His secret Puckbunny E-Book

Jules Rae

• Herausgeber: Jules Rae
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Lily Vega yearned to break free from the gilded cage of expectations and obligations that had long trapped her. Her journey of liberation and sexual awakening led her to surrender herself to the whims of a masked stranger. Their encounters ignited a fire within her, propelling her to unimaginable heights of pleasure, far removed from the innocence that had defined her.

Meanwhile, Mason Pavel had been obsessed with Lily for years. Though tempted, he buried his illicit desires out of respect for his friend and to protect Lily's reputation. Loving his best friend's sister might not be forbidden, but acting on his dark twisted desires should be.

Seeking distraction, he found himself entangled with a mysterious vixen at a BDSM club only to discover that she was none other than his best friend's sister.

Mason and Lily are forced to confront the undeniable truth that what they share goes beyond lust.

Find out in the next addictive installment of "The Crestmont Players" - a story simmering with scandalous secrets and sizzling romance.
TRIGGER WARNING: This is a dark romance

Leseprobe

HIS SECRET PUCKBUNNY

THE CRESTMONT PLAYERS BOOK 2

HIS SECRET PUCKBUNNY © Copyright 2024 Jules Rae

Copyright notice: All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

DEDICATION

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

DEDICATION

For the girls who see red flags and whisper, "Is it really red or just another shade of pink?"

CONTENT WARNING

This is a dark romance with dark themes and topics, such as somnophilia, forced pregnancy, breeding, mask kink, primal play, branding, knife play, bdsm, and toxic relationships.

This book is for entertainment purposes and does not convey the view of the author.

CHAPTER 1

Mason Pavel believed that falling in love with his best friend’s little sister was not forbidden, but what he wanted to do with Lily should be considered twisted or maybe illegal, but definitely deranged.

His mind flashed with images of her hands tied, her mouth gagged, her screams turning to moans, her pretty ass red with imprint of his palm, his tongue on every inch of her, edging her till she begged him to give her release and most of all, his name on her lips.

Three years ago, when Pavel was abruptly drafted to the Crestmont Giants mid-season. The transition to a new city had been daunting, as he grappled with the challenges of settling into a team with an already established dynamic.

But one person made it easy, Captain Caleb. He invited Pavel to stay for a few days until he got comfortable. It was there, in Caleb's kitchen, that Pavel first encountered the captivating presence of Lily—a mere eighteen-year-old at the time.

His eyes were drawn to her, seated at the kitchen table, engrossed in a simple yet peculiar act—munching on coleslaw. He couldn't help but find it amusing, the way she savored the wet cabbage as if it were the most delectable thing in the world.

Pavel couldn't deny the magnetic pull he felt, the inexplicable connection that seemed to transcend mere curiosity. People would say it was love at first sight—only he knew it was not. It was an obsession, one that nearly consumed his thoughts and made him do things that he was not proud of.

The fact remained, Lily was simply too innocent, and he was too depraved for her, and he never imagined himself tainting her innocence.

So what did he do? He showed restraint. He waited.

The Crestmont Giants had won the playoff a couple of weeks ago and the team was celebrating the end of a hockey season in Luka’s penthouse. It was a good day. Spirits were high, everyone was drinking and having fun.

Mason Pavel was engaged in conversation with a girl he met at the party, red hair, pretty face.

His attempt to reciprocate the girl’s flirtatious banter failed as his mind remained fixated on Lily, her quiet presence drawing him like a magnet.

She brushed her hands along his stubbled jaw. "I think we should get out of here, I'd like us to celebrate your win."

This prompted Pavel to return his sights to his companion and gave a weak smile. In the past, he would have readily accepted her invitation, as there was no romantic involvement between Lily and himself beyond his imagination.

His eyes drifted one more time, seeking out Lily’s familiar figure one more time as she made her way to the balcony, her phone held tightly to her ear.

“Yeah. Sure. Excuse me,” he said to the red haired woman, before navigating the crowd towards the balcony while grabbing a bottle of alcohol from a nearby table.

He stopped by the door, sensing Lily’s frustration as she vented to her friend over the phone.

He knew he shouldn’t listen to the phone call, but he couldn’t help his curiosity as Lily complained about her lack of love using very colorful words. She seemed to want to move on from her unrequited crush on Luka Kuznetsov.

It was an open secret that Lily liked another player on the team, Luka Kuznetsov. Pavel understood all too well the ache of unrequited love, and how it pushed him to seek distractions outside of hockey.

