Page 43 of Master My Love

His arm around her waist, he pulled her close and explained in a whisper, “Sam’s loopy Johnny is as intense as an impact instrument gets without being an actual whip.”

Tara hissed, writhing in her restraints as her master applied four rapid strokes. Her voice trembled as she begged her dom to stop, apologizing profusely and promising never to approach a student in class again. When he didn’t show any intention of stopping, Val clutched Eric’s forearm.

“He’s not listening. Shouldn’t someone step in?”

“Tara and Samson have been together for years and their scenes can get intense. I’d be shocked if they didn’t discuss safewords before beginning, especially for a demonstration.”

“They did. It’s red.”

His arm flexed, holding her tighter. “Then we let it play out, little newbie. She knows how to end it, and that he will honor her safeword if she uses it.”

Master Samson paused and prompted her for a rating.

“Nine, sir. It makes therubber paddle seem like child’s play.”

“Six more and we’re done here. Count them aloud.”

Countingin reverse, by the time she reached one, her keening cries echoed off the high ceiling.

After the final blow, Samson tossed the wicked tool to Julianna and approached his wife. He moved in close, his front pressed to her side and his lips to her ear. Val couldn’t hear what he said, but from the way his other hand, enormous like the paw of a grizzly, gently caressed the inflamed skin of her bottom and thighs, she guessed they were words of comfort.

To Val, it seemed like a loving caress. The demonstration, although fascinating, confused her. While it had been intense. Intended as a punishment, it often seemed playful. The couple’s amusing banter, particularly Tara’s dry wit, had the observers laughing at least twice, but in the end, she expressed contrition for what she had done.

Who wouldn’t after a dozen with that loopy thing?

When he released her from thecrossand wrapped her in a blanket which Julianna was quick to provide, he scooped her into his arms. Watching Tara nuzzle her face into his neck as he carried her away put Val’s worries at ease.

Eric turned her to face him. “What did you think of the demonstration?”

“Pleasure and pain, submission and dominance, both are at extreme ends of the spectrum, but so close they fit like pieces of a puzzle; it’s a paradox.”

“An insightful assessment, and so true.”

“She did a complete 180 from contentious domme to docile submissive.” Val shook her head, stunned. “If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. How one person can have two totally different personalities is hard to comprehend.”

“Such is the complexity of a switch. In Tara’s case, the poles are more extreme than I’ve ever encountered, but Sam deals with her well.”

“And she’s a masochist on top of it all.”

“As a therapist, you understand the intricacies of the human psyche.”

“Yes, it’s what keeps me in business.”

He chuckled. “Me, as well.”

She tipped her head back, a grin playing around her lips. “I thought you couldn’t make it today, Master Eric.”

“There was a break in the case, letting me get away briefly. I have about an hour.” His hand slid up her throat to cup her jaw. “Aren’t you happy to see me, sprite?”

“I’m thrilled, which is a turnaround from how I felt when I read your note. But I get it. Work often comes first. Was it for Rossi?”

“Yes. I think I mentioned if I’m not here, I’m usually there.”

“So many weighty responsibilities can’t leave you with much social time.”

“When it’s important to me, I make the time.” His expression turned abruptly serious. “Which reminds me, we need to have a discussion. Since the classis almost over, I think your teachers will excuse you a few minutes early.”

Not offered an option or an explanation, he caught her hand in his and pulled her along behind him.

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