A harsh voice directly above her jolted her to awareness.
"This is why Garnet doesn't come back? His lovely submissive is now a Domme?"
She looked up to see Sir Trent, one of Garnet's friends, standing over her with an ugly face. Before she could say anything Brent stood, draping the leash over Dana's leg, and said, “Trent, could I convince you to step away with me a few minutes?"
Brent walked him around the corner, and Jacob used his hand to caress her leg over her dress—supportive, not sexual.
Max spoke from across the table. “You know, you do look like quite the Domme. I can usually tell the posers from the ones who're comfortable with their power. You look like you have nothing to prove—it fits you like a favorite pair of jeans.” His eyes turned thoughtful. “Sure you aren't a switch?"
She dropped her eyes to Jacob, his head sideways on her leg, eyes closed; and realized she was comfortable topping him only because he so freely gave his submission.
Lifting her gaze to Max, she said, “I've never wanted to Top anyone else, but it's natural with Jacob. Plus, I know how he's feeling, on the floor at his Master's feet.” She ran her hands through Jacob's hair, taking comfort in the gentle strength he was offering. “I can't look too far ahead yet, I'm still taking everything day by day, doing what feels good now, and not worrying about the future too much until I figure out the present."
"You've got a good head on your shoulders, and a healthy outlook. You'll get it figured out. As for the present—Brent has some ideas for the evening that'll include all of us.” He shrugged. “I'm not bisexual, but I'm not opposed to group sex with the four of us as long as I'm not doing it with either of the guys. Whether you and I have sex is entirely up to you. I play safe, use condoms, and I've had a vasectomy. Don't answer now; we'll see how things go. No pressure."
He tilted his head. “I'm looking forward to exploring how far I can take you. Do you want me to build the endorphins slowly, or would you prefer I do it quickly, so your feel-good chemicals have a hard time keeping up?"
"Not slow, please. Not too hasty, but I'd rather you erred on the fast side, if you have to decide."
Brent walked back to the table by himself, without Sir Trent. He leaned down and didn't so much kiss Jacob as use his lips to caress his forehead. He stood, giving Dana the same treatment before taking his seat.
"Sir Trent wanted to apologize in person, but I suggested you were mine for the evening and I didn't wish you be further upset. I hope you're not angry with my claim, I should've checked with you first before...” He drummed his fingers absently on the table as he considered his words. “But I don't believe you're up to the conversation he'll want to have after he apologizes. If you'd prefer to speak with him you can, I'm not trying to imply I can dictate your—"
She interrupted him. “Thank you, Brent. I probably owe him a discussion, but not tonight. I'd like to get his contact information and get in touch with him in the next couple of weeks, but thanks for shielding me."
He breathed out, obviously relieved he hadn't overstepped. “I can get that for you.” His gaze flicked to Max, returned to Dana. “Max would like me to assist him. Do you object to my using floggers on your back while he flogs your front? Florentine? Four floggers striking you at once?"
"The bigger question is how you feel about it. I didn't think you did girls?"
"Not sexually, but I can enjoy assisting another Dom as long as I'm only dealing with the back, ass, and thighs. Those are the same for both sexes.” His smile turned wry. “I don't know how breasts work, best I leave them alone. I appreciate the female form; it just doesn't do anything for me."
He lifted a shoulder and slowly let it drop. “BDSM doesn't have to be about gender, it's about control and endorphins. I'm not explaining it right, so I hope you'll take my word for it—I'll enjoy the experience, and when I let loose on Jacob afterwards, he'll benefit from it, too."
"If you're good with it then so am I, but I don't want Jacob alone while you're with me."
His eyes narrowed, but his voice stayed level. “I'm Jacob's master; he's my responsibility. Don't ever doubt I've already considered his needs before reaching a decision."
She'd irritated him. Worse, she'd questioned his role as caretaker. “I'm sorry. You're right, of course. I guess I was just trying to make sure...” She stopped, realizing that would tick him off more. “Please don't be upset with me; I said it out of concern for his feelings, not thinking I was questioning your responsibility to him—it wasn't the way I meant it to sound."