I face her and raise my eyebrows, prompting her. “Speak.”
“You said no dungeons…”
A smile twists my mouth. “Well, maybe not in the traditional sense. This is much more than a typical dungeon.” I offer her my arm. She only hesitates a moment before accepting the lifeline.
As I lead her around the penthouse, I’m greeted by the members. Men of station, of wealth, of great power. Being near D.C., the epicenter for the influential, makes The Firm a convenient place to funnel all the dirt through. And there are some dirty players here tonight. I shake hands with a congressman, noting the recognition in Alexis’s eyes.
This is where the danger for her comes in.
I’m bringing her into my world, where my protection—my possession of her—is most required. I hold her closer, staking my claim so there is no question who she belongs to.
I guide her through the scenes, allowing her to absorb each one and become accustomed. Though I know for most a first time experience is overwhelming. And I’m not positive I desire for her to become accustomed.
There was no shock for me. I am who I am. I simply designed my ideal sanctuary based on my own yearnings. And what I crave now is Alexis.
Witnessing the astonishment in her eyes, the way her breath catches when a flogger meets its target with a loud crack, is like experiencing it for the very first time myself. A treat I never truly felt. I’m enraptured by her hesitant but curious nature. The way she avoids everyone’s eyes, her hands clinging to my bicep.
“Come on,” I say, taking her away from the current scene and toward the only private section. “Time to introduce you to your subordinates.”
She’s aware of who these men are, her bosses—but she hasn’t been introduced to the real men. The four corners that make up The Firm.
Pulling back the curtain, I enter first, allowing Alexis to follow closely behind. This area is reserved for the partners and their subs, which Alexis is now considered.
“Alexis, you’re acquainted with Mike Gannet, Caleb Mason, and Price Wells.”
She keeps her head bowed, the way I coached her.
“It’s lovely to officially meet you, Alexis.” This from Gannet, who assesses me carefully. “I’m surprised you’ve brought her here this soon. Does that mean she’s ready?”
I feel Alexis stiffen beside me, her apprehension rolling through her to me. Not that I’m at all effected by their tactics, or worried she’s not ready. I know she’ll be as compliant and willing as the first day I laid eyes on her.
This is something entirely different for me; a connection I don’t normally feel. Ever.
And it’s intoxicating.
I grasp her wrist, bringing her before me. “It’s time for your induction.”
9
Fall on Me
Alexis
Fall.
Fall.
Fall.
The mantra inside my head is more than willing myself to let go—it’s a battle of trust.
Wearing a satin mask, I stand upon a platform in the middle of a secluded nook, eyes raking over me. Peeling back my layers as Chase pushes the straps of my dress down my shoulders.
I’m staring at a place across the room. My focal point. So I don’t look any of them in the eyes. The marred scratch on the wall draws me in, keeps me from panicking, if only just. And I’m reminded of the time my brother kept telling me to fall… Just let go and trust him. He’d catch me.
It was a game.
All I had to do was let myself fall and be caught.