His One

Simon was a master of his art. He'd trained other sub's, taught them, helped them push past their fears, but it had always been for others. Never for himself. No matter how willing, how eager, or talented the submissive proved to be they didn't fit. Not in his arms, or at his feet. He needed his one. Had he found her in Cassandra? Untouched by leather, pain, or restraint. An unknown in his world, yet there was something in her eyes. A hint of a promise that called to him as he watched her. In this woman, this gentle soul with her forbidden dreams, could he finally find the missing half of his heart, of his soul? The one to wear his collar.

Published by Mojocastle Press, LLC Price, Utah This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

His One ISBN: 1-60180-068-1 Copyright  2008 Terri Pray Cover Art Copyright @ 2008 Vanessa Hawthorne All rights reserved.

Excluding legitimate review sites and review publications, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Copying, scanning, uploading, selling and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without permission from the publisher is illegal, punishable by law and will be prosecuted. Available online at: http://www.mojocastle.com/

Also By Terri Pray: Deed Wife Enslaved By Blood

Dedication: To my one One, my Sam. An eternity at your feet and by your side would still never be enough.

Prologue Black leather straps encircled the woman’s nearly naked form. A thick, padded band covered her eyes, her arms raised and held about the wooden surface of the cross. Each crack of the flogger against her back tore free a long moan of pain and pleasure combined. She arched away from the cross as much as the bonds would permit when the sting of the last blow eased, eager to know the next touch of deerskin. Sweat dripped down her back, seeping along her spine, tempting the eye to follow down to the taut curve of her ass and the slip of black cloth between them. A thong, little more than a few strands of cotton to cover her. Perhaps at a fully private party she would have been nude; certainly the woman would have been naked if at home with a dominant for such a scene. But the rules of the club were clear; genitalia must be covered at all times. Simon smiled, his gaze lingering on the woman’s writhing form. The thong didn’t distract from her beauty. If anything, the slight covering enhanced it. “Susanna has learned to take the flogger well.” The low voice broke through his thoughts. “I heard tell you released her from the mentor contract yesterday?” “Yes.” “Why? She’s a woman any man here would be proud to have in their collar.”

Susanna screamed with the new snap of leather against her body, and her back arched to the full extent of the bonds, her face a mask of pain and sheer delight. She gritted her teeth, hissing the single word into existence. “Please!” Why didn’t he want her in his personal collar? She had blossomed into a woman that turned heads at every event, yet he had said no. What was wrong with him? Susanna was young, attractive, submissive, yet with a spirit that was hard to match. She had caught the attention of damn near every Dom in yelling distance and yet, even though he had seen her change from a nervous newcomer into a confident submissive, he still could not envision spending the rest of his life owning her. She had taken to the lifestyle, to the core tenets he had enjoyed teaching her, and kept her strength and spirit. The bound young woman squirmed against the cross; each helpless move only proclaimed the depths of her sensuality further. Her hips lifted up from the cross and pressed her ass out towards the man who held the flogger. She had come to accept everything about who she was, embraced the depths of the submissive within her and yet it still hadn’t been enough. His gaze lingered on her ripe curves, the way she moved, each sound she uttered fed his senses and yet he still hungered for something she could not offer him. They had tried. No, he had tried, Susanna hadn’t known of the problem until he had admitted it fully to himself. “Something’s missing between us.” He admitted.

“Like what?” He turned away from the squirming woman to look his friend directly in the eyes. “If I knew that, if I truly knew that, I would be the richest man in the world.”

Chapter One Men like him didn’t exist outside of works of fiction. They were shadows in the night, the type that you wanted to find yet feared what would happen if you ever did. Yet, there he stood, dark eyes, jet-black hair, the look of a model, but only if he got to wear what he wanted and nothing else. Gods, she could almost imagine him in leather pants, naked from the waist up with a whip on his hip. Some dark overlord with a dozen eager young women curled around his feet. Or a Scottish warrior, wrapped in plaid about the waist but naked from there upwards, holding a maiden against his chest as he held a sword in his left hand. The covers alternatively shocked, amused and intrigued her. Just what he was doing in the bookstore wandering up and down the romance section, she had no idea. Not that she was complaining. Most of her customers were women. Some married, others single. In a shop that specialized in women’s fiction, it was reasonably rare that she would see a man of his age enter the premises. Older men, yes. She’d seen more than a few of those wander in through the door. They were the ones who liked something light to read, or so they said. Not that it mattered, they came, they left, and then returned for the next influx of new reading material. At least that was something she could enjoy, the new business the eager faces of dedicated readers

that kept her small store in business. Not one of her regulars looked like this one. All right, so he was far from perfect. Small lines tightened about his eyes, a slight scar marred his chin in a half-moon curve and he walked with a soft limp to his left leg. Not a recent injury though, something that he had become comfortable with and whatever the problem was, it did not prevent him from being able to walk with complete confidence around her store. She sucked in her bottom lip and let her gaze linger on the taut curve of his jean-covered ass. Toned, muscled but not overly built, all in all, his build was just enough to be able to catch her attention. Who am I kidding? It’s got very little to do with his build. Cassandra shook her head and tried to tear her attention away from the stranger. There were three new boxes of books that needed to be sorted through and placed on the shelves before she closed up shop for the day. If she spent the next thirty minutes daydreaming about a man who wouldn’t look at her sideways, then the work would spill over into the next day. All right, so the only person she would have to answer to would be herself, but that was beside the point. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she settled down on her knees by the boxes. Cover art that ranged from the bare-chested Viking warriors to couples naked and entwined on silken sheets beckoned her further into the box. Would she ever have the nerve to openly read some of the books she now stacked onto the shelves?

No, not her. A pity really, they were so very tempting. Such things she would continue to read through in private, at home, or under the counter until someone walked in and she was forced to hide it well and truly from sight once more. If one of the older women who frequented her store walked in to see her reading something with a naked couple entwined on the cover, she might lose the customer. Or encourage them to try that author. A knife’s edge she didn’t have the courage to walk just yet. Her mother would die of shock if she ever knew the type of novels her daughter preferred to curl up with. Bad enough that she had not shown any interest in marrying, no matter how hard her mother had tried to set her up with any man that would cooperate long enough. Isn’t it about time you found yourself a nice man to settle down with? How often had she heard that from her mother in the past couple of years? More times than she cared to count. It didn’t seem to matter that Cassie hadn’t met someone she felt comfortable with; all her Mom wanted was the obligatory grandchildren to spoil. Maybe that wasn’t entirely fair, but at times she could have sworn her mother’s eyes grew wide and hopeful if Cassie so much as mentioned a man in passing. Her jaw tightened. Tomorrow would mean another one of those visits after work, and it was no longer something she could avoid. Still, at least she had been able to avoid moving back in, despite her mother’s constant push that she belonged at home until Mr. Right came along.

Bah, right. As if such a man actually existed out there. If they did, then the odds of them looking anything like the newcomer were slim to none, and Slim had long since left town. “A quiet day?” Steel wrapped in velvet. She’d read the term before in reference to how someone’s voice might sound, but until this moment had never heard it. A tingle ran down the full length of her body and into her core even before she looked up from the boxes. She tried not to follow the line of his leg up to his groin, but the sight beckoned her regardless. Her breath caught in the back of her throat; she could almost see it. His cock, thick and long beneath the denim, shit. No. She had to look away and not act like a teenager facing her first crush. “Mondays often are, but it gives me a chance to catch up with a little work.” Cassie began to move up from her knees. “Half my deliveries turn up at the beginning of the week.” “No, please. Stay where you are. I didn’t mean to disturb you at all.” He gestured slightly towards the floor. “I am sure you have a lot of work to do and it would be easier on your knees, I believe, if you did not have to get up now only to return to sorting through those boxes once our conversation was finished.” “You haven’t disturbed me.” At least not in the manner he might have meant. Her stomach knotted, and tension built instantly across her shoulders. He wanted her to remain on her knees? Whatever for? Heat threatened to surge into her cheeks at the thought of the intimate moments men often shared

with women on their knees, if half of the books she had read were to be believed. Did he expect her to sell him a blowjob? Her vulva tightened and grew slick at the thought, her gaze centering on his groin for a moment before she forced herself to look up at his face. What on earth has gotten into me? It’s not been that long since I had a boyfriend, or do I just need new batteries for my-“I’m glad to hear that, Miss...?” He leaned against a cream painted small pillar in the middle of the lines of bookshelves. “Drew, Cassandra Drew.” She glanced around and started to rock back to her feet. “I did say you didn’t have to get up, Cassandra.” His gaze narrowed, a slight edge to his voice that suggested he would dislike it if she tried to stand up. “I’m sure you’re more comfortable where you are. In fact, if you lean back a little more on your heels, it will increase your comfort level. I’m told doing that removes some of the stress from the knees and hips.” Cassie caught the inside of her lip with her teeth and shifted a little on her knees. Good sense demanded that she stand up regardless, that she ignore his insistent words to remain on her knees near his feet. Her thighs clenched, hands tightened into fists only to relax as she took a long slow breath. It felt...it felt almost right to be down on the floor whilst they spoke. Scary and natural all rolled into one. Slowly, the loud voice of common sense screaming its protest at the back of her mind, she settled a little further back onto her heels. “Is there anything I can do to help you?” The

muscles in her thighs tugged, a pull that forced her to part them just a little beneath the knee-length skirt she wore. “Was there something in particular that you were looking for?” She forced her thighs closed fully as soon as she realized what had happened and tried not to appear uncomfortable at the turn the conversation threatened to take. “Yes, there is.” His gaze moved openly over her kneeling form, lingering on the skirt that she wore. “You’d look better in clothing that revealed your body a little more, but I understand how you wish to maintain a professional appearance. Now, do you have a copy of SM 101 by Jay Wiseman? I wish to send a copy to a friend.” Why did he feel the need to add that? He certainly didn’t lack the confidence to proclaim his interest in such things as alternative lifestyles. “You don’t have to invent a reason for buying the book.” “I’m not.” A slight frown creased his brow. “I don’t need a copy; I have several on my bookshelves at home.” Heat surged into her face. “I see. Well perhaps I can show you where those books are shelved.” She began to ease back up onto her feet, only to feel his hand touch her shoulder. Her inner walls quivered at his touch and a jolt ran through her body. Men didn’t touch women like that without a good reason. Is he interested in me? No, of course not. This is just some little practical joke he’s playing and I’m not in the mood to be used as a source of amusement. “I will be able to find it, just explain to me where about in the store it would be.” Damnit, this was well beyond being any type of

prank. Cassie jerked her shoulder away from his touch and forced her way back up onto her feet. The problem was, he didn’t give her the impression of a man playing a joke. If anything, the way his gaze moved over her body left her squirming a little on her knees. Her body heated, her nipples were hard and pressed tightly against her clothing. How one man could just walk into her life and instantly have her pussy damp and wanting to know what it was like with his cock pressed deep into her core, she had no way of knowing. “No, I think I prefer to show you the way myself. Besides, I really shouldn’t be seen holding a discussion with a stranger with me on my knees at his feet. Someone could get the wrong idea.” “Or the right one. I was enjoying the sight of you kneeling. It appeared to be quite natural for you.” Those full lips twitched. Her jaw clenched. What in hell’s name is he suggesting? I’m no slut. I don’t--oh, gods, was he--does he think I’m one of those submissive types? “Well I’m not here to provide that type of entertainment for you. However, I’d be happy to show you the books.” She smoothed down her skirt and tried to keep the annoyance from her face. The hand she had shrugged off returned to press lightly against her shoulder. Fear surged through her body, heat followed quickly on its heels as her nipples hardened further and sought a way to escape the confines of her blouse. No, she couldn’t possibly be aroused by this man. It was ridiculous. He was a stranger. One that didn’t understand that what he was doing was just completely out of place. Especially

in her place of work. Yet, she couldn’t deny the dampness that now coated her panties, or the way her inner walls rippled. “Now if you’d let go of me, I’ll be able to do my job. You wouldn’t want someone to walk in and assume you’re harassing me in some way, would you?” “Why are you afraid of me?” He didn’t move his hand. “I offer no threat to you. If you wanted me to leave, I’d do so with a single word from you.” “I’m not afraid of you, why do you think that?” Her hands tightened into fists until she realized just what she was doing and forced them flat once more. “I have no reason to be afraid of you.” “You’re shaking.” He smiled but made no move closer towards her. “You’re blushing and trembling at the same time. Your nipples are hard and pressed against your blouse, but instead of attempting to explore the interesting mix of emotions you’re feeling right now, you’ve focused on one part of them. The fear aspect. A pity, really, I would have enjoyed talking with you further.” The stranger shrugged and finally stepped away from her, his hand falling to his side. “I think I’ll return a little later for that book, when you’re perhaps more composed and ready to serve me.” He turned and strode out through the shop, the soft tinkle of the bell sounding out before she had a chance to regain her composure and find some sharp retort to put him in his place. “Serve him? What in hell’s name was that all about?” Cassie pushed the soft strands of red-brown hair back from her face and slipped out from the

bookcases to stare at the now closed door. Whoever he had been, he’d left no sign of where he had vanished to and if it hadn’t been for the light noise of the bell she had ordered fitted to the door, she would have never have known he had left. Come to think of it, she hadn’t heard it announce his entry. How had he managed to walk into her store without the bell ringing? She had no clue, nor did she now have the chance to ask him. Well, no matter who the man thought he was, she had no intention of letting herself be caught like that again. Yet, it had felt right. Almost natural to kneel at his feet whilst they talked. Had she belonged there? Ready to serve him in any way he desired? Get a grip, girl. Women don’t kneel for men except in bad novels unless they are involved in that weird lifestyle. And that just isn’t a part of my nature. Me, submit to someone? Not a chance in hell. So just why did she now wonder what it would be like to feel his hand in her hair as he guided her head towards his groin. Cassie glanced over towards the section of the store that held the few alternative lifestyle novels she dared to stock. Even with her fascination for reading anything that might have added to the lines on her mother’s face, she’d never quite had the courage to open one of those books. And I’m not about to start now. Damn man. Nothing more than an arrogant bastard who liked to get his kicks by turning me bright red. So why did her vulva tighten every time she looked out towards the closed door in the hopes of catching some glimpse of him? Because I’m out of my damn mind and I’m looking for anything that will get my mom off my back. So what if he’s

weird, he was still good looking and--and I need my bloody head examined for even thinking about him.

