Page 106 of The Keeper

“I told him he was just a distraction. A casual fling.” The corners of my eyes stung with tears. “I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“No, you shouldn’t have. While it’s not my place to speak on any punishments, I’m compelled to advise you on discussing your limits before proceeding in a relationship with him.” His expression softened slightly. “Do you understand?”

I nodded.

An eyebrow quirked. Oh for crying out loud.

“Yes, I understand,” I answered, fighting with all my might not to roll my eyes.

“Good. I’m not asking these questions because I think you’re not good enough for him, Victoria. Or that you’re going to deliberately hurt him. Quite the opposite. I’ve observed the two of you together, although briefly. You handle him well. He can be,” he paused, “impulsive.”

“No shit,” I muttered, reaching for my water.

“I can see why he likes you,” Bennet chuckled. “You challenge him. I’d have put you over my knee at least a dozen times by now but to each their own.”

A dozen? I nearly did an involuntary comedic spit-take. A dozen? I couldn’t get Xavier to do it once and this guy already has a dozen reasons? What the actual…

“I can tell you’re wondering what I consider disobedience.” He smirked. “You’re not a true submissive, so my explaining what I think is misbehaving or defiance wouldn’t work for you. And that would only make me want to lay you across my knee even more. Nobody wins.”

What a fascinating piece of work he is. He’s right though. I don’t have a submissive bone in my body. Unlike the quiet blonde sitting across from me.

“I appreciate your honesty, Victoria. I’ve known Xavier for a long time. We’re as close as brothers. As I mentioned before, his well-being is important to me. I won’t divulge any further. I’m sure you and Xavier will have a lot to talk about this week.”

Bennet put his arm around Hannah’s shoulders. A delicate gesture from one of the most dominant men I’ve ever come across. My heart pounded, betraying the confident exterior I portrayed during our exchange. I’ve always been curious to know what it was like to be around a true Dominant. I hope Hannah knows what she’s getting herself into.

Winston ran at full speed along the perimeter of the dog area before finding the perfect spot to pee. A cool breeze brushed over my bare arms and legs. A refreshing reprieve after spending the evening with Bennet. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve liked Bennet since the first minute I met him in London. I figured he’d be an amicable counterpart to have for future partnerships with our teams. I still feel that way on a professional level.

Tonight’s interaction left the distinct impression I was being studied. Even after his interrogation, I noticed Bennet drinking in my every move, absorbing every word I said, memorizing every reaction.

None of it made me too uncomfortable. It piqued my curiosity more than anything and I wanted to know why. Why did Bennet feel as though he had to protect his friend?

Maybe for the same reasons you should have protected your sister.

The vicious thought winded me. Shaking, I grasped the wrought iron fence and crouched down. All the answers to everything I wanted to know about the final summers we spent in England waited for me upstairs.

Charlotte’s Diary

I lied.

I probably shouldn’t even be writing this down but if I don’t get it out of my head it’ll haunt me for days and days and days. I can’t even talk to my sister about it. She’ll get worried and say something to mom and then I’ll be backed into a corner. Again. And the questions will start and never end.

So yeah. I lied. I didn’t spend the night at Millie’s on Saturday.

We went to a party at some huge estate near London. Millie’s friend invited us. I really wanted to go because Adam was also going to the party. Millie made me promise not to tell you Tori (sorry). I did have your voice in the back of my mind all night though. You’re always telling me to be adventurous and take risks. Fine. I did it. So much for being the responsible twin.

I’m tearing these pages out as soon as I finish writing this.

The party was fine. Great, actually. It felt like one of those teen parties you always see in the movies when the parents are away and everyone goes to the popular kid’s house. Only in this case it was the popular kid’s CASTLE. Dancing, drinking, couples making out on couches, in hallways, in secluded corners. Everyone looked and acted so grown up.

Oh Tori, you would have loved this place.

Being there made me feel like I’d been offered a glimpse into another life.

No. That’s not right.

There’s this part of me that doesn’t fit in anywhere. Not a whole part. Just a layer. But it’s there and it eats away at me. I hide it well. I have to. I’m the student body president, the youngest one ever at school. Captain of the debate team. Straight A student. I have a certain persona and I have to make sure nobody sees what lies beneath.

It’s a lot of stress for one person but keeping up appearances is mandatory.

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