When she hung up, seemingly ready to rejoin the party, Pavel acted as though he hadn’t been eavesdropping on her phone call and joined her on the balcony.

As he approached, she rolled her eyes dramatically. "Ugh, it's you," she said, gaze returning pointedly to her phone.

“You've been here for a while and you didn't say hi. So I'm here to say hi.” Pavel suppressed a smirk, leaning casually against the railing. "What’s up Lily?"

“Please I’m not in the mood right now.” Lily retorted, annoyance lacing her tone. "Don't you have to get back to your girlfriend?" she prodded.

He noted the flash of irritation in her eyes as she turned to face him. “Girlfriend?”

“The one you were talking to earlier.”

"So you were watching me?" he probed, stepping closer to challenge her space.

Lily scoffed, “as if I would waste my time. I was trying to warn the poor girl but it was too late," she said pointedly. “By the way she was laughing at your stupid jokes, she might have fallen for your acts already. Too bad can't save all of them.” she turned, staring back into the house.

“Others will say I am charming and, besides, you are the one who secluded yourself here while everyone is partying and having fun.”

“I am having fun.... at least trying to be.”

Before he responded he noticed the sad smile that crept into Lily’s expression. Her gaze had shifted to Luka, who was nibbling against Ana’s neck.

“They look really happy.” The words were spoken softly, as if intended for her thoughts rather than to be spoken aloud.

Pavel moved to her line of vision, standing in front of her. “Still not over him?”

Noticing the half empty bottle in his hand, she snagged it and downed the rest of the alcohol before handing him back the bottle.

After a long exhale. “It’s not even about him anymore. I have sort of made peace with that. It’s... just... The guys I like don’t like me. The ones that like me...”

“The ones that like you?” he pressed on, waiting for her to finish.

“Well they suck ass. I just want what they have. It’s sweet. It’s nice.” She nudged her head toward Luka and Ana. They were chuckling and hugging.

He stared at her. Sweet and nice. Someone like her deserved a passionate, intense and possessive relationship. One where touches trail a fiery heat along her skin or kisses that burned every doubt in her mind.

She returned her gaze to him. “Go ahead. Tease me all you like. Call me pathetic or whatever.”

“Why would I do that? You loved, you showed your heart. I will never make fun of you for that. So, Luka is not your person. I’m sure your person is closer than you think.”

A furrow formed between Lily's brows as she scrutinized him. “It might be the alcohol, you are being nice to me. Who are you and what did you do with the real Pavel?”

He grinned and shrugged. “It’s the alcohol. Don’t get used to it.”

“Thought as much.” She glanced back at her watch, “Seen my brother anywhere? He is my ride.”

“You want to leave? I could take you. I only had a glass.”

A trace of skepticism clouded her features as she regarded him.

Pavel could see that she was debating taking his offer. “Seriously, a car ride with me should not be that difficult to think about?”

“Clearly, you haven’t been around yourself.” She sighed, “but in this case, I have no choice. I need to get home early so I can pack.”

He knew Lily was moving from her brother’s house to her new apartment as she was slowly getting ready for her summer internship.

◦•●◉✿ . ✿◉●•◦

Pavel’s grin grew as he guided her towards his parked car on the curb. The cool night air provided a refreshing respite from the bustling party. Opening the door for her, she effortlessly slipped into the passenger seat.

Taking his place behind the wheel, Pavel navigated the streets. “So I kinda overheard your phone call with your friend, something about getting rid of your dry spell.”

Lily’s eyes darted towards him. “You were listening to my private conversation.”

Pavel shook his head, attempting to alleviate any potential awkwardness. “No, I overheard. There’s a difference,” he replied, his voice tinged with a touch of self-assuredness that he hoped would mask his true feelings.

“What exactly did you hear?” she inquired.

“Nothing much.” He shrugged.

“What the hell did you hear, Pavel?”

“Seriously nothing, just the part where you said you haven’t had a dick in years, also the part where you described your vagina as an abandoned antic filled with cobwebs.”

“Oh my god.” She buried her face in her hands.

Pavel’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Hey, those were your words, not mine,” he teased. “But this is my favorite part—you said you wanted something rough, to be sore the next day... kind of fuck.” He chuckled at the embarrassment of Lily.

Her face flushed crimson. “I thought you said you didn’t hear anything.”

“Fine, maybe I did listen.” He shrugged. “I’m kinda surprised. I didn’t know you would be into... that kind of sex.”

“What does that supposed to mean?”

