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)
Hannah refrained from blurting out her first thought: No way in hell would I agree to that kind of training. I’d probably die of a heart attack the first day. Instead, she said, “Okay. That makes sense.”
Anthony nodded. “Off the top of my head, I’m thinking you would benefit from basic slave positions training to start, as well as the opportunity to experience various types of bondage, discipline and impact play. It would be a chance for you to figure out what works for you—what resonates with you—and what doesn’t. Basically, I’m offering you a controlled setting that allows you to fully explore your submissive and masochistic leanings while working under the tutelage of trained, committed Doms. It’s not something I offer lightly, Hannah.”
Hannah had completely forgotten to breathe while Anthony was outlining his astounding proposal. She was both terrified and wildly intrigued at the thought of undergoing the kind of slave training that occurred at The Enclave, modified or not. She was also very curious why this man, who barely knew her, would extend such a generous offer.
Wait. Maybe it wasn’t free. Those slaves probably had to pay a hefty fee for that kind of training, not to mention room and board at that gorgeous compound. How much would she be willing to pay for such a program?
“What would it cost?” she blurted, because it was easier than addressing the rest of what he’d said.
Anthony furrowed his brows. “Cost?” He shook his head. “No cost. You would be our guest, Hannah.”
“Oh, um. Thanks.” Damn it. She was blushing again, this time with pure chagrin. Pushing past her gaff, she asked the next most obvious question. “It sounds like an incredible offer. The thing is, I’m not some young submissive being groomed to serve a Master or hoping to become an Enclave staff slave. At the risk of looking a gift horse in the mouth, I have to ask. Why would you even bother with me?”
Anthony smiled. “It’s simple really. First, because I see potential in you, and I enjoy exploring a true submissive’s potential. My second reason is more purely personal.” He smiled, his features softening. “Lucia wants you there. And while I may be the Master of her body and soul, she is definitely the Mistress of my heart.”
Tears filled Hannah’s eyes—not of sadness, but because she was moved by his sweet, disarming declaration of love for Lucia. It was that as much as anything that made her say, “Then, yes. Yes, please. I accept your offer.”
Chapter 11
Hannah opened her eyes Sunday morning to sunlight streaming through her bedroom window. The first thing she was aware of was intense excitement—the kind she had felt as a child when her parents took the family to Disney World for an entire week.
Throwing back the covers, she swung her legs over the side of the bed. A glance at the clock told her it was later than she’d thought. She needed to get moving. Hans would be there soon to drive her up to The Enclave.
“Oh, he doesn’t need to do that,” she had protested when Anthony had told her Hans would pick her up. “I can drive my own car.”
“You could,” Anthony had agreed. “But in order to enjoy a more authentic experience, I recommend you allow Hans to retrieve you. Though it’s only symbolic, since of course you may leave The Enclave at any time, not having your own vehicle at your disposal is a first step in giving up control. You are, quite literally, putting yourself completely in our hands.”
“I guess that makes a certain kind of sense,” Hannah replied. Not to mention, she hated driving narrow, winding mountain roads.
“On the drive,” Anthony had continued, “Hans may ask you to do things that are out of your comfort zone. I hope you will find the courage to obey. It’s an excellent way to help you ease into a submissive mindset.”
That had sounded both ominous and thrilling to Hannah. In the end, she’d agreed to all his stipulations. If she was going to do this thing, she’d do it all the way.
She was glad to be going the very next day, as it wouldn’t give her a chance to back out. She went online to hold her mail for her anticipated ten-day absence, paid any upcoming bills and tossed the few perishables in her fridge that wouldn’t last while she was gone.
Thank goodness she’d had Charlotte to keep her from bouncing off the walls with nerves, and to reassure her she was doing the right thing. She was grateful for her friend’s steadfast support and encouragement.
Just as she was climbing out of the shower, her cell phone dinged. Wrapping the towel around her body, she reached for the phone. It was a text message from Charlotte.
Good morning! Just checking in. You all packed and ready?