Page 32 of Master A-0011
For the first time, I saw hesitation on the Main Master’s face.
“If that’s what you want.”
“Of course it’s what I want. Elec, you’ve taken care of me. You’ve helped me in ways no one would understand.” Ethan stood, wrapping his arms around the Main Master for a quick hug. Elec took a deep breath, forcing a smile as Ethan pulled back.
“I’ll be there for you. I’m truly excited about this match. Pearl will be everything you need. You’re both going to be happy.”
The Main Master’s smile was fading as he took a step back.
“I should go. Let’s get the ball rolling. Say your goodbyes tonight. Have Pearl checked in for her surgery at five AM sharp. The sooner we get this done, the sooner it’s over.”
Master A-0011
Ihadn’t been able to keep my eyes off Pearl. She constantly shifted in her chair. There was a flush on her cheeks as I stroked my finger down hers. Even through dinner, she couldn’t keep her eyes off me…and I had the Main Master to thank for that.For this added security for both of us.
I wanted Pearl to be happy. To be the focused wife and mother mine wasn’t. To adore me as someone more than Ethan O’Brien, the famous actor. I wanted her to see me for me and love what she saw, and now we both would. We weren’t as heavily influenced as the blank slates ?ithe Garden’s held, but Elec had assured me we would be at the perfect level to remain normal and happy. And I could see the big difference already as we left the restaurant. Pearl’s arm was wrapped around my waist as I led her through the main doors, and her head rested at the bottom of my chest as I drew her in closer to walk next to me. It was like we’d known each other for years. It was perfect.Us, like this…was perfect. No care for what people thought. No uneasiness for public affection. We were just two people…in love. Me…I was in love, just like I wanted.
“Ethan?”
At the familiar voice, I turned, bringing Pearl around with me as Hazel Summerland approached with her slave. I’d seen my ex around from time to time, but we never talked. I truly didn’t look twice. Dating Hazel had been fine enough, but her psychotic identical twin had put me through the wringer. I’d been younger back then and thought myself in love with Hazel, but it was a lesson learned, and one I didn’t care repeating after we broke things off.
“Long time no see.”
She smiled as she approached, glancing at Pearl curiously.
“Hey Ethan, I thought that was you. Is this your new slave?”
Pearl’s head lifted from my shoulder as she glanced up at me, and I didn’t miss the pause from Hazel or the way her lips parted as Pearl’s curls swayed back revealing her scar. It truly wasn’t as noticeable as it was without makeup, but up close it couldn’t be hidden either.
“This is Pearl.” I slipped my finger under her chin, smiling down at gray-blue eyes that stared up at me adoringly. I kissed her nose, turning my attention back to my ex. “She’s my chosen.”
Hazel’s eyes grew round.
“Chosen? You’re…getting married?”
“In a few weeks. The announcements will go out soon. We’re in the process of planning now. We’re still not set on a date.”
“Oh.” Back and forth Hazel’s eyes went between us. “How exciting. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. We can’t wait.” Pearl’s voice wasn’t shy or soft like I expected as she put her attention on my ex. There was excitement…maybe even a lining of power through the new bravery the Main Master had instilled with his words.
“You’re not wearing a ring. This must have just happened?”
Pearl’s hand lifted as her head lowered to take in the empty space. I grabbed it, lifting to kiss over where one would sit.
“Not really,” I offered. “We’ve been dating for close to a year now. We’ve kept it quiet, but we’re finished with that. We want the world to know how happy we are.” Pearl’s head came back to rest on me. “Her ring is being sized. It was just a little too big. She’ll have it back soon.”
“Great. Wow. Okay.” Hazel’s smile was forced as she stepped back, bumping into her slave. “I’m happy for you two. Congrats again.”
“Thanks. We appreciate it. Have a good night.” I led Pearl a few steps as Hazel nodded and headed for the restaurant door. We didn’t make it to the elevator before my Master number was called out. At the voice, my mood shifted for the worse.
“Great.For fucks sake.This is why I don’t like to go out. Better to get this over with I guess.”
I stopped, groaning as Pete Fitzgerald, a fellow actor, jogged forward. He was the son of a famous producer, and his mother had been an old Hollywood icon, but Pete’s fame ended in childhood, and his rise to stardom never happened. Not yet anyway, and if I had to guess, it never would. A beautiful woman tagged along with him. She appeared to be a slave, but…she didn’t appear normal with her overenthusiastic smile.
“Isn’t this a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you down here. Seems you’ve been hiding yourself the last few months.” Pete’s eyes jumped to Pearl, dismissing her immediately as his stare ate me alive. His jealousy couldn’t be hidden. Not even under the fake smile he forced as he waved his hand towards the woman stopping at his side. “This is my slave. She’s a blank slate. Isn’t she beautiful? Tara, tell our friends hello.”
The blonde-haired woman’s blue eyes sparkled as her head tipped forward the smallest amount.