The Domination Game

ADIRE

Chicago, Illinois

Tyler Knight was a sweet guy, and I won’t lie, he was a blast to toy with.

But my time in Chicago was winding down, and I was Boston-bound… so our fun and games had to end.

I’d only stayed in Chicago longer because a past client had specifically requested my help.

Our seven-month agreement had run its course; my extended stay in Chicago had stretched it by three months.

That’s not something I usually let happen. But this particular man really enjoyed being my submissive plaything.

And, as entertaining as our “sessions” were, I was reaching a point where it was all starting to feel a bit dull to me.

Tyler had asked me to dinner with him tonight, and I’d agreed to the date.

This isn’t something that usually happens. I don’t date the men I dominate. I don’t date at all, really.

But with that said, it felt like I needed to let him down gently. So, I made small talk with him as we shared our meal.

As our dinner was wrapping up, I asked for the check. I glanced up, and I could tell by the sparkle in his eyes that he thought we were heading back to his place for some post-dinner fun.

The waitress brought the check, and I handed her my card.

“Adire, let me take care of this tonight,” Tyler said, taking my hand.

“Tyler, I’m going to head out right after dinner. I agreed to tonight because I wanted to tell you in person,” I said, needing to nip this in the bud.

“You’re leaving? I thought you chose to stay because of me, because of us?” he said, surprised, but quickly regained his composure.

“When will you be back in Chicago?” he asked, setting down his silverware.

“Tyler, I’m not coming back to Chicago, darling. I’m leaving. I finished the job they asked me to do, and now they’re sending me on a completely new assignment.

“I just wanted to tell you I had a lot of fun with you, and I hope you did too.” I smiled, folding the napkin from my lap and setting it on the table.

His dark-brown hair fell forward as he sulked. Tyler was one of the youngest lovers I’d had in a while.

I mean, twenty-six isn’t that young, but I thought we’d have some fun together and it would be drama-free. But that didn’t seem to be the case now.

“No, I… I wanted to ask you something!” he blurted out, reaching for his pocket, and I mentally sighed. I always lay out the rules for my men from the get-go.

If they’re not interested, they don’t have to play. Some are perfectly fine with the boundaries I set, while others…

A black velvet box was in his hand, and people around us were watching. I didn’t want to embarrass him, so I just took a deep breath and smiled.

“Adire Black, I love you. Will you marry me?” poor Tyler asked.

At that moment, I really just wanted to facepalm. One of my rules with my subs is nothing personal.

I don’t want to hear about your day, and I don’t want to tell you about mine. There’s a reason why I have these men with me, and it isn’t for chit-chat.

Another rule I make clear is don’t get too attached. I’m not here to stay. I’m here to be your mistress, not your girlfriend.

This is just a good time between two consenting adults, that’s all. It’s not meant to lead to the altar.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Men would love this, right? They would jump at this chance, and yes, most do.

But the problem is, believe it or not, once you tell a man you’re not looking for a relationship and that you just want a little fun… you can’t shake them off!

Don’t hate me; I’m just stating a fact.

But, if you tell a man, “I just want a quick fuck,” and when you’re done, you roll out of bed, leaving him a twenty on the nightstand, saying, “Thanks for the screw…”

I swear, ladies, those men will be falling down on their knees, begging you to stay.

And then there’s Tyler…

My shoulders slump. “Tyler, sweetheart, I’m not the marrying kind. I thought we went over that when we first got together.

“I have my career, and I’m married to that. It’s not you, really. It’s me. You were absolutely wonderful, and one day you’ll find that girl,” I said softly.

I closed the velvet box (with one of the biggest diamonds I’ve ever seen in it) and pushed it back to him.

I stood up from the table and, cupping his face in my hands, said, “I’ve got to go, darling, but you’ve been great.” Then I kissed his lips goodbye.

I wrapped my coat around myself as I stepped out into the chilly Chicago night.

A yellow cab pulled up in front of me almost immediately. “Where to, ma’am?” the driver asked as I got in.

I pulled my phone from my clutch and scrolled down for the number I needed. “O’Hare,” I told him.

On my way to the airport, I texted my best friends to let them know I’d be home soon.

It was Allie’s turn to host me during my stay in Boston since I stayed with Kitty last time I was in town.

Three and a half hours later, I was in Boston, and Kitty, not Allie, picked me up from the airport. That was unexpected.

Then she told me that it was Peter and Allie’s seventh anniversary, so she’d volunteered to pick me up.

I stood in front of some new nightclub that had caught Kitty’s attention this week, where the music could be heard from the street.

“A.B., you’re gonna adore this place!” Kitty’s laughter echoed as we stepped into the club.

“Kitty, if you think a room full of twenty-somethings trying to out-macho each other is my idea of fun, you’re mistaken, sweetheart.