Chapter Two “Well?” Simon leaned back in the chair and met Liam’s gaze head on. “What did you think of her? Was I right? She’s a hell of a looker, isn’t she?” “She has potential.” Liam admitted with a slight shrug and settled down into the chair on the other side of the table. The coffee shop wasn’t overly crowded this time of day, and it didn’t take too long before a young woman in a simple mix of black and white made her way over to take their orders. “Coffee black, and no conversation. In fact, don’t say a word when you return.” He didn’t even look fully at her, but the slight move to where his wallet sat in his pocket made it all too clear what the waitress would lose the chance of a tip if she disobeyed him. The young woman opened her mouth to speak, only to close her lips into a tight line. For a moment she didn’t move, then turned, uncertain and offbalance from the way she had been addressed. Yet she had still obeyed the order. Liam smiled and re-focused his attention back on his friend. “You enjoy doing that, don’t you?” Simon frowned. “Of course, or I wouldn’t do it.” “One of these days you’ll push your luck too far and someone will complain about you. Then what will you do--never mind, I know you only too well. I doubt you’d care what another would think of you,

even if it did mean you being escorted out of the coffee shop.” Simon shook his head and let his gaze linger on the swaying hips of the young woman. “Now, what did you think about Cassandra? Was I right about her? I’ve watched her now for the past few weeks, though I don’t think she’s really noticed. It was a little difficult to find out much about her without going into the store on a regular basis though.” “As I said, she has potential.” More than that, but he wasn’t about to discuss the way the woman intrigued him in such a public place. It was one thing to push a few buttons, another to have his desires overheard by someone who might decide to educate him on the rights of women. Amusing. With the life he lived, the women he had been involved with had more rights, more in the way of true choice than any other form of relationship or lifestyle than he had ever encountered elsewhere. Not that the people screaming women’s lib were prepared to see it that way, yet they had no problem with the idea of a man submitting. Revenge factor for all those years of oppression? Or some base level fury at the idea that maybe, just maybe there were some women who did enjoy kneeling, serving and exploring their submissive side? They’d be surprised to see just how many of those women who did take that step into being submissive held strong positions within the general community. Or the amount of women who were either dominant or switches. Just what right did those screaming so-called

feminists have to tell other women how they could live? Didn’t that go against the idea of a woman’s right to choose? Or hadn’t they realized that it worked both ways? He neither knew nor in all honesty cared. Liam was not the type to tell them how they could live and wouldn’t tolerate them trying to dictate such rules to him. He didn’t force anyone to submit; if anything, he cherished those submissive women and switches that he had been fortunate enough to spend time with over the years. “Is that all, potential? You’ve spent years trying to find that one woman, that perfect submissive who could complete you, and all you can say when I find her is that she has potential? Shit, I thought you had found the right one in Susanna. But no, you had to go and let her go and now look at you, alone again.” Simon scowled and shook his head, his blue eyes flashing in annoyance. “I’ve been watching her for a while, all the signs, the ability to taste the dark fire, it’s there within her, just waiting for the right person to release it. Gods, I don’t know what to do with you at times. Come on, did you even get a good look at her? Or speak to her at all?” “I’m not looking for the perfect submissive. I need the right one for me, just as she needs the right dominant. I’m not sure we would match in such a way. She’s not even active in the lifestyle from how she reacted. No, it would be too much work for a tiny chance of the right payoff.” Liam struggled to keep the emotions from his face. Cassandra Drew, the name wrapped itself about his mind and offered so many possibilities. “I won’t give myself a false hope.

Not again. And yes, as a matter of fact I did talk to her.” Too many women had passed through his life, each one granting him a moment where he had thought he had finally found the right one, the soul he could spend the rest of his life with only to be disappointed. It wasn’t their fault, but his. The places he had searched, the time spent at scene events, parties and clubs had left him jaded. Yet there was something about Cassandra with her soft, expressive eyes and pale coloring. The hint of fear that had glimmered within her gaze had sparked into life the darkest side of his nature, that beast-like being deep inside that he struggled to keep under control. No. No matter how great the temptation, it would be better if he kept his distance from Cassandra. If he took the risk and his ability to control his own desires failed then--then the damage done to an innocent soul, a woman who didn’t even appear to understand the desire she brought to life in him, would be too great. So why couldn’t he push the image of the young woman on her knees out of his mind? “Then you are interested in her?” Simon’s gaze narrowed and a glint appeared in his eyes. The conversation halted long enough for the waitress to set down the cup of coffee and slip away from the side of the table. “I thought you would be. So when are you going to approach her?” “Never.” “Then you’re a fool.” “I’m no such thing. I just don’t see a point in trying

to seduce her into the lifestyle when it really might not be something she is interested in. You yourself just said that I tend to push things. Do I really need a lawsuit for sexual harassment? Or even worse, a piece in the paper when she runs to expose the sordid nature of some of the people living in this small town?” “Ah, so now you’re protecting the community? Don’t you think we can look after ourselves?” Simon frowned and took a mouthful of his coffee. “I really don’t understand you at times. You’ve spent all this time looking for the right one and when she might be right under your nose, you’re suddenly reluctant to do anything about it?” “How do you know she’s the right one?” “How can you tell that she isn’t?” ****** Was he really a fool for ignoring the challenge the woman in the bookstore offered without even being aware of it? For the past five hours, since he and Simon had parted ways after their coffee, Liam had been left mulling over the words. He closed his eyes and settled back into the large chair. Red-brown hair, a narrow waist, the soft curve of hips and breasts beneath her clothing that begged for him to strip away the veils that shielded her from his view. He could see her so clearly, still kneeling in the bookstore by the side of the shelves, the two open boxes of books nearby, that soft sheen of red touching her cheeks, the glow in her blue-green eyes and a shy

little smile that had lit up her face. Sweet, innocent and willing. His cock thickened beneath his jeans, though he struggled to keep the surge of lust under control. Better that he kept to his original idea and stay away from her than ever put the young woman at risk. And she was still young, at least where his chosen lifestyle was concerned. So many entered it in their late thirties or early forties that she would have fit right into a newbie munch, or an introduction party under the protection of an experienced Dom. One just like him. How long would it be before someone else saw the potential that glimmered in those soft, shy eyes? Simon had already seen it; she was simply fortunate that he had no interest in corrupting an innocent. They were too much work as far as his old friend was concerned. Yet Liam now let himself wonder just how she would take to the lifestyle, how eagerly might she embrace the concepts and open herself up to the desires that he knew all too well lay locked deep within her sweet soul? Cassandra stripped, collared and kneeling at his feet. Her ass pink from a spanking, a leash connecting her collar to his hand, soft waves of her long hair curled about that sweet elfin face. He groaned, the image almost overpowering. How could he just ignore her existence now that he had met her? She had knelt in the store until her fear had overtaken her desires. She had risked being caught like that without truly questioning why it felt right to remain there at his feet. I’d be abandoning her.

To what? To those who would take advantage of her. To the men who could spot her potential and turn her into something that she would eventually hate. As much as it pained him to admit it, there were men and women who claimed to be dominants who were little more than abusers wearing the mask of the lifestyle. More than once he had been amongst those who had helped to pick up the pieces of humanity left behind by such creatures. Liam shook his head and forced himself up out of the chair. He was overreacting. Just because two dominants had spotted the potential in the young woman did not mean that she had instantly become a target for others to take advantage of. The world simply didn’t work that way. His jaw tightened as he began to pace across the room. He had to stop thinking about her. She wasn’t someone that could be a part of his life. She didn’t know anything about the lifestyle, and he doubted that she even knew much about it beyond the little bit she would have picked up from whatever novels she spent her time reading through. He did not need to take on a submissive who had learned from books and works of fiction. God knows what bad habits or ideas she had about how the lifestyle worked. Maybe that had been the reason she shook in fear? Had she expected him to scoop her up from the floor or press her down against the carpet and take her right there? Captured, bound and helpless to his touch. No, I don’t need that image right now.

There were a dozen women like her on every street. Chasing her, even if he walked back into the shop...her presence there offered too much in the way of temptation. Better to stay away from her and move back into the lifestyle circuit. Look through the newcomers on the scene, or perhaps some of the more experienced women who knew exactly what they wanted and needed in a D/s relationship. The odds of anyone just walking into the shop and discovering the subtle air of potential submissive that she exuded were...too great to even risk. What’s got me so damn frightened about approaching her? She’s just a woman. I’ve taught a dozen just like her. It might not have worked out between us, and then I’d have just had to say goodbye to her the way I have so many others I’ve mentored. “I don’t want to mentor her.” He told his reflection in the window. Rain splattered against the glass pane, small flickers of light beckoned in the distance as yellow balls of streetlights. Dark figures moved through the rain, little more than human shapes without any hint of who lay hidden beneath the umbrellas, long coats and hurried steps. “Maybe that’s the real problem. I don’t want to get close to her and then lose her to someone else, or push her away with my own needs.” Did it boil down to something that simple? That he wanted her, really wanted her? No, that didn’t happen. Was there a D/s version of love at first sight? Foolish. Ridiculous. Idiotic.

These things just didn’t happen. Being around all those romance novels, however briefly had rubbed off on him in some way. “Fine, I’ll go back.” He leaned against the window. “If for no other reason than to prove to myself how foolish this is.” Sure and it has nothing to do with the fact that I want her, need her and will taste her somehow if I walk back into the shop. Nothing whatsoever. Sure, that’s it, Liam. Do the one thing you always promised you wouldn’t...lie to yourself. I go back and end this by looking her fully in the eyes this time. I’ll tell her what I want from her, how I wish her at my feet, in my arms, how I want to teach her about the darkness of the life I enjoy. And then she’ll back away, maybe scream, and I’ll leave. It’ll be over with. The dream locked away once more. He had to see her again, even if it was just to whisper goodbye to her in the back of his own mind.

Chapter Three He reached for her, brushed his fingertips against her cheek as she knelt between the bookcases. “I’ve searched for one like you.” Cassie leaned against his touch, a soft shudder claiming her body, heat blossoming in the depth of her being. What was she doing back on her knees like this? He had left the shop. She had heard the bell, yet there she was back between the books, kneeling at his feet. “This isn’t real.” “Are you sure?” He cupped her cheek. “It can’t be real, you left. I locked up the shop. This is just a dream and nothing more.” “Then you dream of something you want yet don’t understand.” His voice surrounded her, caressed her senses. “You’ve lived all of your life amongst the stories, the books, yet never dared to crack open the more daring ones. You know, but a hint of the secrets that are within their pages--so why do you ignore the knowledge all about you?” Secrets? Knowledge? A darkness that she dare not seek. Tempting though it was. He offered that, in his touch, in the way she had knelt at his feet and the way she now did in what she knew to be a dream. Yet a dream should not have left her feeling this way. “Give yourself to the dream within. The passion that you keep locked up inside.”

“There is no passion within. You’ve got me confused with someone else.” “Then why are you still on your knees at my feet? If you really aren’t the submissive I see, then prove it. Show me. Get up and walk away.” Her legs refused to move. She tried, but they remained locked in place, keeping her on her knees by his feet. “I don’t want this.” Yet her heart raced. “So move then, rise, walk away from me. Prove that this is not where you want to be. Not who you wish to be.” He stepped back, granting some distance between them. A moment where she could catch her breath and still she could not move. “I don’t know how to rise.” “Why is that? You’ve stood before, walked before, why not now? What stops you from doing so now?” His dark gaze held her in place more stoutly than any chains might have done so. “I don’t know. I wish I did, but I don’t know why I can’t move.” He leaned close, whispering against her ear the words she didn’t want to hear, yet knew to be true nevertheless. “Because you don’t want to move.” No. This couldn’t be true. She didn’t want it to be true. Yet she didn’t want to move. Her body heated under his gaze. She belonged here, on her knees at his feet. She needed him. This man without a name, this being that had spoken to her in the shop and now haunted her very nights. “I’ll leash you and set you free if you ask me to. That’s all you have to do. Just ask me and I’ll show you the way into the darkest pathways of life. I’ll set your body, mind

and soul afire.” A leash, a chain and leather leash appeared in his left hand. Fear shot through her heart, her vulva tightened, nipples crinkled into tight pink buds that ached to be touched. If she took that from him, accepted it she would be nothing more than a--than a slave! No! Slaves were not a part of the real world these days. Except in fiction and that didn’t count. Gods, what was she thinking. She knew there was a thing called a lifestyle, damnit, she sold some of the very books that provided information on it. How could she possibly believe that it didn’t exist? “Well done, my lass.” “Pardon?” She blinked, her gaze focusing on the leash. Leather, interwoven with chain links, now connected Cassie to him via the collar about her throat. “You are mine.” “No!” Thunder cracked above the house and sliced into her dreams. The storm raged beyond the closed windows, rattling the shutters beyond in the old house. Thunder rolled through the sky, lightning split the clouds apart, the combination of noise and light jolted her from her sleep. Another storm. Three nights of them, one after the other had managed to keep her awake, but come the morning there would be only a scattering of puddles on the ground to speak of the storm that had woken her so violently. Sweat coated her skin, forcing her nightshirt to cling to her body. The memory of the dream along with the storm did little to encourage her to rest. What right had he to find his way into her dreams like that?

