Page 19 of The Ties We Break

Fuck, he is right. How did I forget about that so quickly? I was so caught up in the moment with him that this almost felt real. He’s right, we can’t make that mistake. Then a really crazy idea enter’s my head, and I tentatively voice it to Declan. “Maybe you could bid on me at the auction?”

“Belle, I would love to, but I can’t.” His words seem flat and emotionless, like he didn’t want to talk about it. But all my brain can do is think about why. I know logically it could be a money issue, but my brain thinks he just doesn’t want to. My heart is aching because I think I want to lose my virginity to Declan. But would it be the same if he paid for it? Whoever buys me is supposed to be a one-night thing. I’m leaving in a month, so I don’t want anything serious. Yet the idea of just one night with Declan hurts. After just one sexual encounter, I’m already desperate for more. Fuck, I am so screwed.

After spending the morning sparring with Kian, I’m fucking knackered. There’s a reason that guy is one of the best underground fighters, and it’s because he’s a machine. He never seems to get tired, and no matter how many blows he takes, he just shrugs them off and hits harder. I guess all the blows we took from our foster family growing up was good training and have finally paid off.

As soon as I get home, I waste no time jumping into the shower and blasting my sore muscles with the amazing rainfall jets I had installed shortly after moving in. When I’m really sore, I opt for the jacuzzi bath, but I’m in a rush today. I need some sleep and then I can drop into the club to make sure everything is running smoothly before I leave for the fight.

Jasmine is my deputy manager, and she is fucking great at her job. The truth is, she could run this place without me, easily. But she doesn’t want to. She’s here for the lifestyle, and no matter how much I hope, I know she will leave this job eventually.

Don’t get me wrong, while she’s here, she’s committed, but she has one foot out of the door, which is the same for many of my employees. Most of them are here to make money to help them move on to their next goal in life. A few of my regular performers are here because they love doing scenes, but they usually have a second job, too. Everyone seems to have a plan for where they go after this, except me. I mean, I didn’t go to careers counselling in high school and tell them my dream career was to run an underground sex club. But, when you’ve lived the life I have, you’re lucky to have a job at all. I should be in prison, rotting away, yet someone took pity on me and gave me a second chance—the chance of a life I’ve yet to take them up on fully. I exist but I’m not living. I’m the worst kind of beast that doesn’t deserve to be happy or get my dream job. So, I take what I can and deal with it.

A loud beep from the bedside table pulls me out of my misery. Throwing the towel on the floor and pulling on a pair of grey sweats that were lying on my bed, I make my way towards the noise. I pick up my phone as I sit on the bed and see an incoming text from Belle.

Belle: I have emailed over the documents you sent me. I don’t know if I’ve done them correctly, and I have to admit there’s a lot I had no idea about, but I didn’t use Google. Sian/Cherry advised me to look at Pornhub.

I waste no time in returning her text with one hand whilst using the other to pull out my iPad. Shuffling to get comfortable with my back against the headboard, I sent the message to Belle whilst I began reading her responses.

Declan: Good girl, you got them back to me in good time. Do you remember the main rule I told you about yesterday?

Belle: Always do as you say without question?

Declan: Correct. (Obviously, using your safe words doesn't count). I have an awful lot to teach you and we will need every available moment. So bring an overnight bag with you to the fight. Understood?

Belle: Yes, Sir. But please, can I ask, how long will I be staying?

Declan: As long as is necessary. Is that a problem?

Belle: No, Sir. It’s just that I have my job at the bar that I need to go to, and I take care of my father.

Declan: Quit your job. You will make enough at the auction, you don’t need it. You will be leaving in a few weeks anyway. You will be permitted time to go and visit your dad.

Belle: Thank you, Sir.

Declan: Now, here are your instructions for this evening. Your obedience will be tested tonight, and you will be punished if you let me down. You will dress in a short skirt with an easily removable black lace thong. You may decide on the rest of your clothes. Do you remember the safe words?

Belle: Yes, Sir. I remember them all. Do you have a shoe requirement?

Declan: No, you may wear whatever you like, but well done for checking. Tonight, you will be pushed, Belle. You must tell me if you’re uncomfortable or don’t enjoy something. If not, I will assume you are enjoying it and continue. Communication is key between us both.

Belle: I admit I’m a little scared, but I will do my best.

Declan: You are scared because you don’t fully trust me yet. We need to work on that. A true Dom/sub relationship doesn’t work unless there’s trust. But it will come.

Belle: I’ve heard of the words before, but what exactly do you mean by Dom/sub? Sorry if I sound naive. I have read lots of books, but they aren’t real life.

Declan: I am a Dominant. I like to be in charge and take control of situations. You, on the other hand, are submissive. I knew that just by looking at you before I even read the paperwork. You choose to give away control and get off on the results. You may find freedom or security in allowing someone else to make the decisions.

Belle: No offence here, Sir, but that doesn’t sound like me. I hate feeling out of control and I struggle to trust. I may be quiet, shy, and a bit timid, but that doesn’t mean I’m automatically submissive. Could you be wrong?

Declan: No! If last night didn’t prove it to you then I can show you tonight. But last night, with just a few simple instructions from me, you stripped naked, opened your legs, and finger fucked yourself into oblivion, all while letting me watch. Tell me again why you think you aren’t submissive?

Belle: I was caught up in the moment and didn’t want you to punish me. You are a very intimidating guy at times.

Declan: I warned you when we met that I’m a monster and you should stay away from me, but you chose to ignore that. Now you are stuck with me. I will see you at the fight and I will prove you are a natural sub. Don’t be late and don’t forget my instructions.

I put the phone down, knowing full well she won’t reply after that. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face at her, thinking that she might not be a sub—there’s no fucking way. Tonight, I intend to prove it to her.

Standing, I groan at the aching hard-on straining to break free from my sweats. I literally just smashed one out thinking of Belle and the way her hot little body looked spread wide open for me last night. I got one small taste of her and it wasn’t enough. I need more, and I intend to collect, but in the meantime, I need to get rid of this erection.

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