Brie wiggled in her seat, feeling the comforting presence of her jewelry as it pressed against her clit. Wearing the intimate jewelry would definitely help to comfort her when she found herself missing him.
“Keep your eye on the prize, Brie. I expect you to pursue it with dogged vigilance.”
“I will, Sir,” she said, smiling sadly, “but my heart will be pining away for you.”
“As long as it doesn’t affect the quality of your work,” he chided teasingly.
“I promise to come back with footage that will amaze and astound you.”
Sir chuckled as he parked the Lotus. “Mr. Holloway is the only one you need to impress, babygirl.”
Before he left her at the airport, Sir kissed her deeply, prolonging the kiss so that all her attention was focused on him and nothing else. When he finally broke the contact, he smiled down at her.
She sighed. “Your kisses are like magic for my soul.”
He grazed her lips with his fingertips. “I’m in agreement.”
Sir walked away, moving through the airport with a confident stride that caught the attention of those around him. She allowed herself a moment to mourn their separation before turning away and walking in the opposite direction with an equally confident stride. She was a film director. All her focus and energy needed to be centered on that for the next two weeks. There was no time for sentimentality.
Brie was surprised how far out the commune was from Whitefish, Montana. Truly, no one would stumble upon the place by accident. She knew she’d finally made it to her destination when she saw the gate, but there was no signage other than a warning posted on the gate that stated, Trespassers will be shot. She wasn’t sure whether it was meant as a humorous warning or a true threat.
Brie saw there was a rusty intercom, and rolled down her car window to press the red button on the keypad. It crackled to life and a male voice with a distinctive drawl said, “State your name and order of business.”
“Hello, I’m Brianna Bennett. Master Gannon is expecting me.”
The intercom went dead. After several agonizing moments, the intercom crackled again. “You may enter.”
The gate creaked and complained as it slowly swung open. The secluded environment, the warning sign, the old equipment along with the thickly wooded area made Brie think of the movie Deliverance. She suddenly wondered if she should be concerned for her safety as she drove through the rusty gate.
As Brie drove down the winding dirt road, images of rustic cabins, rocking chairs and men with overgrown beards crowded her mind. When she rounded the last bend, the wooded area opened up and revealed a delightful surprise.
The commune was not a rundown cabin community at all. Oh no…this establishment looked like a high-class resort. The main building was covered in scenic windows, multiple balconies and an elaborate stone patio that surrounded the entire building.
When she saw two men approaching her on the road, she slowed the car to a stop and unrolled her window. “Is either of you Master Gannon?”
“No, I am one of the Gatekeepers. Hand over your keys and your cell phone. Both will be returned to you when it’s time for you to leave.”
Brie was startled by the demand, but got out of the car, grabbing her suitcase and camera equipment before handing over her keys.
“Rajah will help with your luggage.”
Rajah looked nothing like the mountain men she’d expected to see. He was tall and tan, with long dark hair and mischievous green eyes. Without asking permission, he grabbed her luggage and all her equipment before starting towards the building.
The Gatekeeper noticed the concern on Brie’s face and assured her, “Rajah will take care of your belongings.”
“But my camera equip—”
“Gannon is waiting for you, Miss Bennett.”
Brie understood that to mean she was wasting Master Gannon’s time. The last thing she wanted was to make a poor impression on the leader of the commune. It had been highly unusual to be invited as a guest, so she quickly hastened towards the building.
An older man who looked to be in his sixties stood waiting for her on the steps. He had the unusual combination of one brown and one blue eye, which instantly drew her attention. She had to force herself not to stare in order not to appear rude. Brie held out her hand and was relieved when he shook it cordially.
“Thank you for letting me visit your commune, Master Gannon.”
“That’s simply Gannon to you.”
“Yes, Gannon,” she replied, immediately correcting herself.
A large black cat came up to him and rubbed against his legs. Master Gannon smiled as he picked it up. “So, Miss Bennett, what do you think of my utopia?”
She glanced up at the impressive building before her. “The Sanctuary is nothing like I imagined.”
“This has been my lifelong vision,” he stated proudly.
“You have an exquisite imagination, sir.”
“I knew it would become reality, but I had to be patient and invite the right people to share in my dream. Although I’ve agreed to let you join us for several weeks, you are not allowed to shoot any footage of any of the buildings on the estate. I want to promote the idea that we live a simple life to the outside world.”
“What am I allowed to film, then?”
“Any outdoor activities. You may also interview interested members. However, the lush accommodations, as well as the exact location, must remain secret. I do not want our way of life disrupted by the curious and unvetted.”
“Can I ask why you’ve agreed to let me film here if you want to keep your privacy?”
“I hope my vision will inspire others like it. America has been bound by laws created by prudish misfits. It is time to open our minds and bodies to something greater.”
“It seems you’re talking about more than just sexual freedom.”
He cocked his head and smiled as he petted the cat. “You’re perceptive, Miss Bennett. Before I subject you to a political lecture, I suggest you seek out your friends. I believe they are waiting for you in the garden.”
