Page 52 of Compelled Obedience

“Hmmm…” He finally turned around to face me and I felt my face turning bright red. Thank God the lighting in the room prevented him from seeing it. “Well then, if you’re serious, I’ll ask one of my master doms to have a discussion with you. If he believes you can be trained and that you’re truly willing, then it’s something I’ll consider.”

I smiled. Maybe this was going to work out after all. Excitement tore through me, although I’d prefer that he be the one to train me. However, there was no way I could make such a request. “Thank you.”

He chuckled and walked closer, taking his time. “Don’t thank me yet, Star Angel.” There was scrutiny in his intense eyes, and I realized I was holding my breath. He was even more gorgeous tonight, casual with an open shirt and jacket, his tailored trousers leading the way to sockless loafers. He still looked like a million bucks, but I was provided with a glorious view of his sculpted chest.

Get your mind out of the gutter.

It was impossible around him.

When he was only a foot away, he took a deep breath. “There’s going to be a huge party this coming weekend for the LA Robins. Supposedly, they are considered the front runner to win the World Series. Now, you’ve not had experience with them before, so I will tell you that at their best behavior they are a rowdy bunch. If they lose, I can only imagine what they’ll be like, although I’ve taken great pains to make certain their behavior doesn’t get out of hand.”

“O-kay.” What did this have to do with me?

He studied me again, keeping his eyes sweeping up and down my mask. I was more self-conscious than ever but I refused to react. “Their manager has requested that you and the other cage dancers work the room, including possibly providing fully clothed lap dances. Now, I almost refused except their manager and the owner of the club are members of Carnal Sins. That being said, security will be enforced, including limited touching and I do mean very limited. In exchange for my agreement, they’ve offered every girl participating ten thousand dollars, of which Blackout will take no part of. It will be free and clear of taxes. Is that something you’d be interested in?”

Was he kidding me? I’d been pawed all my life. What would it hurt to have it done under a controlled environment for a sweet ten k? “Yes, sir. Very much.”

“It would mean putting aside your differences with the three other women who dance as well. Can you do that?” I could swear there was a twinkle in his eyes, which meant Parker had told him what had occurred.

Suddenly, I felt very small and childish for my behavior. “Yes, sir. No problem there.”

“Good. Then I’ll arrange for it to happen. Additional rules will be set into place, which you will know about beforehand. Rules are very important and something I take seriously.”

Why did I have a feeling he was attempting to teach me a lesson? “I understand, sir.”

“I’m glad,” he said, nodding several times. Oh, God. Did he recognize me? I stood my ground, refusing to act nervous even though butterflies had already taken over my stomach. “I understand you’re experiencing some difficult times.”

Oh, dear God. Parker had told him I’d been mugged. No. No. No. I must have had a look of horror that he was able to capture by the expression provided by my mouth and chin.

“Relax,” he said, chuckling. “Parker will never indulge any information that was provided in confidence by any of my employees. It doesn’t matter who I am. Okay?”

I breathed an audible sigh of relief as I nodded.

“Okay. Then does that mean you’re serious about your interest in working in Carnal Sins?”

“Yes, sir.” Why was my voice suddenly so small? He had a way of doing that to me, as if I expected him to say ‘good girl’ to answering his questions honestly.

“Alright. Then I think we’ll start with a lesson learned tonight.”

“I’m sorry?”

He took a deep breath, as if thinking about what he was going to say. “I know Madisen’s father pretty well. I was asked as a favor to hire her on a trial basis. I wouldn’t ordinarily cater to anyone with regard to my business, but I agreed as long as she didn’t cause trouble. That being said, I also can’t have my employees beating up on other employees or guests for that matter. From what I witnessed the other night in the club and what I heard about tonight, it would seem you have a short fuse.”

I was taken aback by his frankness, but I tingled inside, which was as crazy as this moment. “Yes, sir.”

“I’m glad you can admit it. I’m certain you have your reasons. Yes?”

Goddamn, the dimple in his chin was sexier than normal, the sly smile crossing his face meant he was totally in control and I was shaking in my boots. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“As you might have learned already, with every action there is a reaction. With every infraction, there is a needed consequence. Does that make sense?”

“Yes, sir.” Where was he going with this?

“Good girl.”

And there it was, the praise I’d coveted since he’d made the statement a couple of days before. My mouth was suddenly dry, stars spinning in vibrant colors in front of my eyes. I had no idea what to say.

“Given the egregiousness of your actions with Madisen, as your boss and as your informal trainer and dom, I’ve decided that you need punishment for your infractions.”

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