(Y/N) POV:
I follow the line of Jaemin's gaze across the hotel lobby, my heart thumping.
"If you do everything I say, I might let you have some dessert tonight."
"Yes, mistress."
"What're they doing here? I can't believe the nerve of that asshole. This is just like him. I bet he knew I'd be staying here, and he wanted me to see them together."
"Do you want to confront him?"
"No way! That's what he wants. For me to make a scene. For everything to center around him."
My eyes follow them as they head into the hotel's restaurant, Jay trailing after the dominatrix like a puppy.
"Come on. Let's get you out of here."
Jaemin wraps a strong arm around my shoulders. As he curls me against his chest, I can't help but lose myself in the embrace. Strength radiates off him, resonating in every part of my body...
"I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me. I'm usually in better control of myself."
"Control is my thing, not yours. When you're with me, it's safe to let go."
Suddenly aware of how close we're standing, and how much I like it, I force myself to take a wide step back.
"Feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you."
I catch a glimmer of movement to my right. Jay's dominatrix is heading toward the lobby bathroom...alone.
"At least, I was feeling better..."
I can't help remembering the look on her face when I walked in on her with Jay...
FLASHBACK
"My, my. Things have finally gotten interesting... Are you going to join us?"
PRESENT
"Uh oh. If I let you go into that bathroom, are you going to start a catfight?"
"No way. That woman makes a habit out of whipping people. I wouldn't stand a chance."
But even as I speak, I start moving toward the bathroom. This might be my only chance to ask her question without Jay around to influence her answers.
Closure is important. If I want to talk to her, it's now or never...
I lift my chin, resolute.
"I'm goin in."
I take a step toward the ladies' room, but Jaemin's low chuckle gives me pause.
"Do you think it's a bad idea?"
"On the contrary, I was just thinking what I'd give to by a fly on the wall. But I'll stand guard instead."
I push through the bathroom door to find Jay's dominatrix standing in front of the mirror touching up her lipstick. Although she pauses when she sees me in the reflection of the mirror, she continues what she's doing.
"I thought that was you over by the elevators."
"I want to ask you a few questions. It's the least you can do for me after you humiliated me like that."
The dominatrix puts away her lipstick and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear before turning to face me.
"You don't know anything about my line of work if you think that's what humiliation looks like..."
"That's not the point!"
"Trishana."
"What?"
"My name is Trishana. Well, Jay calls me 'mistress', but I don't think you're ready for that yet."
"Is this funny to you?"
"I never make jokes about my sex life, or the people I invite to share it."
I struggle to come up with a response, my whole body flushing from top to bottom. Trishana sees it and takes pity on me.
"Oh, sweetie. I know it won't mean much to you—at least, not right now—but I am sorry you walked in on us like that."
"But not that you slept with a married man?"
"It's not my job to ask, so I didn't. Until you appeared in the doorway, I didn't know he was married...not that I'm surprised. Jay seems like the cheating type. I can read most of my subs in a single glance."
She makes the attempt now, her sharp gaze raking over me...
"Tell me when you two started sleeping together. How long have you and Jay been...you know?"
"Not long. A few months."
A wave of relief starts to wash over me, but Trishana cuts it short.
"But I'm not his first domme. Not by a long shot. Your ex has been well-trained."
"How can you tell?"
"Believe me, a domme can always tell when they're looking at fresh meat."
A spike of something hot floods through me. At first, I think it's anger, but it settles into pure liquid heat between my thighs. As much as I appreciate Trishana's honesty, I'm starting to feel out of my depth. I can't decide if I'm relieved or upset when she starts putting her makeup away.
"You know, for a wronged woman, you seem a lot less interested in your ex's infidelity and a lot more interested in what I do..."
"I'm only asking what any normal person would. I don't know what you're talking about. This is all very new to me."
"Everyone has to start somewhere..."
Trishana brushes past me toward the door. She pauses a she reaches my side. I shiver as she gently draws one long fingernail down the side of my face.
"You're welcome to visit my dungeon whenever you decide you're ready to indulge. I don't bite...unless you ask."
