Negotiations

~Colin’s POV~

You’re safe here!? You’re safe here?! Was I trying to lure her in with a false sense of security? You’re safe here!? At least until you sign a contract, make me mad and I take you down into my Dungeon and flog you until your ass is nice and purple and you can’t sit down for a week. Twisted excitement shoots through me just at the idea.

What the hell was I doing? Bringing her back to my place had been a bad idea, a terrible idea. All I could think about was the fact that she was laying in that room, the room every one of my Submissives have slept in. Thank God London had packed up all of Peyton’s things and painted over the royal blue walls with the usual boring white paint. Right now, Emery Palmer was laying in that bed with my shirt. Just like that, I am hard again.

I turn my gaze down, glaring at my rigid cock. Three times! I am not one to jerk off, I rarely do it. If I need a quick fix, okay. But normally when I am feeling desire I head to the club and find some dirty blonde Sub for the night. But tonight, my cock keeps waving around in the air like someone at a rock concert.

Admitting defeat to my own desires I let my eyes fall closed, taking my cock in my hands. I picture Emery, little innocent, wonderful Emery. I picture her brushing her thumb over the lower lip I so desperately want to bite. I picture her curled up tight against my chest. I picture her curled up so nice and cozy under a blanket in my den as I try to keep my gaze off her and pay attention to the movie. I picture her chained to the wall down in my dungeon wincing a little in pain as I punish her for lying to me. It doesn’t take long. It had not taken long the past three times before I erupt over my own hand. London will have to change the sheets tomorrow.

What the hell has gotten into me?

I had to get her out of here at least until I got the information I needed, until she understood. Understood the kind of man I am. I had to make her see that I am the last man she should trust with her heart.

It wasn’t that I was ashamed of my desires… maybe I was a little. Maybe deep down, very deep down a part of me wants to be normal. Wants to be able to form a relationship with a woman based on nothing but love and commitment. But I just can’t do it. I can’t allow myself to open up like that, whenever you let someone in, they always turned around and stabbed you in the heart. Every time.

And I knew I couldn’t give up my Dungeon. I had tried. One time. That had been bad, really bad. I needed the escape; it was the only way I could keep the monster that sat dormant inside me asleep.

I knew that she was innocent. Emery had no idea what lay below in my Dungeon. She had looked so adorably confused when I told her that my women slept in that room rather than with me. I can tell that a part of her, the instinctual part, was telling her to keep her distance. Her gut was smart, but her heart and mind were telling her to let me get closer. They wanted her to ignore the alarms that I set off. Maybe I should have the word predator tattooed across my forehead.

Emery would be the first green Submissive I have ever been with. Even in the young age rage, I looked in, most of the women I met and had been with had at least one Dominant before me. Some more than that. I prefer when it’s only one or two, I like when they are fresher, but I have never found a completely green one. The fact that she was so oblivious and that I desperately wanted to drag her into my world scared the hell out of me, and I am not a man that is used to feeling scared.

I am always in control, and sure of my actions. But one day around this girl and all of that had been thrown out the window. I raise my head from the pillow and glare at the alarm clock, 6:00, I have been doing a lot of glaring recently. God did I need to find a Submissive. Hopefully, I have found a Submissive.

I slowly sit up, there is no way I am falling asleep. Getting out of bed I throw on a pair of basketball shorts and head upstairs to my home gym to burn off some tension. When I am drenched in sweat and my muscles are burning, I step over to the mini fridge and grab a water bottle from inside. Taking a long drink as I lean against the counter.

What was I going to do about Emery? I don’t realize my feet are moving until I am standing outside her door. I hesitate with my hand hovering over the doorknob before quietly pushing the door open.

She lays curled up tight in the blankets. She is laying on her side, her face is incredibly peaceful, it’s so beautiful. Her thick dirty blonde hair lays sprawled out on the pillow behind her. The bedside lamp is lit on the dullest setting like she is afraid to sleep in the darkness. My gaze softens as I cross over to the side of the bed, slowly brushing my fingers down her cheek. Warmth spreads through my fingers as I touch her soft skin. She is incredibly beautiful.

