Page 7 of Room One Hundred and Seven: Catch and Claim

But I can’t do that.

I watch the flow in the lounge as I wait for my first interview because watching my surroundings has become second nature. I can feel eyes on me, but it doesn’t give me the feeling of danger.

I’ve learned to trust my gut in the last ten years, and I know I’m safe right now. At least as safe as I can be in Seattle.

“Mistress?”

The tentative question has me abandoning my perusal of the lounge to take in the man standing a few feet from my table. I tilt my head as I observe him. He’s standing at his full height which would be intimidating if he weren’t looking at my chin. I almost smile because it’s clear to me that he’s being respectful of me.

“Charles,” I don’t say his name like a question because I’m not asking.

“Yes, ma’am,” he bows his head slightly.

I give a nod, but I don’t invite him to sit with me. Not yet.

As the silence stretches between us, I can see the strain grow on his face. With all my attention focused on him, it’s clear to me how much he wants to fidget. But, to his credit, he doesn’t. Not much, anyway.

When he shifts his weight from one foot to the other slightly for the fifth time, I take pity on him.

“Please, Charles, have a seat,” my voice is an offering as I motion toward the chair across from me.

With my back against the wall, I will be the only thing he’ll be allowed to focus on. Just the way I like it.

From the applications I was given yesterday, I’m aware of his desires and his limits, but a paper can’t tell me what I really need to know. Some men think they want to be dominated, especially if they haven’t done it much before, but when they’re faced with a woman who expect the power exchange to be respected, they change their tune.

That’s why I insist on interviewing subs outside of a sexually charged situation. For men who aren’t the right fit for me, they won’t be able to have me take the lead. They’ll try to lead the conversation or move it along.

“Thank you,” Charles murmurs softly as he settles into the chair.

Even though he sits up straight, there’s something relaxed about him. He keeps his eyes on the table with small glances up at me, but he isn’t furtively stealing looks around the lounge. There’s no nervousness in his body language, just curiosity and a little nervousness that I would expect considering he doesn’t know me.

“Tell me, Charles, would you be okay with being part of one of the public demonstrations I’ll be putting on while I’m here?”

He swallows hard but doesn’t flinch. It’s a good sign.

When he glances up at me, he doesn’t make eye contact again. “I wouldn’t have a problem with that, Mistress.” As he shifts in his chair slightly, he clears his throat. “Is calling you Mistress your preference? Or would you prefer something else?”

In order to stop myself from grinning, I press my lips together. “Good boy,” I coo at him, and I swear he preens under my praise. “I appreciate you asking especially since I didn’t correct you the first time.” He sucks in a breath, probably not fully realizing that he already used the honorific when he wasn’t given permission. I chuckle softly when he pales slightly. “It’s fine. I know your intention was to be respectful of not only my role, but my position with the club. I won’t punish you for it, Charles,” there’s a slightly tease in my voice, but also a promise that I might punish him for taking such liberties in the future.

His lips tip up slightly, a ghost of a smile showing me just what he thinks about the possibility of being punished by me.

I relax back into my chair and wave my hand dismissively as I answer his initial question. “Mistress works for me, Charles.”

“Thank you,” he whispers softly.

“Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and what you aren’t looking for. Even though I read your application, I think it’s important to make sure we’re on the same page before I take on a sub, temporarily or not.”

When he nods, I almost laugh because he reminds me of an eager puppy. I know he’s only my first interview, but I have a good feeling about Charles. Not only does he seem to understand the dynamics, but there’s an authenticity that men who only apply to work with me because they want a chance to flip the script don’t have.

“While we chat, Charles, please look me in the eyes. I need to be able to see your sincerity,” I pause until he makes eye contact and give him a small, pride filled smile, “and you need to see mine.”

“Thank you, Mistress.”

I give a nod and then we start having a conversation which, from the outside, looks like any interaction two people at a coffee shop would have. It’s not though. We go over all of his hard and soft limits, our experience with power exchange, and why he applied to be a sub for me while I’m visiting.

The more I talk with Charles, the more I consider taking him on. With more interviews scheduled, I won’t decide quite yet. The longer I sit and focus on my job, the less daunting being back in Seattle feels.

Maybe I’ll even be able to enjoy my stay here.

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