I nod, unable to do anything else. I follow Trishana back into the hotel lobby, my mind and body in a whirl. She notices Jaemin standing guard nearby.
"Well, well. You didn't tell me you were already taken..."
"I'm not."
"Na Jaemin has quite the reputation, and for someone as fresh and innocent as you... He's gonna eat you alive. Lucky thing."
"I told you, it's not like that!"
It's obvious Trishana doesn't believe me. She casts one last look at me before she heads back toward the restaurant to meet Jay. I rejoin Jaemin and start walking toward the elevators. I'm not sure why, but I suddenly feel very annoyed with him.
"How'd it go?"
"Why didn't you tell me you knew Trishana?"
"I don't, not really. I've seen her around, but we've never officially met. Until you pointed her out, I didn't know she was the domme handling Jay."
I stab the elevator button and tap an impatient foot until it arrives.
"What did she say to you in there? You seem awfully riled up..."
"She said Jay's been with others before her."
"That's not surprising. A man like that has probably been a cheater his whole life."
"How could you possibly know that?"
"Because loyalty I one thing I demand from my subs...and I can tell when someone doesn't have it."
My legs are unsteady as they elevator finally arrives. I step inside, but Jaemin doesn't join me. Instead, he leans in to press the button for my floor, then pauses near my ear...
"Remember what I said to you before..."
I gulp. I can feel the scruff along his jawline as he presses a slow soft kiss against my cheek.
"Sweet dreams, (Y/N). I'll call you when I have news."
I hear from Jaemin a lot quicker than I expect. No sooner do I get up out of bed the next day then my phone pings with an incoming text.
JAEMIN:
"Pack your things and check out of your hotel."
(Y/N):
"Um...good morning?"
JAEMIN:
"Don't make me tell you a second time. You have twenty minutes. Meet me at this address."
Jaemin sends me a ping of his location.
(Y/N):
"Wait, what's going on?"
JAEMIN:
"It's a surprise."
(Y/N):
"A good one?"
JAEMIN:
"You'll have to show up to find out."
I shiver with anticipation and delight.
It's been a long time since anyone went to the trouble of planning a surprise for me...
I lose no time tossing my belongings into my suitcase and scooping my toiletries into a bag.
My whole life, reduced at a few portable totes. How's that for pathetic?
Drawing a deep, resolute breath, I try not to focus on how sparse and impersonal the hotel room feels. Things are bound to get better soon...right? My rideshare is waiting for me at the entrance to the hotel. The driver starts toward the mystery address, and I watch the city blur by through the window.
This is an awfully nice area of town...
As I step out of the car, I spot a familiar face waiting for me.
"Hey, I know you... You were with Jaemin when we had dinner."
"It's nice to officially meet you, Ms. Park. I'm James Anderson, Mr. Na's bodyguard."
"Nice to meet you too. I guess this means I'm in the right place?"
"Right place and right time, just how Mr. Na likes it. Follow me."
Anderson holds the door open for me.
"What is this place?"
"Unfortunately, I'm under strict instructions not to say. But between me and you, I think you'll enjoy it."
To my surprise Anderson leads me to the elevator and scans a special key. I bypass all the floors and shoot straight for the top.
"The penthouse?"
The elevator doors slide open, revealing...
"Welcome to your new home, (Y/N)."
"Jaemin...I can't accept this. It's too much. I don't deserve it."
A hard, almost angry expression lowers Jaemin's brow. He stalks forward and thrusts a key out, forcing it into my hands.
"I don't want to hear you say things like that. This is your apartment now. I have several properties in the city, many of them unoccupied as they're being renovated or waiting for new tenants. After your...unpleasant encounter last night, I assumed you'd want to get out of that hotel somewhere Jay won't know about."
I cross to the windows, taking in the stunning view of the city spread out before me.
"This place must cost a fortune. I can't even begin to afford—"
"There's no rent. You can stay here free of charge."
"But—"
"This is as much for you as it is for me. I need no distractions during the divorce proceedings. Having someplace settled to live will help with that."