“You were always so bossy at the training center. I don’t know. I kinda expected you to be the one wearing the strap-on in a relationship.” His gaze shifted between the road ahead and Lily, seeking not just her reaction but a glimpse into her thoughts on his theory.

He continued, “But I guess that’s how it goes. People who have dominant personalities prefer to be submissive in the bedroom and vice versa.”

“Really?”

He went on. “Like, for example, you are stubborn, confident, and have a strong personality, someone like you would want to be. What was that thing you said, oh, pinned down and fuck so hard that you forgot your name?”

Her fingers pinched the bridge of her nose. Lily sighed in frustration. “Enough theories about my non-existent sex life. What about you?”

“What about me? The bedroom vs my personality.” he clicked his tongue, “Do you want to find out?” His words hung in the air, his tone daring.

“Are you flirting with me?”

They stopped at a red light, Pavel took the opportunity to turn towards her, his eyes locking with hers. “Is it working?” he asked, his words hanging in the air like a challenge.

“I’m not one of your brainless puck bunnies. You have to try harder if you want my panties wet, even in the slightest.”

He sucked in his bottom lip between his teeth. Turning back to the road as the light flickered to green. His fingers taped against the steering wheel to the rhythm of his thoughts, his mind replaying countless scenarios of what might transpire if he were to confess his plans to do more than make her panties wet.

The silence lingered before Pavel spoke. “Let’s make a deal. If I can make you cum, I get to fuck you however I want.”

“And what? I get the same string of STD as half of the city. No, thank you.” She retorted.

“First of all, I get myself tested,” he said defensively. “And secondly, why the fuck do you hate me?”

“Hate you?” Her response was swift, her tone laced with a cold indifference that cut through the air like ice. “Hating you means I care enough to think about you. I don’t hate you... I couldn’t be less interested in your existence. I am indifferent to you.”

A flicker of hurt crossed his face. “Ouch.” He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. “It makes me want to say, you should hate me instead. Nothing a little hate fuck can’t fix.”

“My God, you are crazy.” Lily returned her focus to her phone and made no mind to Pavel’s words.

He had promised to drive Lily to her destination, but secretly, he had no intention of reaching it anytime soon.

When she finally took her eyes away from her phone, “You missed the turn. We should have been on the highway by now.”

His fingers tightened around the steering wheel, and he feigned a casual tone. “Oh, that was just a shortcut I thought would be best to avoid some traffic.”

Lily shot him a skeptical expression, not buying into his explanation for a second. “A shortcut? Pavel, this doesn’t look like any shortcut I’ve ever seen.”

“No. really. Don’t you worry, I will get you home soon?”

“Soon? You do realize that this ‘shortcut’ just added like thirty minutes to the ride, right?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I might have miscalculated. It’s been a while since I was in this neighborhood.”

Lily shot him an annoyed glance, her brows furrowing. “Miscalculated? You stayed over at Caleb’s house more often than your place. You came over two weeks ago.”

He had hoped she wouldn’t notice. He wanted to be in her presence if it were a second longer. Stealing a glance at Lily’s annoyed yet charmingly frustrated expression. With great effort, he bit back the smile. She looked so cute when she was annoyed.

◦•●◉✿ . ✿◉●•◦

Finally, the car pulled up in front of her brother’s house. Lily unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Pavel, ready to say goodbye.

“Thanks for the ride,” she began, but her gratitude was cut short when she noticed Pavel making a move to exit the car as well. “What are you doing?”

He replied casually, as he walked closer to the house. “I thought I could use the bathroom.”

Lily raised an incredulous eyebrow. “There’s a perfectly good alley not too far away. You can use that like the rest of your species.”

“I know you think I’m part Neanderthal, but I prefer indoor plumbing.”

She groaned, opened the door, letting Pavel enter the humble home and immediately felt the warm and inviting atmosphere of a spacious living room.

Large, comfortable sofas with soft blankets draped over the couch and a stone fireplace took center stage, providing a cozy haven.

Pavel stepped into the bathroom, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. He reached out to flip the sink’s faucet on, only to be met with an eerie silence.

Confused, he looked underneath the sink, trying to make sense of the plumbing. His fingers found a loose valve, and without thinking, he tugged on it.

Suddenly, the room erupted into chaos as a high-pressure blast of water shot out from beneath the sink, hitting Pavel square in the face.

Water sprayed in every direction, splashing against the walls and drenching the bathroom floor. Pavel let out a loud shout, accompanied by a string of curses. He frantically tried to shove the valve back into place, but the relentless geyser of water continued to drench him.

Lily stormed into the bathroom, her eyes widening at the watery spectacle before her.