“Gods,” she hissed and rolled out of the bed. “I don’t need nights like this.” Barefoot, she moved across her bedroom and struggled with the partially open window. “Just one night without a storm, is that too much to ask?” Apparently it was. “I hate storms. Gods, shut up, why don’t you!” Cassie grunted at the new crack of thunder to no avail. With a push the window thumped closed at last shutting out the rain save for the small puddle of water than now pooled on the wooden floor. “And I hate stupid dreams.” She plopped back down on her bed and stared at the storm outside. “I bet you had something to do with this, didn’t you?” Silly, how could a storm have anything to do with her dream. And what a dream. Her body still tingled from the memory of his touch, the leash, the collar, all those things she wasn’t supposed to be interested in. Women did not need men to look after them. They didn’t have to be weak, submissive and dependant any longer. All of that had changed. They had real options in life now. The chance to go anywhere they wanted to. Be anything they desired. So why did her pussy clench at the thought of kneeling at his feet? She had no use for a man like that in her life. He’d just try and push his way further into her business. “Overheated, the storm has disturbed me and I’m still not entirely with it.” She muttered the excuses to darkness. Not that it made sense. Her stomach quivered, her clit throbbed, even her face ached for the feel of his

fingers against her cheek. Even the dream image of the unknown man had left her wanting so very much more than she knew would ever be safe. Maybe she needed to take a cool shower? Cassie took a good long look around her room. The house had been a godsend of a find. An entire home to rent, almost within walking distance of the store and with enough space that she didn’t feel as though she were living in her neighbors’ pockets. One thing she had not been able to cope with had been the sensation that anyone living either above or below her would have been able to hear when she had guests. It needed work, the storm reminded her of that, but it was hers. Sort of. The landlord left her to her own devices. She could draw the blinds and shut out the neighbors, and sometimes, when she was feeling exceptionally daring, she could walk about her own home wearing nothing at all if the mood struck her. Or if the man she was with wanted to explore her body with nothing but the moonlight to guide him. A man like the one she had just dreamed about. She swallowed hard and looked around the moonlit bedroom. Alone, with no one around who might question the sanity of what she was about to do. “Oh, who cares? If I’m going to have a fantasy, I might as well enjoy it.” So why did she feel so guilty about what she wanted to do? Cassie eased herself back onto the bed fully and planted her heels on the bedding. With one pillow propped up beneath her head, she tried to settle her mind and push back the remaining doubts about

what she wanted to do. Silly, really. No one else would be able to witness her self-pleasure. It was wrong, dirty, the body was meant to be kept for her husband. Oh, how often she had heard her mother’s lecture about that. Old-fashioned didn’t even begin to describe the woman and though Cassie tried very hard to shut out the memory of those lessons, they still lingered at the back of her thoughts. With a soft shudder, she slid her fingers down her body and pulled the nightshirt upwards about her waist. She eased her hand between her thighs and cupped her full, heated labia. With a soft shudder, she parted them and pressed one finger against her aching clit. A low moan filled the air, a jolt rocked through her hips and a new flush of heat coated her inner walls. Something that could feel this good couldn’t be wrong, no matter what she had been taught so many years ago. Her eyes closed with the next light touch to the small bud. Would he touch her in such a way? No, a man who liked a woman on her knees might have her play for him. He could even command it of her. She could almost see him in her mind’s eye, standing in the corner of her room. Those dark, piercing eyes fixed on her movements, taking in each touch she moved across her heated sex. Cassie shivered. Her throat tightened. The collar that she had worn in the dream now felt real, the feel of leather fastened in place, the small metal lock at the back of the collar reminded her that only one man, one being could undo it.

The nameless man. Her master. She cupped her right breast, her left hand buried between her thighs, a dozen images of the man, the leash, the collar and her naked form kneeling at his feet mingled with the delight of her own touch. Her vulva tightened, slick with the heat that she could no longer ignore. Her fingers tightened on her nipple, pulling at it, twisting just a little. A shock of pain and pleasure mingled in her pussy sending ripples of sheer delight through her tight walls. How long had it been since she had been with a man? Months? Closer to years. Too many just wanted a way into a woman’s bed never to be seen again. Better to keep to the toys that she only had to supply batteries for and not have to be involved with the type of men that so often tried to enter her life. None of them had been the dark, dangerous lover who would stay with her through the night, then into the months to come. Those types were nothing more than a myth, a product of the imagination spun out in teasing manuscripts. They didn’t exist. They couldn’t exist. Not in this world, this time, this place where everything had to be so politically correct. One finger slipped into her tight walls, her thumb circled her clit over and over. Her breath caught in the back of her throat, her back arched with each new jolt of delight that shocked through her body. Those dark eyes. The leash in his hand. A whip in the other. No, not a whip, a flogger. A dozen strands of leather that dangled from his grip. A

promise of discipline if she did not do everything possible to please him...and she wanted to please him. How she wanted to make him smile, to reach out for her body, if only she could tempt him into breaking control. He never would, though. Not this man. He was the master, she the slave. He held the answers to the secrets buried in her soul. Sweat touched her lips. Bittersweet, salt-heavy beads. She whimpered, her walls rippling, closing, opening to seek something more than the finger that pressed into her slick, heated depths. She needed him, but a shake of his head said it all. She was to be denied that touch, his cock, his body. She hadn’t earned it yet. “Master.” He didn’t move; his gaze remained locked on her body. Cassie parted her thighs further, baring her slick pussy lips to his view. Nothing left to block his pleasure. No false modesty. No sheet or shirt in the way. What slave had the right to hide her body from her master? “Please,” she whimpered. Pressure built rapidly between her thighs. Each new beat of her heart added to the rush through her body. Her ass tightened and half lifted up from the bed. Her toes curled and caught in the sheets. Fingertips squeezed at her nipple, then shifted so she could feel the nail’s bite deep into sensitive skin. Pain. She liked the pain. What was wrong with her? Nothing at all. It didn’t matter what she liked, he enjoyed the results. He watched her every move,

drank in her gasps, the soft moans, the rolling of her hips. No longer the shy woman in the store, his touch, his guidance had turned her into a wicked, wanton slut. A sexual beast, and she didn’t care. “Gods, I need to cum, please.” He smiled as he lingered in the shadows. “Please.” Her body strummed, her nerves taut, each gasp for breath pulled her closer to the edge of the cliff she feared to dive over. No choice, she had to take that step. He’d catch her. He wouldn’t let her down. “Please, Master!” The nod was all she needed. She pressed one finger in a little further, her thumb rubbed across her clit, her grip on the trapped nipple increased and then released at the last moment. Her nerves screamed out, sensations turned almost raw as she lifted up from the bedding. Slick heat coated her inner thighs, her gulp of breath released in a long, needful scream. Color blended into a hundred flashes of light across her vision and still her thumb brushed her clit, sending her higher, further into the maelstrom, each touch pushed her closer to the edge of the cliff until she stumbled over it with a scream. Only when she eased down at last, shuddering onto the bed, did Cassie realize what she had called out. Yours.

Chapter Four Liam stood on the corner of the street and watched the subtle shadows that moved through the windows. No one had entered the store in the past thirty minutes so unless there was a dedicated browser there then she was alone. Good, the last thing he needed was to walk into the store only to find that she had a customer in there with her. That would only make matters far more awkward. Or easier. If she did have someone else there with her, then he wouldn’t have to speak to her at all. Just nod, take in how she looked and then he could leave, satisfied that it would have never worked out between them. Coward. I’m looking for a bloody way out before I’ve even walked across the street. What sort of Dom am I if I can’t even enter her shop? The type that had managed to have his heart stomped on far too often. The sort of man who was afraid to take that step into the abyss with another woman, only to then find out it had been a mistake. Come on. I teach submissive women how to face their fears, and here I am afraid to do that myself. What did my mentor tell me all those years ago? To be a master, I must first learn to master myself. When did I forget about that little detail? When he had stopped acting like the man he was inside and started hiding behind a few walls of his own.

Fuck, have I fallen that far? Liam’s shoulders tensed as his gaze focused on the door to the shop. The longer he stood there watching, waiting, the more likely he was to come up with a reason why walking into the bookstore was a bad idea, an accident waiting to happen. Now or never. Liam took a deep breath, steadied the mask of calm across his face and walked across the street. He peered in through the glass door, unable to see any signs of there being a hidden browser somewhere amongst the bookshelves. Well if he tried to put it off any longer he would end up turning around and walking away without ever looking back. Then what would he do? Live with the knowledge that he was unable to face his own fears? That wouldn’t do. If he ever wanted to mentor another in the lifestyle, he had to push past this. The small bell he recalled from his first visit into the shop rang out to announce his return. A warning sign perhaps? I’m letting my imagination get the better of me again. There are no warnings. No hidden dangers here. It’s just a bookshop with a pretty young thing working here. All right, so she owns the place as well, not that it matters. I’ll see her, get that book, say goodbye and I’ll be done. If it was really that simple, why had he taken so long to decide on walking into the store? Liam frowned and looked around, just where was she anyway. Still unpacking boxes? No, that didn’t make sense, unless there had been a fresh delivery. Soft steps, ones so light that they barely registered,

carried her into view. A light yellow dress floated about her body, clinging to her breasts, her red brown hair loose about her shoulders. The practical if dull clothing she had worn the first time he had seen her had been tossed to one side for the delight of soft cloth he now witnessed. A bundle of books held in her arms, tight against the full curves of her breasts. She stopped in her tracks. Heat flushed across her cheeks, her lips parted for a moment before she spoke. “You.” “Well, that wasn’t quite the greeting I had been hoping for.” Liam smiled. “I believe I mentioned a book I wished to purchase. Perhaps you recall the title?” “SM 101.” Her cheeks burned. “Yes, I remember it. And I know we have at least two in stock. I know we sell a couple of those every now and then, along with a few other titles with that type of information.” So she had been looking at them, or had a better idea of just what sort of book it was. Good, that would make things a little easier. Make what easier? I’m going to buy the book, then leave. I don’t have time to play the dance around the subject games with her. Sure, he was going to walk away from a woman like this one? Had he been dropped on the head a dozen times over? Simon was right, he had begun to pull fully away from the world and had let himself be overrun with the fear of failing yet again. Focus on the book and the woman, not the fears. He’d told how many submissives or new dominants how to push past their concerns? Shown them the exercises used to regain their focus so they did not

lose control in a scene or allow themselves to be distracted and pulled out of the moment? More than he could easily count. Yet now he was making the same sort of mistakes and for what? Because he was afraid. I rule here, not my fear, not my darkness. Me. Nothing else. “Good, I’ll need one copy.” “For your friend? You know, you don’t have to pretend, I sell some very interesting works here at times and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” A soft chuckle was born from the back of his throat. “Ah, Miss Drew, I am far from ashamed. As I believe I mentioned before, I already own several copies of that book, along with others that cover the lifestyle. It’s normally a good idea to have a wellstocked resource library when you decide to help others learn about the world of dominance and submission.” “I...oh.” Her lips closed firmly, her cheeks now a vivid scarlet. “I’ve been active in the lifestyle for a long time now, Miss Drew, and I probably know enough about it to turn your head around. However, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable by discussing it any further than that. So I’ll take the book, hand you the money and leave you to your work.” The color in her cheeks only urged him on further, though he struggled to keep that under control. The young woman hadn’t done anything to deserve his interests being forced down her throat. Better that he pay and leave before there were any awkward questions. “I didn’t realize there were those involved in the

lifestyle who lived locally.” Cassie spoke quietly, her cheeks still a deep shade of red. “Do they meet up, or is it all via the Internet?” “Well, we are careful not to be in everyone’s face. People are fairly tolerant here, but they still wouldn’t accept a leather pride march down Main Street. We do meet up about once a month, plus there are small events, even get-togethers over coffee like normal people. We’re not quite the monsters most people think we are.” He turned to move through the store. “I’ll get that book and be out of your hair.” “You make it sound as though I want to be rid of you.” Cassie slipped behind the small counter. “Honestly, it’s been quiet today and I’m glad of the company. I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable before. I just--well, you took me aback a little and I think I let my nerves get the better of me. Please, accept my apology and stay for a little longer.” “And if someone walks in and hears what I would prefer to discuss, your reputation would be destroyed.” He walked back into her line of sight with the book in his hand. “Please don’t misunderstand me on this. I would enjoy explaining how things can work, the beauty of a submissive woman on her knees before her Master, but--” “Well, we could discuss it elsewhere...if you really wished to, that is?” She lowered her gaze and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. A dozen years stripped away from her in that moment. “I’m sorry, that was a little forward of me. I don’t even know your name. I seem to be making a lot of mistakes today.” “Liam Fraser.” Good, that was a start. “And it’s all

right. I’m not easily offended. I caught you off guard in your place of work, and then put you in a very interesting position. It’s easy enough to then step out of your normal boundaries.” “Good, thank you. I can be a little, well, sometimes I’m not too good at recognizing personal barriers. My social skills aren’t always the best.” She shifted a little from one foot to the next as she spoke. “Can we start again?” Did she know how vulnerable she looked at the moment? Or how eager she seemed to try and please him, to ease any worries or anger he might have towards her? Such a slave she would make under the right hand, willing, eager, the need to please so close to the surface of her personality that it would have taken but the right nudge to have her trying to ask for his forgiveness over something. That’s what made her so vulnerable to the ones that didn’t always think of the needs of their property. “I don’t see a reason for starting over, Cassie. I’m very comfortable with who you are.” Would that be enough to ease her concerns? “And in all honesty, I’ve enjoyed our conversation, no matter how brief it has been.” I’m looking for excuses to be around her instead of taking the chance I have to leave now before I become too deeply involved with her. “Perhaps it doesn’t have to be that short? If you’d allow it, then I’d like to know more, if you wouldn’t mind teaching me?” Say no, tell her I’m busy, something that will put her off. “I’d love to.”

“But away from the store?” “That would be for the best. However, I’m not about to suggest you visit my home, or that I visit yours. It wouldn’t be safe.” “How so?” Panic touched her soft gaze. “One of the things we teach at munches and other get events are what are called safe meetings. Places that allow those new to the lifestyle to meet others without risk or fear. Some of those take place at local restaurants. It’s all done in normal dress, no fetish wear, and we’re all very much everyday folk at those events.” He set the book down on the counter. “To be honest, it’s the best way of meeting and talking to someone who you don’t really know. We tend to recommend a public place. I can’t really see inviting you to a munch; it might be a little much for you at this time. But we also don’t want to be overheard, so a place we can talk, where it won’t matter if we speak softly because it’s expected. Perhaps you would like to join me for dinner tonight?” “Dinner?” She all but stammered the word. “I thought that wouldn’t be safe. I mean, I’d like to, but-” “This would be at a restaurant. You’ll be perfectly fine there, trust me. I’m not going to attack you, least of all in a public place.” The flicker of fear that flashed in her eyes had been enough to make him want to clear the counter and pull her into his arms. No, not entirely true...the beast within him, that darkness he struggled with on a daily basis, had other ideas of just what he could be doing with her. He took a slow breath and continued to explain his plans. “We arrive in separate cabs, return home in separate ones.

