Page 24 of Britain

I chew on my thumbnail when the black dots start bouncing on the screen. Nervous anticipation fills me as I wait for his answer.

Silas: They have a dress code. Don’t worry I’ll take care of your outfit. I know you’re freaking out, but you need to trust me, okay?

Can I trust him? Can I trust that he will take care of me? Again, trust is a big factor in a D/s relationship. I have to trust him, or this isn’t going to work. I have to learn to trust men other than the ones I’m related to and the ones I’ve worked with.

Britain: Okay, I trust you.

Silas: Good.

***

Beth applies concealer under my eyes to cover the fading, yellowish bruises from my broken nose.

The day before, my mom managed to get me into the ENT and my nose was healing just fine. He just told me I couldn’t do any running or playing any sports for another week, but I’m okay with that. I was afraid I would need surgery, but I don’t.

There’s a tiny bit of swelling left, which Beth is trying to hide with makeup. She promised me that she’d try to keep it light and natural-looking, since she knows how I feel about it. I’ve decided, much to her excitement, to leave my hair down tonight. We decided to let my natural curls fly, and I’ll admit I do like my hair down…sometimes.

“Okay, you look great. It’s very natural-looking, and all you need is a little clear gloss on your lips.” Beth grabs my hands. “Are you okay?”

“I’m just nervous. I don’t want to embarrass him.”

“You’re not going to embarrass him. You are amazing.” She shakes my arms. “Now get your shit, and get out of here.”

I watch her disappear upstairs and head into the bathroom, freezing as I look in the mirror. Leaning in close, I look myself over. I don’t look like I’m wearing any makeup at all, but I look like I’m glowing. I decided that since I’ll be changing later to just wear my cutoff sweats and my favorite Cubs t-shirt.

After examining myself in the mirror, I pack my bag and then head upstairs. They’re sitting at the kitchen table eating when I come up. “I’m taking off. I’ll be home tomorrow sometime.”

I don’t miss the look my brother is giving me. Annie and Bridgette both hop down from their seats and hug me goodbye.

“Auntie Bwit, I’m gonna miss you.” My little Annie Bananie kisses me square on the lips.

“I’m going to miss you too, but I’ll be home tomorrow. Give me a hug, Bridgette.” She hugs me and kisses my cheek.

“Bye, Auntie Brit.” I wave goodbye and head out to my car.

I told Silas I would drive myself over. Maybe I wanted the means to escape if this whole thing goes bad. I throw my bag in my car when I hear my brother holler my name.

“What’s up? You’re not going to start asking me a bunch of questions, are you?” I ask.

He crosses his arms over his chest. “I know I’m not your father, but I just want you to be careful, and I don’t care what time it is—you need me, call me.”

I shut the passenger door and walk up to my brother. “I promise I’ll be careful, and I’ll call you if I need you.” He hugs me and then playfully shoves me away. In return, I give him a quick kidney punch.

“Ow, fuck!” He rubs the spot where I hit him.

“Hey, that’s what you get. Fucker!” I climb into my car and wave before pulling out. On my way to Silas’s, my nerves start to get the better of me. I decide to take the long way—while nausea pools in my belly.

My baby purring calms me. I don’t know what it is about it, but it gets me nice and relaxed. I check the time and make my way to Silas’s place.

After parking in the guest spot next to his Porsche, I lean my forehead on the steering wheel and take a deep breath. He said I could leave anytime if I got uncomfortable. I’m going to have to tell him what happened when I was little, but we’ll wait until he takes me to the club.

I grab my bag and climb out. On shaky legs I step onto the elevator and ride it up to his floor. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath in and then slowly blow it out. I ring the doorbell and wait for him to answer.

At least ten times I debate on running to the elevator and making my escape, but when the door opens and Silas smiles at me, my nerves settle almost immediately.

“Hi, baby,” he says as he grabs my hand, pulling me toward him. His fingers sift through my hair before he grips it at the base of my skull and kisses my lips so tenderly my whole body heats up. Silas licks the seam of my lips, and I open to him. Our tongues dance, and I lean into him so my chest is against his. All too soon the kiss ends, and he pulls back enough to smile down at me.

“You look amazing. Come on in, help me get dinner going.” He pulls me inside and takes my bag from me. He sets it on the floor in the living room.

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