Page 5 of On His Terms

“What you just showed me… I didn’t know it would be that hard core.”

“Go on.”

“The whole being submissive thing…” She worried her lower lip. Once she realized she was doing it, she stopped immediately. Her mother had spent years reinforcing what an awful habit that was. How would Chelsea ever capture a husband if she couldn’t be more elegant? “I guess I thought it was mostly about getting spankings and being tied up.”

“It’s more a state of mind,” he informed her. “What you’re talking about falls under the broad umbrella of bondage and discipline. And it could just be added kink in an otherwise vanilla relationship. But submission is about putting someone else’s needs before your own. And you do it from a genuine desire to serve, not because you see it as a means to an end. Most of all, it’s about mutual trust.”

His words landed like a chastisement.

“I appreciate your honesty,” he said. “I’m sure you will be able to find a man to spank you.”

Realizing he was dismissing her, she made a desperate offer. “Are you interested? I mean, it is your birthday, and someone should get a spanking, and I’m guessing you won’t be baring your butt.”

“Quite correct.”

She wished he’d tip his sexy cowboy hat back once more so she could read his expression better. “You could consider it a birthday present.”

“I’m not interested in giving you a spanking. And it has nothing to do with your delectable derrière. As I mentioned, my subs have a desire to serve. Which you do not.”

While she hadn’t liked being ignored, or the nasty little pinch, she had liked his firm command and the way he’d so masterfully swatted her. It had stung. But it had also warmed her skin, leaving her turned on.

“Please, I implore you to reconsider.” After all, she could do anything she set her mind to. “You won’t be disappointed in me. I promise you that.”

Just then, Master Damien called for everyone’s attention.

Standing next to each other, she and Alexander turned.

Sara had told Chelsea that the Den’s owner could have been a movie star. He had long, dark hair that was secured at his nape. Leather pants highlighted his strong muscles, and a short-sleeved black T-shirt revealed a tattoo she couldn’t quite make out.

Some Doms and Dommes urged their subs to their knees for the announcement. Those instructed verbally or through hand commands knelt without complaint.

Now she understood Master Alexander’s point. No one else appeared to rebel against the indignity the way she instinctively had.

When the crowd fell silent, Master Damien went on. “We’re celebrating Master Alexander’s birthday tonight.” He beckoned to a woman who pushed a rolling cart into the living room. A half-sheet cake was ablaze with dozens of candles.

He began to sing the happy birthday song—too bad Master Evan C wasn’t in the room—and others joined in.

When the terrible rendition ended and the guests applauded, Master Alexander blew out the candles. And because she figured he wouldn’t make a wish, she made one of her own.

“Thank you all! Being back is the best gift of all.”

Once more, everyone cheered enthusiastically.

“Chelsea here will be helping to serve the cake,” Master Alexander announced.

What? Furiously, stomach plunging, she scowled at him.

He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Let’s see how much you really want to be a sub.”

No way could she do this. Cake cutting wasn’t one of her skills. She could never get the pieces to stand up, and she always ended up with frosting all over her hands.

“You’re going to help Brandy.”

Be a server, as if she were his submissive?

“Follow her instructions.” The command in his tone left no room for arguing. “And, Chelsea? You’re going to do it with a smile.”

To get her going, he placed his fingers against the small of her back and gave her a gentle nudge.

---