"Thank you, Jaemin. I'm grateful to have you in my corner."
I reach out to put a hand on his arm, but he steps out of reach.
"It's not a big deal. I told you I always take care of my clients."
Jaemin shakes his head before leading me on a tour of the apartment. Our first stop is the master bedroom. I'm not sure why, but it's quite what I expected from a man like Jaemin.
"The mattress might be a little firm for your taste, so be sure to swap it out if you want."
"Isn't this when you're supposed to say 'this is where the magic happens' ?"
"I would, except the only magic in here are the remote-control blinds..."
Casually dismissing the room, Jaemin pushes open the door to the adjoining bathroom.
"There's a fully jetted tub and a waterfall shower. Don't be afraid to make use of both...or to invite anyone you want to share."
"I don't have anyone to invite."
"Give it time."
A rush of heat moves over the surface of my skin. The sooner I get away from the intimacy of this particular room, the better.
"Can we see the kitchen next?"
"Scared, (Y/N)? I don't blame you..."
He turns and leaves me standing alone in the middle of the bathroom. I have to hurry to keep up with his long, purposeful strides.
"I'm not much of a cook, but the kitchen should be fully stocked."
I take in the high-end appliances and immaculate countertop with a nod. Considering how expensively everything is furnished, I don't doubt I'll find everything I need.
"Don't be afraid to make this place your own. Unpack your things. Redecorate. Have guests over. Until the day you move out, it's your home."
Despite his words, I'm careful not to touch anything, fearful of upsetting the pristine perfection of it. Every room feels like it came out of a magazine.
"I mean it, (Y/N). If I come over here in a week's time and you haven't made yourself at home, I won't be happy."
"What will you do about it?"
"I don't know yet, but I can promise you one thing... You won't like it when I'm angry."
He catches sight of my startled expression and grins.
"Then again, you might like it a lot..."
I swallow convulsively, caught in his gaze like a rabbit in a snare. Desperate for space to breathe, I point toward a heavy wooden door hidden behind the kitchen.
"What's in that room?"
Jaemin's look only intensifies. I try the handle only to find that it's locked...
"Are you sure you want to know the answer to that?"
Even though something deep in my stomach tells me that I'm not sure, I nod.
"Don't say I didn't warn you..."
He extracts a key from his personal keyring and slips it into the lock. I take a step forward taking in the stark, dimly lit room with a thumping heart.
What is this place?
Although this space has all the makings of a sex dungeon, it's mostly stripped bare. Strategically placed metal rings embedded in the walls hint at a darker purpose, but for now, they hang unoccupied. The most prominent piece of furniture is a bed that its empty and beckoning in the middle of the room.
If everything Jaemin says is true, this room is mine now. My dungeon... My playroom... My bed...
I pulse and my mind races with possibilities. I turn to find Jaemin leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed as he watches me take it in.
"Is it what you were expecting?"
"I guess you really are a Dom, huh?"
I didn't realize that fact was still in question, or I'd have proven it long before now...
I try not to look as rattled as I feel, but my voice comes out a little breathless.
"Yeah? What would you have said?"
"I'm a man of action, (Y/N). I wouldn't tell you... I'd show you."
Stepping into the room, Jaemin allows his fingers to trail along the bed frame...
"Some of the things I've done in this very room...on this very bed..."
He grips the wood frame with a sudden, unyielding clench of his fist.
"Your innocent little mind wouldn't be able to handle it."
I can't seem to tear my gaze from where Jaemin touches the bed frame. There's so much strength in those fingers...so much determination. I can't help but imagine what it would feel like to have those hands stroke my bare skin...or to strike it.
My mind isn't nearly as innocent as he'd like to believe, and it's high time he realizes that.
"I'm a grown woman who was married for eight years, Jaemin. I think I know a thing or two about what happens in a room like this."
Jaemin's rich, cocky chuckle fills the air.
"If you had any idea what went on inside this room, you wouldn't be standing there looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
Jaemin draws closer, careful to stop long before I'm within his reach. His whole body radiates with powerful energy.