She raised her voice above the mayhem. “What did you do?”

Pavel, soaked to the bone, sputtered and gasped for breath. “Nothing. It just happened—”

Desperate to stop the deluge, they both scrambled to find a solution. Lily grabbed a nearby towel and tossed it to Pavel, who used it to block the gushing water. Together, they wrestled with the stubborn valve, attempting to get it back into place.

After a few moments of struggle, the valve finally clicked into position, and the furious flow of water subsided. The bathroom was left in shambles, with water pooling on the floor, towels scattered everywhere, and both Lily and Pavel completely drenched.

Standing in the bathroom, both drenched from their water struggle, Pavel burst out laughing, only to be met by Lily’s stern expression.

“It’s not funny.”

“Sorry,” he cleared his throat. He had looked away, then back at her again when he noticed that Lily’s white shirt had become transparent when wet, revealing more than she probably intended. Her skin showed through the fabric, and Pavel found himself momentarily entranced.

With no bra, her nipples were perked up against the fabric. He found himself fixated on the unexpected sight before him.

Lily noticed his sudden fascination and raised an eyebrow. “See something you like?”

Pavel was caught off guard and, yet intrigued by the flirtatious tone, decided to play along. “It’s not every day one gets to admire a masterpiece like this. I must say, Lily, you wear drenched white shirts quite well.”

“You are such a flirt.” Lily sounded unimpressed. “Does that line really help you with the ladies?”

“No. I don’t use words.”

“What do you use then?” her tone remained steady as his piercing dark eyes met hers.

Something primal awakening within him, something he’d kept long buried. Pavel closed the distance, the air between them seeming to vibrate. “Admit it. You are interested. My deal still stands.”

“As interested as I am in learning about dark matter,” she quipped, proud of her witty evasion before turning on her heels.

He smiled to himself. He was treading dangerous water by flirting with her. There were so many things that could go wrong but he just couldn’t help it.

Couple minutes later.

With an explosion of force, the bathroom door swung wide open. Lily stood with a questioning expression on her face. She was out of her wet shirt and wearing a very familiar sweatshirt that stopped just above her knees.

“Let’s do it.” She blurted out. “Make me cum and I will let you fuck me however you want.”

CHAPTER 2

LILIANA VEGA had to get out of this wet shirt and since all her belongings were packed up in boxes for her impending move to a new apartment closer to her internship. She went straight to her brother's bedroom.

She hoped to find something comfortable in Caleb’s closet. Lily pulled out a red hoodie that seemed perfect — soft, well-worn, and just the right amount of oversized. She slipped it on, ready to leave the room and face Pavel again.

Lily couldn't recall the first time she met Pavel, but almost suddenly it was like he was everywhere. He came over very often and rarely stayed at his own place, he teased her about her crush she had on a certain russian player on the team.

The truth was that Lily got along with every player on the team but she couldn't shake the frustration of being seen solely as Caleb's little sister.

It felt as if her individuality was constantly eclipsed by her brother. It was probably the same way Pavel saw her. It annoyed her even more. Maybe she should stay off hockey players as a whole. Date an accountant or something.

Surely she could find a guy from campus when school finally starts, anyone to make her forget the twisted emotions that swirled in her.

Her college roommate, Gina's words echoed in her mind, jolting her from her thoughts. "You can't find love until you get rid of that unrequited crush."

Lily contemplated her friend’s advice, considering the idea of a rebound to fill the void within her. A rebound would be best with someone she knew was never going to see her romantically.

Someone like... Pavel.

Before she could talk herself out of what she knew was a stupid idea, she went straight to the bathroom and swung the door open, her eyes met with an unexpected sight that caused her to stop dead in her tracks.

Shirtless and glistening with droplets of water, Pavel stood before her, caught in the act of squeezing the life out of his wet shirt. The dim light from the hallway outside cast shadows over his sculpted chest, a sight that left her breathless.

She studied him, truly studying him for the first time. He stood tall, his stature impressive, and his chest chiseled, bronzed by the sun's gentle touch. Pavel possessed a strong jawline and expressive eyes that exuded captivating depth, while his gaze was intensified by his eyebrows. His closely cropped fade hairstyle embraced his natural texture and pattern, further accentuating his allure.

In conclusion, Pavel wasn't bad looking and because of his reputation as a playboy, she was certain he would not have any romantic feelings for her. He would be the perfect candidate for her rebound hookup.

“Let's do it.” she blurted out. “Make me cum and i will let you fuck me how ever you want.”

