JAEMIN POV
It's been a long day at work, and I'm about to head home when I hear a knock at my office door.
"I thought I told you to leave already—"
But it's not my assistant on the other side. It's (Y/N), looking disheveled.
"I'm sorry to stop by unannounced, but Jay..."
"What did he do?"
She reaches into her purse and hands me a stack of papers.
"Jay filed for divorce already? Typical."
"What do you mean?"
"He must've heard we were about to file and freaked out. He's hoping that by acting first, he can control the narrative of the divorce."
"Will it work?"
"Jay messed with the wrong attorney. Did you forget the part where I don't lose? Not in the courtroom and not in the bedroom..."
"This has nothing to do with the bedroom."
"Doesn't it?"
Unable to resist, I lean forward to rest my hand on the wall by her head.
"I always win, (Y/N). No matter where I am. No matter who I'm up against... If it'll help, we can go over these papers together. That way, there'll be no more unpleasant surprises."
"I hate to take up any more of your time..."
"Don't worry about it. I didn't get my reputation because I leave my clients in the lurch."
I sit next to (Y/N) in the conference room, careful not to react as our knees brush beneath the table.
"Most of this document is pretty standard fare. Lots of finger- pointing and blame, not a lot of personal responsibility."
"Then why are you frowning like that?"
"Some of the things Jay's saying...I need more context. Tell me...about your sex life."
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything. Quantity...quality..."
(Y/N) squirms in her seat, leaning so close I can see the pounding of her pulse at the base of her throat.
"I don't see what that has to do with anything..."
"I'm your lawyer, (Y/N). I need to know all the intimate details. How often did he make you come?"
"Not often enough. Toward the end, it was like he never wanted to look at me, let alone touch me..."
(Y/N) shakes her head.
"I wish I could go back in time and warn my past self about Jay..."
"Don't. Regret is a waste of time— Who the hell does he think he's fooling with this? "
"What'd you find?"
"He's claiming that you're the one at fault, even though he was the one cheating."
Scooping up the papers, I push away from the table.
"That settles it."
"What're you gonna do?"
"I think it's time I officially met Trishana. A statement from her should clear things up for the judge."
"Do you know how to find her?"
"There's a popular S&M club not too far from here. That seems as good a place to start as any."
A thought occurs to me, and I give (Y/N) a long look.
"You know, this might be a good way for you to see for yourself what you're up against. Your little run-in with Trishana was only a taste of what she's capable of."
"You want me to come with you? To a fetish club?"
"I want you to do whatever makes you comfortable. You're more than welcome to come along for the ride, but if you're too scared..."
"I'm not scared...not if I'm with you."
I have to fight the sudden thump inside my chest. I didn't think she'd actually agree...and from the look on her face, neither did she. Before I can say anything else, (Y/N) glances down and sighs.
"I might be new to all this, but even I know you can't go to a club dressed for the office. Do we have time for me to go home and change first?"
My mind races with the possibilities. There are so many ways to show this woman off...to highlight her curves and expose the decadence of her bare skin...
This is my chance to show (Y/N) how...enticing it can feel to be on display, when she's the one in control.
"We can do better than digging around in your closet. Come on."
"Where are we going?"
I hand (Y/N) her purse and usher her out the door.
"You'll see."
Night has fallen by the time Anderson accompanies (Y/N) and I to a high-end shop downtown. As we prepare to enter, Anderson stations himself outside the door.
"Aren't you coming in with us?"
Anderson's lips twitch as he suppresses a smile.
"This place is a little outside my jurisdiction. I'll keep watch out here."
"Do you go everywhere Jaemin does?"
"Afraid so. You wouldn't believe what kind of trouble he gets up to if I'm not around to keep him in check."
"Don't believe him. Anderson is overprotective. He thinks I can't even buy some clothes without him to keep me safe."
"It's all fun and games until someone chases you down a back alley in nothing but your underwear..."
"One time. That happened one time."
I can tell that she feels more comfortable knowing Anderson is near, so I nod at him to stay in place. As we enter the shop, I can (Y/N)'s sharp intake of breath.
"Oh, wow. This is...something else."
"It's just like any other store. You browse. You shop. You try things on..."
Her gaze lands on a mannequin wearing a cage-like corset with embedded spikes.
"I can't try that on."
"Good, because that's not for you."
I put a hand on her back and propel her gently past the mannequin. I can feel the warm, pulsing heat of her skin through her clothes.
"Don't I get to pick my own outfit?"
