I’m still a country girl at heart and don’t care for crowds, or a lot of noises. Growing up, I learned early to leave other people’s things alone. It wasn’t worth the arguing or fighting.” She shook off the bleak memories. If she wanted him to share a future, she needed to answer his question and leave dreary lane. “Bottom line, I don’t share well.”
Brow raised, his gaze intense. “You don’t share? That means?”
“As long as you serve me, I’m the only woman you’ll have sex with. Any kind of sex. That is not-negotiable.” She spoke slowly so there’d be no misunderstanding.
“Yes, ma’am.” If his dopey smile was any indication, he was on board with her decree.
“I don’t allow others to play with my toys or go ga-ga over my most valuable possessions. Your profile didn’t mention exhibitionism, but I won’t allow you to expose your naked bits to other people. I can’t do it. You have no idea how happy I was that you had on clothes when you walked up. I appreciate it.”
He grinned. “My pleasure, ma’am. Do you consider me your toy or your most valuable possession?”
What the hell . I may as well get it all out on the table . “Both. You should also know I have trust issues that go way back to my childhood. It’s boring. Maybe one day we’ll talk about it. I’ll have you wash your hands a million times a day in the beginning, when dealing with my food or body. You’ll have to stay really clean, and exercise to stay in shape.” She waved away his questions. “Again, I had weight issues growing up and now stay on top of that like a demon.” His eyes swept over her as he nodded.
“I don’t allow visitors to my house, so you’ll need to clear your friends with me. Sorry about that. I’m working on being more open but it’s been a challenge letting folks close. For the most part, my life is streamlined and simple. It has to stay that way or I become uncomfortable. Things must be in their correct places or it throws me for a loop.” In retrospect, hearing her requirements didn’t sound too bad. More like she lived a cautious life.
With a pensive look, he nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I took the three-day-class option.”
“You did?” He sounded surprised.
“Yes, like I said, you’re my first submissive. I don’t want you to move without us taking the time to get to know one another better. The program Madame Chertier has in place will work well and anything we miss now, I’m sure we’ll cover by the time we complete those sessions.”
“That sounds good. I’ll probably have more questions once we get away from this place.”
Vera nodded. “That reminds me, where are you staying?”
“Gilson’s, downtown.”
She tossed the idea back and forth of him moving into her hotel that night and decided against it. She was tired and didn’t want to talk or explain anything. “Okay. When I pick you up in the morning, have your things packed so you can move into my suite at my hotel. I have a driver until I leave so that way we can do whatever the Madame has outlined for us fairly easily.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She watched him look around the room and liked what she saw. He exuded competence with a relaxed demeanor. Ada and Francis liked him. He had an easy smile, which put her at ease.
“The buffet has opened, Mistress. Please excuse me while I get a plate.” Marcus strode off. Once again she admired his walk. There was something inherently sexy about a bow-legged man that made her breath catch. She took another swig of water and watched him return. Her stomach growled.
“That smells good. I’m going to see what’s up there.” She went to the buffet and picked up a few things to nibble on. She’d eat more with the other Mistresses later.
“I could’ve gotten that for you, ma’am.” Marcus stood, trying to assist her.
“Marcus, sit and eat. You’ll be running your ass off later.”
Blunt fingertips popped a chunk of cheese into his mouth. As
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