Desire's Awakening (19 page)

“Thank you.”

The girl bowed and turned on her heel to leave the room. She closed the door softly behind her.

Kaitlin ate in silence while surveying the room. Wilting rose petals lay scattered all over the floor and black rings smudged the tops of the crystal candle holders. The bittersweet reminders of last night made it even more important for her to protect her heart. She wondered whether last night’s lesson was part of every sub’s training or whether the Trainer had treated her special. She decided to ask Dolly about that when she spoke to her about her chores for the day.

She stood and walked to the French doors where she saw it was another sunny day. Kat sighed. It was going to be hard to leave this all behind. But she had no choice.

Finished with her meal, she loaded the dishes onto the tray and took it downstairs to the kitchen. While placing her plate into the dishwasher, she noted that someone had left dirty dishes in the sink.

As Kat reached for a large, sharp knife to load into the dishwasher, another hand grabbed it. Before Kat had time to look at the female who had taken the knife, an arm wrapped around her waist and she was dragged roughly into the utility closet. Shock registered before she had time to scream and then she was afraid to do so. The knife was aimed at her jugular vein just above her collar. She tried to lean away from the imposing weapon, but her attacker pressed it closer. The sharp point pricked her skin and she felt a drop of blood trickle down her neck.

“Did you really think I would stop bothering you just because Sir Damien told me to?” Corinne’s menacing tone echoed in her ear. “I could kill you right here and he couldn’t stop me. The Trainer is not around to save you now, because he’s training. I used to help him with that task, but thanks to you, I no longer have a job around here. My training package will be sold at the next auction and I’m going to make sure your sorry ass is there too. If I’m leaving, you’re leaving with me so don’t make any plans to stick around here because it’s not going to happen.”

“What do you want from me?” Kat could barely get the strangled words out.

“I want you to stay away from Sir Damien, or even better, tell him you wish to leave the program. I’ve been here a lot longer, so I have seniority. Once you’re out of the picture, he’ll realize he needs me again and I won’t have to leave.” She shook Kaitlin roughly and pushed the knife in a little harder against her neck. “Do you get my point? If you don’t, I’ll be more than happy to show you. You know, there’s something called ‘blood play’ in the S&M scene. It’s where a very sharp knife is used to make many superficial slashes on your neck and wrist. When the air hits the raw wounds, it causes some real nasty pain. If you’d like, I can give you a little example right now.”

Kaitlin’s breaths came hard and fast. She felt her blood singing in her veins and knew she needed to remain calm. A droplet of sweat trickled down her face. She gambled that Corinne wouldn’t kill her. She just wanted to give her a good scare. Kat knew that Corinne had no more power, so she was trying a different tactic, hoping that Kat would fall for it. But Kat wasn’t swayed that easily. Eyeing the knife against her throat, she figured she had one chance to throw her opponent off guard.

“Stop it, bitch! I’m not leaving. You can’t make me. You need to let go of your jealousy and get a life. He’s not yours and never will be!”

“Ugh!” Corinne screamed and tossed Kat roughly against the mop and bucket. Kat lost her balance and tumbled to the floor, lying against the scattered cleaning apparatus.

“All right, whore. If that’s the way you want it. You think I don’t know what you two were doing in his room last night? Well, think again. If it’s war you want, it is war you’ll get. And let me warn you, I don’t fight fair!” She slammed the closet door behind her.

Kaitlin stood on wobbly legs and felt her neck. Luckily, the knife had only made a tiny hole just above her collar. No one would even notice it. She touched the spot and saw a drop of blood on her fingers. She shook her head. Why did Corinne have to make this so hard? She’d have to keep up her guard from now on, not knowing what her nemesis might have in store for her.

She found Dolly in the laundry room.

“Good morning.”

Dolly looked up from folding some towels and her smile turned into a frown.

“Good grief! Look at you! If you don’t look like you just saw a ghost. Are you all right? Come here, honey, and give me a hug!”

Kaitlin was surprised at the offer, but happy to have a pleasant bonding with another female in the house. She readily accepted the offer, hugging back with equal fervor.

“So, tell me what’s going on?”