I want her. So badly. She doesn’t have anyone. I could give her everything. I could give her a family and dedication, and commitment. But I have to take this slow, I can’t rush it, no matter how badly I want to feel myself buried inside her. I need to stop thinking about her like that, I can already feel my cock hardening.

I turn and head back out of the room. Grabbing my phone from my pocket I dial Jayne Duncan’s number. She answers on the fifth ring.

“Hello?” she sounds slightly groggy. My phone call must have woken her. I am too desperate to feel bad.

“Jayne, what is that intern’s name and address?” I ask.

“Which one?” she asks desperately confused. “The one we just hired? Emery?”

“No. The other one, the twenty-one-year-old, she’s fresh out of college. You can’t stop talking about how she’s going to be running the department one day,” I mutter, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.

“Oh, um — if you don’t mind my asking, why do you need her address, sir?” she asks.

“I do mind you asking, just get it for me,” I demand.

She is silent for a moment before she replies “sir… I don’t —”

“God damn-it Jayne, get me her address,” I demand coldly.

“Yes, sir, right away,” Jayne finally submits. It takes her five minutes before she gets her address.

“Ellie MacWan and her address is 40 E 9th St Unit 1608.”

“Have a good Saturday,” I say as I hang up. Walking into the kitchen I find a pad of sticky notes scrawling a quick note to both London and Emery.

I had to run out to do a few errands. If Emery wakes before I return, make her feel at home. If she wants the moon get her the goddamn moon.

~ Mr. Corrette

I stick the note to the fridge where I am sure London will see it. I text Reese to have the car ready before writing out my note to Emery, hesitating with the tip of the pen against the paper. Why is writing a simple see you in a few hours letter difficult?

I wish I could have been here when you woke up but unfortunately, something has come up. Please make yourself at home and if you need anything, anything at all please don’t hesitate to ask London. If you need me, my phone number is 733-656-7896, I will have my phone on me.

I hope you had a wonderful sleep.

~ Colin

Walking down the hall I stick the letter to the mirror of her bathroom. Running my hand over the top to make sure it would stay. Heading to my room, I shower quickly and change into a pair of jeans and a button-up shirt. I make a stop in the laundry room before walking out of the front door I slide into the back seat when Reese opens my door.

“Where to, sir?” he asks when he is behind the wheel.

“40 E 9th St,” I say.

“Yes, sir,” Reese says pulling away. “How is Emery doing?”

I catch him glance at me in the rear-view mirror. I hesitate before shaking my head slowly, signalling to him that I am not answering. “After you drop me off go see Candice and pick up six new outfits for Emery.” I pass over the small bag I grabbed from the laundry room, “inside is a shirt and pants of hers, go off of them for sizes.”

“Yes, sir. The usual styles and colours?”

I hesitate, but nod after a moment, “yes.”

It’s not a long drive to the apartment. I am glad that it is on the way to the office from my place. It would make picking her up on the way and dropping her off in the evening easier. When we park outside the small condo, Reese walks around to grab my door.

Stepping out I look over the building. “Check around the building before you leave, make sure it is safe and up to code.”

“Yes, sir,” Reese says as he heads off to walk around the building.

I walk up the outside steps, making a point to test out the integrity of each step as I go. It seems sturdy and safe much to my approval. When I arrive at the door to unit 1608, I knock, before stepping back from the door.

It is a couple of minutes before the door opens. I have only seen the girl a few times, only by walking through the office. I have never had a conversation with her before. To say she looks surprised to see me standing on her doorstep would be an understatement.

“M-Mr. Corrette?” she nearly gaps at me.

“Good morning, Miss MacWan,” I say with a warm smile, letting it warm my eyes. I can see it affects her like nearly every girl I have ever met.

“W-what are y-you doing here, sir?”

“I was hoping we could have a chat,” I say.

She gazes at me in surprise, looking like she doesn’t believe this is really happening. “Um… I-I don’t know — I’m not dressed…”

“That’s okay,” I say. “I have a favour to ask you.”

