Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 87629 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87629 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
I do, and she starts pulling on the laces.
And I feel like someone has shoved a hose down my throat to suck all the air out of me.
“You good? You still need to be able to breathe.”
I let my breath out, and then I breathe in again. And oddly, I can breathe. In fact, I feel…good. The corset sucks in the flab of my stomach, and I feel like my posture is better than it’s ever been.
“You need me to go looser? Tighter?”
“You tell me, I guess. I’m not uncomfortable.”
“I can go tighter if you’d like.”
“Actually…I think this is about right.”
She laughs. “That’s fourteen.”
“Fourteen what?”
“Fourteen corsets in a row that I’ve tightened on first-time buyers who say I got it right the first time. When I get to twenty, I get a bonus.”
“I guess you’re pretty good at your job.”
“Thank you. I actually design corsets. I’m hoping Chloe, the owner, will let me sell some of my designs here eventually.”
“Really? That’s fascinating.”
“I love them,” Mary says. “I’m not sure why we ever stopped wearing them.”
“Probably because they’re sexist.”
“You have to get past that. I’ve fit men for corsets in here, too. They’re great for your posture, and they help keep your internal organs in the right place. You just have to be careful not to go too tight.”
“Interesting.”
She hands me a book that was sitting on the shelf of the fitting room. “Have you read this book? It’s all about corsets.”
“I haven’t.” I mean really, who has?
Mary, apparently.
“I hope you don’t mind,” she continues. “I need you to sign a statement saying I got your fitting right the first try. That way I’m up to fourteen and only six more until I get my big bonus from Chloe.”
“I’m happy to.”
“Awesome. I really appreciate it.”
“So…this covers the top of my body. What do I wear on the bottom?”
“Fishnets, thigh-high boots, and a thong?” Mary smiles.
Damn. The warmth of that blush once more. I’m going to burst into flames in another minute.
“I’m kidding. Well, maybe I’m not, but you seem like a newbie.”
“A newbie?”
“I’ve never seen you in here before, and I don’t get the feeling you’re buying this for costuming.”
“I’m… To be honest? I’m not sure why I’m buying this. There’s this place…”
“A club?”
“Yeah, a club. I want to learn more.”
“Really? We have classes.”
“Classes?”
“Yeah. In the BDSM lifestyle. Figuring out whether it’s for you.”
Interesting. A class. Maybe that’s what I need.
“How much do your classes cost?”
“There’s no cost for the introductory class if you purchase two hundred dollars in clothing. With the corset and the lingerie you’ve chosen, you’re close to four hundred.”
I suck in a breath. And it’s not from the corset.
“I know that seems like a lot,” she says, “but our merchandise is top-quality. All made here in the USA.”
“I see.”
“Do you still want to look for something else?”
“Will skinny jeans and black pumps work with this corset?”
“The great thing about a corset is that it goes with anything. You can dress it up or down. If you’re going clubbing, yes, skinny jeans go great. If you’re into cosplay, it works great for anything steampunk.”
“And if…”
“If you’re going to a leather club? BDSM club? It’s really up to you. The thigh-high boots, fishnets, and thong will help you fit right in. But if you’re just beginning, jeans are fine, and the corset will look great no matter what.”
“Thanks. I’ll stick with the jeans for now. My credit card will thank you.”
Mary laughs. “Like I said, our stuff is all top-quality. You won’t find the seams ripping out of any of these anytime soon.”
“Good to know.”
“And if you do? Bring it in. We will repair it free of charge. Just be sure to save your receipt.”
“I’ll do that.”
Mary rings up my purchases, and I hand her my credit card. I’m pretty sure I see it shiver as she slides it through the reader.
“I’m putting the flyer for classes into your bag along with your receipt. Is that okay?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
“Don’t forget that the intro class is free for you.” She folds my items nicely, wraps them in tissue, and places all of them in a simple black paper bag that doesn’t have the name of the store on it. “Our customers appreciate discretion,” she says.
I understand. “Thank you.”
“I hope to see you again soon. The classes are on weeknights, beginning at eight thirty. We close at eight.”
“I’ll look into it. Thanks again.”
I leave the store, clutching my bag.
I’m freaking out more than a little over the fact that I’m thinking about attending a BDSM class.
And liking the idea.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jackson
“Hey,” Mandy says into the phone when I call her a third time.
“Where have you been? I left you two voicemails.”
“Sorry. I had my phone on silent while I was working out this afternoon, and I forgot to put it back on. What’s up?”