I was in Boston recently at XV Beacon. There’s a white bust of Benjamin Franklin in the lobby, Peppermint foot cream chilling in the mini-bar, an ashtray and matches on the writing table. Lots of dark wood, creamy furniture and glass-doored elevators. My lover noted that you could peek up the skirts of women waiting at different floors as you ascend. Pervert.

I like the feeling of walking into a great hotel room. It’s going to be your playroom for the next 24 or 48 hours and for me, design and decor are an important backdrop to that. The XV is sexy–not as smooth and edgy as comparative New York hotels but still a great place to have some fun.

Strolling into our suite, I disrobed while Lover made a phone call. I wanted to check on the changing color of my butt in the mirror. The night before in New York, I’d stripped down to ouvert, gotten on hands and knees and asked if we could start with the wooden spoon. It was more stingy than I’d expected but fairly painless in comparison to the crop he used next.

I don’t find receiving pain erotic in itself, the actual physical pain. The act of submission, of intentionally giving up control, is what’s exciting. Receiving pretty strong pain and remaining composed is a challenge and I feel that doing it well is actually a powerful act.

The bruises started on my inner thigh, made their way up to the fleshy part just below my butt, to a scattering of blue dots across my ass. The were finger marks on my breasts. I wondered what other lovers would think–would they be aroused or appalled? The truth is, I’m greatly enjoying experimenting with fetish, bondage, submission and domination.  Testing limits, pushing boundaries. Separately, I also still love sensual, sweet sex and of course, gratuitous fucking.

If you’re into pole dancing, have a look at this video.  This woman is truly incredible.