"Breaking how?"
"Systematically. He'll test your limits repeatedly until he finds the breaking point." Renato moves to stand beside me, his proximity making my skin warm. "You'll need to learn how to submit without actually breaking."
"And how does one do that?"
"By understanding that submission can be a choice rather than surrender. By learning to give him what he wants while maintaining your sense of self." His finger traces along Kozlov'sphotograph. "But to do that convincingly, you'll need to practice actual submission techniques."
"Such as?"
"Physical positioning, verbal responses, how to endure discomfort without losing composure." He looks at me directly. "Some of these lessons will be... uncomfortable."
"How?"
Instead of answering, he moves to Al-Rashid's photograph. "Different challenge. He values intelligence but expects complete obedience in intimate matters. You'll need to learn how to be fascinating during dinner conversation and completely pliant in the bedroom."
"Meaning?"
"You anticipate his needs without being asked. You respond enthusiastically to his touch regardless of your personal feelings. You make him believe that pleasing him is your greatest joy."
"And you're going to teach me how to fake that level of devotion?"
I pick up Al-Mansouri's photograph, studying the calculating eyes. "And this one?
“He’s a new one. Complete lifestyle submission. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He doesn't just want a woman who submits in bed. He wants one who exists solely for his pleasure." Renato's voice is carefully controlled, but I see his hands clench slightly. "Your wants, your needs, your thoughts. They all become secondary to his desires."
I set down the photograph and turn to face him fully. "And which buyer are you hoping will bid highest?"
The question surprises him. "That's not my concern."
"Isn't it? Do you have a preference, Renato? Which man would you rather sell me to?"
He stares at me for a long moment, some internal war playing out behind his eyes. "None of them."
The admission slips out before he can stop it, and I see him immediately try to take it back.
"But since that's not an option—"
"Why isn't it an option?" I interrupt. "You're the terrifying Renato Vitiello. You've built an empire on taking what you want. Why can't you just... keep me yourself?"
"Because keeping you would cost me everything I've built."
"And selling me won't?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you're not as unaffected by this situation as you pretend to be. It means these training sessions are torture for you too." I reach up and cup his face, feeling the muscle jump in his jaw. "I think you want to be the one who teaches me everything."
"You're wrong."
"Am I? Then start today's lesson. Show me what Kozlov will expect. Demonstrate the submission techniques I need to learn. What should I call him?"
"Sir. Master. Whatever title he prefers."
"And you? What should I call you during these lessons?"
"Call me whatever helps you learn," he says roughly.
"Sir? Show me how to kneel properly, how to lower my eyes, how to make a man feel powerful." I move to the center of the room. "Show me what submission looks like."
