Page 36 of Healing Hazel
I laughed. “No, Kali with a ‘K’ as in the Hindu goddess who not only has the power to destroy but offers the liberation of knowledge that allows one to own their sense of empowerment.”
“Mira’s right. That’s perfect,” he said, then took the lobe of my ear between his teeth and gave a little tug and a nip before releasing it. “I’m so incredibly proud of you, Zellie. I know that took more out of you than you’d like to admit, so?—”
“Oh no you don’t,” I said, twisting in his arms until I faced him. “I distinctively remember in the elevator you saying you’drather I come. So, Master Nigel, we are not leaving this Dungeon until you’ve taken that step. Is that clear?”
He chuckled and slid his hand behind my neck, his fingers closing in that way that had my lady bits tingling.
“Crystal clear, and I think we’ll begin with a nice little reminder of exactly who is the Dom here.”
I shuddered. “Put your money where your mouth is and you’ve got a deal.”
My next sound was a far louder squeal than the one Sadie had given, as I was lifted several feet off the ground and draped over Nigel’s shoulder. At six inches over six feet, the floor looked far away and yet I never once feared he’d drop me.
“Ready to see behind the curtain, babygirl?”
“Oh, yes!” And though I was indeed upside down, that didn’t keep my mouth from dropping open as he descended the six steps it took to take us from where I’d finally left my old life in the past and we entered the space where our new life would begin.
Mira had been right. This was going to be far better than following any yellow brick road.
As my Master began to walk across the floor, the only question was at what station those first steps of our future would be taken.
Chapter Seventeen
Nigel
As a medic in the army, I’d dealt with scenes no one should ever have to witness, much less endure. As a doctor, I’d felt the surge of adrenaline and the rush of dopamine as they flooded through my body when a difficult surgery was successful. As a Dominant, I’d felt the honor of being awarded a submissive’s trust which was always accompanied by the weight of responsibility to prove myself worthy of that trust. But now, after hearing Hazel’s complete story, all the blanks filled in by her, Cedro, and Wes, I felt a rage toward a man as well as a crowd of people I’d never see and a wave of fierce need to protect this woman with my very last breath. I’d seen a lot of bravery over the course of my life, but what I’d learned tonight, how Hazel had fought until she could fight no more, humbled me in a way that I’d never believed possible.
In her story, she’d said part of her wanted to flee but it was too late. Unlike her, I was able to do so, but knew that if I did, it would be dishonoring the woman over my shoulder who deserved only the best I could give her. I couldn’t carry her out of the very place she’d craved to experience since she’d discovered her true need to submit. It would be tantamount tothat preacher declaring she was incapable of knowing what she needed, labeling what she craved as being sinful. But that didn’t mean I was incapable of changing my plans of tonight’s play.
It took me a moment to realize I’d come to a complete standstill in the middle of the room. And that only came when I heard the words, “Master Nigel? Is there a problem?” I looked up to see a young woman in the uniform of a service submissive had approached and was holding the black duffle bag I’d sent to the Dungeon earlier today.
“No, Luna, just wondering… would you mind hanging on to that a bit longer?”
“Of course, just let someone know when you’re ready for it. As for the room?”
“Hang on to that as well.”
“Yes, Sir.”
I thanked her and without further explanation, turned on my heel and started retracing my steps.
“Master? What’s the matter?”
“Nothing, babygirl. I just remembered there is yet a step thatIneed to take.” Once I’d returned to the upper level of the Dungeon, I moved to a chair tucked away from most of the others and slid Hazel off my shoulder and onto my lap as I took a seat.
“Nigel? If we’re back here, it’s not ‘nothing’. Is it because… because you don’t want to scene with me anymore?”
“Hell no!”
Hazel pulled back a bit and I shook my head. “Sorry, babygirl, I didn’t mean to say that so loudly. And this has nothing to do with you, well, not in the way that is trying to squirm its way into your head. This is all me.”
Large round eyes searched mine as if seeking words left unsaid, but then she finally gave a little nod. “Whatever it is, please let me help you figure it out.”
I smiled and slid my hand behind her neck and pulled her down to kiss her gently. Her body relaxed as she accepted I wasn’t about to dump her, either literally or figuratively. “That’s a given, babygirl. I’d made some plans for tonight’s scene, but after hearing your story, I believe I need to”—I placed a finger over her lips when they began to open—“let me finish.”
Her brow furrowed but she nodded and I pulled my finger away. “I was going to say, I believe I need to get your input. It has nothing to do withnotplaying, but a great deal tohowthat play goes tonight.”
“Okay, I guess that makes sense. I did lay a lot of crap on you tonight.”
