Burned (Purgatory Club BDSM Erotic) (3 page)

Zane walked onto the stage and yanked Ruby from her thoughts. His presence invaded her from head to toe. Her nipples tightened painfully and her sex squeezed sharply. She hadn’t exactly forgotten how breathtaking he was, but time had allowed her some distance. No longer.

Firelight gleamed across his shaven head and lit up the multitude of tattoos that emphasized his bare torso. Muscles bunched and flexed in rhythm with the music so she almost missed the glint across his pecs.
Oh, wow, that was new.
He’d added nipple rings since the last time she’d seen him. As if he needed anything else to make him hotter. She forcibly closed her gaping mouth. If she wasn’t careful she’d be drooling long before his show ended.

Not that she’d come to see the man.

He carried his personal fire staff and moved closer to the women, maneuvering the flames over and around their writhing bodies in an erotic dance. The fire from all the implements swirled and swayed until they blended and the eye could no longer tell where each one started or where they ended.

Before long her body thrummed and pulsed in sync with their movements as she stood mesmerized. When the girls switched out their tools for the short fire breathing sticks, Ruby turned her focus to Zane and his performance. His movements seemed effortless, but she knew better. He kept his gaze on the fire at all times so he could study its patterns. He controlled it, dominated it every second.

As much as she didn’t want to admit it, she’d never seen a fire performer with his natural abilities. He probably understood fire even better than she did. Yet he’d taken the time to learn to wield it as if he’d been born to it. Gabe had a proficiency for fire play like nobody’s business, but his skill paled in comparison to the possessive style Zane exhibited. What would it be like to let him control both the fire and her pleasure? If only he didn’t want to force her submission…

Her chest constricted painfully. His parting words from their last encounter were never far from her mind.

“
Submitting to the fire is the only thing that will make you truly happy. Unfortunately it can’t be the fire dominating you, doll. You need a Dominant with enough control to handle both of you.”

Distracted by her thoughts, she almost missed the two ladies getting on their hands and knees, heads to the floor and asses high in the air facing Zane. He’d switched from a staff to the fire whip. A tingling sensation raced through her body as he unfurled the flaming tail. A collective gasp rushed from the crowd, mirrored by Ruby. She found herself attracted to the seductive sway of his body almost as much as the promise of heat searing the barred backsides of the women.

Longing rose in her, sharp and swift. Liquid heat pooled between her thighs. She’d never experienced the fire whip since so few people willingly wielded it, but it had centered prominently in her dreams for quite some time. It took a lot of practice to become proficient when the dang thing wasn’t on fire. When Zane pulled out the whip, she was helpless to resist.

He lifted his arm and circled the whip around his head, the fire reflecting in the taut flesh of his bicep. Ruby held her breath waiting for the crack she knew was coming. The pop vibrated through the room and a ball of flame bounced from the end of the whip. The murmur of the crowd fed her excitement to the breaking point until Zane landed the first strike on one of the women’s backside. Ruby’s body grew taut, her pulse pounded in her groin and her breath came in fast pants.

She glanced around quickly to ensure no one saw her, then slid her hand underneath her skirt. The whipping continued, each stroke fast and furious but enough to leave small red streaks behind. The more she watched, the more everything ached. The slightest movement brushed sensitive nipples across rough fabric and her hand rubbing her panties wasn’t enough.

She roughly pulled the silk strip out of her way and plunged two fingers inside her sex.
Not enough. Not enough.
Her head lolled from side to side but her gaze never left the flaming tail of the whip. She wanted to anticipate the next strike but couldn’t focus. Her fingers pressed forward, deeper…she couldn’t deny the storm brewing inside her.

Ruby’s vision narrowed, the scene in front of her eyes taking sole focus. The torches all around the stage, eager moans for more from the two women, and Zane’s presence dominated her mind. She didn’t always understand how fire and desire went together, but she’d learned through experience never to deny it. To live in the moment.

She allowed her own moans to slide from her lips when she quickened the pace of her hand. The fiery scene existed inside her, aching to get out. Blasts of heat pressed against her skin like a lover’s caress, sending blistering need sweeping through her senses. Oh God, she was going to orgasm standing less than thirty feet from the one man she wanted more than breath.

He looked at her then, his gaze boring into hers.

Oh shit, no.
Her hand stilled but it was too late.

Come.

Shock rippled through her as he mouthed the word, tearing a scream from her throat. Fast and powerful, her release rippled through her, over her. Her hand fell free and she grabbed at the railing to stop from falling. She gasped for air as the crowd beyond her broke into thunderous applause. This couldn’t be happening. What had she been thinking, coming near him?

Her body throbbed and pulsed as she tried to gather her wits. The need she’d created was far from sated, but staying here wasn’t an option. Fear seized her. She’d go to Gabe and ask for his help. Yes, he’d help her and then she could go home with her sanity still in place. Gabe she trusted. Zane only led to a path she couldn’t afford to take.

Ruby forced herself to stand and straighten her skirt. After a few slow, deep breaths, she gathered her wits and headed back to the bar. She still had a little time left on her shift and she’d have to wait on Gabe to finish his work too. Her hands and arms shook as she raced to the stairs. The crowd would be breaking up and she didn’t want to get swept along.

Halfway up the stairs her legs quaked to the point she had to stop and grab the rail to keep her balance. Nausea rolled through her as images of Zane and his fire whip crowded her thoughts. Ruby shook her head and trudged to the bar. Only a couple of customers stood nearby and the assistant bartender stood wiping down the bar.

She stopped and stared. For the life of her she couldn’t remember his name. What the hell? Her heart thudded in her chest and sweat broke out on her forehead. Ruby spun around, searching for the source of her distress.

“
Ruby, what’s wrong? You’re so pale.”

