Author’s Note: Prior to retirement and relocation, I lived in Northern Virginia, and my sub and I were among the earliest members of The Crucible when it was initially established in Washington, DC. So my recollections and descriptions of its interior configuration are based on our experiences in 2013 and earlier when The Crucible was housed in a converted warehouse on Half Street SE; it has since had to relocate to its current location.

I was still euphoric when I awoke the next morning. The scene I’d had with Jason the night before had been magical; It was the second time we’d played, he’d used a combination of pleasure/pain sensations to give me a wondrous experience, and the connection I’d felt with him had been more than just physical. I knew he’d enjoyed our play, but I also knew he was in a relationship that wasn’t going to end, so I was determined to find someone who could become my long-term dominant partner. I had gotten dressed and made my way to work when my phone rang, and I saw from the caller ID that it was Jason.

“Hello, Sir.”

“Good morning, Jill. How are you feeling?”

“Sore and tender in the best ways, thank you.”

“That’s great. I wanted to let you know that I spoke with Randy and he’s quite enthusiastic about seeing you again.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” I told him. “What do you think would be a good next step?”

“I’ll give you Randy’s number. You can call him using *67 as a prefix so he won’t see your number on his caller ID in case for some reason the call doesn’t go well.”

I wrote down the number he dictated, I thanked him for his help, and we closed out the call.

I called Randy and we had a good conversation, mostly about D/s and BDSM in general terms. We agreed to meet for coffee, and that also went well; we exchanged some vanilla background information with each other and also talked, without a lot of details, about our past scene experiences. As we finished our coffees, we agreed on a dinner date for the following Saturday evening, and that also went well. When Randy brought me to my door, I didn’t hesitate; I returned his kisses enthusiastically and allowed some petting-like touching above my waist outside my clothing.

When I awoke the next morning I knew I had a decision to make. I needed to figure out whether I was ready to take the next step and play with Randy. I temporized by phoning Jason, and I immediately relaxed a bit when I heard his mellow voice answer my call.

“Hello?”

“Good morning, Sir. I hope I didn’t wake you or otherwise interrupt something.”

“No, we were up and moving, Jill, but thanks for your concern. What’s up?”

“I had dinner with Randy last evening, and things went very well. So I guess it’s time for me to make the big decision. Have you ever seen Randy play with anyone?”

“No, Jill, I haven’t, and to the best of my knowledge he’s never seen me play either. All I know is that from his reputation in the community he’s reasonably competent; I’ve never heard of any complaints about him.”

I thought for a few seconds, then asked, rather timidly, “What do you think I should do?”

Jason’s reply was helpful. “I can’t tell you what to do, Jill, but what I suggest is that you negotiate with Randy to see where he is in terms of play, what he thinks in terms of limits and so forth. Then you can make a more informed decision.”

“That’s a great idea, Jason; thanks for listening.”

“Any time, Jill; let me know how it goes.”

After we hung up, I called Randy and we agreed to meet again, for coffee and a negotiation. I knew going in that I was interested in having a scene with him, but I was concerned about how intense Randy wanted the scene to be. So we talked it out and agreed on a set of limits, mostly the usual no scat, no watersports, no breath-play, and I added no anal for this first time. I let Randy know I was safe from a birth-control standpoint, which signaled that I was open to sex with him if the scene went well in that direction. Randy asked if I wanted to arrange a safe call, which was very reassuring to me, but I said no, Jason would know we were going to play and that was good enough.

We played in my basement on Saturday evening, and the scene went very well. I think Randy was initially a bit intimidated by the array of equipment in my play-space, but he overcame it quickly and he was firm without being the least bit overbearing. After undressing me down to my thong and putting me on the cross he used a slapper on my ass. Then he turned me around and put my breasts in a press and flogged them. After removing the press along with some caresses, he turned me again and flogged my back and my butt.

I was perfectly willing to have Randy do whatever he wanted within our agreed limits, but it was clear to me almost from the beginning of the scene that Randy wasn’t as good a top as Jason. But I knew he was younger and probably less experienced, and I figured he’d improve with some coaching. I resolved to try to avoid topping from below, but I thought maybe Jason could give him a few discreet hints.

By the time Randy let me down off the cross I was pretty well aroused, and since we’d agreed that sex could be part of the scene he put me over his knee, spanked my pink behind, and then turned me over so I lay on my back over his legs with my head on a pillow on the bed. Randy fingered me to my first orgasm of the evening, then told me to give him head. I did, and he held himself back from coming. We got onto the bed and had a very satisfactory fuck; I came three more times before Randy finally let loose with a major cum explosion inside me.

