Page 55 of The Masquerade: Room 2

“Is that a promise?” Her laughter tinkles through the air, delighting my senses.

“It’s a certainty. Now, let’s talk about the other kink we uncovered tonight.”

She visibly shrinks at the mention. “I was out of order. You commanded that I call you Sir. I got carried away.”

I grip her chin and tilt her head back to see me. “Stop apologizing for indulging a kink. If you didn’t notice, I have the corresponding kink.”

“I thought…”

“That I was placating you?”

“Yes.”

“No. I will never do that. My job as your Dominant is to help you discover your soft and hard limits. Your wants and needs. Hear that again. You have needs, little one. It is brave to explore. In truth…” Now, I’m the one who hesitates. “I’ve never had a submissive call me that outside of a single lesson on the kink. Sir ensures that I keep a healthy distance from the subs I train.”

“Why? If you don’t mind me asking, Daddy.”

“Because I train submissives so they can live the lifestyle with the knowledge of their particular kinks. I help them realize what they want in a partner. Short-term, long-term, or forever.”

“So you don’t keep submissives? Is that the right word?”

“I’ve never kept a submissive. I’m…” I trail my fingers down her arms before wrapping mine around her, holding her close.

“Just because I’m the submissive doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me, Daddy.”

“I’m fucked up, little one. I am not fit to be anyone’s forever Dom.”

“We’re all messed up in our own ways. I’m still wearing a mask after letting you do all kinds of wicked things to me. Tell me I’m not messed up.”

“You’ll be comfortable enough in time. What’s wrong with me can’t be fixed. It won’t go away. I’ll never be a man worthy of your… affection. It’s better this way.” The truth of my words is a physical pain in my chest. Honestly, I’ve never wanted to be that man until now.

“I think you’re a better man than you believe yourself to be.”

“I appreciate that, little one. For your next lesson, we will explore your Daddy kink further.”

“Is that what you want? You said you don’t let submissives call you that.”

“I enjoyed you calling me Daddy. It seems only fitting that you’re my little one. It seems I uncovered a kink myself. With you.”

“I’m honored.”

“Time to get out. The water is getting cold.” I extricate myself from the tub and grab a towel, holding it for her. Her ass is crimson from the cane, and it’s a beautiful sight. Once we’ve dried off, I grab the aloe vera and lead her back into the playroom and over to the bed. “Lie face down.”

She is so elegant as she lowers herself onto the plush covers. I climb on the bed, straddling her as I squeeze a generous amount of aloe into my hand. She flinches as the cool lotion makes contact with her sensitive skin.

I smooth it out, careful not to rub too hard. “Your ass suits this shade of red.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“Are you frustrated, little one?” I already know the answer. How could she not be?

“Yes, but I understand why I’m not allowed to come.”

“Why haven’t you asked my name? I am eager to know more about you, and yet you desire nothing more than my dick and my ability to make your ass crimson. I’m not asking to make you uncomfortable. I want to understand so I know how best to teach you in our six months together.” It’s bullshit, and I know it. I want her to want to know more about me.

“It’s easier to be free with you. Not knowing who you are, I don’t have to carry the guilt of what pleases me. I don’t have to be ashamed of what I want.”

I still my hands before twisting her onto her back, making sure she’s looking at me as I say this. “Whether you know my name or not or if you show your face, and I show mine, it won’t change how you should behave in this room. I will never make you feel guilty for knowing what you want. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of yourself, Freya. I will look at you with the same adoration as I do now, do you understand?”

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