"Not tonight. I already know exactly what I want you to wear."
I pause, giving her an opportunity to resist, but she doesn't.
"What did you have in mind?"
"I want you to feel confident. This will be your first time seeing the BDSM world up close. It's important that you feel comfortable."
"None of these outfits look very comfortable."
"Most of them aren't meant to be worn for very long."
(Y/N) watches as I rifle through one of the racks and pulls out a clubbing outfit with very little fabric. It's adventurous for her, but still much more modest that what she's about to see.
"Put this on. I want to see how it looks."
As I hand it to (Y/N), her throat works up and down.
"If it's what you want. Only..."
She takes her lower lip between her teeth and examines some of the more complicated straps. The way her fingers move over the fabric, unsure but curious, is almost too much. It's the same way she handled the handcuffs. The same way she flushes every time she obeys. I clench my fists.
God, the things I could introduce her to...the things I could make her feel...
"I might need a little help. I'm not sure I can figure this out on my own."
I lift the outfit from her hand and gesture for her to step into the changing room. As soon as she realizes what I'm suggesting, her breath hitches.
"I didn't mean for you to help me..."
"I promise to keep things strictly professional. We don't want Trishana seeing you look anything but your best."
(Y/N) wavers for a moment before nodding and ducking inside. The changing booth is small and intimate. I'm careful to seat myself on the far end, one leg crossed casually over the other.
"Go ahead. I'll supervise from here."
Her eyes meet mine in the mirror as she begins removing her clothes. Her fingers shake, but she doesn't stop until she's standing in nothing but her underwear.
"It's been a long time since I was this exposed to anyone but Jay..."
"That's a damn shame. A body like that is meant to be seen."
"...Thank you."
My words seem to imbue (Y/N) with the confidence she needs to slip into the outfit. I talk her through the steps of fastening the buckles and slipping the straps into place, careful not to move from my perch.
"Ahh, the zipper...I can't quite—"
I step forward before she can finish, running the zipper up the back of the dress, careful not to touch her skin.
I can never seem to resist tempting myself...
(Y/N) reveals herself to me shyly, her head down as she models the outfit. As much as I long to drink in every delicious curve of her, I focus on more important matters.
"No, not like that." I help her.
"You don't like it?"
I approach her carefully. Tucking a hand under her chin, I guide her head high.
"Always hold your head up. Always. You can keep your eyes lowered, but you should never cower before anyone. Not even me."
"Like...this?"
I watch as she mimics a standing submissive position. Although her eyes are demurely lowered, she holds herself in readiness for anything I have to offer.
"Much better."
"And the outfit? It's okay?"
If this woman had any idea how she looks right now, the perfect blend of innocence and sin...
"(Y/N)... Jay was an idiot for letting you get away. He had eight years to enjoy this...and he wasted them."
"Not all of our time together was wasted."
"Believe me, if he never showed you all the ways a body like yours was meant to be enjoyed, it was wasted. Now, let's find ourselves a dominatrix."
Later that evening, I arrive at the club with (Y/N) on my arm. Anderson is only a few paces behind me, his expression inscrutable.
"Does Anderson know...everything you get up to?"
"He knows enough to do his job."
The front half of the club is discreet and dimly lit, but not so dim that it hides the scantily-clad clientele. A row of intimate booths are set up along the back holding several couples in various states of undress. Near the bar, a few doms drink and chat, their Subs held on leashes.
"Mr. Na, what have we done to deserve this honor?"
The club's mistress leans forward and grazes a quick kiss on both my cheeks. Instead of waiting for an answer, she steps back and eyes (Y/N) up and down.
"Damn honey, you're gonna have this whole place on their knees before the end of the night."
(Y/N)'s eyes are wide as she takes in the sight of everything around her.
"Thank you. This is...quite the club you've got here."
"Let me guess, you two want our most private booth. Head on back, and I'll have a bottle of champagne sent over."
"Thanks, but we're not here to play."
"Business? Pity. This one looks like she'd be an awful lot of fun... I'll leave you to it, but let me know if you need anything."
The club mistress trails away. (Y/N) watches her go with a dazed expression.
"How often do you come here? Everyone seems to recognize you..."
"I get VIP treatment wherever I go. I'm a man who demands the best in everything."
I trail a finger along the back of (Y/N)'s neck. She shivers deliciously under my touch.
"I believe it..."
The club is crowded enough that I can't spot Trishana or any of her usual associates right away. Unable to resist, I guide (Y/N) toward the back of the club.