There was a good connection between us on a psychological and emotional level. After Randy left, I went upstairs and made myself a cup of tea. As I sipped, I reflected on what had happened and concluded that Randy and I might well be on our way to a relationship that was much more than just play-oriented.

The next morning, after having my first cup of coffee, I poured another and called Jason. I’d promised to let him know how the scene with Randy had gone and I was anxious to share that news with him. I gushed with happy excitement as soon as he answered.

“Good morning, Jason; everything went extremely well with Randy last night.”

“That’s wonderful, news, Jill, I’m very happy for you,” he replied. “Have you any plans yet for another meeting with him?”

“I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot of Randy,” I told him, “but I have another request for you.”

Okay, let’s hear it.”

“Would it be possible for Randy and me to go with you and Donna to the dungeon sometime? I’d like to meet her, I’d like you to see Randy do a scene, and I’d like Randy to see you in action as well.”

Jason didn’t hesitate; he answered me immediately. “Of course we can do that. Talk to Randy and make sure he’s up for it.”

“I’ll do that and let you know what he thinks of the idea.”

“Assuming he’s up for it, I’ll plan for Donna and me to meet the two of you at The Crucible next Saturday. Let me know what time you and Randy will get there.”

“Thanks, Sir, I appreciate your agreement.”

“You’re welcome, Jill. I’ll be looking forward to another call from you.”

Randy called later in the day to check in with me, which I considered a very good sign. I told him that everything was fine and then invited him over for a light supper and some additional conversation. I specifically wanted to bring up the subject of a possible visit to the dungeon with Jason and his sub.

“I think you know that I’ve played with Jason,” I began. “Have you ever played with Donna?”

“No, I haven’t,” Randy replied. “I’ve met her at a couple of BR meetings, and I know I’d like to if I ever have the opportunity.”

“Why is that?” I asked; I was curious about Randy’s motivations.

“She’s very attractive, but the more important reason is that she’s Jason’s sub, and Jason is well known in the community for being a very astute and capable dominant. So if he’s chosen her, she must be very special.” Then Randy threw me a curve ball. “Would you be jealous if I did have a scene with her?”

“No, absolutely not,” I told him. “Under the circumstances, turn-about would certainly be fair play. But would you be jealous if I played again with Jason?”

Jason was slow to answer, and I was immediately on high alert. “Why the hesitation, Randy? Is there something you want to tell me?”

Randy looked down for a moment, then raised his eyes to mine. “After the scene we had, and even more after the conversations we’ve shared, I feel like I’m starting to be emotionally connected to you and I’m not sure I want to share you.”

“Okay, let’s get this out on the table.” Then I paused, searching for the right way to express myself. I think I understand what Randy’s thinking, and I sincerely appreciate that he’s feeling emotionally attracted to me, but it’s essential that we agree on the parameters of our future relationship. “I’ve enjoyed playing with Jason, and he does things with me that you don’t, or at least you haven’t done so far, and I might want to play with him again. One of the things I learned from my ex-husband, and it’s an attitude that Jason obviously shares since he’s in a long-term relationship, is that there’s a difference between play and commitment. Do you agree with that?”

“Yes,” Randy replied. “I know that doing a scene with someone doesn’t mean there’s any commitment between her and me.”

“Okay, so far so good. What about sex? We had sex as part of our scene; would you want to have sex be part of a scene you have with Donna if she and Jason are okay with that?”

Again Randy hesitated, and again I pressed on. “I feel more than platonic with you also, Randy, but trust and honesty are essential in the kind of relationship we’re starting to develop. This is something we have to agree on if we’re going to become romantically involved with each other.”

“I know,” Randy said, and there was a hint of emotional stress in his voice. But this was very important to me, so I continued the dialogue.

“You said you’d like to do a scene with Donna but you hesitated when I asked if you’d be jealous if I played again with Jason. So are you saying you’re not willing to reciprocate? In case you haven’t already figured it out, I’ll tell you that Jason and I have had sex during our scenes, and I expect that would continue if we ever play together again. Another thing I learned from my past kinky life is that there’s a difference between sex and love; there are a lot of D/s relationships that are open to play with others that involves some degree of previously-negotiated sexual activity. I also know, from my own experiences, that people can have sexually-charged D/s and BDSM scenes without becoming emotionally attached to each other the way you and I are starting to be.”

“I know of some relationships that are like that, and they’ve been mostly successful. Do you want that kind of relationship with me?”

It was my turn to hesitate again and formulate my response, not because I wasn’t sure of my answer but because I wanted to be careful in how I expressed it.

