Love in the Cards – Empress by Cherie Nicholls

Lucy looked down at the invitation in her hands.
There was a man sitting in the chair on the other side of the room, waiting for her.
So far, this night hadn’t been like anything she’d expected. First, she’d managed to get herself fired from a job she loved. Second, she sort of crashed a Halloween party. But hey, she’d been invited when she’d worked in the Michaelson’s office; the party’s hosts didn’t need to know that technically she wasn’t a Michaelson employee anymore.
Finally, she’d made the mistake of turning over the invitation and looking at the back. Printed on the reverse side was the image of half of a tarot card. The Empress card. Lucy didn’t know much about the mystical element, but doubted the picture had much to do with reading peoples futures at this party.
There were also some instructions printed on the card. Basically, someone would have the other half of her card; her mission was to find that person. Lucy had almost rolled her eyes, but something about the image pulled at her and here she was … a party-crasher.
Upon arrival, she’d headed to the bar and ordered a soda. Lucy had barely taken a sip before a man in a scarlet suit approached her.
“Madam, I believe the person holding the other half of your card is in a room upstairs.”
“How do you know what card I have?”
The man had merely smiled and walked away. She’d had no intention of heading to a room away from the main crowd; she was not stupid.
But the more she’d thought about it, the more she’d felt the need to have a look. A quick peek she’d promised herself as she walked up the ornate staircase.
Lucy had worried she’d not know what room, but she shouldn’t have. One room stood out―a gold shining plaque on the door clearly stating it was the Empress Suite.
She’d taken a deep breath and opened the door.
That was where she found herself now, looking at a man in an expensively cut suit sitting in a chair, watching her.
A suit that had to have been tailored on Saville Row, leather shoes made in Milan, and a haircut that had to have cost one hundred dollars. She’d worked as an assistant to one of the brothers who ran the Michaelson company, and her boss had always made sure he had the best of everything. Lucy had learned to spot the cut, make, and model of everything he liked.
The man in the chair brushed a hand over his head, letting his fingers run through the strands. Lucy’s own hand tingled with the need to follow the same path.
Dark chocolate-brown eyes watched her every move. His gaze scanned down her body, taking in the tight red dress she’d poured herself into and the killer four-inch heels she wore.
Lucy pushed her long brown hair over her shoulder and let him look. She had curves and was proud of them. If he thought he’d fluster her, then this guy really didn’t know who he was messing with.
“Like?” she asked,
“Red is definitely your color.” His voice was deep, vibrating across the room and hitting her square in the pussy.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Lucy walked farther into the room. A small part of her was questioning the sanity of being here; another part was simply enjoying what would likely be her last night in high society. Tomorrow she would be job hunting and doubted she’d find a position like the one she’d messed up.
She pushed the images from earlier that day out of her mind.
The man moved, bringing her out of her reverie.
“I knew you’d come.” Again, his voice affected her pussy.
“Hmm, did you?” Lucy dropped her bag on a table.
“Yes, they said you wouldn’t, but I knew you would. I never doubted it.”
“And what made you so sure?”
“Because I know what you need.”
“What would that be?”
He was taller than her, even with her in heels, but she wasn’t scared or intimidated. As he walked toward her, Lucy admired the grace of his movements.
He stopped in front of her and looked down.
Lucy waited and wondered what his next move would be. A smile that bordered on a grin spread across her face as he fell to his knees. She looked at the top of his head before turning to the door and with a soft snick, sliding the lock closed.
When she turned back, her face fell. She took a deep calming breath and walked away from him. After moving several feet away, Lucy turned back to find him in the same position―on his knees, his head down, and hands locked together at the base of his back. She took a second to admire the view. Good Lord, he was stunning like this. She snorted. She should’ve known this was all a set-up, damn him, and she’d walked right into it.
“Are you the reason I was fired this morning, Mr. Michaelson?”
His shoulders stiffened at her question, but he didn’t answer.
Lucy rolled her eyes and walked back to stand over him. “I asked you a question. I expect an answer.”
“I spoke to my brother, yes,” David Michaelson, the older and, in her opinion, sexier brother answered.
“So, what exactly happened? You walked into little brother’s office, said ‘hey bro, I kinda need to fuck your assistant, but I need you to fire her first?’ is that it?”
“No! It wasn’t like that.”
“Then tell me how I woke up this morning employed, and now I’m here wondering where my next check is coming from?”
His jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Lucy sighed and put a finger under his chin, forcing his head up.
