Page 220 of Ashes of Sin and Stardust

“That’s good to hear.”

“We had that horrible conversation yesterday, though,” she sighed, and I could see the mask of professionalism fall over her face. “That one you never want to have.”

“I can imagine that was quite upsetting.”

“Well, it wasn’t the first time it’s come up. But it wasn’t any better. Especially because now... it’s real, you know?” She finally met my eye. That fierceness in her eyes was back, like she was fighting an invisible battle. I loved that look on her, even though I hated that she was upset.

“So that went about as well as could be expected. Anyway, we have some time before we have to really start... doing anything.”

She stopped talking, turning her head to see the photo on the wall. In the photo, Becca held a bouquet of flowers and her newly earned diploma, a huge grin on her face. Her Master was by her side, and Mike, Simon, Jess, Alexis, Brittany, and I had stood around them. We had all come out to see her receive her degree, and I’d thrown a party at my house.

“He said he picked someone for me,” she whispered. “That you two talked about it.”

“Yes.”

There was a weight in the air. Becca knew she could ask, but I knew she wasn’t going to. She knew she could say, “I don’t want to. I want to be on my own.” But she wasn’t going to. She wanted to do what Jeff wanted for her. It brought her joy to bring him joy.It was a chance for her to trust him.

She knew she could ask me questions, but I knew she wouldn’t. The last time we’d had this conversation, I’d simply told her, “I’m leaving for a few weeks, and I think you should stay with my friend so you’re not alone.”

She knew then she could say no. She knew now too. But she hadn’t... Because she trusted me. It warmed my heart to know she trusted me now just as much as she had then... maybe even more.

She continued to stare at the photo in silence as I stared at her. Then, as if shaking off her memory, she turned to me and said, “How are things on your end? How’s thebrat wranglinggoing?”

She was changing the subject and moving on. It was her way of saying,Yes sir.

“Surprisingly well. Despite the unending emotional rollercoaster she seems to ride, and how incredibly tired I am, I’m afraid I’ve grown quite fond of her. She’s been downright pleasant the past few days, actually... which means I’m probably in for it this evening.”

Becca smirked. “I think you’re in for it a little earlier than that. Are you aware you’re wearing two different kinds of shoes?”

I looked down at my shoes in surprise. Sure enough, they were both black, and both the same brand, but were slightly different styles.

“What the... oh, that little snot.” I reached into my pocket and grabbed my cell phone to text her, but she had already sent me several photos. They were of her, twisted up in her sheets, definitely naked but hiding all the best parts.

I texted her back.Very nice... Don’t think this is going to get you out of your punishment tonight.

She replied with an emoji of an eye roll.

I shook my head and put my phone back into my pocket. “Like I said... things aregreat.” I took another swig of my coffee. “She is a never-ending source of entertainment. Although, I wanted to get your advice and pick your brain about non-masochistic coping mechanisms for intense mood swings.”

“Hah! Good luck. I’ve been trying to get her to try things besides pain for years now. But I can talk to her next week when I see her. What have you been doing?”

I explained to Becca what we’d done so far: her writing, her attempting to identify her triggers, my redirection, and the subtle use of hypnosis I’d started implementing that she had consented to, but not noticed yet.

Becca approved all my methods so far and gave me a few more suggestions to try for when things started getting sticky again.

I gave her a hug before I left. Before we left her office, she stopped me. “Um... Reuben...” she reached up and tugged slightly on the collar of my shirt. “Are you aware your undershirt is inside out?”

For fuck’s sake. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and reached behind me. Sure enough, the tag was sticking out over the collar of my button-down.

“Well, I guess I’m going by the grocery store on my way home, because someoneclearlywants a spanking.”

Becca laughed, probably knowing full well what I had in mind. “Hey, let’s do something soon. It’s been a while.”

“It has, hasn’t it? Maybe this weekend at The Lounge.”

“Everyone knows you’re in town, and that you’ve got the ‘Demon of the Underground’ living with you. You need to bring her by and show her off.”

“Why, so she can brat me in front of all my friends?”

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