How Cassie Got Her Grind Back(Divine Creek Ranch 23)(40)
“He used a strap.”
“Yes, on her bare bottom.”
Well that answers that question. “But he enjoys things like spanking people.”
Joseph chuckled. “He enjoyed the moment, yes, that’s undeniable, but not in the manner you’re probably imagining. I explained club etiquette in clear terms for her, but as you probably know, Bunny has an irrepressible side. Being intuitive, she zeroed in on him that night because he was sitting alone at the bar, talking to no one. She risked her own ass, quite literally, to cheer him up, pestering him until he had no choice.”
“He just beat her on the spot?”
“Cassandra, I wish you wouldn’t use that word. It’s unnecessarily harsh for describing a night that is a cherished memory of mine. No. He didn’t beat her on the spot because doing so would be a tremendous breach of protocol since she was my guest. He brought her to me and asked for her to be dealt with, which I did—”
“You beat—I mean disciplined her?”
Joseph cleared his throat, a decidedly telling sound at her interruption. “Samson isn’t the only sadist you know, Cassie.”
“Well, hell. Why didn’t I figure that one out? Okay, so…”
“After delivering a light punishment with a leather strap, I sent her to him, along with the strap, for him to administer the final lick. He received nonverbal approval from me before delivering one solid swat. Her reaction,” he said with a chuckle, “was so adorable he had to hug her on the spot. I think that was one of her first steps toward trusting men again, as well as her first lesson in submission. There’ve been many since.”
“You make it all sound so non-scary.”
His chuckle had an evil lilt to it. “Not my intention at all. But I do want you to understand that the play within the walls of Hazelle House is safe, sane, and consensual. I deal harshly with anyone who doesn’t abide by my rules in the club.”
“Okay. And Samson didn’t make you call me to tell me all this?”
“No one makes me do anything, my dear.” With a chuckle he added, “Well, Bunny may be the exception to that rule. She makes me crazy.” His warm laughter set her at ease, and then he said, “She was worried last night, afraid she’s responsible for breaking the three of you up. She said it was bad enough she’d messed things up for…what does she call him? Grumpy Grizzly. But then she said she’d also made collateral damage out of his teddy bear brother or something along those lines.”
“Ivan’s definitely a teddy bear. Please make sure she knows she hasn’t ruined anything.”
“I will. Listen, I have a proposition for you.”
“That sounds scary, coming from a sadistic Dominant. Or would it be a dominant sadist?”
“Either as long as you consider my proposal. I’d like to help you develop a true understanding of what sadism is, and what it isn’t, within a club setting. I know you have questions you want to ask that only Samson can answer, but I can provide you with the background you need. I think he’s worth you taking the time, don’t you?”
“Joseph, you are a master manipulator.”
“Proudly optimizing outcomes since opening Hazelle House several years ago. So you’ll come for a tour?”
“When there’s no one around, right? With all the lights on?”
The deep chuckle sent ripples up her spine. “No. On a BDSM night, with the lights dimmed and the music loud, as my special guest.”
Was she ready to fall down that rabbit hole? “Sir, I’m a small-town Texas girl.”
“You say that as if it’s a bad thing. With my luck, Bunny will be teaching you all of her bad habits within fifteen minutes of arrival.”
That’s not what I’m most afraid of.
Chapter Nine
Samson scanned the seating area of the coffee shop and beyond, to the food prep area behind the two pastry cases and the service counter. The industrious sound of pots and pans banging around sounded from behind the partition concealing part of the kitchen from public view.
“Hi! Welcome to Divine Drip,” Cassie’s familiar and lovely voice called as she popped her head around the corner from the drive-thru window. “I’ll be right with—” Recognition dawned in her eyes, and her smile lit the room. “Oh, hi! I’ll be done here in a flash. Just give me a few seconds, okay?”
“Sure, take your time.” The coffee shop was more than half empty since they’d arrived ahead of her usual lunch crowd.
Ivan walked over to get a look at the confections lining the interior of the pastry cases, while also checking out her kitchen.