“Was that question too hard? Okay, let me try something else. What is it you want from me, Mr. Michaelson?”
The tip of his tongue peeked out, running between the seam of his lips. It took more control than she expected to stop her groan. He was such a tease; from the glint in his eye, he knew it, too.
Lucy released his chin and then ran her hand up his cheek and into his hair. David turned his head into her palm as she scraped her nails across his scalp. The tension eased out of his shoulders. She maintained a steady pressure and rhythm as she stroked his head. When he closed his eyes, she smiled. The trust he’d placed in her was humbling.
She waited a minute more, letting him truly relax into his submission. When she was sure he was ready, she grabbed a handful of hair and tugged, making sure he felt the pin pricks of pain.
David’s eyes flew open. Lucy bent down, so close she could speak directly into his ear.
“Listen close, brat. I’ve asked you two questions, and you refused to answer either of them. You seem to think you’re in charge here, but you forgot … I don’t work for you anymore. I’m not on my knees in front of you.” She pulled back so he could see her face. “Since you don’t want to answer questions, how about we try obeying my orders instead? Take your clothes off.”
She let him go and stepped back.
For a second, he didn’t move. She could almost see his mind whirling away behind his eyes. Amazed as she was to have David Michaelson on his knees in front of her, she didn’t forget for a second who he was. He was testing her; she’d seen him do this to others a hundred times before.
This time he’d met his match. Lucy was more than capable of handling a stuck-up, bratty sub.
“Fine, you can’t answer questions. You can’t follow orders. Really, I don’t see the point of taking this further. Have a good life, Mr. Michaelson.” She turned and picked up her bag before stepping toward the door. She hadn’t even reached for the lock when his voice stopped her.
“My brother knew I wanted you. He also knew I’d never do anything about it while you worked at the company. So, he took steps.”
“Steps? Such as firing me?”
“Yes.”
“And what is it you want from me?”
“Whatever you want to give me.”
Lucy gave him high marks for that answer.
“Have you played like this before?” She wanted to know how experienced he was, how sure of his needs he was. She’d played with newbies before, but she always preferred men who knew exactly what they desired.
“Yes.”
Interesting. Lucy turned to face him again and dropped her bag back on the table.
“I gave you an order.”
This time, David rose to his feet without argument or hesitation. He started to shrug out of his jacket.
“Wait, she ordered.
He halted.
Lucy walked to the other side of the room and sat in the chair he’d used. “Now slowly, don’t rush, kitten.”
He let the jacket slowly slide down his arms before he turned to face her. The thousand-dollar suit coat forgotten as it hit the ground.
“Now the tie.”
He pulled the knot free, then tugged the end slowly around his neck before stepping forward and dropping the tie into her lap.
“Shoes.”
Those were off and kicked away quickly. “Tut tut, kitten I said slowly. Now the socks.”
When his feet were bare she raised a hand, stopping him. “Tell me, kitten, do you have a safe word?”
He nodded.
“And what is it?”
“Mathwell.”
That shocked Lucy.
“A little sure of yourself aren’t you, kitten?”
“That’s my safe word.”
“My surname is your safe word?”
“Yes.”
“Such a tease. Shirt off next.” She leaned back in the chair and waved him on.
She had to keep control of this situation, of herself. There was still a voice in her head, telling her this was all a dream. Her day had gone from one extreme to another.
His shirt fell into a white cotton pile on the floor. She’s never needed to sneak peeks at him as he walked past her desk or if she spotted him in the staff canteen. No, this time, Lucy was able to look her fill and there wasn’t anything he or anyone could do about it.
“Do you have on underwear?”
“No.”
“I want to see you naked in ten seconds or … well, you really don’t want to know what the ‘or’ is.”
David nodded and rushed to comply
“Five, four, three, two … one.” As she finished the countdown, he stood gloriously naked. His trousers were puddled at his feet. The sight brought a smile to her face. “Aren’t you a good boy, kitten?”
His cock stood at attention, and she hadn’t even touched him properly yet. The thought made her wet, the power she had over him was a thrill.
“Bit of slut, I see.”
“Only for you, Lucy.”
“Lucy? I don’t remember giving you permission to use my name.” The corner of her invitation peeked out of her bag. “No, you get to call me Empress.”
“Yes, Empress.”
“Now bring that pretty cock over here.”
Lucy sat forward as he came closer. Good Lord, he was big. If she’d been anywhere else, she’d have clapped her hands in childish glee. Oh the fun she planned on having this evening.