"Like you want me to take you across my knee. Like you're begging for it."
Since that's exactly what I do want, I grow hot and angry all over.
"You don't know everything about me."
He shakes his head and crosses his arms, amusement quirking his lips.
"Sorry, (Y/N). I'm not buying it. You aren't ready for this kind of honesty."
"It's not like roleplay is new to me. I haven't been living under a rock for thirty years, you know. I know what gets a man like you hot and bothered."
"Oh, yeah? What do you think does it for me? A cheerleading uniform? A plaid skirt? A pair of fuzzy handcuffs?"
The hot, liquid look in Jaemin's eyes causes my insides to quiver, but I refuse to back down.
"You're the one with all the experience. You tell me."
I take a deep breath, gathering myself.
"I want to know more, Jaemin, and I don't have anyone else to ask. Please?"
Something about the simple request breaks his resolve. He sighs...
"I'm going to regret this later... Fine. Stand facing that wall over there. Hands above your head, palms flat against the wood."
"What? Why?"
"Because I told you to. Because if I have to look at your face when I tell you what I've done, I won't be held responsible for my actions."
Gulping, I cross the room and stand exactly how Jaemin ordered me to. I can't see him, but there's no denying his presence behind me.
"Good girl. Now don't move."
His voice sounds over my right shoulder. No part of his body touches mine, but the warm whisper of his breath sends shivers up and down my spine.
"You remember the riding crop? "
"Yes..."
"That's where I'd start. Not on your bare back or even the curves of your ass, but between your legs."
To my surprise, Jaemin lightly nudges my feet apart before stepping back. I'm left feeling exposed and open and alone.
"Slow at first. Testing your reactions, flicking the leather against the soft skin of your inner thighs. I want to know what makes you gasp...see what makes you writhe. Are you writhing, (Y/N)?"
"I need more foreplay than that. Sorry, but I need a little more warmup. Wouldn't you at least kiss me first?"
I glance over my shoulder to find Jaemin smirking.
"Kissing is for when you've earned it."
I hear the sound of the bedsprings giving way as Jaemin seats himself at the foot of the bed.
"You'll notice several metal rings above your head and at your feet. That's where I like to bind my guests. Arms wide, legs wider."
I glance around to see the rings he's talking about. Several more are mounted on the bed. The possibilities seem endless...
"What happens then?"
"That depends on whether or not I've invited guests to join me."
" 'Guests'...plural?"
"I'm a generous man. I like to share. Maybe I'll let them take turns. Maybe I'll make them watch."
"You don't really do that...do you?"
"There's no limit to what I'm capable of, (Y/N)."
"You can do whatever you want to me. Isn't that what this is all about? You command, I obey?"
"You're only saying that because you don't know what it means to obey."
Jaemin's voice takes on a low, dangerous note.
"It means you're mine. No matter what I tell you to do. You'll do it, so long as it pleases me."
Jaemin orders me to relax. I turn slowly, my limbs quivering as my core aches, but I manage to push those sensations deep down.
"Of course, we haven't even started on all the ways I can make it hurt. There's a clamp for every part of your body, a whip for every kind of pain... But as much as I'd love to list them for you, I believe we're out of time for today."
"...Oh."
"Does that help clarify things?"
I glance around the room, once again imagining the walls filled with toys...my toys.
"I'm starting to get the picture..."
"A picture might be worth a thousand words, but I prefer to hear you say them anyway. Which part appeals to you most?"
"I like the idea of letting you decide. Like you said...I don't have any experience with this. I'd rather put myself in your hands."
A burst of something hot and dangerous takes over Jaemin's expression.
"Sweeter words have never been spoken..."
Jaemin lifts a hand as if to reach for me, but instead of making contact, he flicks off the lights and strolls out of the room. I follow him. The dungeon seems safe while he's in it, but I'm not sure I want to spend much time there alone...
Especially now that he's planted all those images in my mind...
"I hate to leave just when it's starting to get good, but I'm needed back at the office. Remember what I said about making this place your own."