No pressure, no hassle, it will be a public place, but an intimate dinner for two, so low voices and soft conversation would be the norm.” He pushed the book a little closer to her. “And perhaps I should leave this with you to read through? Or you can do a little rummaging of your own through the various books you might have before we meet for dinner.” “I have a couple of extra copies in the storeroom. It’s one of those things I sell a copy of every few weeks.” Cassie admitted and offered a shy smile. “Well, I might be taking a chance here, but I think dinner with you could prove to be very interesting indeed.” “I’m glad to hear that, it’s been a while since I enjoyed the company of an attractive woman for dinner.” Shit, why did I just tell her that? “I look forward to it then, but one question, where did you want to meet for dinner?” Damn, I didn’t think that far. Who am I trying to kid, I didn’t think this through at all. Where on earth am I going to take her for dinner at such short notice? “That part I’m not so sure about. Hold on, I’ll need to make a few calls and see what I can do.” He reached into his pocket for his money and his cell phone. “Not a problem.” She nodded and rang up the sale. Even as she set the book back down on the counter in a simple brown paper bag, he walked away from the counter and started to dial Simon’s number. “Simon?” “Here, what is it?” “I need the name of a good place to take--to take a

lady to dinner.” For a moment there was silence, then Simon’s voice exploded down the line. “Shit, you did it, didn’t you? You went back and asked her out! Thank God for that. I’d just about given up on you. So why are you calling me for a name of--oh, I guess it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” “Something like that.” He didn’t look back towards the counter. “But I do want to take her out, so I need a little help tracking down a place that can fit us in at such short notice.” “Good, I was beginning to think you’d sit back and do nothing at all. So she’s agreed to go to dinner with you? Tonight? Fuck, you work fast. All right, I can think of three places offhand, but two of them might be booked solid and would be wall-to-wall people. I don’t think you’re going to want that.” “No, somewhere quiet. We’ve got some talking to do.” And maybe a little more than just conversation? No, better not to think of that yet. She might want to just talk, not take things further. If he wasn’t careful, he’d be setting himself up for the very fall he feared so much. “I bet you do.” “It’s not like that. I really do have a few things I need to discuss with her. So where do I arrange to meet her? Simon, I need your help on this, not jokes.” “You’re not driving her?” “No, of course not. Safe meeting protocol. If I thought she had someone she could call and check in with halfway through I’d have her do that as well, but it’s not really an option without prying further into her life than she will be prepared for right now.” He

glanced back towards the counter. She seemed calm enough and had stepped slightly back towards the wall behind, giving him as much space as possible for his phone call. Interesting. He had half expected her to try and listen in. “All right, what about The Lighthouse?” “That place on the edge of town?” Had he been there? No, not yet. It had always been one of those places he’d thought about, then dismissed as an option for eating alone. He could cook well enough that it wasn’t a problem, and there hadn’t been a woman in his life he had wanted to spoil like that. Until now. “Sure, why not. It’s nice, quiet, the food is good and they’ve seen more than their fair share of D/s couples visit.” Simon calmed down a little. “I’ve used it a couple of times and never had any complaints about the service.” “I can’t take her to--” “It’s not a scene place, just somewhere that is tolerant of the lifestyle and will act on problems if they see it. I thought you knew about the place. It’s been the talk of the last four munches.” “I haven’t exactly been paying that much attention.” “Obviously. Okay, I can call and book you a table for eight, does that work?” “Yes, if she has a problem with the time, I’ll call you back.” “Same here if I can’t get the table.” “Deal.” “Good luck.” He could hear the smile behind Simon’s words.

Hopefully he wouldn’t need it. Liam closed the phone and pocketed it before he walked back towards the counter and the waiting woman. She’d change her mind, something would go wrong either before, during or after the dinner, but at least he would have tried. He had made that first step back into the world of looking for a submissive.

Chapter Five “I must be out of my mind.” Cassie murmured as she stepped out of the cab. Since Liam had left her alone in the store, she had spent the better part of the afternoon trying to convince herself that she really didn’t need to go to dinner with him. He’d left her with his phone number in case she needed to get in contact with him, and made it clear that there was no pressure. Even if she didn’t call and didn’t show for the meal, there would be no hard feelings on his side. Men like him didn’t exist. They pushed, shoved and tried to cajole women into going out on a date with them, not let them have every opportunity to back out of the arrangement. So, here she was, standing outside of the restaurant trying to figure out why she had not only agreed to meet him for the meal, but had not backed out. He was a complete stranger, one who had given her the material for an interesting fantasy, but to actually meet him for this meal so she could learn a little more about the lifestyle was foolish at best. “Gods, what am I doing?” Cassie shook her head and tried to move towards the door only to find her feet refused to work. “I shouldn’t have come here.” “Did you need me to wait, Miss?” The cab driver stuck his head out of the window. “You look a little nervous there. Is there a problem?” “No, I’m fine, thank you. I’m sure they can call me a cab if I need to leave early. But thank you for

offering.” Her stomach rolled, knotted, then rolled again. Liam wouldn’t be able to force her to stay and this was, after all, a public place. “I’ll be fine.” “No problem, have a good one.” He vanished back into the dark interior of the cab and turned the vehicle back down the long, winding driveway. At least the restaurant looked the way the online ad had described it. She had, at least, taken the time to do the research into the location in case he had something up his sleeve. A dozen reviews, all of them good, the food, atmosphere, just that the location was a little out of the way for most people and the wind did have a habit of picking up. The lighthouse itself had long been decommissioned, but that didn’t stop the place from being decorated with soft lights around the top of the structure. A mock flame-style light had replaced the standard huge lamp and, at the base of the lighthouse, a long building had been added to be used as the restaurant. Metal cutouts of ships through the ages had been placed on poles along the pathway, ranging from small skiffs to Viking longboats, battleships from World War II, galleons and others that she couldn’t identify. How much time and research had been put into setting the place up like this? Even with the Internet resources that most people had to hand now, it would have taken months to track some of the information down and have the metal cutouts made. All this just for external decoration? She glanced towards the lights that beckoned from the doorway. Hopefully the interior would be just as pleasant. She wasn’t disappointed.

Soft lighting caressed the inside of the restaurant. Tables and booths lined the walls in darker sections of the large room. A wooden stand had been placed partially in the entranceway with a formal notice on a brass plate that stated Please wait to be seated. The sound of light background music mingled with muffled voices. Nothing more than the buzz of conversation, the actual topics themselves lost to the ears. “Can I help you?” A young man in an early nineteen hundreds sailor’s uniform spoke up, a menu lightly held in his left hand. The dark blue pants flared slightly at the bottom, but hugged his waist and ass, inviting her gaze far more than she would normally admit. Shoulder-length blond hair half curled about his face, but the length of it had been caught in a ponytail at the nape of his neck and bound with a wide black ribbon. She wasn’t sure just how authentic the uniform was, but it suited the young man. “Yes, I think I have a reservation with a Mr. Fraser?” “Ah yes, he’s already here and seated, would you like to follow me?” The waiter smiled and gestured towards the main body of the restaurant. “Oh, has he been waiting long?” Late? How could that be possible? Cassie had been sure that she had left in plenty of time. “A little over ten minutes, Miss. He didn’t seem overly concerned that you hadn’t yet arrived.” Cassie searched for a clock as she followed the young man through the tables and towards one in the far corner of the restaurant, far away from the limited

hustle and bustle closer to the bar. Good, she hadn’t been looking forward to the tiny amount of smoke from that section. Though the rest of the restaurant appeared to be no smoking, the bar, which was mostly separated off by a glass partition engraved with a nautical scene, still allowed cigars and pipes. “Cassandra, good to see you again.” Liam rose as she approached the table, an elegant touch from a more civilized age if her romance novels were to be believed. “I wasn’t entirely sure that you would join me for dinner after all.” “I did try and talk myself out of it a dozen times over.” She smiled and settled down in the chair, well aware of the heat that now burned as twin spots in her cheeks. ‘“And there’s no need to be that formal. Cassie works just fine, truly.” “Understandable, considering the circumstances.” He returned to his seat. “Cassie it is, then. Well, you were invited by a complete stranger for a dinner to discuss a topic that can be, at best, highly embarrassing.” He turned his attention to the still lingering waiter. “Two glasses of Shiraz, the Australian. We should be ready to order once you return.” The young man nodded and stepped back from the table before Cassie had the chance to comment. Her jaw clenched and she took a slow breath to ease the potential sting from her words. “I prefer to order for myself, thank you.” “Perhaps you do, but it is a habit for a dominant to place the order for the meal and beverages when he takes a lady out. My apologies if that offended you. I thought that instead of just discussing the lifestyle

with you, that I could show you a little of how it also works.” He turned the full force of his smile on her. Her breath caught and threatened to lock in her throat. Heat flushed through her body, her nipples crinkled and hardened even as she clenched her thighs tight beneath the soft blue linen dress she had picked out for the meal. How did he manage to do that to her? He hadn’t touched her, had barely spoken more than a hundred words since she had sat down and yet she felt as though he had kissed her. No, not a kiss, but a long and slow intimate caress. “I see.” She forced her mind back out of the sensual stall it had willingly fallen into. “Well perhaps that might work. I just wasn’t expecting anything like this to happen.” “Are you uncomfortable with the idea?” He leaned in a little over the table, locking his hands together as he rested his chin upon them. “A little.” “Yet you’re willing to give it a try?” “I don’t see any harm in it.” She squirmed under his gaze. Her tight core rippled as if his cock had plunged into her vulva. Cassie swallowed hard and licked her lips. Why did they feel so damn dry? “Just as long as I can say if it gets too much.” “All right, then we need to pick a word you can say that will bring a halt to it. Something that is commonly called a safe word.” “Why can’t I just say no, or enough, or stop?” “Because in the scene sometimes saying no means ‘go on, I want more’. I’ll be able to explain that a little more over dinner, but for now, pick a word.” His dark, intense gaze never left her face. “Any word will

work, but it has to be something you’ll be able to remember no matter what happens. That will be our safe word. If I hear that I’ll stop and find out what the problem is.” Cassie chewed slowly on the inside of her lip, a word. It didn’t seem to be such a big deal, and at least then he would know that the dinner or whatever he was doing had become too much for her. But what to use? What word would she be able to remember no matter what? “Title.” “All right, I can see where that would be something that you’d remember.” He leaned back from the table and looked around for a moment as he committed the word to memory. “Now, I’ll order dinner for you, but I’ll need to know if there are any foods you can’t eat.” She quickly rattled off the short list of foods she could not eat and added in the two things she really did not enjoy eating. “Thank you, that should make the choices easier.” He turned his attention to the leather-bound menu. What had she gotten herself into? This was a man who wanted to control everything about him. Including what she could eat and drink in his presence. No, that wasn’t entirely true. He had given her the chance to say no, that she preferred to not go down that path and instead she had not only agreed, but had given him the word she would use if things became too much for her. By the time she had turned the whole thing around in the back of her mind from him being overly controlling into a man that was

willing to listen to her and gave her the way to back out of the situation, the waiter had returned with the two glasses of wine. “The filet, medium rare, the house salad with a bacon and blue cheese dressing for the lady, a baked potato on the side, and I’ll have the stuffed pork chops with the apricot dressing, with the wild rice and mushroom melody on the side.” He folded up the menu and handed both of them off to the waiter. “We’ll share a basket of the honey-wheat bread and honey butter as an appetizer.” Well, that didn’t sound too bad. A nice safe choice and the dressing, though it was one she normally wouldn’t have tried, was still one she could live with. “Of course, Sir, I’ll be right over with your bread.” The young man smiled and glanced over at Cassie, his gaze lingering a little longer on her cleavage than was polite. Heat flushed through her cheeks even as the waiter turned away. “He appears to find you quite attractive, and I have to agree with his taste.” Liam cupped his glass of wine and took a small sip from it. “You are a very attractive young woman.” “Me?” “You sound almost surprised to hear that.” “Why wouldn’t I be, there are plenty of very attractive women here.” “Yes, and you’re one of them.” He set the glass back on the table. “You can believe that or not, but I’m not in the habit of lying, not even to impress a woman.” Her gaze narrowed on Liam as she searched for

some sign that he was doing just that. Nothing. No twitch beneath the eyes, no play of tension, nothing about his appearance gave her the hint that he was playing some sort of game with her. She didn’t say a word, not even when the waiter returned with the bread. Instead, she took a taste of the wine and waited for the young man to leave them in peace. “So where do we start in teaching you a little about how I live?” “I’m not sure. I don’t know much--well hardly anything about that lifestyle. Just that there are slaves and masters.” “There are a lot more than that. There are slaves, submissives, switches, tops, bottoms, masters, mistresses, dominants, pro-doms and more labels than you might be willing to accept right now. No matter what one person does, it’s not the label that they use to describe who they are, but the soul within the body.” “And what are you?” “A Master. Though there are those who would disagree with me. For some, a master in the lifestyle is one who has at least one slave who lives with him full time. However, I don’t own a--” “Own!” “Yes, when a person submits to a dominant in this lifestyle, they are seen as owning that submissive. They are property to a certain degree, but have the right to leave at any time. It’s a consensual slavery.” She all but flinched at the terms, but couldn’t tear her attention away. “These slaves, they have rights? They can leave? So how can it be slavery if they can leave? If they can say no, I’ve had enough?”

His smile widened. “Interesting question. How indeed can a man or woman who has the right to leave ever be called a slave. Well, some of it might be said as symbolic. The submissive takes care not to submit to a dominant that will abuse the trust shown in that submission, just as the dominant doesn’t just collar everyone who tries to submit to them. Yet when that submission has taken place, the dominant has the right to punish and discipline the slave for their behavior, for infractions of the rules, or to teach the slave a lesson. They care for the slave, mentally and physically, often financially as well. The ownership is a way of stating the type of relationship they share and what each party is willing to do for the other. Is it what most would think of as a real slavery, where they can be beaten, killed, sold off, where they have no rights at all? The type that people still fight against to this day, or that was abolished in many parts of the world years ago? No, it’s deeper than that, it’s a slavery of the heart and soul.” Her heart missed a beat and threatened to continue to do so with his explanation. Did such relationships really exist? They didn’t sound like the capture and seduction novels she had read that used the terms master or slave. In those dark novels, the women had been prisoners, chained and touched in sexual ways without having the right or ability to walk away. Her stomach flip-flopped at the ideas his words brought to mind; she squirmed on the chair, pressing her thighs tight together. She could recall each and every one of those tempting books that had left her squirming some nights, but the reality he explained called to another part of her being.

The part that gained control and said, “I’d like to know more, please.”

