Chapter 76: Masters, Part 10

James

“Master, I don't understand,” she says.

“What don't you understand?”

“Marcie said you don't go to the clubs anymore, you and Michael.”

I wondered when this conversation would come up again….

…. pay attention…. get this right….

“Marcie was correct. We don’t.”

“There's... no-one else for you? I thought....”

“Charlotte, Michael loves you. You know that….”

She looks up at me, hope in her eyes.

Not yet Jade…. Not yet….

“…. and I am your Master….” She turns her face away and my gut clenches at the look of.… loss.… about her….

“…. You have accepted me as your Master, have you not? When we first met, I had paid for your obedience to my wishes, but time and again, you have returned to me, to us.”

She continues to look away. “Yes, Master. I have.”

It’s what I want to hear; what I have always hoped to hear….

…. and yet, you look lost….

The eyes are windows to the soul….

Something gnaws at me….

…. Guilt…?