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She was concerned, unsure.

  "Oh. Sir."

  She still looked worried and pulled the light blanket closer around herself. Steven smiled at her then stood and gathered her clothes. He dropped them alongside her then sat on the bed and took her hand.

  "No need for Sir at the moment. We're only talking. Call me Steven."

  She nodded but frowned.

  "But we were only talking before and you punished me."

  "True, but not once did you give me my title. I would have expected it when you greeted me. You also did not acknowledge my request to remove your dress."

  "Ah. I understand."

  "Avril, this has been a very rapid and extremely brief introduction to the lifestyle. There are many other things I'd love the chance to show you. You can be assured that for you pain is a necessary and welcome ingredient in sex. There is no way you can ever consider yourself as being frigid. You are a warm, sensual, wonderful woman who would excite any man."

  She gave him a very doubtful stare.

  "It's true. Believe me."

  "Maybe this is really a one-time thing, Sir. I mean Steven. Maybe after a few more times I'll simply go back to how I was."

  "Definitely not. Avril, you can't possibly believe that! You're very responsive, so exciting. I've loved the chance you've given me to show you a little of my world."

  She smiled then. It lit up her whole face, and Steven wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let her go.

  Instead he smiled, too, then said, "I sincerely hope you come back to the club."

  "I'd have to join."

  "Yes."

  "I'll think about it."

  He didn't want to beg but heard himself say, "Will you please come back?"

  She shrugged. "I can promise you I'll seriously consider it."

  Steven wondered if he should tell her because he was the co-owner he could give her a cut rate or easily waive the fees, but then realized she had to make her own mind up without any interference from him trying to sway her decision.

  "Will you let me show you more if you come back, please?"

  "You want to see me again?"

  She sounded surprised that he would.

  "Most definitely, yes. Who wouldn't? You're a very attractive woman, extremely sexy, and to be honest, I loved hearing you."

  "Shit. Oops. I mean, damn."

  He laughed, and she actually gave him another tiny smile then slid from the bed, gathering her clothes and almost racing into the bathroom. When she came out Steven had rearranged his cock rather uncomfortably and zipped up. He stood and smiled when she reached the bedside.

  "I'll be checking in on you over the next seventy-two hours."

  "That's not necessary, Master, um, Sir."

  "It's Steven remember, and actually it is necessary. I'll also give you my cell number in case you feel any anxiety or issues."

  "Fine, Steven."

  She replied a little huffily, not understanding, but she took the card he gave her with his mobile number.

  "Listen to me, Avril. This is very important. Very occasionally after an intense scene, the submissive can go into what we call sub-drop. It's when all the endorphins, when the natural high, finally dissipates and you're back to normal. If sub-drop happens you will get depressed, as if what you did was wrong, and you may even think you’re worthless. You may actually be physically sick, have a headache, and be very tearful."

  "I'm fine, honestly, I am good."

  "I know you are at the moment, but I wouldn't be much of a Master if I didn't explain things to you. This is all new to you, and, to be frank, neither of us know how you will react. You have my number, and if you feel anything over the next few days you need to call me immediately. I can help you through it. Understand?"

  "Yes."

  "Promise you will call if you don't think anything isn’t right."

  "I … okay, Steven."

  "Good. I'll ring you tomorrow regardless."

  "Okay, thank you."

  Still holding her hand, he led her from the room and down through the club to the entrance of the ladies’ changing area and lockers. She turned to face him when he stopped.

  "I honestly do want to see you again, Avril."

  "Thank you for tonight and Saturday night, Steven. It's been, well—an eye-opener, I guess is the best way to explain it."

  "I'll talk to you tomorrow, check how you are. I really hope you will come back. Goodnight and thank you."

  "Goodnight."

  She opened the door and went inside. Steven stood there for a moment, feeling a loss. What if she decided not to come back? He'd be extremely disappointed.

  Ha. So much for keeping my heart safe.