Chapter Six I would like to know more, please. Such a simple sentence, but it had been the catalyst of a conversation that had lasted well past midnight. By the time they had left the restaurant he had covered a dozen different topics with her concerning the lifestyle he had stumbled onto so many years ago. The temptation to follow her home, to see if she would invite him in for coffee had been almost overwhelming, yet he had refrained from doing so. How could he go against all the teachings he had so carefully shared with her, the lessons of safety, the calls made, those checks that should be run and then appear on her doorstep without warning? No, I’ll not cross that boundary. I won’t become the thing I hate. Yet the idea still tempted him. Follow her home, force her back into her house, take her submission. Make her kneel. Make her understand the soft, delightful creature that lingered beneath the surface. The darkness within him growled, urging him to take the risk, to give into the beast that he struggled with each time he allowed the dominance out. Every time he stepped into a scene it was there, just within reach, waiting for him to slip, to lose control. Did others struggle with those truly dark urges as well? A few had admitted to it, but they didn’t dare do more than simply admit. To explore it meant

losing control and the respect of others, or so he had come to believe. No. He had no one to turn to with this demon that lived within his breast. Liam shuddered at the images the beast tossed his way and tried to lock them down. Cassie lying on the floor, a look of fear in her eyes as he stripped away her clothing and bound her helpless beneath him. Her screams as the whip descended on her back time and again, until her mind fled in a mix of fear and pain. Fled into the darkness and still he struck out at her. Her naked body bound, spreadeagled to the bed... No. I won’t go down that path. I’m a Master, I will control myself. I will master myself and not be ruled by the darkness. I will not let myself be seduced by the hunger of the beast. The cab turned into his driveway and Liam paid off the driver without a word. Better that he had not followed her. They would meet again soon enough. He had given her a taster, answered some of her questions and opened the way for a thousand more. Oh, he knew only too well that a new submissive had more questions than a dominant ever expected, even an experienced one. Yet he’d taken them in his stride if it meant being able to teach her what it was like to serve someone. To serve him. His phone rang before he even had time to close the door. “Liam? How did it go?” “Simon, do you know what time it is?” He frowned and locked the door before walking into his living

room with the phone. “I could have been asleep.” “Yes, I know what time it is and I knew you weren’t home earlier. I’ve been calling to check on you ever thirty minutes for the last two hours. I was expecting you back hours ago.” “Obviously, if you’ve been calling that often.” A smile tugged its way across his face. “It went well, very well indeed.” “But you’re home alone? Did something go wrong at the end of the meal?” “Safe meetings, remember. We teach others about them, should follow them ourselves.” Liam settled down in his favorite chair. Pity it was really too warm to light a fire, still a real fire was better shared with someone special. “She’s interested.” “I gathered that much.” “So what else did you want to know? You know I’m home alone.” “Yes, and I know why. So I guess I will have to find out a little more from you tomorrow after you’ve had the chance to sort out tonight’s events in your mind.” Simon didn’t bother to hide the glee from his voice. “Go get some sleep if you can, and we’ll meet up tomorrow for coffee? About nine?” He glanced towards the clock. Nine? Fuck, that barely gave him six hours sleep. “What about ten?” “Nope, not letting you get back into that habit. If we make it ten, then you’ll suddenly find another reason to put it off and I’ll never get the details from you. Besides, you’ll want to catch up with Cassie again before the end of the day, and this way you can get the visit with me over and done with.” Shit, Simon knew him too well. “All right, nine it is,

though I’m not making any guarantees that I’ll make sense that time in the morning.” “None needed, you’ve never been completely with it before noon. I’ve always known that.” “Bah. Night, Simon.” So he was right. Noon was about the earliest he normally surfaced and even then it often took a great deal of work. At least he didn’t have to worry about calling in for work. One of the wonders of being able to work from home and just write up the codes he needed meant he could keep his own hours the majority of the time. Just as he could pick and choose the work he did. “Don’t stay up too late.” The line went dead on Simon’s side and Liam set the phone down by the side of the chair before he looked out towards the window. He’d found her. He’d finally found her. The one that he could take that risk with. She wouldn’t let him down, not Cassie. He closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. Her voice, the way she watched every move he made, the soft smile that had tugged at her full sensual lips. The shape of her body as it moved beneath the linen dress had been all too enticing. She wasn’t the classical beauty that might have attracted the full attention of the followers of fashion. She lacked the waif-like stature that had become the rage for such a long time, and her face was closer to being elfin in shape than anything else. Did she even know that the way she moved, how she swayed when she walked, spoke of a dancer? Perhaps she had learned dance at an early age, though she had mentioned nothing about that during their dinner. In all honesty, she had spoken very little

about herself and had focused on him unless he had asked her a direct question. Then she had blushed, stammered a little, and finally answered. Shy. Yet confident in some ways. When the waiter had returned with their meal, she had sat upright in the chair and met his bold gaze with one of her own. Not something he had expected, but then again, she did own a small business and had to be used to dealing with members of the opposite sex. The flirtation game had appeared new to her and she had entered into it with the waiter without appearing to realize what she was doing. That was something he would have to discuss with her at a later date. Not that he had minded, in fact, it had been something of a boost to his ego. “Cassie. My Cassie.” He murmured. His cock thickened beneath his pants as he replayed how she had been through the evening. No overt attempts to hit on him, nor had he pressed that side of things during dinner, but she had been very attentive to him. He had reached across the table twice and stroked her fingers with one of her own when they had leaned closer to speak of the lifestyle. Cassie had shivered under his touch, she had blushed, but she had not pulled away from the contact. She had wanted it, and perhaps more than a brief touch. I’m not a fool, I’ve seen that look before in others. She’d have let me into her home and I should have kissed her tonight. She was waiting for me to kiss her. Liam shook his head. “Damnit, I’m not going to hope for more than I have already have.”

That didn’t stop the way his body responded to the idea of how her lips would feel beneath his. Just a fantasy, right? So what would be wrong with enjoying it? No one else would ever know. She certainly wouldn’t. He stroked along the line of his cock beneath his pants, a low growl of delight gaining life as it thickened and throbbed under his touch. Her fingers would be far more gentle than his, but right now it didn’t matter. He could imagine her kneeling there, touching his cock through the cloth, stroking it, a soft eager look on her face. “Take it,” he murmured, undoing his pants. “I want to feel your lips on my cock. Taste it, touch it, stroke it.” Cassie. Gods, she would be so very gentle. Nervous, even. He could envision her there. Kneeling between his thighs, taking the head of his cock between her lips, the touch of her tongue over the head of his cock, licking and nibbling at the small bead of pre-cum. He groaned, lifting his hips half up from the chair. His balls tightened, cock throbbing under his grip. What wonders he could introduce her to? Service. Submission. The delight of pain and pleasure within her limits. Finding those limits, whatever they may be, and stretching them a little more until he discovered with her which were the hard limits and which ones were soft and could be explored. Her hair, he could feel it touching his thighs, the feel of her lips over his cock, that soft mingle of pleasure and teasing caresses from a willing but naïve young submissive.

Liam arched his back and moaned, his hand slick over his cock. Faster, harder, he moved his hand over his throbbing erection. His balls almost burned with the need to cum, yet he held back a little more, wanting to prolong the image of Cassie and her soft touches. Her lips about his cock, the feel of her breasts pressed against Liam’s legs as she worshipped his erection. His body had other ideas. “Gods!” Thick hot beads spurted from his cock, coating his hand and cock alike, splashing in heated drops onto the edge of his pants. Sweat dripped down into his eyes and onto his mouth, lights danced across his vision and he leaned back into the chair with a gasp for air. If this is how his body reacted when he was simply daydreaming about her, how could he ever manage to keep control if they managed to be together in person? Better than this and he had no reason to fear, he was a dominant, he had experience in this lifestyle and had been able to teach others how to maintain their control. It was unthinkable that he would ever truly lose control even. He leaned down, looking for something to clean himself off with and only then did he realize just how he had reacted to the fantasy. Only a shower and putting the clothing in the wash would work to clean up the mess he had made, but it had been worth it. After all, if he couldn’t enjoy a fantasy without some measure of guilt then there really was a problem. Wasn’t there?

Chapter Seven “Hey, Cassie!” The new voice pulled her out of her daydreams and her attention towards the shop door. “I tried calling you last night, where were you?” Full of energy and life, Brenda all but bounced her way into the store and leaned against the counter. “I was going to drag you out for a meal with me, or at least a coffee, so what happened?” Cassie couldn’t help but smile at the entrance Brenda made. “And good morning to you also, you’re full of life this morning.” Bright, bubbly and blonde were no longer just words when it came to her friend. The younger woman had made a career out of being the life and soul of whatever party she walked into. She also wasn’t above playing the dumb blonde routine whenever it suited her. “I’m fine, what about you--come on, spill. Is he young, single and oh-so-good-looking?” “Who said I was out with a guy?” “Ah, so you admit you were out.” Brenda hiked herself up so she could sit on the edge of the counter. “Damn you look good, you didn’t get laid, did you?” Cassie turned scarlet in a heartbeat. “No, nothing like that.” “But you’re thinking of it. All right, so he’s made a hit with you but you didn’t get to that point yet. Why not? Does he live with his mother? Have you moved back in with yours? What stopped you?” Brenda batted her overly long eyelashes and smiled. “I want

all the juicy gossip on this one.” “You’re terrible.” “Yes, and you love me for it. So are you going to fill me in, or am I going to have to resort to torture?” “Bring on the floggers.” Cassie murmured before her brain started to scream warnings at her. “Oh, shit, forget I said that.” “Oh--why?” If her face grew any hotter, she’d be able to cook eggs on it. “He’s a little--well different.” “How different? Not dangerous different or you wouldn’t be that interested in him.” Brenda frowned, the bubbly tone easing into a more serious one. “You went out without letting me know, which means this happened quickly or you’d have called me for advice.” “He’s been in the shop a couple of times, well twice actually. To buy a book, an odd book. One of those lifestyle ones.” “Not following you.” “He picked up SM 101.” Brenda didn’t speak for a moment, then her lips moved without sound. A moment later she was coughing hard and trying to clear her throat. When she did, the words came out in a rush. “He’s one of those kinky types?” Cassie nodded and looked around for one of the bottles of water she kept on hand. Her fingers closed about the neck of an unopened one, which she handed off. “Yes, he’s what he calls a master, or a dominant.” “And you went out with him? Are you nuts?” “Yes, I went out with him, and why on earth

would that mean I am nuts? I’ve seen some of the wacko types you’ve been out with, and Liam is positively sane in comparison.” Cassie snapped then instantly regretted it. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have put it that way. It’s just that Liam is a decent guy. We both arrived by different cabs and left the same way. He made sure I was comfortable, he didn’t push anything onto me, and I asked him to tell me more about how he lives.” “No, you’re right. I’ve gone out with more than a few weirdos in my time I just didn’t really expect you to do the same thing. You’ve always been the sane, down to earth one.” “You mean boring.” “No, of course not. You’re not boring. Steady, reliable, sometimes you could do with taking a walk on the wilder side of life, but you’re not boring.” Brenda took a mouthful of water and shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder about you, I say one thing and you follow it through to the extreme there. I’ve never even remotely said that you were dull. You just have your own likes and dislike, and I still can’t believe you went out for dinner with a bloody dom.” “How do you know what the right terms are?” Cassie’s gaze narrowed fully on her old friend. “I read--all right, I do a little more than read. There are some interesting sites out there and I’ve done my fair share of web searching and chat room hopping over the years.” Brenda gave a slight shrug. “There are some real weirdos out there who claim to be masters or doms. I’ve seen some of the things that they will pull on women in the rooms. It’s not something you want to be involved in.”

“How can you say that?” “Because I’ve played around with it. You’ve no idea how sick some of these fucks are.” Brenda snapped and instantly looked sheepish. “Sorry, I guess I should explain a little.” “It might be an idea, if you’re going to decide that everyone in that lifestyle is--well, yes.” Liam hadn’t given her that type of impression. In fact, he’d gone out of his way to make her feel at ease, so just what had happened to Brenda to make her feel that way? “You won’t like it.” “I’m prepared for that.” ****** “Oh, shit.” Cassie sat down in one of the high-backed wooden chairs that were scattered about the shop. “I didn’t know people could be so sick.” Her mind refused to process some of the information Brenda had shared with her and still she found herself facing a dozen images of the twisted things that some people had gone through. “I did try to warn you.” “Hasn’t anyone ever pressed charges? I mean, what about that girl who ended up being gangraped?” Why wouldn’t someone try and take action over an attack like that, and worse yet, what had happened to the news reports that should have followed? “She tried to, but they warned her if she took further action, they’d track her down and kill her. The chat room spent weeks helping her get back on her feet. All those medical bills were simply too much to

cover on her own. I sent her close to three hundred and wish I could have done more. Of course, she’s in therapy now.” Cassie closed her eyes and tried to reconcile the stories of abuse, rape and in some cases murder with the man she had spent such a pleasant evening with the night before. But no matter how she tried to twist the ideas around, they simply didn’t match up. He had given her every chance to walk away, from the very beginning, even though they had just been sharing a meal together. So the thought that a dominant would take part in that type of abusive behavior left her feeling sick to the core. “I imagine she would need help for some time to come. Hold on a minute, how did she manage to be online from the hospital like that?” “Some of them have computers for patients to use. Our local one doesn’t, but the bigger ones sometimes do. Besides, her sister brought in the laptop for her and when Mandy couldn’t get online, her sister would stop by in the room and give us all updates.” Brenda glanced back towards the shop door. “Oops, looks like you’ve got company, I’ll go browsing in the back for a bit, didn’t you get a new delivery earlier on?” “Yesterday.” Cassie admitted. “Two boxes untouched still in the storage room.” Brenda was already on her way before Cassie had even had the chance to tell her what sort of books had arrived. Sorting through a dozen shelves of historical texts at least distracted her a little bit from the information Brenda had decided to share with her. But once the

customer had left the store with the five books he needed for class, her thoughts returned instantly to the earlier conversation. How could anyone allow themselves to be raped and beaten, then go to the hospital and not report it? Didn’t they have people who investigated things like that? Weren’t there rape kits and such like that were done in that type of circumstance? Now Brenda wouldn’t lie to her, especially not over something like this, but why weren’t the pieces adding up? Some of the accusations sounded vaguely familiar. Like something she had read once, either in a newspaper or a book. Or a combination of both. But her mind refused to piece the snippets of information together. “So are you going to tell him to fuck off the next time you see him?” Brenda slipped back into view with three books in hand. “He could be the same type of man that Mandy ended up dealing with. Or Trisha. They both have been through the wringer in different ways.” “I don’t know.” Cassie replied, her voice low as a frown creased her brow. “It doesn’t really all add up to me. I need to find out a few things first.” “And meanwhile, you could end up raped and beaten at the side of the road.” “No, not really. We used what he called a safe meeting last night.” “One meeting and you’re ready to trust him?” “Hey, at least I’ve met him. Spoken to him in person. This isn’t just some strange series of events explained over the net.”

