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“They come in different kinds?”A doormat was a doormat, wasn’t it?
Jackson chuckled at that. “So many people, so many tastes. There are also submissives who aren’t necessarily into service but who benefit from guidance by a Dominant in some area of their lives. I know that Laura runs regularly now because of James. One of the reasons I want to suggest a trial contract for two or three months is so we can find out how we might fit together.”
“This sounds awfully complicated.”
“Why don’t you be my guest at Club Indigo next Saturday, and you can see some of the different types of relationships there are?”
“Why on earth would I set a foot in a club that objectifies women? I’ve been fighting for women’s equality for years.”
Why couldn’t he get this?
She’d worked hard to be treated fairly in the police department. She expected it in the rest of her life as well.
Jackson looked like she’d thrown a stun grenade at him. “The club doesn’t objectify women. Haven’t you heard what I’ve been saying? BDSM isn’t like that. We worship our submissives. Besides, not only women are submissive, men are, too.”
“You do? They are?” As the questions left her lips, Paula realized Kate had told her she was dominant and some men were submissive. She hadn’t given it much thought at the time, being too preoccupied with her own concerns.
“The inclination to submit or to dominate isn’t gender specific. There are people in high-power jobs, like CEOs and lawyers, both men and women who like to let go and relax by submitting.” Jackson’s expression was serious. “It doesn’t makea person weak. On the contrary, many submissives I know are very strong and capable.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it. I don’t understand it, and I can’t imagine I’d like it,” she replied.
“Come with me and experience it, please. Give me a chance to change your mind.” Jackson lifted her hand to his mouth and placed a tender kiss before he let go. She felt the loss of the connection—his warmth had been more than merely physical touch.
Paula placed both her hands in her lap and leaned back in her chair. Go with Jackson to Club Indigo? Did she want to go there? She’d declined Laura’s offer to attend her collaring ceremony for a reason—she didn’t feel comfortable with men whipping women for fun. She thought back to the conversation she’d had with Kate and what Jackson had just said. BDSM wasn’t about abusing women, and men were submissive, too.
Although she’d freaked out the next morning after her one night with Jackson, it had been the best sex she’d ever had. A big part of that had been his domineering manner, like when he’d ordered her to hold the headboard. Paula closed her eyes and pressed her legs together against the insistent throbbing at their apex. Yes, that had been freaking hot! Was it worth trying out this BDSM stuff for more of that great sex?
Laura and Suzie both seemed happy, and neither was any kind of doormat. Maybe this stuff wasn’t as crazy as she’d assumed. She opened her eyes, met his ice blue stare, and answered. “Okay, I’ll go with you next weekend.”
She was rewarded with a dashing smile.
CHAPTER TEN
On Saturday night, Jackson escorted her to the entrance of an industrial-looking building. Paula’s heart was beating fast in anticipation. If she was honest, she was both dreading and looking forward to the evening.
Damn Jackson Cagney for making me feel this unbalanced.
She drew a fortifying breath and rubbed her damp palms on her jeans. When she’d asked Jackson about the dress code, he’d told her he would take care of it, whatever that meant. Maybe she was allowed to wear street clothes, since she was a guest. Before she could ponder further, the door opened to reveal a familiar face.
“Good evening, Kate.” Jackson kissed the beautiful redhead on the cheek.
Kate smiled at him and returned his greeting, before turning to her. “Paula? When Jackson told me he was bringing a guest, I didn’t think it would be you. Welcome to Club Indigo.”
Paula let herself be pulled into an embrace that she returned with warm affection. She might be apprehensive about the lifestyle, but she genuinely liked the people in it she had met thus far.
“A few things we need to go over. Since you’re here as a guest, you are not allowed to play.”
It turned out that she had to go over an extensive list of rules and had to sign a waiver and a non-disclosure agreement. The rules were both reassuring and frightening. She could understand rules about cameras not being allowed and condoms being mandatory. Rules about sobriety, cleaning equipment—whatever that may include—and no interference made a lot of sense. But?—
“What are DMs?”
Kate was quick to answer. “DM is short for dungeon monitor. They’re volunteers who make sure everything is safe, sane, and consensual. We also assist with the scenes if the Dom asks, or”—Kate smiled and shot a glance at Jackson—“if the Top gets in over his or her head.”
“Top?”
“I keep forgetting how new you are to the lifestyle.” Kate smiled. “Dominants and submissives go by different names. A Top simply means someone who is exercising some sort of control over another person, whom we call the bottom.”
Paula nodded, although she didn’t really get this strange world she was about to enter. She continued reading the rules until she came to a paragraph about extreme play, including blood, golden showers, and scat. To her immense relief, all were prohibited in the club. Drugs weren’t allowed, and although alcohol was, it was discouraged before play.