"I will, I promise. I don't know who I'll ever be able to thank you."
"You don't need to bother."
Jaemin nods curtly, then leaves before I can say another word. I'm so surprised by this sudden about-face that I don't notice the entryway table until he's long gone. On the polished marble surface sits a vase of fresh flowers and...the key to the dungeon.
Time to make myself at home...
That night, I toss and turn on my new bed in my new apartment. Everything is so luxurious and comfortable, but I can't fall asleep. I thump my pillow, searching in vain for a cool spot when I realize the problem isn't the bed...it's me.
This is all Jaemin's fault. He's everywhere inside this apartment. No matter which way I turn, I can still see him...still smell him...
I fling my head back with a groan. Thinking about Jaemin isn't helping me feel more settled. If anything, the room is only heating up.
And so am I...
I stare up at the ceiling and allow my hands to trail down my body, skimming over bare skin and heated curves. My touch is feather-light, but it wouldn't take much to increase the pressure...
It's not like I'm getting any sleep as it is. Maybe I should indulge, just a little...
Sighing happily, I tip my head and arch my back into the mattress.
I'm all alone in this big, empty apartment. I can make as much noise as I want...
I close my eyes and allow my mind to travel all the places it's been longing to go. To this solid, impenetrable walls of the dungeon room... To the big bed with its hooks and ties... To Jaemin standing over me, a smile twisting the hard features of his face... I take my lip between my teeth, hesitating over the last one. As much as I long to slide my hands under my pajamas to the stern, brooding image of Jaemin, I'm not sure how far to take the fantasy.
Once I start down that road, there'll be no turning back.
The tightening buds of my nipples make the decision for me. Vanilla fantasies worked fine in my previous vanilla life, but the world is starting to open up before me... Imagination takes over. Soon, they're no longer my fingers pressing slow, carful circles around my belly button...they're Jaemin's, and they're determined to make me squirm. I slide my hands up my stomach, picturing Jaemin's wide, capable palms against my skin.
Instead of savoring the soft peaks of my breasts, he goes straight for my nipples. They're his toys, his playthings, and he takes them firmly between finger and thumb. I gasp at the sharp sting as I pluck the hard peaks with more force than I've ever used before.
Jaemin would want it to hurt. He'd want to hear me cry out for more.
My breath is already starting to come in short pants, but there's no turning back. Now that Jaemin has taken hold of my mind—and my fantasy—he's the one calling the shots.
"I want you on your knees, (Y/N). Do as I command, or there will be severe consequences."
A spike of something hot and liquid tugs deep inside me. My instinct tells me to obey, but getting punished could be so much fun... I give a defiant toss of my head, matching Jaemin stride for stride.
"Shouldn't you say 'please' first?"
Instead of growing angry, Jaemin smiles. It's a delicious smile, a dangerous one...
"You don't get to tell me what to do, and now you'll pay the price."
I cry out as Jaemin grabs my legs and pulls me to the edge of the bed so he can stand over me. The pressure of his touch is so firm, so unrelenting...
"You're mine, (Y/N). Every part of you belongs to me now."
My imagination takes over as I skim my hand between my legs, Jaemin's touch and mine overlapping in my mind. The hot, slick glide of my desire is unmistakable...
"That's right. You can't get enough of me, can you?"
I shake my head, unable to say the words aloud. It would give Jaemin too much power, too much control... But it's too late. He's already so much a part of this that my hips buck wildly.
"Not yet. I intend to enjoy myself."
Drawing a deep breath, I force myself to slow down, to savor this moment as long as I can. Jaemin walks around me like a hunter circling his prey.
"What do you want from me...sir?"
"You like saying that, don't you?" fantasy Jaemin asks.
"Yes, sir."
You deserve a reward for being so obedient. Would you like a reward, (Y/N)?"
My body is buzzing with anticipation, my movements growing more and more frantic the longer Jaemin stands there staring at me.
"Yes, please. I want it so bad."
"Then you can have it...and I can have you."