“I’ve made some really good friends over the Net.” Brenda protested. “So have I, but there’s just something about those stories that don’t entirely add up.” No matter how she tried to think it through, there were pieces missing. “And I’m not going to stop talking to someone just because of a story from the net that doesn’t make any sense to me. I’d rather judge him for who he is, not what you believe he will turn into.” “But that’s--” “That’s how I came to be friends with you, remember?” “Pardon?” Brenda took a step back from the counter. “What are you going on about?” “Everyone who knew us both told me to stay away from you because you were obviously a blonde bimbo without two working brain cells. And no doubt you slept with every man who so much as looked at you. They judged you on what you appeared to be, by how women who look and act like you are portrayed on the Net and on TV instead of getting to know you.” “Well, that’s different.” Brenda stammered, her cheeks now a bright cherry red. “And I don’t care what others think about me. I know what I am. And I’m not a bimbo or a slut.” “Why is it different?” “Because I wouldn’t have raped and killed you, that’s why.” “And neither would he. Liam is a good man, and I won’t let your stories put me off talking to him again, or even sleeping with him if I decide things are working out between us.” “Cassie!”

“Don’t you ‘Cassie’ me, I’m a grown woman.” “Yes, one willing to put her life at risk.” Brenda slammed the books down on the counter. “I’m not going to just sit back and let you do something this stupid.” Cassie bit into her bottom lip, fighting the urge to say something nasty to her friend. “I’m going to see him again, but I will be careful. How about I call you during the date the next time we go out, and I call you when I get back home? It’s what he called a safe call setup.” Brenda opened her mouth to say something only to close it again. By the time Brenda spoke up again several minutes had passed in an uncomfortable silence that had weighed heavily on both women. “All right. That might work. He called it a safe call? And what was the other thing, a safe meeting? I’ve not heard of either of those in the chat room. Is he making this up? How can you be sure he knows what he is talking about? I just worry about you that’s all.” “Ever thought that maybe, just maybe, they don’t know everything in that room?” “Maybe they don’t, but at least I’ve taken the time to look into this, can you say the same thing?” “No, I can’t. Not really. I’ve looked through some of the books here, but not much more than that. Hold on, I think one of the books I meant to read through today I left back home. Shit. I really wanted to--hey, would you mind watching the store for me? Just for thirty minutes?” “Not a problem, I can rummage through the books a little more this way.” Brenda grinned and settled back behind the counter. “Not as though it’s the first

time I’ve watched over things for you, is it?” “I’ll be as quick as I can.” Cassie grabbed her purse and headed for the door. “Don’t worry about it, take your time and grab a coffee or something before you get back, you look like you need it.” Cassie darted through the door, her mind in a whirl. If she was right, if her memory of what little she had spotted in the book was playing her true, then she had the information to hand that would put an end, or at least a partial end, to her friend’s concerns. And that was worth taking a little time out of her day.

Chapter Eight “So, when are you going to see her again?” Simon set down the now empty mug on the table. “It certainly sounds as though last night went very well indeed.” “Later today. After coffee, actually.” Liam glanced towards the clock on the wall. Despite his good intentions he had still ended up calling Simon to put back their meeting, but at least there had been a good reason. A frantic call from a friend had left him scrambling to try and put some information together and by the time that had been over and done with it was close to noon. “She appeared to be very interested in the lifestyle we live.” The dreams that had kept him company through the night had been enough to wake him up twice with a raging engorged cock that had tried to demand attention from him. Not something he had been forced to confront in months. Had his self-control finally shattered? “She’s a very interesting woman indeed.” “Maybe I should drop by and take a look at her myself as you’ve made it clear you’re not really interested in having a new submissive again.” Simon teased, his pale blue eyes glinting. “She is attractive and would make an ideal new--” “Don’t.” “Oh?” “I love you like a brother, but I’m well aware that you go through women as if they were going out of

fashion.” His jaw tightened, knuckles turned white as Liam held onto the mug. “I’m not going to let Cassie be another notch on your cane.” “You’re no fun.” If it hadn’t been for Simon’s smile and the long-standing friendship between them, Liam would have been slightly on edge and now wary that Simon would make a move on Cassie. But the two men had covered each other’s backs on more than one occasion. Cassie. Even a passing thought of her soft smile sent a surge of heat through his cock. What would her lips taste like beneath his? Perhaps she would cling to him, hold fast and seek to surrender to him with just one kiss. Foolish idea. She’d take it slow, easy, try to learn what she could before she did anything that might take her in too deep. Yet, the thought of her sweet, full lips parting under his, the touch of her tongue sliding over his as they shared a single breath was almost too much to bear. He had to get that under control. “So you’re going to go back and see her and then what?” “I’m not sure, another dinner perhaps, or a drink. Safe meetings still. I don’t want her to feel as though I’m desperate.” “Even though you are?” “Simon.” Liam’s voice dropped into a low growl. “Well come on, it’s been over a year since you dated anyone for more than one date. You don’t even take part in scenes now unless you’re teaching someone, and I know you. I can see what goes through your mind every time you mention her

name, or I do. You want her. I’m not stupid. I just hope you don’t hold back too much and leave her wondering if you’re really interested in her or not.” “I’ll worry about that after we’ve enjoyed a few more evenings together.” And after they had shared at least one kiss. As far as he knew, everything might crumble after that kiss. He’d known of more than a few couples that should have worked out but the chemistry just wasn’t there when they tried to explore it. “Right, and I’ll be pushing you every step of the way.” ****** “Cassie?” He pushed the door open a little further on the shop and peered inside searching through the book cases for her. Nothing. Not a sign of her, but she had to be around if the store had been left open like this. “Cassie, are you around?” “She’s gone home for a few minutes, can I help you?” Young, bubbly and blonde, the woman eased around the edge of one of the bookshelves wearing a smile that would have attracted the attention of most men he knew. “No, I was looking for Cassie.” He smiled back and glanced up towards the clock on the wall. “We went out last night and I was hoping to catch up with her today, but I can always come back later.” The woman’s face dropped, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. Every ounce of friendly warmth drained from her expression. “You’re the sicko?” “What did you just call me?”

“She doesn’t need men like you in her life. She’s a good woman and I’m not going to let her get hurt by someone who’ll rape and beat her to within an inch of her life.” The young blonde moved quickly behind the counter. “I suggest you leave now, before I call the cops. Men like you should be locked up.” Liam felt his heart drop into his stomach. What in hell’s name had happened between them parting company last night and the minute he had walked into the bookstore? “I’ve not harmed Cassie in any way. So just where do you get off telling me that I need to be locked up?” “I know what men like you can do. I’ve heard the stories.” The young woman grasped the edge of the counter. “There was a friend of mine who was raped and beaten because of a so-called ‘master’ down in Texas.” “What?” He frowned and took a step back. “When did this happen?” “Two months ago. She’s still in the hospital; they hurt her that badly.” He wracked through his memory, trying to find just one scrap, a hint of an incident that might fit in with the accusation the woman had just thrown his way. “I haven’t heard anything about that, and it would have made the rounds on the bulletin boards within hours. We’re very protective of submissives.” “Right, you’d advertise that one of your bully boys got a little out of hand and invited the local football team to join in,” she hissed, her pale blue eyes narrowed. “I’ve been talking to Mandy for over a year, and I’ve been there as she’s been recovering from what that bastard did to her.”

Mandy. Texas. Why did that ring a bell now? “She was lucky she survived. He took a branding iron to her and threatened to cut off her breasts. She’s terrified and won’t be able to step foot outside of the hospital for months to come yet. How they are even going to pay all the medical bills, even with help, is anyone’s guess. Her sister is talking about selling their parent’s house to cover costs. How you people can live with yourselves...” Texas. Hospital. Branding Iron! The final piece fell into place. “Hold on, this didn’t happen in a chat room, did it?” “Of course not.” “I mean this Mandy, you didn’t meet her through a chat room, did you? She’s not someone you’ve met in person?” “She’s afraid of meeting anyone now.” The blonde protested. “So of course I haven’t met her in person. I don’t blame her either, not after what she’s been through.” Liam tried not to let his annoyance get the better of him. “The store computer, does it connect to the Net?” “Yes, I think so. Why?” “All right then. Bring up a browser. I need you to read something through for me.” He quickly rattled off the web address of the message board, praying it was the right one. “Found it?” “The board, yes. Oh my God, are you completely out of your mind? This is one of those sick meeting places for your kind.” “Yes, it is, and I want you to look down the list of

sub boards until you find the one called Scam Artists.” If he was right, then maybe he could put an end to the problem before it got completely out of hand. “Why?” “Please, I’m asking nicely. I think you’ll find it interesting. Have you found it?” “Yes.” The word sounded swallowed. “What am I looking for here?” “Texas Travesty.” Silence settled over the young woman, her gaze focused fully on the screen. Slowly but surely she began to shake. “Is this real?” “Yes, if this is the same woman, which I get the feeling it is, then she’s been playing this game for several years. She’s got at least two warrants out for her arrest now. She managed to defraud one couple to the tune of $40,000.” Liam still didn’t take a move towards the counter. “Now, will you at least tell me your name so I don’t keep wondering who I’m talking to?” “Brenda,” she murmured. “And I guess I owe you an apology.” “That will come in time.” Liam let out a long, slow sigh. “That could have been nasty. I’m sorry you had to deal with that woman’s games, but you’re not the first and I doubt you will be the last one.” “That doesn’t really help.” Brenda rubbed her cheeks and stared at the screen. “Gods, she’s been doing this for years. The story all matches up as well. Identical. How could I have been so stupid? I fell for this. I sent her money. Shit.” At least she believed him now. He hoped. “So I’m

no longer a monster?” “Gods, no. Shit, I warned Cassie about you as well.” That was something he didn’t need to hear. “I see. Well, please let her know I stopped by and if she wants to get a hold of me, here’s my card.” He reached into his pocket and set one down on the counter. “Please, don’t. I owe you on this. I’ll explain to Cassie and I don’t think she was really buying the whole idea that you were some raving lunatic that she needed to be careful around.” Brenda moved around the edge of the counter and caught his arm. “I am sorry about this. Why don’t you wait for her to come back? She should be here any minute.” He glanced back towards the door. Would it be better if he stayed to face her now, or leave and come back when he was calmer? No matter how hard he had tried to keep his face a mask of calm reflection it didn’t stop the turmoil that still churned a path through his stomach only to then wrap around his heart. What if Cassie had believed even a fraction of the story? Had that damaged the chance of a relationship between them? “I need to take a walk, but I’ll stop by before close of business.” “All right, but please don’t let this get between you and Cassie. I’ve never seen her as happy as I saw her when I walked into the store this morning. I had no right to try and get between the pair of you.”

Chapter Nine Finding the book had taken far longer than she had originally thought it would, instead of the thirty minutes and quick turn around it had been a little over an hour before she had finally walked back into the store. “Well, that was fun, the traffic on the way back was horrible. I think every idiot in the world hit the road at the same time.” “That can happen.” Brenda moved quickly from out behind the counter. “But I’m glad that you’re back.” “I know I’ve taken advantage of you over this.” Cassie smiled and set the book down. “I really am sorry about how long I was away from the store.” “Actually, it’s me that owes you the apology.” Cassie turned and stared at Brenda. “About what? Did I miss something?” “Yes, Liam.” “Liam, he was here.” Oh, gods, what had Brenda said to him? “You didn’t go off on your rant about dominants did you?” Please no, she’d only just met the man, but couldn’t imagine that he would have stood there and taken some of the things Brenda might have said to him. “Erm.” “Brenda! How could you!” “It’s not quite that bad.” “How could it not be that bad when you--just what did you do?” Cassie sat down hard on the chair, and

rubbed her temples. “What did you tell him? Did you accuse him of being a monster?” “Yes, all of that and more. But we sorted things out, I promise you that, and he showed me something that made me think twice.” Brenda started to take a step towards her, then stopped. “I was an idiot and I apologized to him. I really did apologize, and he accepted it. The woman I told you about, he showed me something that proves she’s not only a liar, but a con artist.” Cassie tried not to lose control of the rage that now bubbled up within her. How could she have left Brenda in the shop like that? Now what would happen? Liam was a stranger in many ways to her. She had no way of knowing just how angry he had been when he left the store, nor could she turn back time and prevent the whole thing from happening in the first place. “He said he would be back before you closed up the shop.” “Sure, no doubt to tell me to go to hell.” Cassie didn’t look up, her head pounded, her throat threatened to close and dry out. “What am I going to do to make this up to him?” “He’s not going to dump you because of something I’ve said. Not if he’s this wonderful man you convinced me he was. Besides, he didn’t seem that angry, and this Mandy is pretty well known in his lifestyle. She’s been running the same scam for years now.” “And you sent her money.” And then chased away the only man I’ve had any real interest in for the past five years. Gods, how could you do that to me?

“Yes, like the idiot I am. But he showed me that I’m not the first and won’t be the last. He might be wrong on that part of things though. I think I know who to go to in order to help have her IP traced and if I don’t let on that I know what she’s up to--you’re mad at me, aren’t you?” “Yes.” Cassie barely managed to say the word without growling. “And I have every reason to be. I like him a lot and if you’ve managed to chase him away, I’m not going to want to be around you for a while.” That was putting things mildly, but with the chance a customer could walk back in at any moment she didn’t dare lose control of her temper. “Cassie, you have to believe me, he hasn’t been pushed away by this. If he had, he wouldn’t have taken the time to show me...” “That could have been a coverup, for all I know. Gods, I feel sick.” Her stomach rolled constantly and threatened to relieve her of what little she had managed to eat that morning. “What am I going to do?” “Explain to him that my views and your views aren’t the same thing.” Brenda leaned back against the counter. The bubble, the natural spark Cassie was now so used to seeing in her friend, had faded as if it had never existed. “And maybe one day accept my apology. I was a fool, I believed the lies spread by a woman who is the very user I thought Liam and others of his kind might be.” That was it, there were men and women in the lifestyle, if she had been reading correctly and understood some of the concern she had read in Liam’s gaze, information that there were people who

did use others for their own purpose. She did not dare to speak of this to Brenda, not when her fears might have already caused serious problems between them. “Maybe I should leave, for now at least. I don’t think you really want my company right now.” Brenda turned and picked up her notebook and then nodded to the computer. “The webpage that is up right now is the link he told me about, the one that shows what a fool I have been. Take a look over it. He was here when I read through it and saw my reaction. If nothing else, maybe that will help.” Cassie didn’t move, not even when she heard the door close behind Brenda. All she could think about was the fact she might have lost him before they had even had a chance to explore anything between them. Even though Liam had told her he would be back in the store before the end of the day, she wasn’t entirely sure that was the truth. Still, it was something she could hold on to. A slender hope, but a real one. ****** Almost five. Cassie shook her head and started to go over the sales for the day. Despite the fact her mind had focused on Liam every time the bell had sounded out he still hadn’t walked into the store. Lost him. Damn it all, I’ve lost him. He walked out of the store after the whole Brenda incident and isn’t coming back. Her hand shook as she reached for her sales book.

