Standing, he held out his hand, and we walked back to his bathroom together. Luca started the shower and drew me inside, bathing me like I was the most precious thing in the world. I returned the favor and we made love again, even though not I was absolutely positive I wasn’t walking tomorrow. When we washed off again, my legs were aching as he dried me off.
“I know you’re exhausted, but I’m not done with you yet.” His beautiful grin gave me the energy I needed not to groan. Luca was an insatiable lover, not that I minded. “Kneel up on the bed.”
I wasn’t sure my body could handle another round, but I somehow managed to follow his command. Watching him walk into the closet, and come back out with a long box, I had no idea what he was up to. His fingers played over the velvet texture, and those blue eyes were so intense I felt the desire build again.
“Are you mine?” His words were deep, husky and full of emotion.
“Of course I am, Sir.” Confused at why he would ask that question, I could only stare back into his gaze.
“Do you promise to belong to me, and allow me the honor of being your Master?”
My heart fell into my stomach at his words, and I nodded before remembering I needed to speak. “For as long as you’ll have me, Sir.”
He opened the box and held it down for my perusal and I gasped. Cradled inside the velvet was a diamond choker that brilliantly picked up the lights, making it shimmer with rainbow colors. “This is my collar. If you choose to wear this, you belong to me. So again I ask you, sweet girl, are you mine?”
My lips trembled and tears filled my eyes. “I think I’ve been yours from the moment we first met, Sir. Yes, I want to belong to you.” There was no doubt in my mind. He was more than just my dominant. Luca was my teacher, friend, and inevitably the Master of my heart.
“Lift your hair for me.” The tenderness in his voice was all it took to make the waterworks start. As he secured the clasp around my neck I had never felt more cherished. The collar was beautiful, but it was the sentiment of his action that spoke directly to my heart. His fingers lifted to my cheeks, wiping away the falling tears, and he pulled me into his arms.
“Those who don't understand the true meaning of a Master/slave relationship will never see that in submission a woman holds more power than the man she's given herself to.”
His words spoke to something profound in my soul, and I held him even tighter. We held each other that way for long minutes, and I knew without doubt there would never be another time in my life when I felt so deeply. I’d given myself to him, but at the same time, with that collar, he’d given himself to me. There’s not a description in the word that could explain the depth of emotion of knowing you belonged to another person.
“Oh crap, Sir. I think I’m burning dinner!” I have no idea why that finally hit me with what I was feeling with him. Talk about a mood changer. He chuckled deeply and released his hold on me. Standing up, he walked over to the chest of drawers, and pulled on a pair of jogging pants, while shaking his head.
“We’ve got to work on your timing, sweet girl.” Only his laughter kept me from feeling horrible about breaking the tenderness of that moment.
Unable to help myself, I laughed with him and we slid out of bed. Dinner was an absolute bust, and he called in takeout. We got rid of the remains, and were both still smiling when the task was finished. I walked into the bathroom when the delivery guy appeared, and stared into the mirror at my new jewelry.
It finally hit me that I was Luca’s slave. My fingers lifted to the beautiful diamonds, stroking over them lightly. No one in the outside world would see this as anything but a necklace. I knew in my heart what it meant, and no diamonds could ever take the beauty of what it signified away.
“You have no idea how much seeing you wear this means to me. I’d show you, but I think we’ll both die of starvation if we don’t eat this time.” He’d walked up behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist as we stared into the mirror at our reflections.
“I can’t imagine a better way to go, Sir.” Smiling at him, I realized that I meant those words.
“It’s a good thing you’ve got me for a Master, then, sweet girl. I’ll never allow you to go without things you need.” He dropped his arms and gave me a quick slap to my bare ass. “Move it, wench, I’m starving!”
With a giggle, I scurried back into the kitchen area and we sat down at the breakfast bar to finish our meal. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him and the smile he kept darting my way, told me he knew it. He deserved that ego. In my mind, he was perfection personified.
After dinner, we went back to the bedroom, and I was hoping he wasn’t ready to sleep. It amazed me that less than an hour ago I didn’t think I could handle any more passion, but Luca had this way of making me insatiable. When he spoke again, I was rethinking my earlier opinion of getting rest.
“Getting on a plane, not asking me to meet you at the airport, and even forgetting to have Jackson escort you could have had a completely different outcome than what happened tonight. You understand that, right?”
Oh, shit. I was in trouble. “Yes, Sir.” I knew Luca’s position wasn’t always safe because there were crazy people out there that didn’t like how he handled his business, or the drugs his company produced.
“As much as I want to let that slide, because you’ve agreed to be mine, and I’m glad you’re here. Your safety is more important than my needs. Over my knee, sweet girl.”
He sat down on the bed, patting his lap and without hesitation, I draped myself over his legs. It had been a long time since I’d been disciplined by him, and despite knowing he wouldn’t really hurt me, my stomach tensed in nervous anticipation.
That hand I loved for the pleasure it gave me, caressed my ass lightly, reminding me of all the things he could do. With measured movements, he brought it down until I wriggled at the discomfort, and then mercifully stopped. Just as easily as he’d spanked me, he stroked away the heat with a tender caress.