Kat could tell Dolly was genuinely concerned about her appearance. She wished she had checked a mirror before finding her so she could have waited until her color returned. She didn’t want her new mentor involved in her squabble with Corinne. It was personal between her and the jealous Switch. She shook her head.

“It’s nothing. Really.”

Dolly’s eyes narrowed. “All right. If you say so, but if you ever want to talk, I’m here for you.”

Kat sighed in relief. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Dolly grinned. “So, are you gonna keep me in suspense or are you gonna share all the juicy details from last night?” Dolly’s enthusiasm was contagious and her smile brightened Kat’s mood.

Kaitlin blushed. Dolly was more like a sister than anything else. She loved it.

“Well, I’m not going to kiss and tell everything, but let’s just say I learned what fisting was all about last night.”

Dolly squealed in delight. “Ain’t that just the most amazing orgasm you ever had? I tell you, the first time my Master tried that on me, I was scared. But he made me relax and took it real nice and slow and before I knew it, I was going absolutely wild. Of course, you can’t do that every night, it’s more like a treat every so often, but damn, girl! What a treat!”

“Yes, that’s exactly how I felt. There is one thing that bothers me, however. And I know it’s really none of my business, but do you think he does that with every sub?”

Dolly narrowed her eyes. “I get a feeling you aren’t spilling all the beans here, girl. Is there something going on between the two of you?”

“Oh I…I’m not sure. It’s just that, well, he made the setting very romantic last night with soft music, candles, roses and champagne and I was just wondering if that’s the usual way of introducing a sub to fisting.”

“Oh hell no! It’s usually done in the dungeon, not in the Master’s bed.”

“He had me sleep with him last night also.”

“Good Lord! He apparently ain’t giving a damn about the rules.”

“Oh I see…” Kat bit her nail. Dolly seemed very interested in her contemplation.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but be careful. I can tell you’re falling for that man. That’s really not very wise. If I were you, I would protect my heart. Remember, you’re going to auction soon.”

Kat turned away. She didn’t want Dolly to know how sensitive a subject leaving this house had become to her.

“Aww, honey, don’t worry. I’m sure someone you like will pay for your training package. But I’m telling you. This one will forget you and move on to the next sub who tickles his fancy after you’re gone.”

Kaitlin thought about Damien’s comment last night, thanking her for bringing him back to life. She realized that Dolly’s statement was probably true. He had a lot of catching up to do…three year’s worth, to be exact. Kaitlin nodded sadly.

“I guess you’re right. Thanks, Dolly.”

She decided to find a way to distance her heart from Sir Damien. It certainly didn’t help to spend the night in his bed lying wrapped in his arms, for that gave her a false sense of security and made her feel loved. She realized the folly of that kind of thinking, for she was neither. The auction was only a couple weeks away. She had to hold out until then. One benefit from taking on a new attitude about the Trainer would be that it would keep the heat from Corinne’s glares down to a slow melt.

“Sweetie, I know it’s hard to let go when you love a man, but under these circumstances, it’ll be worth it in the long run.”

Kat shook her head. Dolly wrapped an arm around Kat’s shoulder as they walked into the kitchen.

“Come on, enough of that depressing talk. Tomorrow night is the party and we’ve got lots to do. The other girls will clean the house, but I think Miss Tiffany could use some help preparing the hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Would you like to help her? She’ll be here in about fifteen minutes.”

“I’d love to help Miss Tiffany.”

“Okay, y’all have a good day then. Bye!”

* * * * *

Sir Victor rang Damien’s doorbell at eleven Friday morning. Corinne’s call had intrigued him and he didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to meet a potential new sub. The door swung open to reveal a lovely young sub dressed in a black corset and stiletto heels. He licked his thick lips as he surveyed her charms displayed by her lovely outfit. She bowed her head in deference to him as he entered the household. He lifted a nipple by the gold ring and tugged roughly on it. She gasped.

“Very nice. Tell Sir Damien that Sir Victor is here.” He smacked her hard on the rear as she turned on tip-toe to do his bidding.

“Oh!”