His eyes shot up. “I’m curious, what made you change your mind?”

“You heard it yourself, I am having a dry spell, I want to feel something, to you know, finally put a lid on my stupid feelings for Luka.”

Lily chattered on and didn't notice the sour expression that creeped on Pavel's face at the mention of Luka.

“I mean I need to have sex with someone right now and I am considering if that person would be you? But don't expect this to be like a constant thing. I have no intention of making this more than a stupid one time thing between us.”

“You are right. This is stupid. Let's not bother,” he countered.

Her brows furrowed, “what do you mean?”

“I don't want to be a rebound for your stupid crush on Luka. Offer is off the table.”

Lily didn't understand the sudden change in attitude. “It was your freaking idea.” She folded her hands across her chest. “oh, I forgot you are scared of what your captain might say about sleeping with his little sister.”

“Lily...”

“No. It's okay. Let's pretend this didn't happen. Thank you for bringing me home, you can leave now.” she hurried out of the bathroom to her bedroom.

◦•●◉✿ . ✿◉●•◦

Next day

Lily slowly spun around her new studio apartment, a smile creeping across her face. It was small, with just enough room for a tiny kitchen, a loveseat tucked under the window facing the street below and her bedroom was separated by a thin wall, but it was hers.

"Well, that's the last box," Caleb said, dropping a box by the door with a huff. "You sure you got everything you need, Lil?"

"I think so. I can always grab the stuff I need from your place later."

Caleb stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, shoving his hands into his pockets. "It's gonna be weird not having you around all the time anymore."

Lily laughed and gave him a playful shove. "Oh please, with me gone there's nothing stopping you from bringing girls home now."

A shy smile crossed Caleb's face and he glanced down, scuffing his sneaker against the floor. “Well don’t hold your breath.”

Lily couldn’t hide the sadness that crept in her eyes as she looked at her brother. She tried to think of any girls but apart from a few dates, Caleb had not had a girlfriend for as long she could remember.

Trying to lighten the mood, she gestured out the window where the tall office building that would be her new workplace loomed. "I'm just excited to start my internship on Monday. This place was perfect because it's so close too.”

Caleb nodded, though she could see the uncertainty in his eyes. "Where'd you find this apartment anyway? online?"

"Yeah. Gina sent me the link." Lily gave him a reassuring smile and nudged his arm. "Don't worry, I'll be fine on my own."

She knew Caleb was struggling with her leaving home. They had always been close, relying on each other. But Lily was ready to spread her wings, to finally have her own space no matter how small.

As she continued to unpack, her hands brushed against something soft and familiar. With a curious expression, she retrieved a red sweatshirt from one of the boxes and held it up for Caleb to see. “That reminds me, I took your sweatshirt.” She raised the fabric up.

He stepped forward and studied it for a moment, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “It’s cute but that’s not mine.”

“Really? I found it in your–

Before she could finish the sentence, there was a knock at the door and Lily jumped up to answer it. Her best friend Gina stood there holding a bag of takeout containers.

"Hey bitches!" she grinned, breezing inside. "I come bearing dinner to celebrate your first night in the new pad."

Caleb shifted awkwardly as Gina gave him an obvious once-over. "Oh hey Mr Caleb Vega, I didn't know you'd be here." She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Looking like a snack.”

"Uh, yeah just helping Lily move in," he mumbled, not meeting her gaze. "But I should get going. Call me if you need anything, seriously. I can come by anytime. See you later, kiddo." He hurried out the door without another glance back.

Lily rolled her eyes but smiled and shut the door behind him. Turning to her friend, "You make him so nervous when you do that."

Gina laughed as she set the food down. "I know. It's fun. Maybe we could date?”

“Don't you have a boyfriend?” Lily asked.

“We broke up.” Gina plopped down on the small chair and started unpacking the food containers onto the coffee table.

“Again?”

She waved her hand, “I don't want to talk about that, tell me what this new Lily has planned for the rest of the summer. Please don’t say you want to work all through it because I will literally tug my hair out.”

Lily laughed. “I will focus on my internship for sure but I also want to use this opportunity to do something crazy.”

“Finally!”

Gina set the takeout noodles on the table, the enticing aroma filling the air as Lily and she settled down to eat.

Lily continued. “That's where you come in. I don't have my brother looking over my shoulder, I want to do something crazy, I want to have sex this summer.”

Gina couldn't help but burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking with amusement. “Sorry. You are talking like some teenage virgin, go have sex. What’s stopping you?”

