EXTRACT FOR
Red/s: The Flogger
(Terri Pray)

Darren Oxford wrapped his hand around the handle and let the supple black leather blades fall through the air in a gentle whisper. Red and black strips wrapped around the handle in a diagonal checkerboard pattern, providing both beauty and grip. He hefted the toy, letting the weight settle into the palm of his hand. Exquisite balance. The design on the handle only added to the beauty of the flogger. He didn't have to be a leatherworker to know the time spent on creating the piece. "Exceptional work."

"Thank you," the leatherworker smiled. "Softer than my normal floggers, pigskin, ideal for a warm-up with a new submissive. Or work those who can't handle more than slap and tickle."

"I can see that," he set the flogger down and turned his attention to the other offerings spread carefully across the cloth-covered table. "I'll be back," he tapped the table at the side of the flogger he'd returned to the display.

"You know where to find me."

Darren smiled and turned his attention to kink fair, letting his gaze take in the others wandering through the stalls. Singles, couples, triads and more made their way through the market, a few in street clothes others comfortable enough to done fetish gear. No one would criticize them for it, and this was a strictly over eighteen event with anyone who appeared under forty required to present ID to enter the old warehouse.

The only children in sight were those who were legal adults but enjoyed a consensual age play relationship. While it wasn't his thing, he'd long ago learned it had nothing to do with those who abused children. Quite the opposite as he'd known more than one little who either worked with abuse survivors or were in law enforcement.

"Hey, Master Oxford, over here." Female, filled with life, her voice carried through the crowd.

He frowned and turned, searching for the source of the voice. A flash of red blonde hair focused his attention as he stepped to one side to allow the flurry of energy that was Sharon, make her way to his side. "Well now, where's the rest of your littles group?" Where there was Sharon it wouldn't be long before Dee, Jackie and Viola made an appearance.

"Around, we got split up three rows back. I think Viola spotted an old friend and it all became a bit chaotic from there." She drew to a halt and grinned up at him. Delicate pink lip gloss glistened across her sweetly parted lips. "Sorry, sir. I'd kneel but..." she gestured to the floor.

"Not on full protocol here, it's all fine girl." He brushed his fingers over her cheek and lowered his hand. "You're enjoying the fair?"

"Yes, first time I've had the chance to visit one like this." She glanced back over her shoulder. "I'm not sure what's keeping the others, they'll be upset if they find out they missed you." Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. "It's not fair; they're going to miss all the fun."

Two colorful paper bags hung from her left hand. "Looks like you've already found a bit of fun yourself." He gestured to the bags. "They shouldn't let you wander around here on your own, with no one to check your spending."

A flush claimed her cheeks, and she lowered her gaze. "I've been careful, sir. Came in with a budget and I'm keeping to it."

He held her gaze, searching for any sign of a lie. "See that you do. I know you'd be upset with yourself if you didn't keep tight control on your spending habits."

"Yes, sir. I know my weaknesses." The submissive smiled. "I appreciate you and the others helping me with this."

Sharon wasn't claimed, had no single dominant who had taken her into his care, which meant several of those from the club rallied around her, submissive and dominant alike, to help keep her focused. "It's the least we can do. When you find the right dominant, it will become easier. He'll be there for you to lean on."

"And maybe I'll be able to tease him enough to earn a spanking or three," she flashed a grin. "I know, I need to be patient, sir. And I will be, have been I mean. It's not easy, not when I see others happy with their one, but I won't let anyone down. No accepting the first, second, or third would be dominant who comes along."

"Ah girl, it would be you who would be let down, you'd regret it in the long term no matter if you enjoyed the moment." He let his gaze move over the woman, taking in the life in her eyes, the fire burning in her being. She'd be a delicious playmate, had been in the past when he'd needed a volunteer at the club, one who hadn't wanted anything more than an evening of pleasure, but she wasn't the one. Nor was he the right one for her. "Until then, we'll stand by your side and be there when you need one of us."

She lowered her gaze again and shifted her weight.

"Sharon?"

"There she is."

Viola, Dee, and Jackie filled the air around him. Women's voices, the babble of friends catching up after a short break, and he stepped away to allow them a chance to speak without his presence lingering over them. "I'll leave you to it, ladies." 

"Oh, Master Oxford, I didn't see you there." Jackie smiled up at him.

"I did," Viola admitted.

"Hard to miss," Dee grinned.

"All right, ladies. I have things I need to do." He took another step away from the group.

"What if we want to keep you here?" Dee sidled up to him.

If they'd been vanilla friends, perhaps Dee would have wrapped an arm around his waist, but not Dee, not without permission. "You know better, and you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a punishment spanking the next time we're all in the club, would you?"

Laughter and playful teasing filled the air.

"We might."

"Oh, I didn't think any of you were the type to enjoy being in my bad books. Or perhaps I would be better handing you over to Mistress Emma and Master Kagan?" He didn't move out of the way of the women. If his threat didn't work, then he'd follow up on it the next time they were all in the club.

The four women fell silent.

"Then I'll leave you to your shopping, ladies." He smiled and walked away from the group. He wouldn't have to deal with the group, not as anything more than saying hello to them in passing, for the rest of the fair.

Wicked females.

Yes, but who wouldn't want to enjoy the fire in their eyes, or the way they enjoyed teasing and being teased in return. Still, there had to be a line he wouldn't allow them to cross, or they would take the inch given them, and steal a mile. It was their nature. Only when he was confident they couldn't see him, did Darren allow himself a smile. If there was one thing he enjoyed, it was scening with a submissive who had a streak of wickedness in her nature, one who wanted a firm hand and the desire to explore herself, her hopes, fears, and kinky needs. But the women he'd left behind, they lacked something.

Maturity?

Perhaps. He wasn't a spring chicken and the idea of forming a relationship with a woman who wouldn't get his jokes or the references to things from his past. One nearer his own age.