“I see.” He gave a coarse laugh. “And Abby told you Kate was my slave.”
“Yes, Sir. She said you were twenty-four/seven.” She prepared herself for the lecture on how she wasn’t ready and why she was foolish to even contemplate such a thing. Damn it, what was she thinking writing it down for him?
“I can see the appeal,” he said, surprising her. “There’s a certain security involved, at least on some level. And, of course, there’s the mutual commitment. But, Sasha, don’t romanticize the position of an M/s relationship.
“You are owned by your Master. You are his to tease and torment as he pleases. Serving him is your all-consuming passion and pleasing him your only goal. If he wishes to use only your mouth for a month, you will suck his cock and be thankful for the privilege to taste him. If he tells you to sit naked with your pussy displayed for his viewing pleasure, you will sit with your legs spread so he can enjoy the sight of his cunt. Even if he wants you to stay that way for hours and he spends most of that time in a different room. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir,” she said, but wasn’t sure. She hadn’t gone through every possible scenario.
“There are days you’ll feel your only worth is tied to your arse, your mouth, your pussy, and how often he decides to fuck them. For instance, I would require you to be naked whenever you were at home, command you to kneel and present yourself for my use when we were in the same room. And make no mistake, Sasha, I would use you and use you often.
“In the morning before you left my bed, you would suck me deep into your mouth. I’d order you home for lunch and spread you out on my table, where I’d take my time feasting on your pussy before I fucked it. And after work, I’d keep you naked and spend hours driving you to the brink of orgasm until finally I’d allow you to come, but only with my cock buried deep in your arse.”
He bent down and whispered in her ear, “Is that what you want, Sasha? To be my fuck toy to use when, where, and how I want? You honestly wouldn’t mind if, while you were reading a book, I ordered you to your hands and knees on the floor because I decided my cock’s need to fuck outweighed your need to read?”
She stiffened at his words. There was more to it than that. And no, she wasn’t interested in being used only for sex. It was the whole dynamic of the Master/slave relationship that appealed to her.
“It’s more than that, Sir. It’s not always like that.”
He hadn’t moved from behind her. “I’m well aware of the many facets involved in such a relationship. I did have a collared slave for several years. And if asked, I’m sure she would tell you it was like that enough of the time.”
“Then there was a part of her that needed to be used like that.” She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “The relationship wouldn’t have lasted as long as it did if she wasn’t being satisfied.”
“Think beyond the sexual,” he said, not responding to her statement. “You own a business. What if your Master decides he doesn’t want you working? Would you be prepared to sell your part of the floral shop?”
“Did Kate work, Sir?”
“I allowed her to work. Do you honestly think you could live in a situation like that? To hand over control to every part of your life? From your haircut, to your clothes, to whether or not you could have lunch with your girlfriends when you wanted?”
“I don’t know, Sir.”
“There are Master/slave couples who don’t use safe words.”
He spoke it simple and matter-of-factly, but it had the intended impact. She sucked in a breath and swallowed her panic. Her voice gave no hint of fear when she replied, “Everything’s still negotiable. I wouldn’t enter into any relationship without a safe word. It’s a hard limit.”
“And I would applaud you for that. However, I won’t train you to be my slave. I don’t mean to be cruel, but you’re not mentally prepared to take on such a role.”
She balled her fists so her nails dug into her palms. “I don’t want to be your slave, Sir. That’s not why I wrote that.”
The air behind her moved as he stood. “Then what was your purpose?”
“I want you to give me some training, just a little taste, in full-time slave service.”
“No.”
She took a deep breath, his response exactly what she thought it would be. She knew arguing wouldn’t change his mind. In all likelihood, it would only make him angry. “May I propose a compromise, Sir?”
“A compromise?”
“You know, that thing where we both budge a little to reach a mutually satisfying arrangement?”
His voice was terse and unamused. “No, can’t say I’m familiar with the concept.”
“I agree I’m not ready to serve as a slave right now or even train as one. But can we relook at the idea in a month or so?” There was only silence behind her. “Please, Sir?”
For several seconds, he stood and then he slowly walked away from her. Toward the window, she believed. She heard his sigh from across the room.
“Very well, a month it is. And to give you a little taste, you’re not allowed to wear knickers for the next month.” He smirked at her gasp of shock. “And rest assured, I’ll be checking.”
• • •
Friday afternoon, Cole sat in Daniel’s kitchen while his friend prepared steaks to grill.
“You sure you don’t want to stay for dinner?” Daniel asked, washing his hands. “I have plenty.”
“I’m sure. I have a phone interview with a source in about an hour.” And he was starting to feel like a third wheel, staying on Daniel’s property. Eating with him and Julie would only make it worse.
“If you change your mind . . .” Daniel let the offer hang in the air.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll let you and Julie enjoy your Friday night alone this week.” He didn’t miss the look of anticipation that crossed Daniel’s face. Cole snorted. “Obviously, you have plans for the evening.”
“Hell, yes!”
“I guess that means—”
His talk with Daniel was interrupted by the sound of feminine laughter coming from the front door. He recognized Sasha’s voice immediately. She sounded carefree and happy and he smiled in response. She needed to laugh more.