We won't find Trishana here, but that woman being spanked across her Dom's lap should keep (Y/N) entertained...
I can tell the exact moment (Y/N) spots them...or hears them. The resounding crack of the man's hand and the sharp cry of the woman's pleasure are unmistakable.
"Ooooooh!"
"That woman is naked from the waist down."
"Give them a few more minutes and you're likely to see the whole show."
(Y/N) tries to drag her eyes away, but she's caught like a deer in headlights as the couple heads toward the back of the club.
"Does that hurt more or less than being punished with a riding crop?"
"Spanking is more about power than pain. If you look closely, you'll see that nothing is holding her down. No bonds, no ties."
"You mean she's across his lap because she likes it?"
"I mean she's across his lap because he ordered her to be, and that's enough."
I take (Y/N) lightly by the elbow and walk her down the line of booths. She does an admirable job of taking it all in stride...until she spots a blindfolded man being spoon-fed caviar.
"Do you like that?"
"Mmm...yes, mistress."
"Does that interest you, (Y/N)? Would you like to be fed?" I ask her.
Her jerk of surprise causes me to chuckle.
(Y/N) has no idea how easy it is to read her thoughts...
"To be honest, I wasn't thinking about the food. I just happened to glance down and notice...well. Look."
My chuckle deepens as I follow the line of her gaze to where evidence of the man's desire is on clear display.
"She isn't even touching him. She's all the way on the other side of the table."
"Some desires only require a look and a command. A good Dom can elicit that reaction with no more than a word."
"It'd have to be one hell of a word." she says.
"Is that a challenge?"
"Of course not. Just an observation... But...for someone like Jay... Well, he never let me take charge in anything in our marriage, yet he was willing to get on his knees for her."
"For some, they get so tired of being the alpha at work, they want to come home and be told what to do. The contrast is the point."
"Is that how it is for you?"
"We both know the answer to that. No one tells me what to do, little lamb. Not even you."
(Y/N)'s lips fall softly open. I can tell that she wants to keep pushing, but she catches sight of something over my shoulder and stiffens.
"What's that?"
I turn to find a waiter in nothing but a fur vest pushing his way through a velvet curtain that leads to the real club.
"Hey, I need another round of shots and a fresh ball gag." a waiter requests.
(Y/N) turns to me with eager eyes.
"I was too distracted to notice it before. What's back there?"
"That's where your innocence gets lost forever."
"Maybe...but a man as friendly with the club mistress as you are can probably go back there anytime."
"If you want something, you have to ask for it, remember?"
"Please, Jaemin? I want you to show me what's back there. I promise to be on my best behavior..."
I can practically see the anticipation rolling off of her... Besides, Trishana is almost certainly in the back room.
I extend my hand toward (Y/N) in a silent invitation. As she slips her palm against mine, I can feel the light throb of her pulse matching my own. Without thinking, I squeeze her hand reassuringly.
"If it gets to be too much, let me know, okay?"
"Are you kidding? I can't wait to see what's back there."
I stop a few feet short of the curtain, refusing to move until she glances up at me.
"I mean it, (Y/N). I'm not in the business of forcing anyone into anything. If you see something you don't like—for any reason—we'll leave at once. No questions asked."
"(Y/N) gulps, her eyes shining."
"I understand, Jaemin."
Keeping my grip firm, I lead (Y/N) past the velvet curtain. Almost immediately, we're plunged into a world of sound, sensation, and...sex. A curl of pleasure moves through me as (Y/N)'s body grows still and her breathing labored. This part of the club takes a no-holds-barred approach to exhibitionism, with bodies spread out and on display everywhere I turn.
"Oh, wow. This is...something else."
A sharp cry of pain sounds from somewhere in the back. Unaware of what she's doing, (Y/N) sidles closer to me, seeking my protection.
"Scared?"
"No, I'm just...taking it all in."
"Baby steps. Let's take it one toy at a time."
Even though (Y/N)'s eyes roam everywhere, I notice that her gaze keeps coming back to an X-cross in one corner...and to the woman currently bound to it.
"You have good taste... Come on. I'll show it to you."
"Won't that woman mind having an audience?"
"Honestly, she probably prefers it. They wouldn't be playing in public if it wasn't something they'd both agreed on beforehand."
I trail a few paces behind (Y/N) as we approach the X-cross. The woman currently bound to it has clearly just been restrained. As we approach, the woman's Dom glances up with a grin. He casts an appraising eye over (Y/N).
"Who's this beauty? I'd pay good money to see your new Sub up on the cross..."
