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Don’t I know it.

Chapter 79

Kathleen

We forego any formal introduction. Not that people usually do introductions around here. Typically, they hop on the stage and get to it, but for debuts, the club likes to do a bit of a talk so everyone knows what’s going on.

Ahahaha. As if people don’t know what’s going on tonight.

Ira stands tall, unwavering on the stage as she yanks on my leash. I take the first step, feeling every eye in the room move in my direction. Some of them think I’m hot. Some of them think I’m crazy. All of them think this is the most exciting thing to happen all night.

My knees shake in my boots. I hope nobody can tell.

The only sounds I hear are the beating of my heart and the jingle of my leash and jewelry. The audience is reverently silent. Thankfully, the lights keep me from seeing any faces beyond those closest to us, and I don’t know who most of those people are.

“Kneel.” Ira pushes my shoulders, forcing me to my knees at the edge of the stage. My hands clasp the wood beneath me. Suddenly I feel very small. Not in a bad way, but…

Vulnerable. I’ve never been vulnerable in front of so many people before.

“Most of you know this woman.” Ira’s voice is loud, carrying throughout the club known for its fantastic acoustics if you’re standing on stage. No doubt that even the people sitting in the back of the second story can hear her with that booming voice. “She’s got quite the reputation in this club, doesn’t she?”

A few whistles and claps make their way to my ears. I remain still, staring at the floor. My ponytail hangs limply on my shoulder.

“Everyone here knows Kathleen Allen for being the biggest Domme around.” Ira removes her jacket. She’s worn one of my favorite shirts, the pink silk one that she leaves unbuttoned on top. As she rolls up her cuffs and looks down at me, I feel that wash of lust take me over. Why isn’t she kissing me? Why aren’t her hands all over me? Why, for the love that is good and pure, isn’t she fucking me?

Oh, right, we’re in public.

“Dommes get a hard break around here, don’t they ladies?”

More cheers.

“You lovely pioneers of ass-kicking have a lot weighing on your shoulders. You always have to be on. We expect such weird things from you, no matter how many times you tell us you’re not interested.” My Domme strokes the top of my head, weaving her fingers into my hair. “So it’s only natural that we wonder what it’s like to dominate such beautiful women in turn.”

She yanks my ponytail so hard that I’m instantly looking up into the lights, a cry of pain tearing through my body.

The room is silent.

“When Kathleen came to me, I knew what she wanted. What she needed.” Even though my scalp burns, Ira soothes me when her other hand cups beneath my chin. My head rests against her. “Of course I was flattered that she wanted to submit to me. We hooked up a few times before that, but you all know how it is… two personalities like ours clashing together isn’t always the smartest idea. So imagine my surprise when Kathleen Allen showed up at my door and said she would hang up her whip if it meant sexual salvation.”

Inside my chest, my heart beats furiously. I’m aching in lust for her. I’m burning in apprehension for myself. Although I can’t see the reactions out in the crowd, I know they’re wondering how much truth there is to Ira’s tale. It’s not that far off, is it?

She needs to keep going, though. Don’t leave the story hanging where it makes me look desperate and noncommittal, Ira.

“I’ve been a dominant for many years,” Ira continues. She eases her grip and pinches my ear. “I’ve seen all sorts of reasons women turn to submitting. Some love the sexual thrill. Others want to explore a darker side to their sexuality. Then there are women like Kathleen.”

She squeezes my shoulders, both hands encircling my throat, gently, but the pressure is so great that I’m convinced I need to struggle to breathe.

“Kathleen came to me because she needed release.”

Ira does not elaborate. Yet her tender touch sends waves of understanding through my body. Yes, Ira. I came to you for the release I craved for so long but didn’t know how to pursue. I sank deeper into the comfort of dominating without even considering how liberating it could be on the other side. Not until you showed me how life-changing it could be did I change.

It helps that I also love you so much.

“Don’t look at this woman and assume she’s confused or misunderstood. Don’t judge her for her previous actions and those of today. I am humbled and honored that she has chosen to serve me. It will be my life’s goal to make sure she is taken care of and properly treated as a sub should be, but don’t think this makes her a submissive woman. I’m afraid the next time you see her in the boardroom she’ll still be slamming her boot into your balls.”

I think I hear laughter.

“The woman you see before you debuts tonight as a sub… my sub. No other will have her the way I do, but we can give you a taste of what it means to be us. A part of my Katie’s journey on the path to pure release is confessing everything that makes her… well…”