completed, you may remove your outer clothing and leave it here along with your handbag, phone and any other personal items. I shall ensure they are kept safely for you and you may retrieve your things from me before you leave. When you are ready, please proceed into the playroom which has been assigned to you and your companions for the evening. You will find it through that door." He pauses to indicate the door at the opposite end from the one we entered by. "You will receive further instructions at that stage. So, do you have any questions for me now?"

"No, thank you. Sir." I add the last, as an afterthought. Pemberton bows his head, then withdraws to leave me alone in the room.

The document is fairly standard consent form stuff, confirming my agreement to be restrained, paddled, spanked and other similar 'treatments' as well as my right to call a halt to any and every activity by using the universally understood traffic lights system of safe words. It requires me to indemnify the establishment against any claim for liability in the event of some mishap befalling me whilst engaged in said activities, and requires me to not divulge details of the Vivant Club to any individual outside these premises.

I've read enough legal documentation to know what to look for, and also to appreciate that this particular piece of paper will never be brandished in a court of law. It has no legal force whatsoever, but rather it serves to express our expectations of each other. I skim it, then sign and leave the pen on top of the sheet.

I stand, remove my trench coat and fold it up before placing it on the seat of the chair. I place my small clutch bag on top of it, my phone inside. I have no qualms at all about leaving my belongings behind. I draw in a breath, set my shoulders, and reach for the door handle to enter the playroom.

                                                                                            *****

I expect darkness, or at least subdued lighting, but find neither. The room I enter is well lit, and whilst not especially large, I can see at a glance that it is equipped with a dizzying array of toys and implements. I turn in a slow circle, taking stock.

A spanking bench dominates one end of the room, and a plain wooden chair, without arms, is at the other end. The wall before me is mirrored. My own rather startled-looking reflection peers back at me from the glass. I took particular care over my appearance this evening, but despite my efforts I look dishevelled and unprepared, my shoulder-length dark hair more tousled than artfully curled. My short red latex skirt is creased so I pull it smooth again, then adjust my black and crimson corset. I can cover my breasts or my abdomen, not both. I opt for my breasts, and twist to check the seam on my thigh-high stockings. Not too shabby.

I move across the room to examine the items hanging from a display rail beside the St. Andrew's cross. There are paddles of varying weights and design, whips, crops, more canes than I personally care for, floggers and all manner of restraints. I select a pair of soft leather cuffs and press them to my nose to inhale the sensuous aroma. My pussy starts to moisten in anticipation.

"You may put that pair on, if you like them, and select another pair for your ankles, Miss Barnett."

I whirl, startled, at the disembodied voice. The room is empty, of course, and the sound system carefully concealed. I can see the camera though, mounted in the ceiling, and I realize I have been watched all along. They probably observed me in the ante room too.

"I... you gave me a shock, " I announce, though the comment is irrelevant.

"I know." He sounds unrepentant. "My name is Mark, and my associate for this evening is Greg. We are both delighted to welcome you to Vivant. May we use your first name, Miss Barnett?"

I note he makes no apology for startling me. I look up into the cameras as I voice my response. "Yes, of course. It's Jessie."

"I know that too, Jessie. So, please would you do as I ask now?"

"Could we, I mean... I'd like to actually meet you before we..." I pause, not sure what I want to ask for.

"You will come to know us well enough, Jessie. And we'll know you intimately by the end of this evening. For the avoidance of doubt, we both expect you to follow our instructions immediately and without argument or face the consequences. Is that clear?"

"But—"

"Jessie, be careful. If anything I have asked you to do is unclear you may request more information, otherwise just obey. Now." His tone has hardened, sharpened. The discussion is over before it ever really began.

"Right, Sir. Now." I fasten the cuffs around each of my wrists, then choose a slightly bigger pair and crouch to attach those to each ankle. I stand up and look back into the camera. "Anything else, Sir? Sirs?"

"You'll need a blindfold too. We left one for you on top of the spanking bench."

I nod and go over to the bench. The blindfold is leather too, padded around the edges to exclude any peripheral vision, with a Velcro fastener.

"Should I put this on now, Sir?"

"Yes, please. Then we want you to remove any underwear and arrange yourself on the bench, lengthways. Get your bearings before you put on the blindfold as you won't be able to see anything after."