“I can see you’re clean shaven. Do you prefer that look?” She took his cock in her hand and stroked down the length of his hardness.
“No.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
“No?”
“I asked around. I wanted to know what you liked in a man … a sub.”
“Is that right? So tell me, kitten, what else did you find out?”
She released him and sat back, interested in hearing hear what he had to say.
“Nothing.”
Lucy raised an eyebrow. He was lying, she could tell. Again, she sighed. He was going to be a handful.
“Knees,” she instructed.
He was on his knees in seconds.
Lucy sat forward, opening her thighs so they bracketed his waist. She wanted him to feel trapped, but safe. She wouldn’t restrain him, not by force, anyway.
“How many times are you going to avoid my questions or lie before you realize I know you too well? I’ve worked with your family for years. Trust me when I say, I know each and every one of you better than you realize.”
His eyes narrowed and a flash of anger shone in their depths. It took a second to comprehend what she was seeing. Jealousy.
“I’ve worked for your brother for five years, and in all of that time, I’ve never seen him naked.”
The tension eased from David’s shoulders.
“Now tell me, kitten, what made you go looking for information on me?”
Again, his cheeky little tongue peeked out, wetting his lips.
Lucy couldn’t resist it any longer; she leaned forward and captured his mouth with hers. At the same time, she slid her hand down his chest and over his stomach to rest just above the tip of his hard-on.
The appendage was rock-hard and standing tall, begging for her attention. Lucy refused to pay it any mind; instead, taking her time, she savored his soft lips.
Their tongues parried. He didn’t submit easily, making her work for it. She enjoyed the challenge.
No Domme worth her salt wanted to be given someone’s submission, she wanted to earn it. A Domme needed to prove she was worthy of the sub’s trust.
Lucy used her other hand to grip the back of his head, tipping it to allow her better access.
When she finally pulled away, they were both breathing hard.
“Well, aren’t you a talented little kitten?”
“Thank you, Empress.”
“Aww, and you thank me so prettily. But your sweet words won’t make me forget all the ticks you have in the naughty column. Now,” she sat back, “how shall I punish you?”
There was fear mixed with excitement in his eyes. David Michaelson was most definitely a submissive. How had she missed the signs all these years? Perhaps, because she didn’t think the self-assured, aggressive older brother of the Michaelson clan was anything but dominant. She’d been a blind fool.
“Tell me, kitten, do you know the traffic light system?” She ran the tip of her shoe up his inner thigh, loving the shudder it drew from him.
“Yes, Empress.”
“And how are you feeling now?”
“Green, Empress.”
“Good boy.”
Green meant he was fine, enjoying himself; yellow would mean he needed to stop and take a break; and red would mean whatever they were doing needed to stop immediately.
“Does this room come complete with condoms?” David nodded. “Good, I need you to get me three things: the condoms, your tie, and a paddle, I assume we have those, too?”
David nodded again before getting to his feet to do her bidding.
She ogled his naked body, not caring he could see her doing it. That body was hers to do with as she wanted, and they both knew it.
When he came back, he handed each item to her. Lucy made a big show of checking them. She placed the condoms and the paddle onto the arm of the chair before she took the tie and ran its length through her hands.
“Knees.” She instructed again. When he was kneeling, Lucy leaned forward and dragged the tie over his shoulder. “I’m going to place this around your eyes, blinding you so you can’t see what I’m going to do. Okay?”
“Yes, Empress.”
“Good boy.” Lucy made quick work of it, tying the material tight enough so it wouldn’t slip, but not so tight it would cause him discomfort.
“I’m going to do something now that I’ve thought about from the minute I first met you.”
He nodded, and Lucy smiled. What was he imagining her thoughts had been?
She took his hand and placed her palm against his, marveling at the size difference. His hand engulfed hers, yet she didn’t fear him. She knew he wouldn’t hurt her.
Lucy watched him closely as she pulled down the top of her dress and strapless bra, exposing her breasts. She scooted to the edge of the chair, bringing her chest closer to him.
When she placed his hand over a breast, his mouth dropped open for a second before he could stop the reaction. She’d shocked him. Good and it wouldn’t be the first time, that was for sure.
“You know, kitten, I have really sensitive breasts. The feel of a man’s hands on them makes me so wet, see?” She took his other hand and placed it against her core. Her panties were soaked and had been from the second she’d seen him in this room.