I reach for Jaemin, eager to feel his weight on top of me, but he shakes his head with a slow, satisfied smile.
"We do this my way or not at all, (Y/N). Got it?"
I whimper as Jaemin unbuckles his belt. He's like an animal ready to pounce...and I'm his favorite prey. Jaemin grabs my ankle roughly, yanking them up until my body is angled to take all of him in. Before he enter me, he leans over and kisses the inside of my right ankle. His lips are so soft, the rest of him so hard...
"I'm going to enjoy making you scream..."
He plunges into me with a ruthlessness that sets my whole body alight. He's so deep that I can feel every inch of him, his throbbing need matching my own. The headboard bangs into the wall as he drives into me, taking his pleasure hard and fast. My legs are trapped and my body is pinned, and I have no choice but to let him... As the scene playing inside my head intensifies, so does the movement of my hand. The more time imaginary Jaemin spends between my legs, the deeper my fingers plunge. First one finger enters, then two, and soon I'm moving against my body so fast that I feel release starting to mount. The Jaemin of my dreams in close, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Cum for me, (Y/N). Cum now."
I want to hold out, to defy this imaginary man, but it's no use. He's too deep inside my head, and my fingers are too deep inside my body. I cry out in ecstasy as wave after wave of pleasure washes over me.
"...Jaemin!"
My body jerks against my hand as I press harder, riding the wave to the finish. As my heart rate evens out, my breathing only picks up. I've never had an orgasm as powerful as this one before.
How is that possible? There isn't even anyone in the room with me...
"I need to turn this fantasy into reality."
I slither my legs to a more comfortable position, my hand flat on my belly as my breathing slows.
I don't care what I have to do to make Jaemin take me seriously... I'm ready for the real thing.
But instead of feeling settled and sleepy, I'm now more worked up than before.
If I have to keep sharing an apartment with that dungeon, I'm gonna need some sleeping aids.
My phone chimes with an incoming text.
JAEMIN:
"Thinking of you...and the dungeon."
In my sudden shock, the phone practically leaps from my hand.
It's almost as if he knew what I was doing.
My fingers tremble as I respond.
(Y/N):
"I did more than THINK about it."
JAEMIN:
"Did you touch yourself?"
"Did you make yourself cum?"
"Did you picture me when it happened?"
(Y/N):
"How did you...?"
JAEMIN:
"I'll take that as a yes."
(Y/N):
"I can't believe we're talking about this. Just when I thought I'd be able to sleep. You start working me up again."
JAEMIN:
"That's because your fingers can't fully satisfy you. Not anymore."
I put my phone down with a sigh, my body starting to thrum all over again.
I'm not prepared to handle a man like Jaemin... So why can't I think of anything else?
My phone buzzes again. I steel myself as I glance at the screen.
JAEMIN:
"Sleep well, (Y/N). That's an order."
For once, complying with Jaemin's command is easy. Exhausted by the emotional day and dreaming of Jaemin's smile, this time, I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
The next day, Malorie and I are enjoying a quick break after all the mayhem of the newest campaign initiative.
"Girl, I'm exhausted."
"I heard your coverage of Luis's children's hospital appearance has been a huge hit."
"Oh, it has. But that's not why I'm tired. Have you ever tried the butter churner position?"
I choke on a sound that's half gasp, half laughter.
"You mean like...in bed? "
"Well, we weren't in a bed, but yes. I swear my boyfriend was almost hitting my cervix, he was in that deep."
"I am trying to be more adventurous. My sex life during my marriage wasn't very...impressive. I'm trying to branch out."
"What's on your to-do list? Or should I ask who is on your to-do list?"
"I don't have a list, per se..."
I'm just about to muster up the courage to ask if Malorie knows anything about BDSM when Emerson and a man I don't recognize approach.
"Here she is, just like I told you. These two make up our girls' club. You can always hear them giggling back here."
"STRANGER: Are you Park (Y/N)?"
"Yes. Can I help you?"
The man thrusts a large manila envelope at me. I take it from him, blinking in bewilderment.
"You've been served. Welcome to your divorce."