He laughed at her surprised response and took a seat in the waiting room. Impatiently, he flipped through the pages of a current men’s magazine, running a finger between the blonde centerfold’s legs. “I’d twist and yank on those lips until you scream,” he told the naked model in the magazine.

Damien arrived five minutes later, looking rather disturbed at the intrusion.

“Victor, what brings you here today?” The annoyance in his voice was evident.

“What? An old friend can’t just drop by without an appointment?”

“You
never
drop by without an appointment. And I think the term ‘friend’ is misleading.”

“Oh well, I thought we got past that,” Victor said flippantly. He dropped the magazine and stood next to his ex-friend. Though a bitter disagreement over a sub had broken their friendship many years ago, he still remained a good customer. Their relationship had cooled to a respectful disrespect for one another. Business was business and there weren’t a lot of choices in Damien’s profession. With an impeccable reputation, Damien was the best there was and his subs were known for their high quality. The unfortunate transaction last month did not prevent him from coming back for another try. After all, Damien always kept his word.

“I was in the area and thought I’d drop by and check on your crop of subbies in training. Never know when I might just find my next…er, playmate. Besides, you owe me one.”

“I see. Well, my ‘crop’ is rather sparse this week. I’m expecting the arrival of a few more next week. Why don’t you come back then and that will give you a much larger selection to choose from.”

“Good advice. Yep, you know, I’ll definitely do that. But since I’m here, I might as well just see what you’ve got now. After all, I’m getting tired of waiting. Tracy’s been gone for a while now.” He adjusted his balls in his leather pants. “Maybe I’ll get lucky. Sure could use some relief.” He smiled.

“You can meet them at the party Saturday night.”

“Damien, you wouldn’t want to spoil your reputation by getting on my bad side, would you? After all, if I make a fuss about that last sub, how do you think that will go over with the Dominants who trust your training?” He knew he hit a sensitive nerve by the glare on Damien’s face.

“All right. Meet me in the recreation center. I’ll gather the girls for your inspection.”

Victor smiled. “Good. I’ll be waiting.”

He walked down the hall past the kitchen and saw Miss Tiffany putting fluffy white frosting on a chocolate cake. “Now ain’t that pretty!” he said, admiring her almost completed confection. As she put her spatula into the mixing bowl to scoop up some more frosting, he swiped a dirty forefinger through the frosting on the freshly decorated cake and plopped the big glob into his mouth. He sucked on his finger in and out and moaned.

“Oh yeah, baby, you do it so good. I love your cream.”

She slapped his hand and he feigned hurt.

“You’re disgusting! Leave my cake alone. I’m not one of them. I don’t have to put up with your bull.”

He chuckled deep and throaty, giving her his best menacing laugh. It got to her every time. The cook scowled at him and took the cake to a far counter away from his reach. He watched her scrape off the frosting around the area where he sneaked a taste, then put fresh frosting on that spot.

“I could use a batch of that for playtime. How much do you charge?” He smiled wickedly.

“It’s not for sale.”

“Lady, everything’s for sale at the right price. Even you!”

She threw a wet sponge at him and he knocked it away. “Get out of my kitchen.”

“Yeah. Later, bitch!”

He walked down the hallway to his favorite room in Damien’s house. Victor needed no escort to find the place for he was a frequent guest at the parties hosted bi-weekly to introduce Dom’s and subs. The room was dimly lit as the wooden blinds were closed during the day to keep the sun from heating the room. He sat upon a couch and stretched out, propping his booted feet upon the armrest and cradling his head in his hands. The angle gave him a perfect view of each girl as she walked into the room.

It took a good twenty minutes for the girls to gather. He counted only six. Yes, the pickings
were
slim. Among them, to his surprise, was Corinne. So what she told him was true. She was now marketable property.
Interesting.
Victor stroked his full beard. He never expected Damien to give up his ace. That piqued his interest in the new girl even more.

Damien followed at the end of the line, a whip attached to his belt.

“Line up in front of the Dom here,” he ordered, pulling his whip from the clip on his belt. He drew an imaginary line on the floor with the tip. The girls immediately took their place in a straight line before the couch, bowing their heads and clenching their hands behind their backs. Their legs were spread wide and they left enough room between them to allow the Dom to circle any single sub separately.