Page 5 of S is for…

If she were someone else, she might stick out her hand and introduce herself.Or go completely the opposite way and sink to her knees, head bowed.Both options were bold moves, but on diametrically opposed ends of the behavior spectrum.

The urge to do something, to set the tone for this meeting herself, was so strong that she had to grit her teeth.Laney pressed her nails in to the meaty part of her palms, the little sparks of pain calming her.

Wait, watch, listen.You don’t know what he wants or needs from you, and until you do, stay still and quiet.

“You’re an experienced rope bottom,” he said after what felt like a painfully long pause.

“I wouldn’t say experienced, Sir,” she hedged, nervous that he’d think she was claiming to be some sort of expert.

His brow rose.“Were you lying about who you scened with?”

Shit.“No, Sir.I just meant that I…I enjoy being part of the art that rope masters can create.”

He relaxed, and Laney breathed a sigh of relief.

“I hadn’t realized from your checklist that you were as experienced as you are.A happy accident.”

There really was no reason for that statement to piss her off.Laney swallowed the irritation.Maybe he didn’t have the same information she did.She’d spent last night, and most of the day today hanging out in the Subs’ Garden, listening and theorizing both about the game, and the pairings.The consensus was that the pairings were far from random.In fact, terms like “diabolical plan” and “chaos-loving sadists” were thrown around when referencing the overseers and how the game was organized.

But maybe the Doms weren’t talking, and Master Morton, who still hadn’t actually introduced himself, didn’t realize that it was very possible she was paired with him specifically because shedidhave a good amount of rope experience.She remembered watching several of his rope scenes, and had heard him referred to as the club’s most dedicated rope top.

“I’d like to do some practice rope work tonight, and tomorrow I’ll be leading a scene featuring you, and two others, in rope,” Master Morton said.

Okay, they were jumping right in.That was fine, she could deal with that.

“Yes, Sir.”

Master Morton shook himself and smiled for the first time.

It was perfunctory, but still a smile, and something in Laney relaxed at the implied approval.

“I’m Master Morton,” he said.Finally.

“Laney,” she said with relief.

“You go by Laney, not Delaney?”

“Yes, Sir.”

He nodded once.“Follow me, Laney.”

She stayed close behind him as they walked over to one of the wooden frames.It was a large upright rectangle bolted to the floor.Large hooks and rings were welded to the top and side pieces, offering a multitude of anchor and connection points.

Laid out on the table to the right were a few pulleys, various sizes of metal rings, folded white fabric, and a safety knife on a neck cord.Everything needed for an intense tie.

Anticipation tingled through her, as did something quieter, something that felt like a sigh.Almost…disappointment?No, not disappointment.Rope was amazing, because by making a sub that painfully vulnerable, the Dom had to pay attention to them, to focus on them.

The reminder had her smiling to herself.

“Laney.”Her name was a command.

She turned to look at Master Morton, keeping her eyes on his chin.

“Please tell me your safe word.”

“Stop.”

There’s a long pause.“Your safe word is stop?”

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