“I think the best way to say this is that’s sort of what I want. I don’t want to play with just anyone, and if we become a romantically-linked D/s couple I’d want you to approve of whomever I play with. But I’d like, for example, to continue to have scenes with Jason without feeling guilty about it.”

“I guess I understand why you feel that way, and I do think it’s right to reciprocate in play. So if Jason is willing to share Donna with me I think I could handle that kind of partner-swapping.”

“Does that include sex?” I asked him; I wanted to have everything be clear and out in the open between us.

“Yes,” he replied. “If Jason’s willing to let things go that way, I figure I’ll enjoy it with Donna and I’m sure you will again with Jason.”

“In that case, I’ll broach the questions to Jason, both about the possibility of a BDSM-scene exchange and about the sexual possibilities.”

I called Jason the next day and told him I had something to discuss with him that also involved his sub. He suggested a three-way conversation so I could meet her, and we agreed on a place to have dinner the next evening.

When I entered the restaurant to meet with Jason and his sub I spotted him right away and was immediately aware of the woman sitting next to him. I’m no slouch in the beauty department, I know I’m very attractive, but this woman, presumably Donna, was amazingly so. I had figured Jason’s sub would be older than I am but she certainly didn’t look it. I couldn’t see much of her figure, but she definitely looked trim and fit, and I completely understood why Randy would want to see her body and have it under his control. On the other hand, as I walked toward their table I wondered why Jason, with Donna as his sub, would ever want to play with anyone else.

Jason stood as I approached, pulled out a chair for me, and seated me next to him, across the table from Donna. Then he introduced us. “Jill, this is Donna; Donna, this is Jill.”

Donna spoke first. “I’m pleased to meet you, Jill,” she said in a warm contralto.

“I’m glad to meet you also,’ I responded. “I’ve enjoyed my experiences with Jason, and I really appreciate having the opportunity to meet Jason’s...” I was suddenly at a loss for words; I didn’t know how to politely characterize her relationship with him.

She graciously and gracefully rescued me. “I’m Jason’s sub, Jill, as you already know. I’m certainly not ashamed of it, especially not with someone who’s in the scene, and you may refer to me in that way if you’d like. In the vanilla world, Jason introduces me as his partner, and if that term would make you more comfortable, by all means use it instead.”

“Thank you,” I replied. “I’m slowly getting back into the lifestyle, and I’m still finding my way into the current ways of interacting with others.”

“I understand,” she said in return, and then Jason entered the conversation as the server passed out menus.

He asked, “What is it that you wanted to talk about, Jill?” and suddenly I was tongue-tied; I didn’t know how to ask Jason if he’d be willing to share Donna with Randy. After a few seconds of awkward silence at the table, Jason prompted me. “Does what you want to discuss have anything to do with our plans to visit the dungeon this coming Saturday?”

I hesitated, eyes downcast, then looked up and said, “Yes, it does. My sister told me about the contract you described to her, including the part that defines whether and how you and Donna will play with other people.”

Again I hesitated, and again Jason prompted me. “Jill, Donna knows that I played with both you and Samantha; just say what’s on your mind.”

“I looked at Jason; I just couldn’t look at Donna when I asked, “Have you ever lent Donna to another dominant?”

“Yes, I have. Are you curious about those scenes? I’m pretty sure I know what this is leading up to...” he turned to Donna as he continued, “ ... and I’d like Donna to be open with you about that.” He nodded to her and then turned, as she did, to face me.

“I’ve played with other doms, both before I met Jason and, with his permission, since then as well,” Donna told me. “Some are very good, and some have been not so good, but all in all I’ve had mostly good experiences. I know that in the back of my mind I compare the techniques of those other doms with Jason’s, and I’ve never played with anyone, before or since, that I’ve thought more highly of or enjoyed more than Jason.” She smiled at Jason, then reached over and took his hand in one of hers, caressing it lightly with her other fingertips.

“I can understand that. My ex-husband was very good, but Jason is special. It’s like he just walked out of the pages of The Loving Dominant. You’re lucky to be with him.” I felt a sudden stab of envy: She has him all the time.

“Oh, I know,” she said; she looked up at Jason, and her expression was pure adoration. “But he’s a romantic at heart, and sometimes I just want to shout out what Molly wrote, Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns.”

She turned back to face me, and I smiled at her, and my smile was totally genuine. I again wondered why Jason would even want to play with anyone else, and there are times when my mouth seems to have a mind of its own. “Jason,” I blurted, “why in the world are you ever interested in playing with anyone else when you have Donna?”