She hesitates a moment longer before she pulls the door open wider, stepping back so I can step in.

When I step into the house, I allow my eyes to travel over the apartment. It is not incredibly big, but it’s not small either. As I follow her to the kitchen, I note two spare bedrooms and a bathroom that looks hardly ever used.

“Do you want some coffee?” Ellie asks leaning a little against the counter.

“Please,” I say walking over to the French doors I look down at the courtyard below. This would be a fine place, now I just have to negotiate or buy what I want.

I turn to her when I hear a mug get placed on the counter. Picking it up I take a small sip. It’s not incredibly tasty, it’s certainly not the expensive stuff I am used to. I look up at Ellie smiling, “this is excellent.”

She smiles warmly, “thank you. What favour did you need, sir?”

I hesitate, running my hand through my hair. I take another sip before replying “Miss Duncan and I interviewed a new intern yesterday, and it has come to my attention that she is in a… delicate situation and needs a safe place to stay.”

Ellie looks at me in surprise “I-I don’t know how I can help with that, sir.”

I frown a little. “Well, you have a spare bedroom. Two actually.”

“Sir, respectfully, I don’t want to mix personal and professional, if this girl is a new intern, she is my competition.”

I frown coldly which startles her. How can she ignore a plea for help just because she deems Emery competition? “If you agree to let her stay here, I will pay your rent, utilities included, plus an additional two hundred dollars a month for food.”

Her eyes widen, looking at me with curiosity. “Is she your niece or something?”

“No. She is my employee, and she is in need of some help. She is not your competition, right now she is someone who needs your help. Please Miss MacWan,” I say.

She hesitates, looking down at her coffee, “what’s she like?”

“She is very nice, very quiet and respectful. I am sure you both will get along very well. She is eighteen and could use someone to help her navigate the office and adult life,” I say, taking another drink of coffee.

“She would have to bring her own furniture,” she says. “At least for her room.”

“That would not be a problem,” I say. “Can I see the room? Do you have a tape measure?”

She hesitates before nodding. Stepping over to the drawer beside the fridge she takes a tape measure from inside, passing it to me before walking back down the hall to the first spare room I had noticed.

It is a good size room, she currently has it set up as a home office, which it is practically perfect for. There are built-in bookshelves running up the wall and over the top where the bed would go. A large window sat on the side wall letting in a ton of natural light. I am sure Emery will like it. A 12’ by 11’ room with a large closet, was perfect, but honestly, it could have been a closet-sized room and been better than sleeping on a park bench. At least here I would know that she is safe.

“I will bring her by to introduce you two tomorrow,” I say to Ellie as I head back to the front door, texting Reese that I am finishing up. I hesitate before turning back to her. “If you agree to keep this quiet around the office, particularly the part of me paying you, I will give you an additional five hundred dollars.”

She looks surprised but nods. “Sure, sir.”

“Also… if you could stick to the story that I just asked you for your help, not mention that I am paying you to Emery, I would appreciate it.”

“Course, sir,” she says.

I nod in appreciation before turning and heading out the door.

“The building looks sturdy, sir,” Reese says the moment I am in earshot.

I nod, “good. Have London send Miss MacWan a bouquet of flowers as a thank you.”

“Yes, sir,” Reese says. “Where to next?”

I hesitate, pulling out my phone I dial a long-time friend. I need advice, and to talk to an old friend, and who better than the woman who knew me better than anyone?

“Colin!” she greets after a pair of rings. “How are you, my dear boy?”

I smile a little. “I am doing good, Joyce. Are you around this morning? Do you want to join me for coffee?”

“Of course, your little shop next to your office?”

“Sure, see you in a few.” I hang up the phone. Reese is already on his way having overheard my end of the conversation.

Joyce Hendrick is standing on the street when Reese pulls up. She is a beautiful, elegant woman of fifty-five. She wears a wonderful black Coach coat with a matching bag hung over her arm. She has short brown hair and green eyes with some frown crinkles at the corner.