“Well, I tried to follow your advice yesterday. I did something stupid.” She sighed then she began to narrate the events that had unfolded involving Pavel. “Can you imagine? I asked Pavel and he said no. The guy sleeps with anything wearing a skirt but he says no to me.”

Gina's eyes widened in surprise, a forkful of noodles halfway to her mouth. "You asked Pavel to sleep with you?"

Lily's face flushed with embarrassment, her words tumbling out in a rushed manner. "Well, I didn't... I mean, not exactly," she stumbled, trying to find the right words. "It's more like he overheard our phone call and suggested it. And I can not emphasize enough how embarrassing it was. It felt like one of his stupid pranks."

"I think I know what you need, there is a club I recently discovered."

“What, where is it?” Lily leaned in, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Caught off guard by her sudden interest, Gina hesitated for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly on the tabletop. "But it's like a BDSM dungeon," Gina cautiously revealed. "I'm not sure if..."

Lily's face lit up, interrupting Gina mid-sentence. "That. I want that," she declared, leaning in even closer.

"Girl, no," she protested. "You gagged when you brushed your teeth. The men that frequent these clubs are a different breed." she said, twirling lo mein onto her fork.

“I'm not as much of a stick-in-the-mud as you think. We are going there... tonight.”

CHAPTER 3

The girls were getting ready for a night out on the town, ready to let loose and have some fun. Lily had picked out a sparkly dress that hugged her curves and showed just the right amount of skin. Gina stood beside her, looking equally stunning in a form-fitting mini-dress.

Lily pulled out her favorite perfume. She loved it so much that she bought multiple and left one in her brother’s house. She spritzed it around her head, and Gina nearly choked at the intoxicating scent.

They ordered a ride in about forty minutes. They arrived at a neighborhood Lily was familiar with, but there wasn’t a club around here, at least to her knowledge. “Are you sure this is the right place?”

“It’s called an underground club for a reason.” Gina sensed her friend’s worries. “Listen, you might be stepping out of your comfort zone tonight, but that’s what makes it exciting. We’ll blend right in; you’ll see. And besides, confidence is key. You look stunning and now you just have to show it.” She linked arms with Lily.

Lily returned the smile, her worries slowly melting away. “Okay, let’s do this before I chicken out.”

They approached the entrance and were greeted by an imposing guard. He motioned for them to come closer, his voice muffled through the white mask he wore.

“Welcome to The Enigma Club. To enter, you must wear masks and adopt new identities for the evening,” the guard instructed, handing them intricately designed masks. “Choose your names wisely, for they shall be your aliases within these walls.”

Gina took out two eye masks and handed one over to Lily. “We have to pick fake names, too.”

“Really? What would your name be?” Lily carefully slid the mask over her face, the cool, smooth texture of the fabric pressing against her skin. It is similar to the masks of the Mardi Gras.

“Scarlet, the mysterious seductress,” Gina answered, laughing.

“That’s nice. What about if I call myself Seraphina?”

“Seraphina, I like it.” Gina giggled.

With their new identities solidified, the girls entered the club, the music pulsating and the atmosphere electric.

The threshold was marked by a heavy, velvet curtain that whispered secrets with every sway. Inside, the club was a realm of enchantment. The air held a hint of intrigue, tinged with excitement as if the atmosphere were keeping a delightful secret. The dim lighting, masked faces, and provocative costumes of the other patrons added to the mysterious air.

Every mask was a unique work of art, an expression of individuality concealed behind an ornate facade. They ranged from elegant and intricate masquerade masks to avant-garde creations.

“This is... a lot.” Lily’s eyes followed the several half-naked kinkstars.

Every corner was filled with various apparatuses, each one designed for the exploration of bondage and impact play. The Leather cuffs, glimmering under the soft lighting, caught her attention. They were neatly arranged, inviting those who dared to indulge in the art of restraint. The thought of the smooth leather encircling her wrists sent a thrill coursing through her veins.

“So, what is the plan? Am I expected to try some of this stuff, getting tied up and spanked, like how do we go about this?” Lily asked.

“You have to get a Dom to do all that, but you don’t have to do it tonight. Just have fun and take it all in. I don’t want you to be overwhelmed. Come on, let’s get some drinks.”

Lily followed her friend’s lead and weaved through the crowd, passing through people with ropes, lashes, and ball gags.

She spotted the bartender, in a leather cut-out and also masked up.

“Two tequila shots, please.”

He prepared their drink and with a clink of their glass, they both shot the shots down their throat in one go.

“Time to party–before Lily could finish the sentence.