“And I’m not in the mood to be seen as a prowling cougar tonight,” I muttered, earning a chuckle from her.

“Lighten up, A.B.! Allie’s not joining us because Peter’s back in town. And I’ve been dying to check this place out… it’s supposed to be epic!” she pleaded.

I had a feeling she only offered to pick me up tonight to drag me out clubbing. I raised my hand to silence her whining, and she grinned, knowing she’d won.

“Fine, Kitty, one drink and one dance, and hand over your keys.” I sighed as she giggled, fished her keys out of her purse, and dropped them into my hand.

“You’re the best!” she squealed, grabbing my arm as we were led into the club.

The place was bright, noisy, and, just as I’d predicted, swarming with the twenty-something crowd. So much for a relaxing night before my first day at work tomorrow.

And by relaxing, I mean not being surrounded by neon lights and blaring music.

I pulled Kitty close so I could yell in her ear over the music.

“We’re leaving in an hour, or I’ll hunt you down! We can come back on Saturday,” I threatened, hoping she could hear me over the noise.

She nodded and wandered off, already moving to the beat of the music.

I made my way to the bar, pulled out my phone, and texted Allie.

With a sigh, I tucked my phone back into my pocket as a cute bartender approached me. “What can I get you?” he yelled.

“Just seltzer water with lemon,” I yelled back.

After a while, the music started to give me a headache, and I was about to go find Kitty when someone tapped my shoulder.

I turned to see a guy who looked like he’d just turned twenty-one.

“Hey, wanna dance?” he asked, glancing back at his friends with a smirk.

“Not tonight, sweetheart. I’m about to head out.” I smiled, sliding off the stool and weaving through the crowd to find Kitty.

“Hey, why the rush?” he asked, grabbing my arm to stop me.

“Sweetheart, you couldn’t handle the games I play,” I told him, but he didn’t let go.

I looked down at his hand and then back at him. “I don’t like being manhandled, and I can take care of myself. Are you into martial arts by any chance?” I asked.

He looked confused, let go of my arm, and I chuckled. “I’m sure you’re a nice guy, but I’m not your cougar for the night. Go find a girl who’ll let you have your way with her.”

“Damn, you’re sexy.” He laughed.

Well, he asked for it. I grabbed him by the back of the neck, kissed him, trying to make him surrender control to me. But he wouldn’t give in.

He was young and full of energy, and I wasn’t in the mood for that. I ended the kiss, gave his cheek a light smack, and his eyes widened in surprise.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but I prefer my men submissive.” I winked.

He looked confused, but only for a moment before he got my meaning. I laughed as I walked away, and with a smile on my face, I went to find Kitty.

When I finally found her, she was dancing with some guy and looked like she’d had quite a few drinks already.

I wedged myself between her and the guy and pulled her away.

“Time to go, sweetheart. I have to be up by six-thirty tomorrow, and by the time we get to Allie’s, it’ll be past one.” I sighed, dragging her out of the club with me.

We got to the car, and as soon as she slumped into the seat, I buckled her in.

We were only five minutes down the road when I had to pull over so Kitty could throw up everything she’d drunk in the past hour.

I couldn’t tell you what she’d had to drink that made her so sick, but damn!

It was 2 a.m. when I finally walked into Allie’s apartment. I dropped my bags on the floor and grabbed some clean clothes for a shower.

While I was helping Kitty upstairs to her room, she decided it was the perfect time to throw up again. This time, all over me… and people wonder why I don’t drink.

The next morning, I was rushing around because I’d overslept when Allie started yelling at me. “A.B., it’s not cool to leave puke-covered clothes in a bag in the bathroom!” she shouted.

“Well, it’s not cool to be tricked into clubbing right after getting off a plane!” I shot back.

I adjusted my suede skirt and straightened my blouse.

“Besides, I had to drag her up the stairs only to get puked on. You owe me for that,” I grumbled, finishing my eyeliner as she opened the bathroom door.

“Fine!” she snapped, slamming the door behind her.

I couldn’t help but smile as I walked into the kitchen and saw Peter sitting on a stool, eating cereal.

He looked up at me before shoveling another spoonful into his mouth. “You’re looking good, A.B. Who are you trying to impress today?” he asked, crunching away.

“I’m meeting with a major corporation this afternoon. I need to prep before the meeting,” I said, pulling out a yogurt from the fridge.

He laughed, taking another bite of his breakfast. “I didn’t catch half of that, but it sounds impressive.”

His words brought a smile to my face. I leaned in, planting a quick kiss on his cheek before heading for the door. “Hey, let Allie know I should be home on time tonight. And tell her I’m craving Mexican for dinner!” I called out, dashing out the door.