I don’t wait for Reese to get my door before stepping out, and walking over to her. She smiles warmly in greeting wrapping her one arm around my waist, the other coming up to rest on the back of my head. She knows my boundaries better than anyone. I return the hug, pulling away after a moment.

“How are you doing?” I ask, not making eye contact with her. A long-time habit from when I was a boy.

“I am doing very well, thank you, Colin. Come, let’s get us a cup of coffee and you can tell me what is bothering you.”

“How do you know something is bothering me?” I ask with a soft smile.

She looks at me with a small, amused smile. “Because I have known you long enough to know the signs. You look like you haven’t slept a wink.”

I slowly nod, following her inside I order my usual latte and scone before we head over to the same table Emery, and I had sat at yesterday. The table was always empty, always ready and saved for me.

When we are settled, and our coffees are steaming in front of us, Joyce looks up at me. “So, what is stopping you from sleeping, my boy?” She glances around briefly to make sure no one is paying attention to us before asking her next question. “Are you still struggling to find a Submissive?”

I hesitate before shaking my head. I never lie to her, again, that is a long-developed habit. “Not exactly… I have found someone, she is just… not my usual.”

“How so? Is she not a blonde or is she too blonde?”

I can’t help but laugh a little, looking down at my coffee I shake my head. “No. She… is green. Really green. I mean I don’t know exactly how green, but I know she has never done this sort of relationship before.”

“How do you know?” Joyce asks. “Have you asked her?”

“No. But I can tell. She is innocent Joyce, almost painfully innocent.”

“You look for the innocent, Colin. When you look for young women, you are bound to come across a few who have limited experience with BDSM,” she says.

“I understand that, but I’ve never been with a woman that has no experience,” I say. I hesitate, shaking my head. “That is not all, she is… I have never felt this way around a girl before. I need her. I need her to say yes. I need her to understand what she is getting herself into and agree.”

Joyce nods slowly tapping her long manicured nails against her mug. “So then take it slow, take her to the club show her what you like, what you need. She might be more open-minded than you think, Colin. Our way of life is becoming more and more popular every day.”

That was true, it seemed like every month Hard Metal got busier. We generally got fifteen new members a month.

I look down at my coffee nodding slowly. “She has been mistreated; the world has not been very kind to her… I found her sleeping on a park bench last night…”

“Oh my,” Joyce says looking at me in surprise. Her gaze was warm. “You two might have a lot in common.”

I nod slowly, “yeah, maybe. She apparently spent the last few of her teenage years in a group home, after her mother passed away, she said it wasn’t a good situation.”

“It seems like something you definitely can relate to,” Joyce says, reaching across the table she touches my hand. “Is that really something you want to explore? I’m sure it is tough having so many reminders.”

I look up at her with a deep frown, “it has been a long time. I am an adult now. Now I can give someone the help you offered me. I just hate that she has been hurt like that.” I slowly shake my head, “enough about me. What have you been up to? How is Brandon?”

“He is good. God, does he like to test me, he almost reminds me of you,” she says with a warm, affectionate smile.

I laugh a little, shrugging sheepishly, “that is how you like them.”

“Yes, it is, very much,” she says with a warm smile. “I swear I had to flog him for an hour yesterday just to get him to submit.”

I smile, laughing a little, leaning back in my chair. “How is the boutique doing?”

“Very good. We just got a wonderful new collection of dresses. Maybe I will send you one for your new friend.”

“She could use it. Thank you,” I say with a small nod of approval.

“Pastel green or blue?” she asks.

“Green,” I say instantly. I know it will go well with Emery’s complexion, though I am certain she would look gorgeous in anything.

I grab my phone when it dings. It’s from London Emery is awake, sir.

Looking back up at Joyce I smile softly, “I should go, Emery is awake. We have a few things to accomplish today.”

Joyce nods, draining the rest of her coffee. “Well, I wish you the best with her. Call me any time if you need to chat.”

I nod getting to my feet I return her hug. “Thanks for joining me, Joyce.”

She smiles as she steps back, reaching up to press her lips to my forehead the same way she had so long ago.