A tall man tugged Gina by her hair and kissed her. “You have been a very naughty girl, Scarlet.”

Lily’s eyes widened as her friend switched into this Scarlet person. “I am sorry, Daddy.”

“You are coming with me.” and with that, he pulled Gina away.

“I’ll be back,” she echoed out.

What the heck was that?

Lily sipped her drink. Her gaze swept across the room until it landed on a mysterious figure, tall and confident, hidden behind a mask.

He sat still, observing her. His legs were spread, creating an open stance that symbolized a commanding presence. The red mask concealed every single part of his facial features, leaving his allure to the imagination.

Her heart quickened, a live wire of exhilaration pulsing in her chest. Every nerve tingled with heightened awareness, drawn to the mysterious allure of the masked individual.

For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, the music and chatter around them fading into the background.

Finally, he threaded to the bar, where she stood, his eyes gleamed with intrigue. “First time?” he asked in a deep, velvety timbre that matched his masked persona perfectly.

“Is it that obvious? It was my friend’s idea. She is always trying new things and taking risks.”

“And you? You don’t like risk?” he inquired, his words hanging in the air with an air of mystery.

“I don’t know. Curiosity and a hunger for adventure. I thought I’d try something new, but I must say, I already feel like I’ve stumbled upon the most intriguing mystery of the night.”

The man nodded, and a playful glint danced in his masked eyes. “Well then, consider me your unofficial guide to the world of nightlife.”

She took him in. Her eyes, never leaving the enigmatic mask that obscured his face. His attire, impeccably tailored, accentuated his muscular frame, leaving little to the imagination.

Lily was captivated by his exposed hands, the veins coursing just beneath the surface. The play of shadows created intricate patterns, adding to their allure. The rings adorning his fingers added an intimate and mysterious touch, enhancing his captivating presence.

“I am Seraphina.” She extended her hand.

His gaze fell on her outstretched hand, and as their fingers intertwined, a jolt of electricity surged between them, a sensation that Lily could ignore. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together.

“I’m Micheal,” he replied, his fingers holding hers with a gentle yet possessive touch.

She expected he too used a fake alias but everything just made it exciting. As he drew closer, Lily used the opportunity to steal a closer look at him. The man’s mask seemed to accentuate the strong lines of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes, which she could sense even through the disguise.

“Your eyes...” He tilted his head as if contemplating something only known to him. “Have we met before?” he asked.

“Why? Do I look, or rather sound, familiar?”

“Your eyes... and your perfume,” he began, his voice soft. “They remind me of someone. Someone I can never have.”

Lily’s heart skipped a beat as she absorbed his words. “Why can’t you have her?”

“To put it simply, I want something for the long haul and she... she is not ready for that,” he confessed. “She is not ready to see the full me.”

Lily’s curiosity deepened. “What do you mean?” she asked.

He hesitated, grappling with the memories that threatened to surface. “She is... delicate, in every sense of the word,” he finally explained. “And the desires that burned within me, they are too intense, too consuming. If I allowed myself to have her, truly her, I would never want to let her go or worse I would destroy her in the process. Sometimes, we have to protect the ones we care about from our own darkness, even if it means denying ourselves the very thing we desire most.”

Lily took a deep breath, her mind racing with a bold idea. “Or maybe you just need to find someone who’s not fragile. Someone who’s willing to embrace your darkness and let it consume them.”

He tilted his head and waited a moment before he spoke. “Are you sure you want to tread down this path? Once you enter my world, there’s no turning back.”

She felt a rush of adrenaline as she realized that this was exactly the kind of encounter she had been hoping for when she decided to come to the club.

“Yes.”

CHAPTER 4

He led her to the private booth. It was like a sanctuary of opulence, nestled in a corner adorned with rich, deep-red velvet drapes that seemed to swallow sound. She settled into the plush, burgundy seat.

He took a seat beside her, close enough that their knees brushed beneath the table, creating an intimate connection that sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. His presence, now even more captivating up close, was like a magnetic force that drew her in.

“Changing your mind already?” he asked.

“No. I’m a little nervous.”

“There are a lot of misconceptions of the BDSM community, but our core values are Safe, Sane, and Consensual and I am not referring to mostly safe, or should be safe. It must unequivocally be safe. There should be no debate on that. It’s the job of the dom...” he gestured to himself and continued, “to ensure his sub safe. My advice, start slow. If perhaps you don’t feel comfortable, definitely let your dom know.”

Lily listened like he was dropping gems but didn’t fail to notice when he indicated he was a Dom, even though she had suspected.

