Chapter Text
Kate has been working at Scandal long enough now to be familiar with most of the regulars. After only a few months of bar tending at the BDSM club, she doesn’t know all their names but she at least recognizes their faces. However, the woman currently sitting in the VIP booth is new to her. It’s pretty obvious she’s the only one though, as the regulars seem to fawn over the woman.
She’s dressed head to toe in leather, which isn’t unusual here. Her dark, almost black, hair is pulled up in a severe bun. The black mask she wears covers her eyes and the top of her nose, concealing her identity even further in the already anonymous private club. Kate thinks it’s a tad over-kill, but the woman must want the extra level of anonymity. She guesses the woman has shaded black around her eyes even under the mask for her bright blue eyes shine out like twin beacons from behind the leather. Her lips, which seem to stay in a perpetually smug grin, are painted an outrageous red. She exudes superiority and, even Kate has to admit, sexuality.
Kate enjoys working here, they pay nearly double what most clubs offer their bartenders and that’s before you factor in tips. Plus, she finds it rather amusing to watch the various interactions. It’s pretty easy to spot the bossy tops (the ones called Dominants) and the subservient bottoms (the ones called Submissives). The new woman is clearly a top. The subs are practically licking her boots, one’s even on hands and knees acting as a table for a platter of drinks. Even the other tops are being cautious around her. It makes Kate wonder just who this mystery woman is.
As if her thoughts have called the other woman’s attention, the strikingly blue eyes turn and lock with her’s. She quickly ducks her head, going back to wiping glasses. A fresh wave of drink orders
distract her long enough not to notice the woman approach. She sees someone sit down on a bar stool out of the corner of her eye, but when she turns to ask their drink order she freezes.
She’s mesmerized by the blue of her eyes, the color being even more intense close up. Those red lips quirk up in a knowing smile as Kate continues to stare at the other woman. From this distance she can tell the woman is older, forties maybe. The laugh lines around her mouth and the crinkles at the edges of her eyes give it away. It doesn’t detract from her attractiveness though.
“Aren’t you going to ask me what I want to drink?”
The British accent throws her off guard.
She glares at the other woman, not liking the completely involuntary physical reaction she’s eliciting. Kate doesn’t like feeling this out of control and she doesn’t appreciate the other woman’s innate ability to bring it out in her.
The woman stares at her expectantly.
“What’ll you have?” Kate asks a bit more brusquely than she intended.
This makes the older woman smile.
“I’d like a screaming orgasm, please,” the Brit says with an even tone.
“Wouldn’t we all,” Kate comments, already starting to make the drink.
The Brit throws her head back and laughs joyously.
“Oh, I do like you,” she announces.
“Glad to hear it,” Kate retorts, sliding the drink across the bar. “Tips are always appreciated.”
“So…Kate,” the Brit says, reading the name tag pinned to her shirt. “How do you like working here?”
“Pays good,” she says with a shrug.
“No awkwardness or uncomfortability?” The Brit presses. “Most outsiders can find it a bit much to adjust to.”
“The people are generally real nice and they tip well. But it is the most eye contact I’ve ever made,” Kate jokes.
The Brit laughs again.
“So you’d say you’re satisfied working here?”
“I guess,” Kate hedged. “Why do you care?”
“I like to check in on my employees from time to time.”
“Your employees?”
“I own the place,” the Brit announces, smiling affectionately around at their surroundings.
“You take the undercover boss thing to a whole new level,” Kate muses, glancing at the leather outfit again.
“I like to take a very hands, and other bits, on approach to business.”
Kate snorts.
“If you’re the boss, how come I haven’t seen you around before now?”
“I was out of the country for a bit.”
“Visiting the mother land?”
“Something like that,” the woman replies with a smile.
“So, boss, why aren’t you in the upper level with the other tops?”
“What makes you think I’m a top?”
“Oh please,” Kate scoffs. “Even if I hadn’t been working here for a few months, I’d still peg you as someone who likes to be in control.”
“Guilty,” the woman concedes. “I am indeed a Domme.”
“Which begs the question, why are you down here with us lowly bottoms?”
“I’m looking for a plaything for the night,” the Brit announces, hunger flashing in her eyes. “Do you consider yourself one of the subs?”
“What? No!” Kate frowns, not sure how she feels about the question.
“You did just lump yourself into the proverbial we,” she notes.
“That’s not what I meant. I don’t…do that sort of thing,” Kate finishes lamely.
“Shame,” the older woman sighs.
There is an awkward beat of silence while they each observe the other.
“May I ask why?”
Kate stares at the Brit, trying to decide if she wants to answer. It’s an extremely personal question.
“It’s not my thing,” Kate finally replies.
“Have you ever tried it?”
The Brit is pushing.
“That’s none of your business,” she replies, shaking a finger teasingly at the other woman.
The truth is, no she’s never tried it. She’s done the occasional blindfold, even been tied to a headboard on a few occasions. It had been fun, but she isn’t interested in the hardcore habits of the club goers. She can’t imagine licking someone’s boots, enjoying being whipped, parading around naked, or having sex in a crowd like this.
“Darling, that’s exactly my business,” the Brit laughs, gesturing around them.
This at least makes Kate smile.
“I only ask because most people dismiss it out of hand,” the older woman says in a gentler tone. “How can you know if you like something if you’ve never tried it?”
“Working here, I’ve seen enough to know most of this isn’t for me.”
“Most of it?” The Brit picks up on. “But some of it?”
Kate shrugs.
“I like things a bit on the rough side,” she admits. “Good sex leaves marks.”
“Yes it does,” the Brit purrs, her smile turning a bit predatory.
“But the stuff that goes on here is too hardcore for me.”
The Brit eyes her, seeming to take measure of her.
“Everyone’s tastes are different. If you found the right dominant, you might be surprised how much you enjoy it.”
“You volunteering?” Kate jokes.
It’s a fine line, flirting for tips and customers taking her too seriously.
“I’d be happy to work with you anytime,” the Brit counters with a flirty smile.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she laughs, dismissing the woman like she does all the others.
Taking her drink, which is probably warm by now, the Brit turns to leave.
“I didn’t catch your name,” Kate says before she can stop herself.
“Mistress T,” the Brit replies with a knowing smile.
“As in trouble?” Kate jokes.
“With a capital T,” the older woman throws back.
“I’ll warn River City.”
Kate catches just a hint of musical laughter before the other woman has turned her back again and waltzed away.