Page 13 of Trust in Me
Theclockonthewall by the bar read 9:13. There was no sign of Avery. I hoped I hadn’t scared her off. She hadn’t responded to my text message. I’d only sent the one, not wanting to push, but maybe she needed more of a reminder. I cracked my knuckles as I waited. I’d been told it was a terrible habit, but I’d been doing it so long that I couldn’t stop myself now.
My gaze was fixed on the entrance hallway. Every time someone wandered through, I perked up. But so far, no Avery. If she were mine…
My hand twitched just thinking about it before I caught myself. She wasn’t mine. I didn’t need a permanent sub or a relationship right now. If she showed up, though, it would be my responsibility to set her straight.
Another figure walked out of the hallway. I looked up long enough to recognize Cody. I sighed under my breath. I was about to turn back to the bottle of water in front of me when I caught sight of the shorter person walking in behind Cody.
I looked back at the clock. 9:17.
Avery looked around, waving when she caught sight of the other subs on the couches. I stood from the bar stool and waited.
When she looked over at me, I crooked my finger—come here.Her face paled slightly, indicating she knew exactly what she’d done wrong, but she walked toward me. Good girl.
Her teeth gripped her lower lip as she approached me. “Hi, Brax, um, Sir. How was your week?”
I let my eyebrow rise, holding her gaze while I let the silence sit between us for a few seconds before I spoke. “It was fine, thank you. A bit quiet on the texting front.”
Avery swallowed hard. Yep, I’d been right. She knew exactly where she’d gone wrong this time. “Oh, yeah, sorry about that. It was super busy at work and—“
I raised my hand to cut her off. “While I appreciate the apology, I don’t so much appreciate the excuses. Did you forget what we discussed last week?”
“No, I think—well, I remember negotiating, safe words, consent….” Avery trailed off.
“And?”
“And…umm…” Avery chewed on her lip, looking down.
“Being respectful to Dominants.” I looked at her pointedly.
“Oh, yeah. Yes, I’ll be respectful.” She brought her gaze back to my face as she nodded.
I guided her to a table a few steps away. I pulled a chair out and motioned for her to sit. “Is it respectful to ignore communications, text messages or otherwise?”
“Oh. Um. No, Sir.” Avery shook her head as she dropped into the chair.
“Correct. Now, are you interested in negotiating a scene tonight?” I settled myself in the chair opposite her, the table between us.
Avery breathed out, relieved for now. “Yes, Sir. Please.”
I folded my hands on the table. “Has anything changed since we spoke last week? Restraints, spanking, implements?”
“No, Sir. That’s all ok still.” Her fingers drummed on the table.
“Are you okay being exposed? And what about sexual contact? My tests are on file at the desk, just like yours.”
“Yes, Sir,” she whispered.
I gave her a small smile. “Good girl. Is there anything new to your hard limits?”
Avery shook her head. I nodded in acknowledgement before I rose from the table. I grabbed my toy bag from the floor with one hand and took Avery’s hand with the other. She let me lead her across the play area to the St. Andrew’s cross.
I paused in front of the X-shaped equipment. “Clothes off, please.”
Avery looked around, trepidation in her eyes. We were at the back corner of the play area, but still exposed to most of the club.
I cleared my throat. “Attention on me right now, darlin’. Only me.”
Avery looked back at me. I nodded, one eyebrow raised. She swallowed hard before she peeled off her skirt and top and dropped them on the ground.