“In a place like this it’s crucial to differentiate between pain and harm. Pain is merely one of the heightened sensations we experience; it’s sharp, transient, and devoid of harm. A rosy buttcheeks, for instance, doesn’t constitute an injury, whereas third-degree burns unquestionably qualify as harm.”

She nodded, taking it in.

“How about we find out how much pain and pleasure you can take?”

Right at that moment, Gina called out her name “li —err.. Seraphina.” Her outfit and hair appeared disheveled, she ran over to her and stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted her friend with this man. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Not at all. Seemed you have fun, though?” Micheal replied.

Gina grinned and turned to her friend with wide eyes.

“You totally left me.” Lily’s tone was filled with accusation.

“Okay fine, so it might not be my first time here, but you wasted no time in getting comfortable and making new friends.”

“Why don’t I get you girls some drinks?” He got up, buttoned up his suit, and disappeared into the crowd.

Gina immediately sat down, her mouth hung open. “God damn. He is hot. You are here for five minutes and you meet the literal definition of tall, dark and handsome— start talking.”

Lily laughed and shrugged. “You know him?”

“I know of him. He is the hottest guy in the community and of course, no one knows his real identity. He doesn’t come here often but when he does, everyone knows.”

“Oh?”

Gina crossed her legs, leaning into Lily. “I have heard that he is very picky about girls, great in bed, pretty much the perfect guy. Are you sure you want to sleep with him? Maybe I should instead... he could be pretty intense for you.”

“What about the guy that stole you away?”

Gina flicked her hand in the air. “Oh him. Nah, there is nothing. We just made out, that’s it.”

“What could I expect from someone like Micheal?” Lily asked, nudging her head in the direction of the bar where he stood, ordering them drinks.

“Kink play, probably something with rope. People like him are definitely into some dark shit. Like primal play.”

That sounded thrilling.

He walked over to the girls, drinks in hand.

Gina took the drink and thanked him. “I’m just going to go over... there. You two have fun.” she winked at Lily before leaving.

He sat beside her. “There is another thing I’d like to show you. Would you be interested?”

Lily exhaled, her fingers playing with the rim of her glass, and nodded in response.

“I should point out that in this community, proper communication is important. You are going to have to be vocal.”

“Why is that?” Her curiosity mixed with her unease, and she fidgeted with the straw in her drink.

“Consent is fundamental to this lifestyle. It’s not about a maybe or a nod. What we are looking for is a firm and loud yes.” His voice was unwavering, his eyes locked onto hers. “I’m asking again, would you be interested?”

"Yes," Lily replied, her chin lifting slightly, a confident spark in her eyes.

“Follow me.”

He rose from his seat, and she hurriedly put her glass down to catch up with his wide strides.

They reached a red door at the back of the club, and he turned to address her.

“Just so you know. When I walk into this room, I become a Dom. If you ever feel uncomfortable, say your safe word and I will stop.”

Lily pondered for a moment before asking, “Can’t I just say stop when I want you to stop?”

He shook his head, explaining, “Words like ‘stop’ can’t always be taken seriously in this context, because some people use them as part of their play, like they’re playing a character.”

“Can I choose my safe word?” Lily inquired.

He nodded. “Of course.”

“Pickle,” Lily blurted out, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Never heard that one before.” He looked at her for a moment. “Any reason behind it?”

Lily chuckled nervously, trying to ease the tension. “I thought it was a funny word to yell during... you know.”

“Fine, Pickle it is.”

They stepped through the private room featuring a couch, a set of chairs, and several metal loops hanging from the walls and other structures she couldn’t identify. At the corner was a saltire, each end had straps to fasten a person in position.

Lily was overwhelmed. There was so much to learn and take in. “What are those metal hoops on the roof?”

He closed the door behind her and put a firm hand on her lower back.

“Those are suspension rings. I could tie you up and attach you to them so you can’t move. Don’t worry, we are not going to use that tonight.”

“Oh?”

“Disappointed?”

“A little.”

“You can’t learn to drive with a ten-foot truck. We are going to start small and work our way up. Tell me, what is your turn off? What are you not willing to try in the bedroom?”

Lily pursed her lips thoughtfully. It wasn't a question she often pondered. Finger by finger, she counted off turns off as they came to mind. “Spitting. Oh, pee too. I don’t want to do that. I mean, if that’s your thing, cool but I’m not into those kinds of showers.”

He nodded. “Anything else?”

“Umm... I’m not sure about collars.”

“That’s fine. I won’t use a collar on you. What about choking?”