Brie turned in the direction he pointed and spied Faelan standing next to a large fountain. She excused herself, giving the cat a scratch under its chin before leaving the Master.
Todd Wallace looked leaner than she remembered, and she noticed a wildness in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before. It made the young Dom even more striking, but it unsettled her on a gut level she couldn’t understand. There was nothing sexual about that feral look.
Mary, on the other hand, looked totally relaxed and in her element. Brie had never seen her friend exude such easy confidence. Unlike the Blonde Nemesis of her training, Mary seemed comfortable and very content.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in…”
“Hey, bitch,” Brie answered. “Too good to contact me just to let me know you’re okay? I assume you’re free to leave the commune to connect with friends and family on occasion.”
Mary looked around, gesturing to several shirtless men in cowboy hats walking past, and shrugged. “If given the choice, I would pick staying here and playing with them every time. In fact…I have.”
Brie glanced at Faelan, curious whether he was jealous hearing Mary speak like that. She was surprised to see Todd’s expression change as he stared at Mary. It was a protective but loving look, and made Brie reconsider her initial unease about him. Maybe this commune was a healthy environment for them both.
“Why did I even bother to come?” Brie teased.
“I don’t know. It’s not like I asked you to visit.”
Faelan put his arm around Mary. “Now, now…” He looked at Brie with those mesmerizing blue eyes and said, “Don’t let her bitterness fool you. She’s been anxious for your arrival.”
Mary elbowed him in the gut. “Shut the fuck up, Faelan.”
He raised his eyebrow. “What did we say about the word ‘fuck’?”
She let out an irritated sigh. “We only use it as
a verb.”
“That’s right,” he replied smoothly. “Drop and give me twenty.”
Mary put her hands on her hips. “Don’t do this. Not in front of Stinky Cheese.”
“We agreed,” he answered her.
Mary huffed as she reluctantly got down on the ground and began counting out twenty pushups. Brie had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing at seeing Mary submit so easily to Faelan.
“Who the hell is this girl and what did you do with Mary?” she demanded.
Faelan smiled charmingly. “Same girl, different attitude.”
Mary continued with her pushups without adding her own snarky remark, but in trying to hurry, her pushups became shallow. Faelan put his foot on Mary’s back, forcing her to lie still on the ground.
“Try that again. Nose to the dirt—don’t half-ass it.”
To Brie’s surprise, Mary didn’t argue as she started counting from one again.
Brie looked wide-eyed at Faelan, her mouth agape in sheer disbelief.
Mary looked up. “Hey, stop gawking at my man.”
“But I’ve never seen you so… domesticated. It’s starting to feel a little like Stepford Wives to me.”
Mary hesitated for a second, but Faelan reminded her, “Unless you want to start over, I suggest you continue.”
Mary completed her set and got back up, wiping her hands on her skirt. Instead of verbally flaying Brie, she turned to Faelan. “I…apologize, Faelan.”
“Kiss me,” he ordered.
Mary leaned in to him and they kissed for several long, drawn-out minutes. Normally, Brie would have been irritated watching Blonde Nemesis play tonsil-hockey, but it warmed her heart to see the two so hot for each other.
When Faelan pulled away, he brushed his finger over her lips. “Pedestrian curses only taint this beautiful mouth.”
A smile tugged on Mary’s lips.
“It appears commune life agrees with you, woman,” Brie complimented.
Mary nodded, not taking her eyes off Faelan. “You have no idea.”
“So show me around the place. I want to know what makes it such a transforming setting.”
“Yes, why don’t you take Brie for a tour of the grounds?” Faelan said, grabbing Mary’s chin possessively and kissing her again before letting go.
Mary shuddered in reaction to his impassioned kiss. “Fine, I will.”
Faelan turned his attention back to Brie. “I look forward to hearing what you think of The Sanctuary once you’ve seen all it has to offer.”
The Sanctuary
Mary pointed towards the main lodge building. “That’s where we all live and do most of our play, but let me show you the estate first.”
“You know,” Brie said as they walked, “when you told me you were living at a commune, I had images of log cabins and old hippie types running around. I wasn’t prepared for it to be a high-class resort.”
Mary scoffed. “Just because we’re self-sufficient doesn’t mean we have to live deprived lives.”
“So how do you guys support a place like this? Were you required to invest your own money to join?”
“Hell, no. Master Gannon built it before the stock market crashed in 2001. He used all his investments to build the entire estate. Since our community lives off the grid, each of us is required to help maintain the grounds and make enough to meet the needs of all of the members.”
Brie was impressed. “So how does one become a member?”
“Master Gannon hand-selects the people he wants to populate it. The vetting process is quite lengthy. Not only does the couple have to be experienced kinksters, they have to possess additional skills that can be utilized by the community. We’re all expected to volunteer our time and expertise in order to keep the commune running efficiently.”
“So you’re required to work every day solely to support the commune without getting paid?”
“Our payment is getting to live here.”
“So what specific skills did you and Faelan bring to the community?”
“The commune recently lost their pharmacist, so I was a shoe-in when he left to start a family. As for Faelan, he had his physical brawn and multiple BDSM skills to offer.”