  Chapter Seven

  Steven drove home on Sunday night, after Avril left, continually thinking about her. She'd seemed bright and cheery when she'd left the club, even if a little snippy and overconfident. Sadly, she'd admitted she wasn't sure about coming back to the club. Steven didn't know if it was the cost of the fees or if she genuinely was having second thoughts, which would be a shame because she was certainly a sexual masochist.

  Still he figured she needed time to face the fact and then come to terms with it, probably something that wouldn't be done from only two sessions or just thinking about it overnight.

  Monday, he got caught up at work. He owned a very successful plane charter company that catered to the rich and famous. He had a few client meetings that day, and it wasn't until one in the afternoon that he had time to ring and check on Avril.

  "Good afternoon, Avril. It's Steven Bray. I’m ringing to see how you’re feeling."

  "Go away."

  "Pardon? Avril, are you busy? I'm sorry, is this a bad time to call?"

  "Just leave me alone. Go back to your skinny models and leave me be."

  This isn't right!

  "Avril, how are you feeling?"

  "Why the fuck do you care? I'm only some old fat woman who you thought was good for a laugh. Well, never again."

  Damn! It sounded as if she'd slipped deeply into sub-drop. He needed to get to her immediately.

  "Avril, are you ill? Do you have a headache?"

  "For goodness’ sake, aren't you listening? Get lost! I said leave me alone. You've done enough already!"

  With that she hung up, and when he rang back she didn't pick up. Calling the company driver, Barry, he was driven into the city. He'd been given a copy of Avril's details when he said he'd be the one supervising her and knew where she worked, had her home address and phone numbers.

  "Wait here, Barry. I shouldn't be too long."

  "Certainly, Mr. Bray."

  Steven raced inside, the man at the front desk asked him who he needed to see.

  "Miss Thompson, Avril Thompson."

  "Fourth floor."

  "Thank you."

  When he took the elevator to the fourth floor, the door opened onto an airy reception area.

  "I'm here to see Miss Thompson."

  "Certainly, I'll ring through."

  Damn. She may refuse to see me. I didn't think of that!

  A few minutes later a woman came out.

  "I'm Ms. Thomson's secretary. Did you have an appointment?"

  "No, but you will take me to see her immediately."

  "I'm sorry, sir, but—"

  He cut her off. Using his best Dom voice, he ordered, "You will take me now. It's vitally important I see her this minute."

  She appeared flustered but asked him to follow her. She led him past a series of offices and an open-planned office area. Then she stopped at the closed door of a large corner office. He nodded his thanks as she sat back at the desk outside the room, watching him curiously as he pushed the door open. Avril had her head on the desk but lifted it as he slammed the door shut loudly.

  "What are you doing here? Get out!"

  "Avril, you're coming with me now."

  "Get out now before I call security!"

  "No. Look at you, you're not well."

 
She had dark circles under her eyes, and he could easily see she'd been crying. He'd gotten the impression this was a woman who never cried. It confirmed his worst fears.

  "Please leave me. You had your fun."

  "Stop that!"

  "Why? Don't like to hear the truth? Well, you had fun with the old fatty, with the Ice Queen, so now get lost."

  He took two steps and practically lifted her out of her chair.

  "You will get your bag. You're coming with me now."

  Struggling against his hold she shouted, "I am not!"

  "Yes, you are, little Kitten. You're experiencing what I explained as sub-drop. It sometimes comes after a very intense session or, in your case, someone new to the lifestyle."

  She stared at him, shock and worry on her face.

  "Go." A gasp, then she whispered, "Please go away."

  "No, Kitten. Come on. Where's your bag?"

  She didn't answer but gave a downward glance. He pulled open the bottom drawer of her desk and lifted out her handbag.

  "I'm not going with you! I can't simply leave!"

  "Avril, if I have to put you over my shoulder I will. You are leaving with me, and you're coming now."

  Taking her hand, he almost dragged her from the room.

