Page 101 of On His Terms

“Much better behaved than last time,” he observed to Master Alexander.

She didn’t wince, and that alone showed her how far she’d come from her previous visit.

“Shall we go downstairs?” Alexander offered when Master Damien excused himself.

Am I ready for this? “Yes. I could use something to drink.”

“Alcohol and sceneing don’t mix.”

“I know.” Even if she could use a drink. “A soda will do.”

She followed him down the stairs, and while he fetched them each a drink, she kept a lookout for Master Evan C.

She saw him in the corner, chatting with a sub who was wearing a purple wristband, indicating she’d been hired by the Den.

He looked so different from any other Top here. Most were in black. He wore white. A bright red scarf was wrapped around his neck. He belonged on stage, rather than at a BDSM party.

Master Alexander returned with her sugary soda and a water for himself.

“You’ll do fine,” he told her, raising his bottle in a salute to her. “You’ve learned a lot. You should be proud of yourself.”

“I’m nervous as hell, Sir.” Here, all the usual BDSM honorifics seemed not just natural, but appropriate.

“Why?”

She sipped through her straw. “Probably just the idea of playing with someone new.” Or the fact I don’t want to leave your side.

“It’s a good experience. Concentrate on pleasing your Dom. No matter who he is.”

When Master Evan C’s submissive left, Chelsea squared her shoulders.

Master Alexander regarded her but said nothing.

On impulse she kissed his cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

“Remember I’m here. Standing by.”

She moved away, placed her drink on a tray, then looked over her shoulder to make sure he meant it.

When she approached, Master Evan C frowned a bit, evidently having no idea who she was or forgetting they’d agreed to meet. “Chelsea Barton,” she said, offering her hand.

“The PR chick. You mentioned you got some training?”

“I did.”

“Your manners suck.”

She blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“You don’t know how to address a Dom?”

That stung. “Of course, I do, Sir.”

“You want to go to a private room?”

This was the moment she’d been waiting for. So why wasn’t she excited? “That would be fine. I’d also like to discuss my PR’s proposal.”

“Yeah. Later. Down the hall.”