Page 51 of Over the Line
To him, it wasn’t. Anyone who’d treat Sydney like that deserved to die. After suffering mightily for his crimes.
“Being his sub, wearing his collar meant I was a glorified servant.” She cupped her palms and used them to cover her eyes. “Someone to be used any way he wanted, and by anyone he chose.”
He ached to comfort her and had no damn clue what to do.
When she lowered her hands, a tear clung to her eyelashes. “I left with less money than I arrived with and a shit-pile less self-respect.”
That damnable tear spilled down onto her cheek, and he tenderly wiped it away. “You found the strength to walk away.”
“Walk?” She shook her head. “Ran. Left my belongings. Never went back. A friend of mine, Vanessa, put me in touch with Gregorio, and he helped me find a jeweler to cut my collar off. After that, I finally agreed to go to the Den with her. She’d been concerned about my relationship with Lewis for some time.” She shrugged. “Turns out she was right. Anyway, I accepted Vanessa’s invitation to a Ladies’ Night party there, and I’ve been going ever since. It’s safe. Controlled.”
No wonder you don’t go home with any men.
Forcing a smile that looked fake, she finished, “Is that what you expected to hear?”
He tamped back his rage in order to care for her. “Thank you for telling me.”
Her shoulders rolled forward as she expelled a deep breath.
“I’ll address you in any way you prefer. And I assure you, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and what we share.”
She flipped her hair back. Now he recognized the gesture as self-protective nonchalance.
“You’re not like him.” Her words lacked conviction. “I know that.”
Do you?
“Lewis and I didn’t use a safe word, and I didn’t have one for slow.”
“With me, you have both, and I encourage you to use them. A relationship—especially a D/s one—requires constant nurturing and refinement. But I also think it’s more freeing. With fewer societal constraints, there are more opportunities to be authentic. You ask or state—we negotiate.”
“It doesn’t matter, does it? In a few minutes, I’ll be leaving, and I may never see you again…”
That wasn’t what he wanted, and he’d do anything for one more night.
“Before you demand something that I don’t want to give.”
“Look, Sydney, in a D/s, a real D/s, I only have the power that you entrust to me. It’s yours to give, not mine to take.”
“Sounds like a fantasy.”
“Lewis was an abusive shithead. A true Dom looks after your needs, puts your best interests first. He’ll nurture and protect you.”
“Again, idealism.” She scoffed. “Been there, done that. No desire to get on that ride again. At this point, nothing matters more to me than my independence.”
“After what you’ve been through, you’re right to be cautious.” And he’d still like to come face-to-face with Lewis, anytime, anyplace.
“Look, Sir—Michael—I’m not looking for a Dominant. I want a Top I can scene with, and nothing more.”
A loud splash grabbed his attention.
In front of him, Sydney’s eyes widened, but before she could utter a word, something plowed into the backs of his legs.
Sydney momentarily steadied him so he didn’t slip as he turned. “Chewie.”
“Is it safe for her to be in the river?”
“You’re more worried about her than me?” he demanded.