  "My shoes!"

  He allowed her to pick them up but didn't bother waiting until she put them on. Opening the door, he pulled her out.

  "Miss Thomson won't be here for the remainder of the day."

  Avril had to almost run to keep up with him as he dragged her along. He knew she wanted to scream and shout but didn't want to have the staff watch. All the same, judging by the stares and smirks they were given, Steven was pretty sure they would be the talk of the office for the next few hours, if not days. He didn't care. He needed to get her home and look after her before she lapsed any deeper into her depression.

  Settling her in the car, he directed Barry to drive them to his house. Avril slumped, wedged up against the side of the car, not speaking.

  "Talk to me, Avril."

  "No."

  "Please, Avril, this is serious. You're experiencing sub-drop. You need to talk to me, to let me help you."

  "Take me home, then go away."

  "I'm not going to do that until I'm sure you're okay."

  "I'm okay."

  Trying to remain patient with her, he said, "No, you're not."

  In a huffy voice she said “fine” and turned her head to stare out the window, but he could see a few stray tears run down her cheek. Steven tried to take her hand, but she jerked it from his grasp, glared at him, then went back to staring out the window. She refused to answer him from that moment on, and the drive to his house was finished in silence. When they pulled up at the front door, Steven thanked Barry and told him to go home and that he’d see him in the morning. He practically manhandled Avril into the house and took her into a formal sitting room.

  "Right. We're going to talk."

  "Why? I'm useless. I should never have gone. I’m only an old, frigid, and fat woman. I know everyone is laughing at me."

  "No, my little Kitten, no one is laughing at you. You are certainly not frigid or old, and don't you ever call yourself fat again. You are a beautiful, sensuous woman. Any man worth his salt would be proud to have you as his partner."

  "I'm not!" she wailed and promptly burst into tears.

  Steven removed his suitcoat and sat. Then, holding her tight, he pulled her onto his lap and cradled her. Fortunately, she clung to him as she cried, and she howled loudly, without thought, as he murmured words that really had no meaning, merely letting her hear the sound of his voice. Letting her know she wasn't alone, that he was with her. Finally, she stopped crying and buried her head in his chest. He let her rest against his body, waiting until he thought she was strong enough to talk.

  "Do you have a headache?"

  "Yes, but it isn't bad."

  "I'll get you something for it."

  "I don't want anything."

  He sighed. "Avril, you will have something for it. I'll force it down your throat if necessary."

  It was obvious how grouchy, how angry, and how upset she was. She growled, "Fine."

  Steven held back his grin as he sat her back onto the couch and walked to the doorway, then left the room, returning soon with a glass of water and two tablets.

  "Take these."

  He stood over her until she took the tablets. Then he sat down again, lifting her once more onto his lap. She resisted at first, holding herself stiff, but then she appeared to realize he had no intention of letting her go. She still seemed a little teary, but about three-quarters of an hour later she sighed heavily.

  "Better?"

  "I think I am." She rubbed a hand across her face. "I don't understand. What's happening to me? I … I never cry."

  "Kitten, I explained to you about sub-drop. You should have rung me this morning as soon as you didn't feel right."

  "I thought … I thought I was."

  Steven was angry. She would have known she wasn’t behaving normally.

  "Avril, you knew you weren't right. Even if it was simply a headache you should have rung me."

  She looked up at him, her eyes huge and glistening. "I didn't want to bother you."

  His anger deflated at her words. "Kitten, you would never bother me. I told you if you felt different to call me."

  "I thought I was only some stupid, fat, old woman."

  "Hush, you are far from stupid, and you certainly aren't old. Believe this, Avril, if I ever hear you call yourself fat again I will put you over my knee and spank you so hard you won't be able to sit down for a month!" Her eyes widened, and he thought she was shocked as he added, "And believe me you won't enjoy it at all!"

  She continued to stare at him in surprise.

  "When did you last eat?"