She couldn’t focus on the voice with the sound of blood roaring in her ears. She moved behind the bar and grabbed the low shelf to steady herself. Tears welled in her eyes, threatening to fall. She didn’t know what was happening to her. She understood the high she normally got from fire play, but this was far more intense and she’d not even come close to the flames.

“
Ruby, seriously, you’re freaking me out.”

She needed to pull herself together and get back to work, but her heart beat too fast and her head felt like someone had stuffed cotton in it. She was spinning out of control.

“
I’m calling Gabe to let him know you’re sick.”

No.
She thought to protest but couldn’t form the words. She was helpless to do anything until she recovered. Her clit throbbed as strongly as her pulse, her skin tingled and everything ached for…she didn’t even know anymore. Relief, it’s all she could think of.

She was fucked.

“
Yes, Sir, I will,” the bartender responded to whatever order Gabe must have given him. She’d tuned out the conversation so she had no idea what he’d told him, but if she knew Gabe, and she thought she did, he’d be up here in no time.

“
Here.” Her assistant pushed a glass of orange juice into her hands. “Gabe said you need to drink this before he gets here. I doubt it will be long.”

She glanced down at the small glass and shook her head. There wasn’t much chance she could hold it without spilling it all over herself.

“
Here, I’ll set it right here in front of you so you can sip on it when you can. We’ve got some customers I have to take care of, but I’m right here if you need anything.”

He left the juice and moved away. Ruby focused her gaze on the orange liquid and took some deep, slow breaths. How had she gotten herself in so far over her head? She could push through this and everything would be fine. She picked up the glass with a trembling hand and brought it to her parched lips. Cool, sweet juice trickled down her throat, relieving some of the anxiety.

She detested being weak. She was better than this, and the thought that somehow Zane had reduced her to this only proved she had no business being around him.

“
Hey, babe, you doing okay?”

Gabe’s hand gently touched her back and smoothed underneath her hair. Relief flooded through her at the simple caress as she tipped her head back into his hands.

“
I saw you go toward the stage. What happened?” his breath brushed her ear.

Emotion swelled and broke loose as everything she’d tried to hold in came flooding out. A single tear slid down her cheek and her shoulders slumped forward on a shudder.

Gabe grabbed her shoulders and turned her into his chest, his arms folding around her. The warmth and comfort of her friend surrounded her. Jesus, what a baby she’d become. Somehow she managed to hold back more tears, but Gabe must have sensed a serious problem.

“
You and I are going to one of the private rooms until you feel better.”

It had not been a question, and she didn’t bother to respond. For once she needed to let him do what he thought best. At least until she had herself under control. The heat of embarrassment still flooded her cheeks when he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the private elevator that would take them to the third floor. She caught snatches of random conversation as Gabe ushered the crowd out of his way. God, she’d never live this down.

* * * *

“
What the hell?” Zane glared at Gabe’s back as he carried his woman off across the club. And yeah, whether either of them knew it she was definitely Zane’s, and he’d come to convince her tonight. Not fifteen minutes before, she’d come at his command and then disappeared before he could get off the stage. He wanted to paddle her ass for her behavior.

No way had what happened left her in the right frame of mind. She was as afraid of the truth as she was about letting anyone get too close. She hung close to Gabe because he was safe for her. He’d respect any boundary she provided whether she needed pushing or not. Gabe was a great guy but he’d never be the Dom for his Ruby.

He moved quickly backstage, trying to get to the third floor before they did. A hard smile formed across his face. If she was in need he had to be the one to take care of her, not Gabe. No offense to his friend, but he wasn’t what she needed. He took the stairs two at a time and hurried toward the private playrooms. His attention to health and fitness was not only required for his work, but came in handy at times like this as well.

Ruby… The look on her face when he’d spotted her had nearly stopped him cold. Pure, dark pleasure was evident in the hooded eyes, the tip of her head and the tongue that kept licking at her lips. He knew where he wanted those lips. His cock hardened impossibly tight. Damn, he couldn’t remember the last time a woman cranked him this high.

He liked nothing more than watching her reaction to his fire, but wanted to take things much farther than in the past. He needed to play with her, kiss her, even claim her. Watching her bloom under his guidance and safety would be incredible. The pleasure he ached to shower on her overwhelmed him. He’d waited long enough.

Zane rounded the corner in time to see Gabe unlocking the first playroom. He ducked inside and Zane sped up, his hand slapping against the door as Gabe tried to close it behind him.

“
What the—?”

“
I want Ruby.” Zane shoved the door open and pushed his way inside.

“
She’s in no condition to handle you, Zane, so back off.”

The worry in Gabe’s tone startled him. “Why? What’s wrong with her?”

“
I don’t know, you tell me. She went to watch your show and then fifteen minutes later I get a call from her assistant saying she’s sick and unable to talk.”

Zane rushed to take her from Gabe. Ignoring his friends’ protests, he lifted her in his arms and walked to the door, nodding at Gabe to follow. He’d take care of this his way, damn it. Not in some damned cold playroom.

She stirred restlessly in his arms. “Shhh. Just relax and give me this. Please, Ruby, I’ll take care of you. I promise.” She felt so small in his arms and he didn’t miss the slight trembling of her arms and legs. “You shouldn’t have run. I could have helped you if you’d given me the chance.”

“
Run? What the hell happened, Zane?” Gabe interrupted.

“
Not here and not yet. We can talk in the car. For now let me take care of Ruby.”

He admired the soft lines of her face while he examined her for signs of trauma. The color in her cheeks looked good and the fluttering of her lashes had slowed. Even some of the tension he’d first felt in her rigid posture had given way to his touch. Achingly beautiful. It was the only way he could think to describe her. Long, sable hair that grazed her ass when she stood, small breasts with nipples that stayed hard all the damn time, and full hips that cradled him perfectly.