Jason looked fondly at Donna, who lowered her eyes submissively, and then he turned back to face me squarely. “Every person is different,” he said, “and everyone reacts and responds differently to what I do and how I do it. So one reason is the variety I experience and the challenge of bringing the pleasurable sensations I can offer to someone new. Another reason is that some subs I meet, like your sister, are new to the scene, and I enjoy helping them learn about themselves and leading them down the submissive path to their true feelings.”

I certainly knew about those pleasurable sensations, and I also knew how enthusiastically Samantha had taken to her newly-awakened sexual submissiveness. “Thank you, Jason, for explaining that,” I told him. “So now I have another question. I’ve had several talks with Randy, and he’s looking forward to our trip to the dungeon with you and Donna. But he knows I’ve played with you, and he knows I’d like to do that again if you’re willing, so he, and I, want to know whether you’d consider sharing Donna with him in a scene at the dungeon.”

I sat back, unconsciously holding my breath, while I waited for Jason to respond. He too sat back for a few seconds, obviously gathering his thoughts, and then he looked directly at me again.

“I’ve never seen Randy in a scene,” Jason began,” but based on your description to me of the play you’ve had with him I would be willing if Donna, who has met Randy socially, thinks he would be an acceptable play-partner. Despite the nature of our relationship, I would never order Donna into a scene, and our contract establishes her right to veto a prospective play-partner. So Donna has to agree to a scene with another dom, and that dom has to agree to respect her limits, including what she’s permitted to do and what she’s prohibited from doing with anyone but me.”

He turned to Donna and looked expectantly at her with a raised eyebrow. She looked back at him levelly, then turned to face me. “As Jason said, he’s never seen Randy play, and neither have I. But Jason’s told me you enjoyed his play and that you also enjoyed your scene with Randy, so I assume he and Randy have done similar kinds of scene play with you. Based on that, I’d be willing to give him a chance.”

I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Thank you, Donna,” I said sincerely. “Based on my discussions with him, I’m sure Randy will respect all your limits once he knows what they are.”

“I’ll make sure he does,” Jason said, “and we can all look forward to a fun evening as a foursome on Saturday. You and Randy will have to bring government-issued photo IDs and agree to provide your full legal names, dates of birth, and addresses for screening on the Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website, so be prepared.”

We will,” I told him, “and thanks for the heads-up.”

Randy drove us up to the parking area right at nine o’clock and we met Jason and Donna at The Crucible as planned. They were just exiting his car, and she was dressed, as I’d known she would be, to please Jason’s tastes. She was, as they say, street legal, but there was no mistaking that she was a real hottie in her black mini-dress, black hose, and five-inch stilettos.

I had asked Randy if he had any preferences as to what I would wear, and in a sign of either his relative lack of experience, his not being interested in that aspect of our relationship, or his reluctance to assert his dominance he’d told me he didn’t. So I’d done what I’d expected Donna would do and dressed to please Jason; I was hoping that I’d have another chance to be under his control. My skirt was not as short or as tight as hers and I wasn’t wearing stockings, but my heels matched hers and I knew my legs looked good. Randy’s admiring looks when he’d picked me up were all the positive reinforcement I’d needed.

The men picked up their toy-bags and we went inside; Jason was carrying two bags while Randy had one. Jason paid everyone’s entrance fees while Randy and I filled out and signed documents in which we attested we were not attending in a law-enforcement capacity and that we waived any liability of the facility. The receptionist told us that photography as well as audio and video recording were strictly prohibited except by special arrangement, and after we showed our IDs and the database queries proved negative we were allowed to leave the reception area and enter the main space.

The four of us stood out of the doorway along the front wall. There were restrooms on our left and the seating area on our right had tables and chairs and a counter with a person behind it selling soft beverages and snacks. Beyond that was a small boutique that had various items of BDSM gear on display.

I hadn’t paid much attention to the dungeon when Jason and I attended the Black Rose meeting, but while we were standing there I really looked around to see what was happening throughout the facility. There were several St. Andrew’s crosses along two walls, widely separated to allow plenty of room around them. There was a medical area in one corner; a sign stated that this was the only area where blood play was permitted. There was also a table standing on a large tarp that was available for a waxing scene. A suspension setup with an electric hoist was available along the wall opposite the medical setup.

There were stocks, spanking benches, a cage, and two high horizontal beams in the center of the space. The beams were supported by tripod arrangements at their ends and had chains dangling from them; they looked like playground swing sets without the swings. A clear walkway ten to fifteen feet wide surrounded the central area, enabling people to stroll between the center and the play spaces along the perimeter or to stand and observe individual scenes. There were supply stations scattered throughout the facility with spray bottles of disinfectant, stacks of disposable wipes, and trash cans.