“You will always consider your safety first from now on. Promise me.” With his light strokes I relaxed and breathlessly replied.
“Yes, Master.” It was the first time I’d called him that out loud, and it sent shivers through my body.
Lifting me up in his lap to sit, he smoothed down my hair gently then placed a light kiss to my cheek. “Good girl.” There was emotion in his voice, too, and I could only think that calling him Master affected him in the same way.
We made love again, and there was no rush this time. He reminded me why I couldn’t get enough of him before securing my wrist to his bed. Snuggling in his arms we both fell asleep. It felt so good to be back home.
chapter 16
Owned
We had the entire weekend to ourselves and nothing pleased me more. Getting back into the routine of being nude wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be, and to be honest, it was rather freeing not to worry about clothes. Luca didn’t bother with them, either, so it reminded me constantly how much I wanted him.
We spent Saturday making love in every position imaginable – never once leaving the house. Before him, I didn’t even think it was possible to have sex that much. He even played with me some, but it was all pretty light, and didn’t go further than flogging. Luca explained to me that he enjoyed doing scenes but had missed my company so much that all he really wanted to do was enjoy our reunion.
I can definitely say it was a day of absolute bliss that left me sore and completely satisfied. When we fell asleep that night I think it was out of utter exhaustion. Sunday, he decided to take me out exploring the city, telling me it was only because he wanted me to be ready for my training sessions with David. I’d continued exercising when I’d left Chicago, but wasn’t sure anything prepared a person to work with my sadistic trainer.
Refusing to let that thought ruin the day, I enjoyed shopping and spending time with Luca, but the grooming I’d slacked off on? Not so much. I hated the waxing ordeal, but knew it made him happy so accepted the
torture. I also had my hair cut and styled again, so there were good points about visiting the spa. We even had our nails manicured together, something I’d never seen a man do back in Alabama.
Being owned by Luca didn’t change the routine he’d already built for me before I had to leave. The only true difference was now I wore his collar. In my mind, I belonged to him long before he’d ever claimed me, so it was just normal. What didn’t seem ordinary was the revelation he’d given about me visiting the dungeon again tonight. I wasn’t sure how I felt about returning knowing that Damon might be there. He obviously read me easily, because we sat down on a park bench together as he held my hand.
“Damon won’t be there. I told you before I took care of things, sweet girl, but never went into detail. He’s been banned from any local activity with our group after admitting the lines he overstepped with you. Damon and his slaves will never be a problem again.”
I was shocked as he explained the meeting he called after the abuse I’d suffered. Discovering that the community had a system in place that kept offenders out was news to me. That turned into a discussion about how the group I’d met at the munch was a very tight-knit family. I also learned there were several of them in the city, and the way they handled things was uniquely different.
Even a novice like I’d been at the time, had seen that their group was comprised of professionals. It had been one of the first things that struck me when we talked over dinner. I think I was even more shocked when he told me that they’d accept me with open arms because of my affiliation with him and even had connections in the business world to help each other succeed. It was almost like a very nice gang.
Luca got a big kick out of my description and we laughed over that. “Not a gang, sweet girl, like-minded people who care about each other. I would do anything for them and they return the sentiment. We’ll talk to some of the leaders tonight. That’s why we’re going.”
Now that Damon wasn’t an issue, I had no problem going with him. I had seen things the last time with innocent eyes, but with everything he’d taught me, I was curious how I’d view those activities now. Luca dressed me in surprisingly conservative clothing before we left. I was wearing a long navy, pencil skirt, white dress blouse, and heels. Of course, panties and hose were not an option. He hated those things and made it a point to let me know I’d rarely be allowed their use.
When we arrived, even knowing I was safe, I felt a little nervous. Then Luca took my hand, and that feeling disappeared. He would never let anything hurt me, and as long as I was with him, I could feel nothing but safe. Even walking through a room full of people doing things that once terrified me, I felt confident.
I was a little confused when we walked to the back of the building, where we’d sat on the couches before and continued on through a door. It opened up to a meeting room with a huge conference table that could easily sit twenty. At the moment, it held six people who had all been present at the munch.
The first female dominant I’d met, which I now knew was a Mistress, stood up. “I’m so happy that you’ve finally found your girl, Luca.” She was perfect in every way, but instead of feeling awkward like I would have when I first moved here, I could see her beauty and not be jealous.
“She’s precious to me.” Luca smiled broadly then turned his attention my way. “Gina, this is Amber. She’s one of the founding members of the board, and I respect her greatly.”
“Nice to meet you, Ma’am.” Knowing that Luca honored this woman made me want to offer my own form of respect.
“Just Amber, my dear, but thank you for the title. You’ll discover that our group doesn’t expect our slaves or submissive’s to label other dominants, unless they are in a scene together.”
I accepted her offering and smiled, learning something else new. She introduced the other members of the board. Paul, Steven, Louis, Robert, and Mitchell. I knew I’d never remember all their names, but greeted them with cordial kindness.
“We asked Luca to bring you here tonight, to apologize for Damon’s behavior. I hope he’s informed you that his actions would never be tolerated in this group.” Amber’s tone, while confident, seemed to anger at the mention of Damon’s name.