It didn’t matter that she kept a digital record of all sales, in some things Cassie was old-fashioned, and she wrote down each new transaction on a legal pad through the day. If nothing else, it was a backup in case something went wrong with the register. She started to go through the numbers and sales she had written down, a slight frown forming at the sight of Brenda’s handwriting. At least she had managed to keep a track of the few sales during her stint. Why did she have to go and tell Liam about that shit? It’s not as though he hasn’t had to deal with bullshit like this before, but to come in here and get it both barrels from a woman he then finds out is a friend of mine. Fuck, no wonder he hasn’t come back in. The bell rang out, little more than a soft jingle that caught her attention. Her heart stopped. Her throat dried out as she tried to force her mouth to speak. Liam. “You look as though you weren’t expecting to see me again, Cassie.” He walked quietly across the store and stopped a few paces in front of the counter. “I suppose your friend told you what happened?” Cassie nodded and ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. They didn’t want to work, her voice threatened to crack even as she said the only word she could. “Yes.” “And you thought that I’d be pissed off and that I wouldn’t come back because of the lies she had been fed?” A slight smile touched his lips. His dark eyes danced with a light she couldn’t quite read. Maybe if

they had been together longer she would have been able to judge his moods a little more clearly, but then again, they weren’t really together at all yet. “Well, Brenda can be a little persistent.” “That’s not quite the word I’d use.” “She said she apologized.” Liam gave a slight shrug. “Yes, she did indeed, and the woman that drew your friend in is something of a pro at this. There have been problems with women-and some men--like her for as long as there has been an active Internet.” Internet scams. Yes, she’d heard of those and had spent more than an hour reading through the thread on the message board. Gods, that woman. She hadn’t even been in the same chat room with the creature and yet she’d been left wanting to strangle the bitch. There had been other warnings on the board as well. Ones that had left her shaking with both rage and sorrow. Threats to expose one man’s interest in the lifestyle if money was not forthcoming. A woman that had lost everything to an unscrupulous man masquerading as a dominant. He had taken her home, her savings, persuaded her to pack up everything and sign over her life to the man she had submitted to, only to find he had all but pimped her out on the street. She had been one of the fortunate ones, a woman in the scene had discovered what had been going on and had alerted others. Almost too little too late. Just as well Brenda hadn’t read through the rest of the site. “I took a look at the other postings.” “Then you know why I had to put an end to her

concerns as soon as I had the chance. There are real dangers out there, ones that give those in the lifestyle a bad name. Families are torn apart because of those who really don’t give a damn as to what they do.” Liam still didn’t move any closer to the counter. Come on, do something, say something to let me know that everything is all right between us. That there is still a chance for there to be an us in the first place. Gods, what a fuck up this is. “Yes, I kinda get the impression that--well, that more than a few of the groups you told me about have had to deal with some nasty situations.” Cassie closed over the notebook. Well there was no point in dragging it on any longer, better that she face the situation head on. “Did you come here to tell me thanks and goodbye?” “What would you do if I did just that?” She tried to prevent her emotions from getting the better of her. This was a man she barely knew why should it bother her if they decided to part ways here and now? Cassie looked at him for a moment, trying to put her thoughts in order. She did like him, a lot. More than she should do for a man she had known for all of a day. It didn’t make any sense at all and yet there she was, her heart pulling full-scale flips as she forced herself to answer. “Honestly, I don’t know.” “Did you want me to leave and just not come back?” “Hells no!” Why would she want that when she had agonized over his absence in the first place? “Please, I don’t want that. Gods, I don’t even know why, but I enjoyed last night. A lot. More so than makes sense. It was just a dinner, after all.”

“Yet you want to go out with me again?” “Yes.” Oh, gods, yes, and so much more than that, but she lacked the courage to put that part of her desires into words. What would he think of her if she let him know the dirty little thoughts she had been enjoying, the images her mind had been all too ready to provide for her? He took a step towards her, his smile lighting up his face. “Well then, we shall have to do something about that. Perhaps tomorrow night?” Why not tonight? “I think I might be able to swing that.” “And would you consider joining me for a drink later on in the week?” “Yes,” Cassie smiled. “I’d like that.” He reached out and brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. Her heart raced, nipples hardened under her clothing. Goosebumps grew instantly along her arms, her stomach tightened even as her belly did a dozen flip-flops. It didn’t matter that she was in her thirties, or that she was a woman who ran her own business and lived away from her parents. In that moment, she turned back the clock into her teenage years, and that first date. Except this time she had an idea of what she was getting into. He leaned in a little closer, a soft light shining in his gaze. “So would I, a great deal.” Was it worth the risk? Could she take it a little further? If not now, then when? Cassie took a long slow breath and grasped his hand, the same one that he had brushed along her

cheek. Perhaps she was a fool for trying this, for risking such a move, but her heart had control of the situation, not her mind. She took a step closer to him and pushed up onto her toes. His breath caressed her lips, heated, tempting and smelling of coffee. I shouldn’t be doing this. He will think me a slut, or a fool, or worse. He didn’t move. Now or never. If I back down, I might never have the nerve to try again. Cassie closed the gap between them; her lips brushed his. Gods, I’m doing this, I’m really doing this. His lips parted beneath hers, a low growl vibrated against hers as he wrapped his arms about her neck and pulled her close. A shiver wracked a path through her body, her own arms fastened about his neck, her breasts pressed tight against his chest. She whimpered as his tongue slipped into her mouth and stroked against hers. A soft, tender touch that urged her on. He groaned and slid one hand slowly up into her hair, tangling his fingers into her mane, and held her close. Controlled and protected. A dozen feathers and needles stroked her flesh at the same time. Her breath burned in her lungs, the urge to gulp for air grew yet she couldn’t break away from the kiss. She didn’t want to ever let it end. Bliss. Peace. Whatever it was, she wanted more. She needed it to go on forever between them, yet knew with a bittersweet pain that it had to end.

Eventually.

Chapter Ten Liam straightened up his clothing in the mirror and tucked the simple black T-shirt into his jeans. Tonight. They had finally made it to the point of this first special night together. Two weeks of dancing around the subject fully, of dinner dates, long discussions and blushes that had colored Cassie’s cheeks more deeply as the days had progressed. Had it been worth the wait? To most men or women, two weeks would not have been that long a time, but to him, with the need that she triggered in him every time they were together, it had been close to a lifetime of waiting. He had tried his best to keep his desires under control and shown an endless patience with the curious young woman and even though she had just celebrated a birthday, she was still very much a young woman in his viewpoint. They all were, every single submissive or switch or--truth be told-dominant, when they began to take those first tentative steps into the lifestyle. Tonight things would change between them. All he had to do was keep that darker side, that beast-like part of his being, under control. Why wouldn’t he be able to? He’d always managed it before, yet there was something about her, a quality in Cassie that called to his darker nature in a way that he had never known before. It clawed at the edge of his sanity, peeked out

from the shadows in his mind forever seeking a weak moment when it could push past the boundaries. To the beast, there were no lines that couldn’t be crossed. No limits that should be recognized. No laws that would ever stand in his way. Liam shuddered and looked away from the mirror. No, the beast would no more be able to escape his control than it had with any other young woman he had begun to explore the lifestyle with. Cassie would never know, never see that dark part of his being, not even if it meant he had to take breaks away from her. No, that wasn’t possible either. Not during their first scene together. She could panic. He frowned and glanced towards the clock. She’d be here soon enough. Better to focus on the plans for the evening instead of dwelling on his other side. They’d discussed the ideas for their first night together in depth for the past two weeks, going over her safe word, the way she could stop the scene at any given time and how he was not going to rush her. The first hurdle had been her clothing, or rather what he had told her she would wear for the night. Would she go through with it? Only time would tell. The sound of a car pulling into the drive had his nerves instantly on edge. Was it time already? Was she here? He took a deep breath and walked towards the door. If that was Cassie, she was a little early. Not by much, just five minutes or so, but it was a good sign. Better early than late, but would she be able to wait until the appointed moment to ring the bell? The first test of many.

Time dragged on, one second lingered for heartbeats before it was finally swallowed by the next. His fingers itched with the need to reach for the handle of the door and open it up just to see her smiling face. No. He’d wait. If she could do it, then he could as well. Two minutes more. Not such a long time, really. It felt like an eternity. The clock struck eight with a loud clash of bells that he had grown used to, yet it still jerked him back into focus. All right, it was time to see if she had followed through with his instructions. His heart missed a beat at the sight that greeted him. Cassie knelt on the top step, her thighs pressed tightly together. The short summer throw-over dress, designed more to be used as a quick cover on a beach, had risen high on her thighs. Her hands rested on the material, crossed at the wrist. Though she had lifted her head high, her chin tipped slightly upwards, her gaze remained lowered to the stone step even though she had to have both heard and seen the door open. She trembled, her shoulders tense, a soft quiver to her lips, yet she remained quiet and still on the stone. “Hello, Cassie.” “Hello, sir.” She didn’t move from the step. “You may enter.” He took a step back, but his gaze never left her form. With a slow, halting grace, Cassie pushed up onto her feet and took a quiet step into his home. A submissive entering the domain of a dominant. He struggled not to howl in sheer delight at the way she

had already obeyed his rules for the night. Had she wondered why he had wanted her to behave in such a manner? No doubt she had and still did, but she had still followed through with his commands. “Into the front room.” Cassie nodded softly and glanced back over towards him, a shy, uncertain smile lit her face. “Yes, sir. May I know if you are pleased with my appearance?” “I am, very much so. Now I need you to walk into the room and sit on the red rug.” Asking her to kneel again so soon would be a little too much. Her legs weren’t used to it; such things came in time and with practice. He followed her into the main room, watching each soft, subtle sway of her hips beneath the short beach dress. Her long hair swayed over her back and teased at her upper thighs. He’d rarely seen it unbound and now he that had, he made an oath to make sure she wore it loose every time they were together. “Here, sir?” Cassie pointed to the small rug. Bright red and slightly frayed about the edges, the rug had been something he had used in training submissives from the very first one he had taken into his care. “Yes, settle down there, however you are most comfortable.” He moved into his chair. Gods, did she not know how wonderful she looked? How he now fought not to tear the dress from her body and explore every inch of her smooth, pale skin? “Why don’t you wish me to kneel?” Her eyes all but glowed, a soft blush claiming her cheeks as she sat down on the rug, her legs curled off to the left.

“Because after kneeling on the step, your knees might be hurting. Yes, I would like to see you kneel at my feet again, but part of the duty a dominant has towards a sub is one of care.” He leaned forward and brushed his fingers over the line of her jaw. “You look beautiful tonight, Cassie.” She struggled not to pull away from his touch. “Thank you, sir. I wasn’t sure if you would be pleased with my choice or not, but it’s the only dress I have that even remotely matched your instructions.” She pulled on the hem of the dress, trying to cover a little more of her legs. “I’m not used to showing off so much skin.” “You’ll see more than this at a scene club when you are ready to attend an event.” How would she react to some of the things she would witness there? Susanna had almost run out of the first event she had been taken to. “What sort of things would I see?” “For a start, some men and women wearing little but a pair of panties or a thong, maybe a collar and leash as well, but not much else.” Cassie didn’t move for a moment, but the color in her face drained completely only to then be replaced with a sudden surge of blood in her cheeks. “It--I mean they really do that? Walk around half naked in front of everyone?” “Yes, they do, and they are safe to do so. No one will touch them without consent. If someone tries to molest another at an event, they are removed and often blackballed. Now, sometimes that consent is pre-arranged with the dominant, but everyone respects the right of a dominant or submissive to say

no or not become involved.” They had discussed that side of things several times before, but he saw no harm in making sure she understood how such events worked. If everything went well, he would be able to take Cassie to one within the month and the last thing he wanted was for the idea to terrify her. The young woman shifted a little; her hands no longer grasped the edge of the dress. “Then I hope I will be able to witness such a thing one day.” “You will, one day soon. But not until you are completely ready for that.” “Thank you, sir.” A comfortable silence settled over them both as he watched her, taking in her breathing, the way she remained steady at his feet. Her gaze lowered softly to the floor, a slight flicker across his eyes as she processed the information. He’d seen this play out before with other submissives, the way they often withdrew for a short while, putting the pieces into place in the back of their minds. Cassie finally turned her attention fully back towards him. “Are you ready, Cassie?” “Yes, sir.” A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “I think so.” “And you remember your safe word?” “Yes, sir. I do indeed.” “Good, now kneel.” Her body should have had enough time to recover so that kneeling would not be that uncomfortable for her. Liam had never understood the idea that you can keep a submissive constantly kneeling and expect them to be able to rock back onto their feet without some sort of

consequence. That sort of ability took months, if not years of practice. Cassie shifted onto her knees, her thighs pressed together, back straight. It took her a moment to settle fully at his feet, but once she had, she glanced back up at him. “Your wrists.” Her bottom lip disappeared between her teeth as she crossed her wrists on her lap. “Sorry, sir. I forgot about that part.” “It takes practice and you did do well on the step, so take this as your warning. The next mistake will meet with discipline.” “Sir?” “A dominant corrects a submissive he is training or one that has submitted to him. Though there might be a warning given, the submissive is often corrected for mistakes, and always for outright disobedience.” Gods, she has no idea what she does to me, kneeling like that. His cock hardened beneath his jeans, a surge of heat that tried to demand attention. He shifted a little in his chair and looked down at her meekly kneeling form. Meek? “Lift your head up and roll your shoulders back. You don’t have to try and appear meek.” He leaned forward and lifted up her chin. Her sweet, full lips parted softly. He fought to hide a groan, the sudden image of his hands wrapped in her hair as he thrust his cock between those delicate lips almost more than he could control. Liam shuddered and forced the image back under lock and key. It didn’t help that he could almost feel how her lips would wrap about his

cock, or the way she might tease the head with the tip of her tongue. This wasn’t helping. “Like this?” “Yes.” He barely managed to keep the word from becoming a growl. “Now, part your thighs a little.” “But the dress!” “Yes?” “It will--you’ll be able to see everything.” “No, not everything and remember what I said about how some people dress at events?” “Oh.” She swallowed hard and shifted a little on her knees. “You mean you’d expect me to dress like that?” “Not only expect, but command. I don’t take a submissive in wearing clothing that will get in the way of a scene.” Cassie almost bit into her lip. “And don’t do that, I don’t like to see you damage yourself.” “It’s a habit.” “Cassie. I didn’t ask for an explanation from you. I simply told you not to do that.” Here it was, the first big hurdle if he was reading the situation correctly. “I’ve always done it.” Her jaw clenched, a flash of stubbornness danced across her features. “I don’t think I can stop myself from doing it now.” “Yes, you can. However, you don’t want to.” “That too.” “So you don’t wish to obey me?” “It’s a silly order.” Cassie looked away from him and shrugged. “Yet you did agree to obey me within your limits

for the duration of this session.” “Well, yes...” “And are you obeying me? You’ve still not parted your thighs, and you’re arguing with me about a simple order not to bite your lip. That’s two infractions, and so soon after you had been warned what would happen if you disobeyed me.” Cassie frowned. “But I--” “No buts. Stand up, Cassie.” With the frown still in place, Cassie pushed up to her feet, her hands half clenched. She shifted a little from one foot to the other, but didn’t say a word. Her shoulders had tensed, she moved more onto the balls of her feet as she moved. “Do you wish to leave and not spend the rest of the evening with me?” He glanced towards the door and then fixed her in place with a cool look. “It would be very easy to send you back to your car and we could meet again tomorrow or the day after for a coffee.” “No, sir.” The words dashed from her mouth in such a hurry that he had little doubt she had not even considered being sent away to be an option until that moment. “I don’t want to be sent home tonight. I’m sorry, really I am. I’ll try harder.” “Yes, you will indeed, after you’ve been corrected.” “Sir?” Cassie took a step back. “Did I give you permission to move, Cassie?” “No, I just...” She half choked on the words and moved back into position. “I’m sorry, sir.” “You know what I have to do now?” Cassie sucked in her bottom lip only to quickly let go of it. “You could just let it slide this time.”

