Page 9 of Absolution

“Yes, Sir. I’m currently without a Dom.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” A small shiver of arousal skittered through me when his finger trailed down my arm. “I’d like to negotiate a scene if you’re interested.”

Joe chose that moment to return with our drinks so it gave me time to consider the request. Blond men weren’t usually my type, but I was most definitely interested, which almost had me in tears of relief considering how discouraged I’d been only an hour ago. I took a small sip of my wine before making my final decision.

“I think I’d like that.”

He didn’t respond immediately. With a glance I could tell he wasn’t paying attention, and if the pained expression on his face was any indicator, it seemed like maybe he was regretting asking. I saw the moment he shook it off, because his eyes focused back on me.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

“I said I’m definitely interested, Sir.”

I smiled up at him, but this time it was mine that didn’t reach my eyes. Suddenly all of this felt wrong. Call it women’s intuition, but it hit me that Donovan wasn’t as into me as he let on. He held out his hand, and I opened my mouth to tell him I changed my mind, but then I caught sight of Leo. His expression was blank, but his eyes were dark and stormy. It was all the incentive I needed, and I swallowed back the words.

Donovan led me through the public play room, past the DM monitoring the corridor, and down the hallway of private rooms. With each step I took, a weight grew heavier in my belly. I collided with his back when he abruptly stopped as soon as we entered the room. My mind had drifted back to Leo instead of focusing on the upcoming scene. I stood there a little uncertainly, not sure what would happen next. The last time I’d had this level of insecurity with a play partner was the night I’d met Timothy, my first Dom.

“This scene isn’t about having sex. I just want you to know that up front.”

Donovan’s voice startled me, and his words shouldn’t have sent a measure of relief through me, but they did. I sent him an understanding smile, actually thankful for his admission.

“Yes, Sir. I’m more than happy to serve in whatever capacity you need me. My safe word is bologna. My hard limits are the cane, breath play, humiliation, and kissing.”

Over the years I’d received a few raised eyebrows at the last, but I’d never budged. To me, a kiss was something shared between lovers. Every Dom I’d ever scened with, including Timothy, was a man I’d consented to, but that intimate, vulnerable part of a lover’s kiss, I kept to myself. I was a twenty-six-year-old kissing virgin. Knowing this wasn’t about sex, and merely the power exchange, I allowed myself to relax. I remained standing, quietly with my head down waiting on further instructions.

“Present yourself over the bench, sub. I want you on your knees, chest down, ass up, legs spread, and your hands clasped at the small of your back. You will not move. You will not speak unless I give you permission or you need to use your safe word. Do you understand?” His strong, Dominant voice poured over me.

“Yes, Sir.” I acknowledged his command and settled over the black leather spanking bench precisely how he’d dictated. I closed my eyes as a wave of calmness came over me while I heard him rummage through the wardrobe that housed a variety of implements. My loose muscles sank into the soft, supple leather, and I waited. And waited.

“I’m sorry, Gina, but I can’t do this. You can stand up.”

Wait, what?

Automatically, I followed his command and raised up. He helped me off my knees and then brushed a kiss across my forehead.

“Sir, did I do something wrong?”

“No, Gina, you did nothing wrong. I’m just not in the right headspace to provide you the proper care you deserve. You need more than I can give you.” There was so much pain on Donovan’s face.

His hand warmed mine, but then it quickly cooled when he released it. I was still reeling when he walked out the door without another word. Stunned, I stumbled back until my knees hit the bed, and I dropped onto it with a soft thud. For six years, being a submissive has helped me heal. It’s been the one aspect of my life where I haven’t had to think. Not about Gideon. Not about the pills. I could actually get out of my head and do nothing butfeel.

Gideon’s calls have now been forcing me to think. Donovan leaving just like that was forcing me to think. Did I really do something wrong? Was I not submissive enough? The one night where a Dom exuded enough power to make me forget about everything for a brief time, who, without even trying had me justfeeling.Only to have that ripped away.

Chapter 6

Leo

Static sounded inmy earpiece before a voice came through it.

“I need a DM to room six. Donovan reported a sub needed some aftercare.”

Fuck, that had to be Gina. Quickly, I pushed my comm button.

“It’s Leo. I’ll take care of her. On my way.”

“Roger that.”

I dashed through a cluster of people loitering near the rigging apparatus, my heart pounding. What the hell happened? She and Donovan hadn’t been together in that room long enough for her to require aftercare. I acknowledged the DM manning the entryway.

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