Fat chance of that.
He studied her for a moment then shook his head. “Not happening. You need to eat something. And drink. Then we’ll play.”
“What if I lose my nerve?”
“Got some granola bars back here, you want one of them?” Matthias asked.
“Like a damn boy scout, aren’t you?” Connor said with a sigh.
Matthias just grinned.
“All right, pass me a bar, and, yes, you have permission to speak to my sub.”
Matthias just studied her for a moment. “Actually, I don’t think I have to ask. You’re sure, aren’t you?”
She nodded back. “Yes, Sir. I want to do this.”
Despite how nervous she felt; it was something she had to do.
“Now has everyone made certain that my sub truly wants to be with me?” Connor drawled sarcastically.
“Sure, boy, don’t let us stop you.” Alex ran his hand over his Elise’s head, and she practically purred with pleasure.
Connor just gave Alex a look, but didn’t say anything. Instead he took the granola bar and opened it. Then he broke off a piece and popped it into her mouth. “Eat that. All of it.”
She wrinkled her nose.
“Nothing more happens until that bar and all that water are gone. I’ll take another two bottles with me,” he said to Matthias, who nodded and handed over a couple more. Connor tucked them into the bag. But she noticed he’d put the ball gag and nipple clamps in his pocket. Awesome.
She forced herself to chew on the granola bar. Disgusting things tasted like sawdust. Drinking the water he held up to her lips was easier since she needed it to get the bar down.
“You need to get better snacks,” she told Matthias. “That was disgusting.”
He grinned. “They’re normally reserved for naughty little subs who forget to eat. You know that’s one of Ajax’s rules.”
Okay, he didn’t know about that rule. Matthias must have seen Connor’s confused look because he explained, “It’s not in any of the contracts, but Ajax doesn’t want any subbies fainting or getting sick because they haven’t eaten. They’ve got no real excuse since he keeps the chill room well stocked. But if they should find their way into the dungeon with a grumbling tummy, I have these bars on hand.”
Made sense. But he was starting to realize Ajax was far more protective over his people than he’d realized. They were a close-knit bunch. Maybe it was because this was a smaller town. Maybe it was just the people. But he liked it here, strange as some of the locals might be.
When Ria had finished the bar and bottle of water, he pulled out the ball gag. “Open.”
She wrinkled her nose and opened her mouth. He thought she’d probably been about to protest but he took the opportunity provided. She glared at him as he secured it over her head. He narrowed his gaze at her, and she quickly dropped her eyes to the floor. Much better.
“Rule number three. No glaring at your Dom. It’s disrespectful.”
She let out a huff of air. Yeah, he figured she wouldn’t like that one. But in here he was in control.
“Even when he’s punishing you. Actually, especially then since you’ve already earned his displeasure.”
Her eyes flickered. She looked slightly stricken. And he reached out to cup the side of her face. “Hey, now, I’m not truly angry with you, you know that, right?”
There was a small hesitation, then she nodded.
He leaned into her. “Ria, there is a learning period. Right now, we’re trying to figure things out. You are learning my expectations. What I’ll take a hard line on. And I’m working out what you need. You can follow my orders or you can push back and disobey. You disobey, I punish you. You obey, I reward you. But there are some areas where I absolutely won’t tolerate disobedience. Honesty, communication, respect, and safety. And respect means for yourself and me. This, baby,” he tapped his finger against the ball gag. “It’s just a little fun. Okay?”
Her face lightened as he talked and the hurt and scared look disappeared. He stood up and caught Matthias studying them. Then the other Dom gave him a nod and a look of approval.
Okay, then, seemed he’d done something to finally prove himself. He’d noticed the other club Doms watched him closely, untrusting. Unsure. He didn’t blame them. A new Dom on the scene who was automatically made a club Dom did seem suspicious, but he’d needed a reason to be able to ask questions where needed.