Mary pointed to a huge, wooden barn. “The livestock and horses are kept there. Not only do we breed and train horses, but every morsel of meat we eat is born, raised and butchered on this property.”
She pointed out a huge vegetable garden and orchard, with rolling wheat fields behind it. “Every vegetable, grain and fruit consumed comes from our own garden. It’s empowering to be responsible for every aspect of our lives.”
Brie looked at the snow-covered peaks in the distance. “How does the community support itself through the winter?”
“Nothing is cooked out of season, unless we’ve canned or preserved it.” Mary pointed to another large structure west of the barn. “We also make BDSM furniture to sell.”
“So you’re kind of like the Amish.”
Mary snorted. “Sure…but with awesome sex and modern conveniences thrown in.”
Brie giggled, catching the attention of several males as they walked by. She noticed they nodded to Mary but completely ignored her. She found it curious but wasn’t necessarily surprised. Having hung out with Mary in the past, she was used to Mary’s powers of attraction.
Fucking blondes…
“Out in the woods we have different areas created specifically for kinky play.”
Brie looked at her oddly. “But you don’t seem the nature type to me.”
“Oh, I’ve screamed in the woods a few times. But you’re right, I tend to stay indoors. You’ll understand why when I show you…” Mary led Brie through the large doors of the main building.
The entrance opened up into a giant room with vaulted ceilings, an impressive fireplace made of river rock and a ridiculously long sectional couch in the center. Various play furniture lined the walls, including several styles of tantra chairs—one of which was currently in use.
“Oh, Mary! This is a kinkster’s dream palace,” Brie whispered.
“Yes, it is.”
As they walked past, Mary smiled at the couple fucking on the chair, and she led Brie to the other side of the spacious room.
It was strange. Mary was acting so…calm and agreeable. It was hard to believe it was the same person she’d trained with at the Center.
“And downstairs we have the bedrooms,” Mary informed her, pointing to a set of stairs.
“Can I see yours?” Brie asked, curious what they looked like after seeing the main room.
Mary shrugged. “They’re nothing special, Stinky Cheese. We just sleep there, so they’re small and unadorned. Master Gannon wants us interacting as a group during the day.” To Brie’s delight, she changed direction and led Brie down a long flight of stairs, walking past numerous doors of various colors in the narrow hallway.
Mary abruptly stopped and turned, opening a blue one. “This is Faelan’s and my room.”
Brie walked inside and whistled. There was only enough space for the king-sized bed, a closet and a private toilet. Brie’s luggage had been piled in the corner, taking up the remaining space. The only design element of any interest was the impressive mirror mounted on the ceiling.
“Wow, girl. You weren’t kidding about these rooms being small. It’s reminiscent of a college dorm.”
“But the beds are comfortable and sturdy enough for play.”
Brie jumped on the large bed and fell backwards, testing it out by rolling and gyrating on it.
“What the fuck, Brie?”
“I’m just testing it out. I have to agree, the bed seems sturdy enough for Faelan’s brand of spirited play.”
Mary gave her a knowing smile. “Yeah, the bed’s barely strong enough for the two of us.” She huffed in irritation. “But unfortunately for me, I’m stuck housing you for the next two weeks.”
“What? All three of us here?” Brie asked, suddenly concerned.
“No, you twit. Faelan’s been invited to join another couple. Damn, I wish it were me, but no…I get stuck sleeping with you.”
Brie jumped off the bed, feeling relieved. “Hey, you’d better not get any ideas. I’m not into women, especially bitchy blondes.”
“Hah! Like you would ever be good enough for me.”
As they walked back down the hallway, Brie asked, “Does it bother you that Todd will be with others at night?”
Mary stopped and stared at her as if she were a simpleton. “Are you kidding me? This is a commune—we share everything. Besides, you see the way Faelan looks at me. He may fuck the other girls here, but that boy’s heart is all mine.”
Brie nudged her. “I did notice that, and it seems to go both ways.”
Mary gave her an irritated look. “I’m not you. God, why do you always have to assume I’m as lovesick and stupid as you?” She tromped up the stairs, forcing Brie to run to catch up. The bitch may have changed in many ways, but she was still impossible.
Mary nonchalantly pointed out the large dining room. It was truly impressive with the single, incredibly long table and the numerous chairs surrounding it. “Master Gannon insists we eat dinner together every night, no exceptions. He says mealtime is when familial connections are made and cemented.”
She opened two swinging doors just right of the table. “And here is the kitchen. Everyone in the commune is required to cook. Tonight happens to be my night, but I warned them not to let you anywhere near the kitchen.”
“Shows how much you know,” Brie stated smugly. “I can cook killer dishes these days.”
Mary snorted. “Killer is right.”
“They’re delicious. Even Sir approves. Boa took me under his wing and taught me.”
“You mean under his cock?”
Brie giggled at the reference to the sub’s colossal shaft. “Bet you didn’t know Boa is a patient teacher. Far more patient than Marquis.”
“Yeah, I’ll never forget the look on Marquis’ face when you kept presenting him your crappy omelets.”