Read Online Rich Tapestry by Ashe Barker - Free Book Online Page A

allowing me the time I need to compose myself. I can’t believe I agreed. I have absolutely no idea where that came from, how it emerged. How he drew that shocking admission from me. But he did, and here we are now.
    “Will you do it here? In front of people?” From what I’ve picked up from Freya, privacy does not seem to be a prerequisite for what he clearly intends. I’m surprised then when he shakes his head.
    “No. Scening in public is definitely a step too far for you, this time. We’ll use a private room. First, though, would you like to look around? See some of what your friend finds so fascinating?”
    A private room. Christ! A public spanking would be awful, but a private room is just as terrifying in its own way. Still, the lesser of two evils… But instead of being sensible and running for my life, I find myself accepting his kind invitation to a grand tour.
    A few minutes later, we’re walking side by side down the thickly carpeted corridor. I’m worried about Freya, and in particular about the possibility that she may come back and be looking for me. She might need me and I won’t be there because I’m off gallivanting with some handsome Dom. I mention my concern to Dan, leaving out the bit about the handsome Dom naturally. He pulls his phone from his pocket and quickly fires off a text.
    “There. I’ve let Nick know that you’re with me and he’ll tell Freya. Problem solved. Now you can relax.”
    “Essentially, apart from the bar which you’re no doubt very familiar with by now, the Collared and Tied club consists of a shared playroom, though we usually call it the dungeon, and several smaller private rooms where couples or small groups can enjoy more privacy if that’s what they want. That said, some of the small rooms have one-way glass windows—observers can see in, but the people inside can’t see out so they won’t know if anyone is watching. All the rooms are fitted with closed-circuit television, with an audio link, so club staff can monitor what’s going on. For safety reasons.”
    As Dan provides his quick overview of the club, I have to lift my chin to look up at him, noting that despite my own five-foot-six height, taller than average, he still has a good few inches on me. “Safety?”
    His sideways glance is sardonic. “Yes, Miss Jones. Safety. We take the health and wellbeing of our submissives very seriously. Safe, sane, consensual. The Dungeon Master sees to that down in the communal area—the CCTV makes sure of it upstairs.”
    I immediately remember Freya’s poor, caned hands. Surely that wasn’t consensual—or safe. And the jury’s out on sane. Dan picks up on my skeptical expression.
    “You clearly have your doubts, Miss Jones. Why would that be?”
    I find myself telling him about what happened to Freya, how her hands were sore for days after that mean bastard had finished with her, interfering even with her ability to sign. Dan listens to me carefully, his slight frown suggesting he does not like what he’s hearing.
    “Why didn’t she refuse to play? Or complain afterwards?”
    “If you know of Freya, you must realize it isn’t easy for her to communicate always. She was upset—she just came home. It was all I could do to get her to tell me what had happened. Your safety cameras didn’t help her. And the audio link wouldn’t be any use at all.”
    He looks thoughtful and suitably concerned. “We let her down. It shouldn’t have happened. It won’t happen again—you have my word on that.”
    “Why? What do you mean? What will you be able to do?”
    “I expect Freya will tell Nick about it, and he’ll deal with the Dom in question. If she doesn’t tell Nick, I’ll deal with it. Now that I know.”
    I stop, turn to him. “Why on earth would she tell this Nick? She’s terrified of him.”
    He smiles. “I seriously doubt that. Nervous, maybe. Apprehensive, possibly. A healthy respect—without doubt. But she won’t be frightened of him. Not in