Two Loves for Alex by Claire Thompson Page B

ironically it was the same erotic suffering that thrilled her to her core. Daniel well understood this reaction as he too experienced it whenever Liam exerted his sensual power over him.
    He secured her back into the leather harness, ignoring his erection—they still had work to do. He led her back into the kitchen and pointed toward the hook where one of her sundresses hung.
    “Put that on and come sit down. Want some lemonade?” It was understood when Alex was permitted clothing she was also permitted to speak more freely. The same applied with him in front of Liam. At mealtimes they were generally dressed and the talk was less formalized and more just between friends. It was part of what Daniel loved about his relationship with Liam. While they were 24/7 Master and slave they were also 24/7 partners and best friends. He hoped to develop that easy kind of comfort in moving between roles with Alex.
    “It’s time to talk about the party.”
    “The party?” Alex sipped at her lemonade.
    “We’re having a play party next weekend.”
    “Am I invited?”
    “Not only are you invited, you’ll be the center of attention, as will I. That is, if you choose to attend. Because you’re still so new to us Liam thinks you should be given the option of going or not.” Daniel tried to keep from furrowing his brow but didn’t quite succeed.
    He had wanted to insist Alex come to the party and participate fully but Liam had overruled him, claiming it wasn’t right to push a sub past her limits, especially a relative novice like Alex.
    He’d found himself annoyed with Liam’s decision. Wasn’t Alex supposed to be his sub? Still he knew in his heart Liam was right. Not only that, Liam had the final say, period. He owned Daniel, not the other way around. This thought comforted and warmed Daniel so he smiled as he continued.
    “Liam’s been holding these parties a few times a year since before I knew him. He invites Doms and subs, mostly couples but not exclusively—people he’s met over the years in the scene. Some are heavy into the club scene, others, like us, mostly keep our play private.
    “But on party night a different set of rules apply. People may come to the door as couples, as lovers, as Master and slave or Dom and sub, but once they cross the threshold every sub is to serve every Dom in the room.
    “We’ll be expected to satisfy the whims and pleasures of all the dominant guests. It’s a chance for the Doms to show off how well their subs are trained. It’s also a chance for the subs to prove their obedience and willingness to submit to whomever it pleases their Master that they should.”
    “Wow,” Alex enthused. “It sounds intense.”
    “Oh, it is. But it’s also a lot of fun. He only invites people who are very experienced in the scene. They know better than to take advantage of someone else’s property. That doesn’t mean you won’t be whipped or even fucked by a stranger on party night but you won’t be abused.”
    He was watching her, trying to gauge her reaction to party night. She looked excited. On an impulse he reached across the table and took hold of one erect nipple poking against the fabric of her sundress. He twisted it sharply, wrenching a surprised gasp of pain from Alex.
    “So tell me. Do you accept the invitation? Think before you say yes because I won’t be the only one doing something like this and much more besides.” He grabbed the other nipple and pinched.
    Alex shut her eyes and blew air through her lips. He knew she was mastering the pain—trying to rise above it. He twisted again and she said, “Ah,” drawing out the word, an echo of pleasure and pain in equal parts.
    He let her go and stood back waiting. She opened her eyes and cupped her breasts, looking down at her crotch. “Will I have to wear this chastity belt thing?”
    Daniel threw back his head and laughed. “No, you little slut. We wouldn’t want to keep the goodies from the guests, now would