  She shrugged.

  "This won't do. If we continue this relationship then you need to listen to me and to care for yourself properly."

  She retaliated, her voice shrill. "Relationship? What relationship?"

  "Avril, you saw what happened on Saturday and Sunday. You discovered you needed pain to excite you, and I'm the man to inflict it. I'm very attracted to you. You can't turn your back on your desires."

  He was surprised to hear anger in her voice when she spoke. "I … I don't. This is—shit. You’re crazy!"

  "Why?"

  "You can't simply tell me we're in a relationship."

  "Why not?"

  "Because I don't know you."

  "Kitten, nobody knows the other person when they start something."

  "But this is different."

  With quiet patience he asked, "And why is that?"

  "Because." Her words rushed out. "Because you only want someone to hit."

  He laughed and gave a sigh of relief. She certainly seemed to be out of the sub-drop.

  "That's true, but then you need someone to hit you, which means we're perfect together."

  "You don't even like me."

  "Who says?"

  "Well. I mean. Look at you."

  Steven had no idea what she was saying. Her anger was still there, but at the same time there seemed to be confusion and insecurity.

  "I don't understand."

  "Forget it," she mumbled as she took an inordinate interest in the floor.

  "Am I to understand there is something about my looks that means we can't begin a relationship?"

  Steven had to listen carefully to hear her whispered comment.

  "You're too fucking handsome for your own good."

  He stifled a laugh as he asked tongue-in-cheek, "I still don't understand. So you prefer ugly men. Would you like me more if I had hideous scars on my face?"

  "Now you're being sarcastic."

  "Yes."

  "Argh."

  "Are you prepared to accept I find you attractive?"

  "Maybe.”

  “I do.”

  "What's with all this? Why do you keep asking me
things?"

  He shook his head. She was rather infuriating but endearing. He lifted her from his lap and sat her back onto the couch.

  "Sit there."

  Avril rolled her eyes and grumbled under her breath. When she spoke, the sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable. "Yes, Sir."

  He snorted as he walked into the kitchen and poured out a glass of fresh juice. Taking it back inside, he handed it to her. She shook her head.

  "Drink this."

  "I don't want to. I want to go home."

  "Ah, Kitten, do you have to fight me all the way? Just drink this. Can't you simply accept that we like each other and see what happens?"

  Her turn to sneer and snort. "Listen, I’m okay now. I guess I understand what happened and why you came to the office. We aren't going to see each other again, so please accept it."

  He stood over her and felt like shouting.

  He took a breath. "No. I will not, little kitten.”

  “I’m not your kitten! Take me home and leave me alone.”

  “For goodness’ sake, Avril! Surely you proved to yourself Saturday and last night that pain and sex for you are intertwined."

  "Yes, but it doesn't mean I have to act on it."

  "So you intend to spend the rest of your life having boring, unsatisfying sex?"

  "No. I won't have any."

  Steven couldn't hold back his raucous laughter. She may not recognize it yet, but Avril was a passionate, sexy woman. She needed to see it, needed to see they'd fit perfect together—like the correct pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.

  "Stop laughing at me!"

  "Listen to yourself. How old are you? Forty-six, forty-seven?"

  "Fifty-two."

  "Interesting, you certainly don't look it, but that's beside the point. So, you intend to spend the next thirty or forty years celibate?"

  She lifted her chin. "If I have to. I've lived that way the past eight years, and I know I can do it."

  Steven put the juice on a low table, grabbed her arm, and pulled her upright. He then sat down and pulled her over his lap. Using one hand firmly to hold her in place, he unzipped the skirt she wore with his other hand and wriggled it up around her waist. Her panties went down next. She was screaming, wrestling all the time, trying to get to her feet as he landed the first slap. He put all his force into it, and her angry shout bounced around the room. Another four spanks quickly followed as she tried to block his smacks with her hands. Her screams became louder and louder as he held her hands away.