The coarse friction of Chase’s hands graze my arms, my waist, along their descent to remove my dress. The chill in the air soothes the fire simmering along my skin, blanketing my naked body in false comfort.
I’m being bared to these men. Chase is asking too much…and yet he requires my trust.
Fall.
It’s not a question of whether he’ll catch me; I’ve already been caught. I can’t escape him. And I don’t want to escape him. But the game he’s initiating before these men will test more than a tenuous thread of trust between us.
I understand now that it’s not simply a matter of being broken. There are many levels of brokenness. To which my Master, my owner, means to inflict all.
“Raise your arms,” he says, his breath grazing my ear.
I lift them, and he snaps my wrists above my head. Then methodically circles a thin chain around them, banding my wrists together. I focus harder on the flawed spot of the wall as he secures my arms to a chain dangling from above.
I wish the blindfold prevented me from seeing. It’s a cruel joke; meant only to arouse others; a theatric, like Chase claimed. I’d rather not know…not see what’s coming.
The image of being flogged like the woman in the main room invades my mind. Or strapped to the giant X, nipple clamps fastened to the point of pain…but somehow, I realize that’s too simple, too mundane, for his tastes.
I’m proven right when I glimpse the entrance of three women. To say they’re beautiful would be an injustice. They’re stunning, breathtaking, torn right from the ethereal pages of a fantasy.
All have long waves draping their slim shoulders; two brunettes, one blonde. But all three wear only a thin, silver chain around their necks with a pendant. Otherwise, they’re as naked as I am. Heads bowed, they saunter toward the seated partners and take their places, kneeling before each one.
Is this the length of my humility? To be shown what is expected of me from these perfect women—from these submissives? I almost burst from the flood of relief, a nervous laugh held at the base of my throat as Chase’s hand surrounds my neck.
The cool brush of metal tickles my skin as he strings a delicate choker around my neck. “You’re to wear this at all times. It’s never to be removed. I’m the only one who can, and if I choose to, then you’re of no more service to me. I will release ownership over you.”
For some reason, the weight of the silver chain is more binding than the agreement where I literally signed away my life. Before I was brought here, before this…relationship between us became official, proof of my submission was required.
Understanding the law as I do, that printed agreement was more demeaning than anything I’ve experienced so far. Even now, standing before these lustful men, their beautiful women filling me with intimidation, having inked my name to prove my commitment to Chase felt more belittling.
I’ve secretly craved his attention for months. I desired his touch. I made a choice, sane and rational, to be with him—but my word is not enough. Seeing my life—the research done into my background—splashed across the binder was a cruel reminder, proof that my word is questionable. That I still harbor some deep-seated doubt that I’m inadequate.
And maybe I should thank him for that. Maybe I should’ve penned my signature in blood rather than ink. Giving him absolute control over everything. Because two days ago, I could never fathom myself here, now, being stripped bare before others in a secret penthouse.
In having my life scoured and my secrets revealed, Chase prepared me for this very moment. Once all your sins are categorically ordered and printed on letterhead for strangers to read, then standing before them chained and exposed becomes of little consequence.
Mercifully, I still retain privacy over my darkest secret. A background check doesn’t reveal all—and that
’s my one consolation.
My breath catches as Chase drops a kiss to the nape of my neck, the press of the clasp into my skin cementing his ownership. “Do you wish to please me?”
I squeeze my eyes closed. I utter the words silently before speaking them aloud. “Yes, Master.”
The feel of his secure grip, his body pressing against mine briefly, reveals his satisfaction at my response. “Begin.” His curt order prickles my skin. He promptly steps away, leaving me reeling.
My eyes blink open. I turn my head, my gaze following Chase as he moves toward the empty seat in the middle of the partners. The chain above rattles with my movements, my fear of the unknown quaking through my body.
As soon as he’s seated, all eyes on me, the three women advance.
There is no reluctance as they approach, no falter in their sexy gait. The blonde progresses onto the platform, her sure and sultry walk bringing her right before me. Our eyes meet, but there’s an absence of emotion in hers. No fear. No vacillation. Only the robotic duty of obedience.
How removed I am from that state? Does Chase already see me this way?
I glance at the pendant around her neck. A diamond encrusted bird, though I’m not sure what kind. It’s beautiful and elegant on her.
She brushes the back of her hand over my cheek, her soft fingers caressing and roving toward my lips.
“You’re not to touch her mouth.”