Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 93751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
“Distracting how exactly?” Anthony asked mildly.
Mason hit his knee with his fist. “Either she’s here for slave training or she isn’t. Either she is a sub, or she’s not. This whole modified training thing. The idea she’s doing this to add so-called authenticity to her sappy romance novels. No offense, but it’s bullshit.”
Anthony regarded him with a cocked brow. “You’ve gotten spoiled, living here. We all have, I suppose. When we point to the ground and order a slave to kneel up, open her mouth and demonstrate her deep throating skills, we expect her not only to jump to obey, but to do it eagerly and with skill. If we want to bind her in Shibari rope, suspend her from the ceiling and take turns whipping and teasing her until she is reduced to nothing but pure, raw sexual need and submission, she only thanks us, both before and after, for using her as she needs.”
“Exactly,” Mason agreed emphatically, his cock hardening at the thought of using Hannah in those ways. “And from what I’ve seen, she’s got potential, far more than she’s demonstrated. She just needs someone to take her in hand.”
“Someone like you?” Anthony suggested, a hint of a smile lifting his lips.
The question gave Mason pause.
Was that what he was saying? Was he willing to take Hannah on as a personal project? Did he even want to?
He did routinely participate in The Enclave slave training program, but only minimally, offering introductions to edge play with an emphasis on knife and needle safety. He was of more use as a Dom trainer. He enjoyed sharing his skills with both Enclave Doms and the Doms who signed up for various programs occasionally offered to the Asheville BDSM community.
Ashley had been the exception and look where that had gotten him. Did he really want another woman in his life, even if it was just for a few weeks?
Whoa. Who said anything about a woman in his life? Since when couldn’t he train someone without getting emotionally involved? He had always excelled at keeping his distance—to a fault.
Anyway, this wasn’t about him. This was about her. The Dom in him could clearly sense the sub in her. Anthony and Brandon had established The Enclave with the idea of helping submissives reach their full potential. Weren’t they doing Hannah a disservice by letting her skate along without correction or consequence? Didn’t she deserve better?
That was it. His motives were entirely altruistic.
Okay—maybe not entirely.
So he was attracted to her. That didn’t mean he planned to collar her, for crying out loud. He just wanted to give her a more authentic training experience.
If nothing else, it would get her out of his system.
“Yes,” he asserted. “Someone like me.”
He waited for the amused chuckle, the knowing look, the gentle ribbing. Instead, Anthony regarded him quietly for a moment. Then he nodded. “Okay. I actually think it’s a good idea, if you’re willing to take her on.”
A jolt of excitement shot through Mason’s nervous system. For the first time in a long time, he was ready, even eager, to train someone so new to the scene. He’d have to modify his usual methods, since he couldn’t hold her to the exacting standards required of Enclave slave trainees. But he would take charge, make no mistake. It was what she needed, even if she didn’t know it yet.
“Let’s discuss it with her,” Anthony continued. “Because I agree with you—she could definitely handle more than she’s signed up for. Your timing is good, actually. I’ve been talking with some of the others who have participated in her training, as limited as it has been, and we’ve all come to the same conclusion that Hannah could handle more than what we’re giving her. Indeed, that she would benefit from a more intensive program.”
“Agreed,” Mason said, pleased Anthony was of a similar mind.
“I negotiated that contract with her because of her unique situation—just coming out of mourning, and feeling her way in her fledgling submissive journey,” Anthony continued. “I suggested what I thought she could safely handle without her freaking out in the process. If you think you’re up to the task of taking her on, one-on-one, I’m all for it. Assuming she’s willing, obviously.”
Mason got to his feet, energized and ready to act. He glanced at his watch as he bounced excitedly on the balls of his feet. “It’s not even that late. She’s probably still awake. Even if she isn’t, I can—”
“Whoa. Hold on,” Anthony interrupted with a chuckle. “Let’s take a step back. She probably is asleep. And even if she isn’t, I’m willing to bet she’ll be more receptive if we approach her calmly in the morning.”
Impatient to get the ball rolling, Mason opened his mouth to protest. Then he closed it, forcing himself to take a mental step back. He wasn’t some teenager just looking to get his rocks off. Responsible Doms practiced patience. Anthony was right. Hannah would probably be more receptive if she wasn’t blindsided.