"Oh, I'm not his Sub. This is my first time here."
"Does that mean you're a free agent?"
"Nice try, but she's off-limits." I tell the curious Dom.
I gesture at the X-cross, where his Sub is starting to show signs of strain.
"Actually, we wouldn't mind a quick demonstration. My friend is curious."
"Did you want to take the flogger for a spin? She's earned ten lashes, haven't you baby?"
"Please, sir. I deserve it..." the Sub begs.
I shake my head.
"We didn't mean to interrupt. Please, continue what you were doing."
(Y/N) and I stand back, watching as the Dom approaches his Sub. He trails the flogger teasingly over her lower limbs, the leather throngs dancing around her thighs before he snaps it down. Instead of being put off by the woman's sharp cry, (Y/N) leans closer, her eyes wide.
"Is this one just for punishment, or can you...play on it? "
"As long as you behave yourself, there are plenty of ways to play. That Sub is completely at her Dom's mercy. He decides what to touch and what to taste. He decides how deep to go inside her..."
(Y/N) let's out a long, shuddering breath.
"Had enough?"
(Y/N) gives a quick shake of her head.
"Can I ask you a personal question before we go any further?"
"You can ask. That doesn't mean I'll answer."
"...Are you turned on right now? Do you like seeing these strangers all tied up?"
The direct honesty of her question takes me aback...as does the innocence with which she asks it.
"I would rather hear how you feel. Are you hot and bothered, (Y/N)? Are you wet for more?"
(Y/N)'s voice is barely above a whisper, but her words are unmistakable.
"You know I am..."
There's still no sign of Trishana anywhere, so I lead (Y/N) toward a wall of sex toys, each one pristine and ready for use. (Y/N)'s eyes skim over each item, her brow lowering as she reaches the more complicated ones.
"Some of these I know already. The flogger, the riding crop, the cuffs..."
She points at a pair of decorative nipple clamps attached to each other with a chain.
"Where do those go?"
I point to where a woman is being led across the floor by a leash attached to a similar chain. Her bare breasts strain forward, her face wearing an expression of deep satisfaction as her nipples are pulled taut by her Dom.
"Oh..."
"Like what you see?"
(Y/N) tilts her head and considers the question carefully.
"I like how pretty they are. Almost like jewelry."
The simplicity of her answer pleases me.
"With a Sub like you, that's the whole point. You should be dressed up and shown off with accessories as beautiful as you are."
(Y/N)'s hand flies to her throat, touching the new jewelry that goes with her outfit. I smirk as she turns her attention back to the wall.
"What about that one?"
This time, she points at a spanking paddle. Unable to resist, I pick it up and test the weight of it in my hand. I gesture for her to hold out her hand.
"May I?" I ask.
She nods. I start by running the paddle along her fingers so she can feel its texture, its weight... Then I quickly lift it and smack the palm of her hand.
"Ow."
"Did that hurt?"
(Y/N) pulls her hand close, examining it.
"I guess...not really. I was just surprised by it."
To my surprise, she holds her hand out to me again, offering me another spank. I hit her palm three more times in quick succession, still much too light to leave a mark.
"How do you use a spanking paddle without making it hurt?"
"With the most important skill for a Dom...self-control."
I gesture at the wall again.
"In my hands, even the most painful-looking of these toys would bring you nothing but pleasure...unless I wanted otherwise."
(Y/N) shivers all over. I place the spanking paddle back on the shelf, giving her a moment to collect herself.
"Anything else you'd like to see, or have you had enough?"
(Y/N) casts her eyes over the wall once more. She zeros in on a strap-on harness. I'm sure she's about to ask about its various delights, but she quickly moves on.
"Which one of these do you like best? If you could only pick one?"
"I like whatever brings my partner pleasure. It's not about what I like. My pleasure comes from hearing you beg."
"What if I refuse to beg?"
"No one refuses me for long..."
The crack of a whip in the distance recalls me to a sense of my surroundings...and my obligations. The longer I spend in this room that reeks of sex, the more likely I am to fall under the spell.
I need to get (Y/N) out of here...and fast.
"That's enough exploring for one day."
"But there's still so much I haven't seen."
"Subs who spoil their appetites don't get more."
(Y/N)'s lips fall into a provocative pout. I need to get her out of here. That look in her eye is daring me to punish her."
"Head out front and get a drink, (Y/N). I don't want to see you behind this curtain again."
"But—"
"That's not a request."
(Y/N) seems about to argue, but she takes one look at the wall of whips and changes her mind.
