Eland and Jeanne (Tales of the Shareem) by Allyson James

but in the bedroom, in this relationship, I am. And I’m not letting you go to prison because of me.”
    “Yeah? What are you going to do about it?”
    As Jeanne hoped, the wicked sparkle came back into Eland’s eyes. She didn’t like the misery she saw in him, the lack of hope. He was doing what he could to survive, but he didn’t really believe, deep down, that he’d escape. When she teased him, his attention returned to the present, where she needed him to be.
    She really shouldn’t want what he did in response to the teasing, shouldn’t like it. Wanting him would make things hurt worse when he finally did go.
    Instead, she let what he did fill her dreams at night and her thoughts all day. She’d be bound and kneeling, begging Eland to do things to her body. She didn’t have much concept about all he could do, but she took what they’d already done and imagined plenty.
    Jeanne had already used the things he’d left behind on herself. A vibrating button or wand against her clit at the same time made her come—crying Eland’s name. She’d put on the nipple clamps with the metal chain and thought about how Eland had closed them onto her.
    She and Judith had discussed it quite a bit, Judith telling Jeanne what she and Shareem had done—a ménage with Aiden and Ky, the deft way Rio could tie up a woman, the thorough enjoyment of the ass-fucking the Shareem called Braden liked.
    Jeanne and Judith tried the various wands and vibrators out together, learning to feel no shame being bare in front of each other, talking of Shareem the whole time. The last time Jeanne had decided to shave herself, Judith had done it for her, and she’d done Judith. She and Judith weren’t in love with each other or anything—they simply enjoyed talking about and fantasizing about Shareem together. It was refreshing.
    Eland touched the tip of her nose. “ You are way too cute when you look at me like that. I know exactly what I want to do.”
    ***
    Eland made good use of the additional accoutrements Judith had bought. He quickly had a collar around Jeanne’s neck, cuffs on her wrists, a thin blindfold across her eyes. The nipple clamps clung to her tips, a delicate silver chain hanging between them. She was lovely, and ready.
    So he took her out to the front room where the other Shareem were waiting.
    Eland’s heart beat faster as he opened the door and guided her out. Shareem liked to watch the act, and they liked to be watched. Voyeurs and exhibitionists in one package.
    Eland knew the way to ease his jealousy was to let himself do what he’d been trained to. Wasn’t easy, though, when all those Shareem eyes turned their focus on his lady.
    Conversation ceased when he led Jeanne into the room. Five Shareem were there—Rio, Aiden, Ky, Braden, and a big guy who refused to take off his sun-blocking robes. Calder, Braden had said his name was.
    Jeanne halted at the door, knowing they were there, though she remained blindfolded. She was trembling, but her fear held a strong hint of need.
    She stuck out her chin and let Eland guide her out. Brave lady.
    “This is Jeanne,” Eland said, holding the leash loosely in his hand. “She’s mine . No touching unless I say.”
    Nods as the waiting Shareem indicated they understood. They had some boundaries. If a lady belonged to one, the others didn’t poach.
    Eland would go easy on Jeanne tonight. Maybe at some point, when she was comfortable, and Eland didn’t feel like he’d rip the Shareem who touched her in half, he’d let one of them play with her, while he supervised. His job was to give Jeanne as much pleasure as possible, and if another Shareem or two—or three and four—was what worked, he’d arrange it.
    For now, he grabbed a straight-backed, armless chair, sat on it, and pulled Jeanne down to straddle him. She let herself be guided by him, unable to see, having to trust him.
    Eland was aware of every Shareem focused hard on them as Eland lowered Jeanne onto his lap, and