“Sometimes, when you’re in meetings, I’ve watched you, wondering what it would be like to have control of these hands, have them do exactly as I instructed, and knowing your only concern would be my pleasure.” She moved his hand to press against her pussy. “Mmm, feels good.”
He began to pant; pre-cum leaked from the tip of his cock. Lucy released the hand on her breast. She took hold of his hand and placed it to the side of her breast.
“Squeeze.”
He squeezed the soft globe gently.
“Harder.”
He tried again, a little rougher this time.
Lucy tutted. “I’m not one of those socialites traipsing in and out of your office, kitten. I won’t break. Now, either you touch me like I want or you don’t get to touch at all. What’s it going to be?”
Before she’d even stopped speaking, he’d become rougher. Her skin tingled, loving the feel of his fingers digging into her sensitive flesh.
“Oh, kitten, that’s much better.” She pulled his other hand up and placed it on the other breast. He kneaded, stroked, and tugged until she thought she’d come just from breast manipulations alone. She closed her eyes for a second, seeking control, grateful he couldn’t see how easily he could arouse her. It hadn’t ever been like this. Yes, she enjoyed being touched, but never had she had to fight for control. Damn him and his talented hands.
When Lucy felt she’d regained enough control, she caught sight of his teasing tongue tip peeking out of his mouth again.
“Oral sex, kitten, is that something you can do?” She tried to make her voice sound as casual as possible, even though the blood was practically boiling in her veins.
“Yes, Empress. I’m the best.” His breath was labored as if he’d run a hundred miles.
“That’s quite a claim.”
“I don’t make claims. I state facts.” For a second, the David Michaelson she was used to seeing in the board room made an appearance. It pleased her, knowing the man she’d lusted after all this time was still there.
“Prove it. Make me come, and maybe I’ll reward you … if you’re a good boy.”
She didn’t need to give him further instruction. He caught hold of her legs, raising them so they lay over his shoulders. In seconds, he was between her thighs, showing her exactly how talented he was with his tongue.
The sound of material ripping as he pulled her panties free from her body brought a smile to her mouth a second before it opened in a silent O.
Lucy had planned on making him work for her orgasm, but she’d been too close. In mere minutes her orgasm burst through her. She gripped his head and came, screaming her pleasure.
She used her grip to pull his head away from her. She kept moving until she had him flat on his back. She reached back and grabbed the box of condoms. It was a moment’s work to put the protection in place.
“You’d better fucking scream for me, boy.” She rose up and then plunged down, taking his hard cock into her waiting heat.
“Shit!” He yelled as she started to move. His hands gripped her waist as she rode him. He moved his hips, meeting her thrust for thrust.
Lucy reached forward and pulled the blindfold free of his eyes. “This body belongs to me now, do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Not just for the night. This is mine now.”
“Yes.”
With a hand on his shoulder, she pulled and rolled them so that he was now over her. She grabbed the paddle that had fallen to the floor in her haste to get him on the ground.
As he thrust into her, she spanked his ass.
“Please,” he begged.
She knew he wasn’t asking her to stop. She spanked him again. “I own this ass.”
“Fuck, yeah.”
“I want to hear you scream as you come, boy.” She struck him again, forcing him to pick up the pace.
His orgasm hit a second before hers did. He screamed her name and pride flooded her chest. Her vision clouded at the intensity of her own orgasm.
As her sight cleared, she looked at her hands, the invitation with the image of half of the Empress tarot card held in them.
“Lucy?” She looked up.
“Are you okay? You looked stunned.”
Lucy shook her head, trying to clear the fog from her brain, and looked around her. She was back in the Michaelson offices. “I’m fine, just surprised we’re already receiving invitations for Halloween parties.”
“Well, you know what it’s like. They like to make sure at least one of us attends.”
Lucy looked up at Simon Michaelson, her boss, and smiled. “In such high demand, I guess.”
Her boss winked and walked back into his office. Just then David’s door opened and he walked out.
Lucy looked at him with a raised eyebrow. At first, he frowned at her, but before long, his gaze dropped. He turned and walked away; he didn’t speak to her. He rarely did.
The half-Tarot card, still in her hands, called her.
Sometimes being able to touch something and see into the future was horrible. So much so, she’d trained herself to block off that part of herself. But the invitation had called strongly to the hidden part of her soul, and she’d been unable to resist.
She’d seen a night, a month into the future. She’d seen a naked David. And she’d seen the days after that night.
Lucy looked toward his empty office. The smile on her face could only be described as predatory.
“Oh, kitten, I can’t wait to claim you.”

The End.