"As you wish...sir."
I clench my fists as she walks away. After a few deep breaths, I turn to continue my search. I finally find Trishana sitting on a velvet settee, watching the scenes around her unfold.
"Tired of your new Sub already? That's not a good sign..."
"I thought it wouldn't be long before you came in search of me. Have a seat."
"I don't intend for this to take long. I won't take up much of your time."
"I'm not surprised. With that new pet you're leading around, you must be a very buys man."
"My 'pet' is none of your business... Now, tell me about Jay."
"What about him? Unless you're looking to trade Subs for a night or two, I don't have anything to say."
"I have no interest in Jay...except as my client's ex-husband. I need to know when you started seeing each other."
"Then maybe you should ask your client. I don't spill my secrets to lawyers that easily. It's bad for business."
"You know what else is bad for business? Perjury. Jay is attempting to lie his way into a divorce settlement. He filed for divorce on the grounds that his wife was the one cheating, which you and I both know isn't true."
Trishana purses her lips thoughtfully.
"You were there when she discovered Jay's infidelity. Do you really want her to suffer more than she already has?"
"She's a sweet little thing, I'll give you that."
"Well? Can I count on your support? A quick deposition about your relationship should set matters straight."
"Sorry, but I'm not going on record for anything. No deposition, no direct testimony."
"Come on, Trishana. You have to give me something."
"Or what? You'll punish me? I'd like to see you try..."
"You won't regret doing me this favor. I always repay a favor."
"A carte blanche from the most powerful man in Chicago? How intriguing..."
"Stop playing games, Trishana. I can only be pushed so far. If you look hard, I'm sure you can find some time-stamped receipts or emails correspondence proving the start date of your relationship."
"...Fine, you win. Besides, if you're gonna win this girl, you need all the help you can get."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what you think it means. The great and mighty Na Jaemin has finally fallen."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do...and I'm gonna enjoy the show."
Trishana waggles her fingers at me in a playful farewell.
"I'll be in touch with the materials you asked for...and until then, I suggest you accept the inevitable."
Even though I know it's a bad idea to ask, I can't help doing it anyway.
"And what's that?"
"The sooner you admit how hot and bothered you are for that woman, the sooner you can do something about it."
With a smirk that sets my blood boiling, she saunters away. I'm tempted to go after Trishana and set the record straight, but a tap on my shoulder draws my attention.
"Hello, stranger. I thought that was you..."
Turning, I find myself looking at a beautiful woman I recognize well...my former Sub.
"Natalia. When did you get back in town?"
"A few weeks ago. I just got settled again and was feeling lonely. It's an awfully big place for little ol' me..."
As she speaks, she runs a finger up the line of my arm.
"I was hoping to run into my favorite Dom again. A year is too long to go without you."
An image of the last time I had this woman tied up and at my mercy flashes into my head...and through my body.
See? Trishana is wrong. I can get hot and bothered for more than one woman.
Natalia leans close and drops her voice to a low purr.
"Are you still in the business of making wet dreams come true? "
"Natalia... We had some great times together. I see you haven't lost any of your charm."
She draws closer, her body pulsating with heat and promise. Of all my Subs, Natalia was my favorite. She was always so easy, so ready...
"Shouldn't I at least buy you a drink first?"
"What for? All you have to do is say the word, and I'll drop to my knees."
An involuntary frown tugs at my lips. As easy as it would be to take this woman, it's suddenly the last thing I want.
I've had more fun teasing (Y/N) in the past week than I ever had with Natalia.
"Uh oh. Did I do something to displease you?"
"You're great, Natalia. You always have been. But I've moved on with my life, and I suggest you do the same."
"...What's her name?"
I shake my head.
"There is no 'her'. I'm just looking for something...different in my next Sub."
I glance at my watch to find that I've been away from (Y/N) much longer than I intended. It's dangerous to leave a woman like that alone in here for long...
I sent (Y/N) out to get a drink ages ago... Where has she gone?
I make my way through the crowd and back toward the front, my eyes scanning for any sign of (Y/N). She's not at the bar or in any of the private booths. I'm just about to call Anderson in to help me search when I spot her near the back...talking to another Dom.
"I have an eye for this sort of thing. I can always spot a neophyte."
"Uh...right."
"It's okay, you can admit it. You're here because you're curious...and I'm just the man to satisfy you."
I stalk toward them. The Dom reaches out to touch (Y/N)...but I snatch his wrist before he can make contact.
"Leave her the hell alone."