Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 82746 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82746 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Wow,” Ellen said sincerely. “That sounds amazing, assuming you can get past the authoritarian regimes that keep those women powerless in the first place.”
He shrugged. “That’s Marty’s area of expertise. He’s fluent in Arabic and sensitive to the politics and social climate in the region. He has a lot of connections over there, not to mention deep pockets. I’m just glad to do what I can.”
Just as Master Damon pushed back from the table, they heard the sound of what must be the snowplow trundling by. He jumped up and moved toward the door.
“Oh, good,” he said, peering out the front window. “They’ve got the road cleared.” He glanced at his watch. “We should head over to the main house soon. I’ll handle cleanup. Why don’t you go pack and get dressed?”
That was it? No last session in the playroom? No long, lingering romantic kiss? No sudden change of heart?
Feeling contrarian and downright unsubmissive, Ellen lifted her chin. “That won’t be necessary, Sir,” she said stiffly. “Slaves are not permitted to enter the Enclave wearing clothing. I came down here in just my coat. I’ll be fine returning the same way.”
Without waiting for a response, she flounced from the room, blinking back sudden, unwelcome tears.
Chapter 24
Ellen slid into the passenger seat while Damon loaded his bags into the trunk and tossed hers into the back seat. He’d already started the car to get it warm for the short drive up to the main house. The roads were clear but he still took it slowly.
“I can’t believe how quickly this week has passed,” he said conversationally as he drove.
Ellen didn’t reply. She was staring fixedly out of her window. Having had ample opportunity to read her emotional cues and body language over the past week, he could tell she was upset about something.
When they pulled into the parking lot behind The Enclave, Ellen had her hand on the door handle before he’d even cut the engine.
“Hey,” he said, reaching out to stop her. “Hold on a minute. Look at me.”
She stiffened but, after a moment, she dropped her hand from the door and turned to face him. She had that determined look he was coming to recognize—her chin lifted, her lips pressed into a thin line.
“Hey,” he said again, more gently this time. “What’s wrong, Ellen? What’s going on?”
Even as he asked the question, a part of him wished he hadn’t. He never should have agreed to this auction thing. It had become way too complicated.
She frowned, her brows furrowing. Then her face relaxed, her expression smoothing out into an approximation of serenity. “Nothing, Sir. Excuse me for giving you that impression. Our contract is over. I understand that. I’m fine.” Again, the chin lifted. “Just fine.”
A wave of relief washed over him. Whatever lingering tension there might still be between them, sexual and otherwise, Ellen was taking the high road. She understood their connection had been finite by definition. Because of this, he felt freer to express what was on his mind.
“This past week has been one of the most intense, amazing experiences of my life. You met and exceeded all my expectations of what a submissive could be. You’ve helped me grow as a Dom.”
He took her hand. It was cold and he rubbed it gently between both of his.
“I know we have different long-term goals when it comes to relationships, so I especially appreciate how open to the process and how giving you were this past week. You deserve a Master who can dedicate himself to you, 24/7, and I sincerely hope you find him.”
Ellen pulled her hand from his. Her face had gone strangely blank.
Fuck. You handled that with the finesse of a bull in a china shop.
Damon blew out a breath and tried again. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll meet up at Lair Sade some time. They recently got a hot new bondage wheel I would love to lock you into for some serious impact play.”
She looked up, meeting his gaze. A spark of fire that looked an awful lot like anger flashed in her eyes. “If you manage to find the time, Sir.” The sarcasm in her tone was unmistakable.
Damon bit back a startled laugh. He probably deserved that.
Not knowing what else to say, he reached for the door handle. “We should go in.”
Even as he opened the door, a part of him wanted to drive her right back down to the cabin. He would give her a good hard spanking for her sass. Once he’d reminded her with his palm exactly who was in control, he’d lift her onto her hands and knees and take her from behind. He loved the feel of a properly spanked ass against him as a tight, wet cunt wrapped around his hard cock.
Fuck. He was getting another erection. He didn’t have time for this. Real life was breathing down his neck. He needed to get her inside and be on his way.