Sir Max returned her smile. “Could I persuade you to walk with me? We've added a good deal of equipment since you were here last, I'd be honored to give you the grand tour."
He was exactly as she remembered—thin, wiry, and streamlined, with the body of a marathon runner. His conservative haircut showed off his sandy blond hair and she wondered if he were a lawyer, but his strong hands—with slender, artistic fingers—made her think architect.
"I'd like that. What's your favorite piece of equipment?"
"I prefer the simple,” he said, as they stepped into the play area. “The two poles in the back, floor to ceiling, with attachment points every six inches. I love to bind my victim with legs and arms spread tight between the poles, holding her still, making movement impossible so I know she'll be in the same place when the leather hits as she was when I took aim. They have enough room around them to wield a single tail, which is another bonus."
They walked and talked, keeping the conversation light, and everything hypothetical. Dana finally stopped and touched his arm, hoping he'd understand she was ready to leave the conjecture behind. He faced her, smiled. “Yes, it's time for us to have a more serious talk. Let's sit and get comfortable for this part, join me at a table?"
She nodded and followed him to a quieter section of the club.
"You're looking for someone to Top you?"
"Yes, but not just anyone. I remember you, I've seen you with the bullwhip, watched you flog and whip others into subspace. Plus, Brent trusts you.” She glanced at her hands, raised her eyes back to his. “You've made me feel comfortable, and I think I trust you enough to let go and enjoy."
"You realize I'm not a Dom? I won't give you orders. You tell me what you're looking for, and we'll see about making it happen. I'm not your sub, you can't order me around, but you aren't my submissive, either. We're equals. You want pain; I'll enjoy giving it to you. No power exchange."
Smiling with relief, she said, “Exactly. I want Topped without having to submit. I want to go deep into subspace.” She leaned forward, her gaze intense, needing to make sure he understood. “I'm asking for serious pain. Not just the flogger, but maybe the cane, or something as demanding. If you're up to it, I'd love to reach the point of wanting the single tail—of needing the single tail. I crave that feeling."
His eyes kindled with arousal as they focused on her, the corner of his mouth lifting as he said, “I love it when a woman knows what she needs and isn't afraid to ask for it. I have an idea, and if Brent agrees, I'd like to have him flog your back while I work on your front. Would that be okay?"
"Ummm, Brent doesn't like girls. I don't think he'd be interested."
"We've done it before, him flogging a girl's back while I work her front, and we trade off, so I work one side of a man while he does the other. I'm not attracted to men, but I find I can still enjoy the process of watching where they are and taking them farther. Brent's the only other Top here who can handle two floggers as expertly as, well, it sounds cocky and I don't mean it to, but he's the only one who can keep up with me in a Florentine. If you're comfortable with it, I think we can give you quite a ride."
Dana looked around, saw Brent sitting at a table, Jacob kneeling at his feet, totally naked, collar attached to leash and loosely draped over Brent's leg, and she was struck again at how beautiful they were together. She turned back to Max. “We can ask him if he's up for it, but I think he's got plans for Jacob and I don't want to interfere."
"I'm positive he's figured you into his plans for the evening as well as Jacob. From our conversation while you were handling paperwork, I believe he sees himself as your protector tonight, and he's taking the role quite seriously. Jacob will always be his priority, but he's happy to have you back in his life as his friend. Come, let's go talk to him."
Max sat beside Brent, and Dana chose to sit across from Max and beside Jacob. She started to give his shoulder a caress and stopped, looking to Brent for permission, as she wasn't sure if he wanted Jacob touched at the moment. Brent nodded and said, “Thanks for checking, I appreciate it. You can touch him now, and throughout the evening as long as I don't have him restrained. He'll likely be on a leash all night, but if he's secured another way please check with me before interacting with him. Otherwise, feel free."
Dana scooted to the edge of her chair and Jacob immediately understood the offer, leaning into her and laying his head in her lap. She ran her fingers through his silky blond hair, zoning out as Max and Brent talked about the timing for the evening. She didn't care about the logistics; she was enjoying Jacob's warmth beside her, the weight of his head on her thigh, and his soft hair in her hand as she stroked his head.