The Prize by International Bestselling Author Ashe Barker

Chapter 7: St. Andrew's Cross

The huge space looks to have been a ballroom originally, and one which would have graced even the most sophisticated Georgian mansion in a previous era. The room has been refurbished to suit the needs of today's BDSM community, with items of equipment or specialized furniture dotted around. A St. Andrews cross is situated right in the centre, and a cluster of members are grouped around it watching a naked male sub receive a flogging. His soft moans and sighs indicate his pleasure, while his fierce-looking Domme paces around his writhing form, delivering occasional lashes with a long, suede flogger. Mark strides past, but I pause to look.

"Do you want to watch, Jessie?" asks Greg in a low murmur. It's important not to disturb the mood of the scene

"May I? Just for a minute," I whisper back.

Both men stand behind me as I take in the sensual beauty of the tableau before us. For the first year of my submissive journey I did almost nothing but watch others playing out scenes, and it never fails to move me. In the past I ached to be on the receiving end of all that devoted attention, and I used to envy the submissives having such a heady time while all I could do was share in their pleasure vicariously. Then a kindly older Dom offered me my first proper spanking, and I was away. I have never been short of play partners since, and I like to think I'm a rewarding enough submissive though I daresay I'm not the best judge.

My recent move to London to take up a new job has sort of thrown me back to the beginning. I'll have to get to know a new fetish scene here, but this evening is a fabulous start.

The scene comes to an end and the Domme crouches to release her sub's ankles. I turn to Mark.

"Thank you. I enjoyed that."

"You're welcome."

"I think I might like to remove my corset." It has not escaped my attention that there are no other submissives present who are wearing more than just a thong.

"Okay. Do you need help unlacing it?"

I shake my head. This one fastens at the front and it takes no time to undo the laces and peel it away from my body. I stand still, arms at my sides, shoulders back as both men peruse my naked breasts. I'm fairly comfortable with my body, as much as anyone is, I suppose. Even so, it's always a little daunting to be naked, or as near as hardly matters, in front of men I only met an hour ago.

"Ah, such a gorgeous girl," observes Greg. "Fucking you will be an absolute pleasure."

I smile, relieved. "Thank you, Sir." I steal a swift glance downwards to observe two very promising-looking bulges in the front of their jeans.

"Do you want a drink, Jessie?" Mark's invitation is casual enough. "We need to decide which of us gets to take your arse. Should we toss for it, do you think?"

He addresses his final remark to Greg.

"Fairest way, I suppose." Greg takes my elbow and guides me in the direction of a bank of comfortable sofas. "A beer for me, please. And for you, Jessie?"

"Could I have a small white wine, please?" Not all clubs serve alcohol, but I've noticed that this one does appear to.

"Coming up." Mark heads off in the direction of a small bar at the far end of the play room whilst Greg and I make ourselves comfortable.

A few moments pass in silence, then I turn to Greg. "Do you and Mark always play together? As a pair, I mean?"

He laughs. "Hell, no. Hardly ever, actually, but we read your profile and we both liked the sound of you. And you requested a double Dom session as your prize, so you got the pair of us."

"Oh. I see. So, you don't know each other that well then?"

"I didn't say that. We're friends and business partners, and we share a similar kink so that helps as well."

"Oh, what business do you run?"

"We import fine wines, mainly for the restaurant trade."

"That sounds interesting."

He grins at me. "No, it doesn't. What is interesting is you. I can tell by your accent that you're not from London originally."

"No, Newcastle."

"Just visiting then?"

"No, I relocated here for work a couple of weeks ago. I thought this evening might help me to meet other..." I hesitate, uncertain how to describe my motives.

"Others who like the same kinky games you do?" offers Greg helpfully, as Mark arrives with our drinks.

"Yes, I suppose so."

"Is it working?" This from Mark.

"Oh yes, I'm having a fabulous time."

His dark eyes regard me over the lip of his opened bottle of Budweiser. "Will you be back at Vivant, then? After this evening?"

"Oh yes, definitely, but only for the next month, while I have my complementary membership. I don't think I can afford it otherwise."

Mark places his bottle on the table before him. "You could be an associate member, and then you could be signed in by any full member. I'd be happy to oblige, any time."

"Oh! Would you?" I can't conceal my surprise.

"Of course. Why would I not?"

"I thought... you seem to disapprove of me. You're always frowning, and—"

He shakes his head, his grin amused. "Honey, I know I'm a taciturn bastard. It goes with the territory. For the record, and just so we're clear here, I think you're fucking gorgeous, a beautiful submissive. You're welcome at Vivant any time. Right, Greg?"

"Fuck, yes." Greg takes a drink of his beer. "Any time at all."

I bask in their praise for several minutes as we enjoy our drinks and absorb the vibe around us. The mood in here is relaxed, easy, uninhibited. Several couples are making use of the facilities, and the occasional sound of a slap or a squeal punctuates the otherwise low hum of voices. The members around the St. Andrew's cross disperse and the equipment stands empty.

"Looks like we're up," announces Greg.

"Right." Mark puts down his drink. "Ready for a little more entertainment, Jessie?"

"What? Where are we going?" I take Greg's hand and he pulls me to my feet. "What about our drinks?"

"Leave them there, they'll be fine."

I see no cause to doubt that, so I amble along in the wake of my now stern companions. They lead me to the now vacant cross.

"I think we might lose the skirt at this stage," suggests Mark.

I glance about me, to find no one is taking any interest at all. I daresay that could change once the scene starts, but for now...

"Yes, of course." There was never really any doubt. I peel off my skin-tight latex, to leave just my rather beautiful and ridiculously expensive stockings. "Should I...?"

"No, leave those. We love them."

I nod and step up to the cross. "How do you want me?"

They grin and exchange a look. Greg's lip quirks as he answers me. "Badly, little Jessie. Very badly indeed."