“He has. Of course I don’t hold you responsible for what he did, and I’m glad he’s no longer allowed to hurt other people here.” I found my voice, and felt really good about myself for not being afraid to give my opinion.
“I like her, Luca.” Amber grinned, and I thought she was even more beautiful than before when she smiled.
“Sorry, you can’t have her.” Luca winked at me, and I blushed deeply. I guess it hadn’t occurred to me that as a woman she’d even think about me that way.
“Such a beautiful blush. If you change your mind, my dear.” Her perfectly arched eyebrow lifted, and my face infused with heat.
“Um, thanks, but I’m happy where I am.” I whispered the words, not sure how to deal with flirtation by a woman. You have to understand I was raised in the bible belt, and it still wasn’t commonplace to see that type of behavior, at least not on television.
“In that case, I hope you and Luca are very happy together. He’s a wonderful Master, and the training he’s given my subs, exemplary.”
That threw my mind for a loop, and I wasn’t sure how to answer, so I didn’t. Oddly enough I wasn’t jealous at knowing that Luca had trained for her. Something had changed within me after my trip back to Alabama, and I had a hard time pinpointing why. Maybe it was because I’d missed him so much?
“Thank you for putting her mind at ease. I would like to let Gina watch some of the others play.” Luca was a lifesaver taking over conversation because I honestly couldn’t think of a thing.
“Of course. Just know if you need anything, we’re all here to help welcome you into the fold.” Amber handed me several business cards, and I took them a little taken back that they belonged to each person in the room. I couldn’t see myself ever needing their help, but it was a nice gesture.
“Thank you so much. It was really nice meeting all of you.” I felt like an awkward turtle after speaking. There went my confidence, I thought to myself. I’d never been so happy when Luca led me out of there.
“I’ve very proud of you sweet girl, having them all in one room probably seemed a little intimidating.”
“Yes, Sir. I guess knowing they were all dominants was a little overwhelming.” That was an understatement. It was like being submerged in a group of powerful people that all knew what buttons to push even if they’d been quiet, except for Amber.
“They aren’t Damon. I can speak for every person in that room and promise that dominating you would never cross their mind without implicit permission from not only me, but you.”
“Why was he so different then, Sir?” Luca led me back to the couches and he patted his lap for me to sit. For a moment, he seemed to be struggling with words, something I never saw him have a problem with.
“He wasn’t always that way. Before his first slave passed away, Damon was a very loving Master. Losing her, sent him down a path I don’t think he’s recovered from. Alcohol, drugs, and who knows what else, became more of a passion than the girls he was caring for. You can’t master someone else when your head is that screwed up.”
I felt a brief compassion for what he’d lost, but it definitely didn’t give him the right hurt others. “I can understand loss, Sir, but when you take that out on people, you lose the right for respect.”
“My smart, sweet girl. You’re absolutely right. Amber encouraged him to go into rehab before kicking him out of the group. He refused. If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that a person has to be willing to ask for help.”
“I notice you don’t drink, Sir.” We’d never discussed that and it seemed like the right time to ask. It was funny how all the scenes were happening around us and I felt like we were still in our own private world.
“I wouldn’t be much of a Master if I allowed outside influences to taint m
y responses. Responsible drinking isn’t a problem for me with my submissive’s, but I personally don’t care for alcohol. Drugs are an automatic dismissal from my life. I’ve seen the negative effects they have on people, and won’t surround myself with anyone who used them. Even recreationally.”
My Master had scruples. Not that I hadn’t already figured that out, but his speech drove the point home. “I guess it’s a good thing that I don’t like them, either, then, Sir.”
He grasped my chin and turned my face toward him. With a smirk on his face, his lips moved scant inches away from mine. “I’d just punish the need for them out of you if you were ever so inclined.”
I bit back a laugh, because I knew he was serious, but it was still funny. Addiction for me would obviously not be a problem in the future. I held it off as long as I could before the laughter refused to be contained.
“Think I’m joking, do you, girl?” His eyes darkened and his tone deepened, giving me another ‘oh, shit’ moment.
“Absolutely not, Sir. I’m positive you would do exactly what you said.” Backtrack, do it quickly.
“Is that so? I think we need to make sure you understand how seriously I take this issue.” Lifting me out of his lap, my ‘oh, shit,’ turned into ‘holy fuck, I’m in trouble,’ in the blink of an eye. “Follow me.”
Without a glance back, he walked over to the Saint Andrews cross, and stood by it, tapping his foot. I walked over to him as quickly as I could, my hands on the buttons of my shirt, undoing them with each step. His long fingers stroked the leather cuff attached to the cross as I allowed my shirt to drop to the floor, followed by my bra. As I stepped up so he could restrain me my legs shook. I’m not sure if that was in fear or anticipation, though.
Warming me up, he caressed my back with his hands, and some of the tension left my body. This was familiar to me, and it didn’t matter if we were in his living room or the dungeon. I knew what came next. The first fall of the thick flogger against my back was welcomed with a sigh of appreciation.
Cherished Page 15