“And if I did, how could I then correct you the next time? I’ve set the limits, you’ve accepted them, but part of being the dominant in the relationship means I must enforce them.” Harder than it sounded sometimes, yet this time the thought of having Cassie over his lap let loose a surge of sheer delight. No, he had to focus. Discipline wasn’t something to enjoy, despite the darkness that he struggled to control. It was just part of being a dominant. Scenes were enjoyable, punishment and discipline were not. Didn’t they show a lack of ability to control and guide the submissive? He shook off the dark thoughts and focused his attention on the trembling young woman. “But I--oh shit.” Her shoulders slumped. “I guess I better get this over with.” “Yes, but first you have to beg to be corrected.” “Pardon?” Her eyes widened to the size of teacups, the color draining from her face. “I have to--oh, gods. I don’t know if I can do this.” “Well, then you know the answer.” He nodded towards the door. “I need a little time, sir. Please.” “Five minutes, then you make your decision.” “But I--” she stammered. “No buts, Cassie. You have five minutes to make your decision, and then we will continue.”

Chapter Eleven Five minutes. How could he expect her to make a decision in that length of time? Cassie’s heart raced, her stomach knotted, rolled, unknotted, then threatened to empty all in the space of a few seconds. Foolish. She could walk out and end all of this in a moment. I don’t want to walk out. I need to be here, but if I want to stay then I have to beg for his correction. Can I do that? Do I have the will to be able to make myself say those words? The door was there, she could just say the safe word and then walk away, but what would happen between them if she did that? Would he be able to look at her with the same level of interest no matter what happened tonight? She peered at him, searching for some sign, a clue of what she needed to do. He was a good man, a decent man. And their kisses, the way he gripped her hair and held her tight against his body left her shaking with a need for more. Yet there hadn’t been any more than those kisses. Even though she had felt his reaction. The way his cock hardened, the growl at the back of his voice. His breath heated against her throat, the grip that tightened on her body. He needed her, wanted her, yet hadn’t taken that step to try and seduce her. There had to be some clue in his eyes, in his face, or just a hint, a single word to tell her that if she walked away everything would still be fine.

He didn’t speak. His expression never changed. No hint, no guidance, not a clue to what he expected from her. No, not true. She knew what he expected. He had made that clear when they had first arranged for this evening together. Rules that she had accepted and agreed to and yet now she had to follow that through or leave him for the evening. Perhaps for more than just one evening. “Please, sir, I beg you to help me learn.” The words threatened to stick in the back of her throat. “I beg to be corrected.” He didn’t move for a moment, or speak. Had she left it too late? Had she gone over the time limit? A smile slowly stole over his face. “That took a lot to say, didn’t it?” “Yes, sir.” “Yet you knew it might be one of the things you would have to face.” Yes, she had, but knowing and doing were not the same thing. Her heart skipped a beat as she tried to make sense of her reactions. “Maybe I didn’t understand just what it would entail, sir.” The words came out slowly. “I guess I thought, or a part of me thought, that it would never come to this.” He nodded slightly, his gaze never leaving her form. “Well, then we had best deal with your infraction. Over my knee.” “Over your knee?” A chill claimed her body. “Yes.” That was it. No explanations? No time to discuss this?

Of course not. “Now?” she murmured, her stomach rolling even as she tried to settle her thoughts. “Right now?” “Waiting will only make matters worse.” He sat up a little more on the chair, straightening his back as he smoothed down his jeans. “Take your panties off and lay across my lap, ass up in the air. Head down towards my feet.” “P--panties off?” “That’s right. A spanking does no good if it is applied to the backside through a covering of any sort. I want you to actually feel this, to the full extent.” Despite the words, his voice wrapped about her in a soft caress, a hint of the pleasure to come if she followed through with his wishes and obeyed him. She still had the right to walk out. At any time during the night she would have that, yet she knew if she did, then he might never let her try this again. Cassie took a deep breath and hooked her fingers into the sides of her panties. This was it. If she had any doubts, then now was the point in time where she had to walk away from the situation. She glanced over at him, taking in the encouragement in his eyes, the smile he wore, the lack of threat in how he sat. If she stepped aside he wouldn’t stop her, not even if she wanted to walk out of the house. A tremble claimed her body as she pulled the small slip of cloth that made up the white panties down her body, letting them drop as they then pooled around her ankles. Well, she’d taken it this far, why not go the whole hog with him? Slowly she took that step towards him and looked down at his lap. Would it really be so hard to move

across it, to know what it was like to lay her body across his thighs and feel his touch to her ass? Or her back? Liam didn’t speak. He didn’t make a sound not even when she started to take a step back from him. If she backed out now she would never be able to try this again. Now, never, the choice is mine, so why is it so hard to do? Only the weak submitted to another, hadn’t she read that somewhere? Yet he’d told her it required strength, something she knew she possessed. It wasn’t weak to be submissive, nor did she have some odd craving to be abused, but she had to do this. He expected it of her, she needed it and if that risk wasn’t taken then she would spend the rest of her life running from this dream. No matter how dark the dream, it was still something she craved. Why didn’t he say something? Because he didn’t need to. All he had to do was wait for her to make the final move, no matter what it was, he only had to wait. Silently, she lowered herself down over his lap, her heart pounding so loudly that she could have sworn that he could hear it. Her breasts pressed against the thin dress, her body shook and tried to rebel at what she was forcing it to do. The length of her hair fell over her face, half blocking her view, strands catching against her lips as she tried to steady her nerves. His hand pressed against her thighs, sliding upwards along her ass, baring it to his view. “Are you

ready for this?” “Honestly, no.” Cassie pressed her thighs together as she struggled not to bare herself to the world. “Yet you’re here.” “Yes.” Gods, how she wanted to move, to dart away from his lap. “Why, when you obviously fear what will happen?” “Because I need this, I crave this.” “Good, then I’ll help you find the way into the darkness with me.” His hand lifted up from her ass only to crack down hard and fast against her taut curves. What in hell’s name... Pain lanced through her ass, a cry forced from her lips with the blow. She jerked against his thighs, her head lifting upwards as she struggled to keep the tears from her eyes. “It will hurt, it’s meant to, so you may scream, Cassie. Or cry out. Even beg and plead for me to stop.” Scream, she wasn’t going to scream from just a few spanks. His hand lifted upwards and snapped down hard and fast onto her ass in two quick blows. Her breath released in a long cry, tears slipped down her face, touching her lips quickly, panic settling in on her heels. She struggled not to scream fully, to keep control of her fear even as her hips pressed tightly against his thigh. “You will learn to obey me when you enter this house as a submissive.” He traced a light touch over her burning ass. “You always have the choice to

leave, but when you enter this place as a submissive, as one subject to my will, you do so with the full knowledge that you will be punished should you disobey me. Do you understand that, Cassie?” “Yes, sir.” She tried not to whimper, but failed miserably. “I don’t think you do, not yet, my girl.” He slapped her ass four times, barely giving her a moment to catch a breath between the strikes. This time she had no choice but to scream. She kicked out, her thighs parting before she was even aware of it. Heat flushed through her vulva, shame colored her cheeks and the back of her neck as Cassie forced her legs closed and tried not to move any further. He stroked softly over her burning skin, a light, teasing touch that felt so out of place with how she was being punished. “Please, it’s hurting.” She tried focusing her thoughts, but the deep burning sensation across her taut buttocks defied her. Had he meant to hurt her this much? There would be bruises come the following day, and how would she be able to work? “I don’t think I can take any more, please, sir. No more. Please.” “It will do, you have a lot to learn about being a submissive, even more about being one at my feet, but I will teach you for as long as you wish to be taught.” His hand hovered so close to her ass that she could feel it and despite her better judgment, her hips pressed back out towards his hand. “Your body wants more, though your mind screams no. You need this correction.” “No.” “Yet your hips, your body, say more.”

“I don’t understand.” How could her body want more? “I don’t like being punished, really I don’t, sir.” “No, but I think you like the idea that we could do so much more together. But not until I know you are sorry for disobeying me.” “I am. Please, sir, believe me, I am.” Calling him sir became easier with each passing moment. Perhaps the fact she was half-naked and over his lap had something to do with that? “Then get down from my lap and place your lips to my feet. Kiss and lick them, Cassie. Show me how grateful you are that I’ve taken the time to correct you.” His voice became a low soft caress, though his words jolted through to her soul. How could she do this? They’d not even discussed her taking that step, doing something so low and degrading. Yet her sex clenched at the thought of it. Slowly she eased down from his lap and onto the floor. Her panties within easy reach, the door only a short distance away from her. She could leave. She didn’t have to go through with this. Her stomach rolled even as she lowered her lips towards his boots. No. Remember what Brenda spoke of. Men who degraded women. This is what she meant. Her lips dried out and threatened to stick together. “I’m waiting, Cassie.” Her hands pressed down hard against the floor as she forced her way back up to her feet and darted back from him, shaking her head. “I can’t.” “You agreed to...” “Title.” The word escaped with a sob. “Title. Please

forgive me, but title.” He didn’t move. The color drained from his face. “I--I understand.” Did he? How could he when she didn’t understand? She wanted this, needed it, but all she could think about were the words Brenda had spoken, the stories that she knew were unreal, false, lies to garner money and attention on the net, or obvious works of fiction like the ones she sold in her store. Cassie reached down and snatched her panties up from the floor before she turned and ran without another word. The door snapped closed behind her with a crack of wood against frame. She didn’t even stop to put her panties back on when she got into the car and turned the engine on. Tears streamed down her face, threatening to block her vision, yet she couldn’t just sit there and wait in case he came out. She’d blown it. Ran. Called the safe word and darted out of his home all over something that she hadn’t wanted to do. “Coward.” Cassie murmured the word. “Bloody, stupid coward.” She leaned on the steering wheel, shaking. Too late to go back in now. The damage was done. How could he ever look at her the same way again after the way she had just reacted? Men like him didn’t have the patience for women who ran or balked at the first hurdle.

Epilogue He could still hear the sound of her car as it pulled out of the driveway. The soft rumble of the engine, the play of the tires over the gravel, each crunch another needle of pain that buried itself in his heart. How could I have been so stupid? She wasn’t ready for that. Not yet. I pushed too far and she ran from me. Gods. I made her run away from me. How long had he been sitting there since she had left? He couldn’t be sure, beyond the fact that it had been long enough that his bladder now warned him that he needed to move. “I’ve lost her,” he murmured and pushed to his feet. It hadn’t even been the beast that had been the cause of her running, but his own impatience. How could he have lost control at such an early level? He knew better. Damnit, he bloody knew better than this. With the pressure in his bladder taken care of, Liam walked back into the now dimly lit room and looked around. He could still smell her in the room. The scent of her arousal that had called to him, the way her body had curled against his thigh when he had spanked her. She had wanted him. More than that, she needed him just as badly as he needed her. How can I need someone I barely know? “Love doesn’t understand time limits, or common sense.” He muttered and walked to the window. He

didn’t move for a moment as the words sank in. Love. He was in love with her. How was that possible? Could he even trust his feelings on this? His stomach lurched at the very thought of never seeing her again, still he couldn’t just run after her. It wasn’t the sort of thing a dominant did. Since when? Where is it written that a dominant will not go after the woman he loves and try to win her back? Am I falling into the ideals so many put forth online instead of remembering to listen to my heart? Maybe that wasn’t entirely fair, there were some very good men and women, followers of the Ds lifestyle online, but there were far more who used the terms of dom, sub, master and mistress as a way of getting what they wanted, when they wanted it, from those around them. Predators of the worse sort. He loved her. He wanted her and yes, he needed her, even if it didn’t make sense. I made the mistake, then it’s down to me to rectify it. I’m not going to let her just walk out of my life. What choice did he have? He couldn’t force her to come back with him, or spend time with him. She had the right to walk away, to leave him and never look back. “And I have the right to go after her, apologize and try and win her back.” He leaned against the window and looked out into the darkness. He had that right, that ability, if he only knew just how to approach her.

Terri Pray At 35, Terri Pray is a stay-at-home wife and mother, who is slowly exploring a dream to become a recognized writer. Web content, erotica, signature stories, essays, articles, fiction ranging from science fiction and fantasy to mystery and humor, Terri Pray’s range of writing continues to grow facing new challenges with relish. Currently living in Iowa with her second husband, Terri was born in England, only moving to the States in 1999. They have two children, sharing a love of writing and role-playing that brought them together via the Internet.