“And the shoes?” I asked.
He chuckled, his face softening for the first time since I’d met him. “All of it. Jane made the arrangements. She has an eye for women’s sizes.”
“She did this in one afternoon?” I was incredulous.
He shrugged. “She’s resourceful. Anyway, it’s yours.”
“Holy shit!” The words were out before I could stop myself. I clapped a hand over my mouth and his chuckle turned into a laugh. I spun around and advanced upon the shoe rack, reaching up for a tangle of glittering straps attached to stiletto heels.
“Oooohhh…” I exhaled. “Jimmy Choos!” I ran my fingertips over the gleaming lines, almost in reverence. I turned to him again. I knew my face was shining.Never in my life…!
“Thank you,” I murmured. “But…but I can’t…” It felt like pure torment, but I was shaking my head. “It’s too much. I can’t—”
His eyes had gone cold. “You will be at my side, attending high society functions. You will be expected to maintain a certain image.” He looked down at the bag I’d abandoned at the entrance of the dressing room. “I doubt there is anything in…there…that would be appropriate.”
My cheeks burned.
“When you’re ready, there is dinner in the warmer in the kitchen. The staff have instructions to give us our privacy, so you’ll have time to settle in,” he spoke briskly, as if introducing a new employee to an office position.
I gave a nod. “Will we be eating together?” I asked, suddenly overwhelmed at the thought of being left here alone. He shook his head.
“I have work to do. My living area is on the far side of the apartment. I keep a private room there.” His face had turned to granite. “You will never enter that space.”
I blinked and clasped my hands in front of me. “I… Okay.”
“One last thing,” he continued, turning, and reaching for the handle of a nearby drawer, and sliding it out. “These will be your personal items. I expect you to familiarize yourself with them. You will demonstrate their use at a time I deem appropriate.”
I glanced down and stifled a startled sound, but it still emerged as a squeak. The drawer was lined up with every possible type of sex toy I’d ever seen, and more. Dildoes that ranged in size from respectable to downright terrifying; lubes and vibes and…and…butt plugs. There were cuffs and ball-gags, clamps and floggers…strange looking devices with buttons and dials.
Oh, my fuck!
My eyes must have been like saucers, because he chuckled again. Only this time, the sound wasn’t warm at all. It was downright predatory.
“And Sasha,” his voice was like silk over steel, “you have been granted a reprieve this evening as you settle in. But remember, I own you. From tomorrow, your rules will be in force. I will expect full adherence, or there will be consequences.”
Consequences?
“Do you understand?”
“Yes.” My voice barely belonged to me. And no, I did not understand. My answer seemed to satisfy him, though, and without another word, he turned and left the room.
I slumped onto the silver sofa, the beautiful glittering shoe still clasped in my hand. Surrounded by all this luxury and splendor, I couldn’t remember when I’d ever felt so lost and alone. I heard his footsteps disappearing down the hallway. I wasn’t sure whether I should be relieved that he didn’t expect me to sleep with him tonight or terrified of what might lie ahead for me when the new day dawned.
Finally standing, I gathered the strength to reach for my suitcase, set it on the sofa and open it. My few belongings looked pitiful in the face all all these designer labels. I gritted my teeth and cleared two bottom shelves, and then neatly packed my faded clothing onto them. I’d hoped this small gesture would give me some sense of belonging here, but if anything, it only reminded me of how much I didn’t fit in.
My phone buzzed, and I grabbed for it like a life-raft.
Babe! You got the job? You rockstar! Where are you?
It was Renée. The tiny image of her avatar on the WhatsApp screen almost made me want to cry.
All good, honey!I texted back.Can’t share details – it’s kinda hush hush. Fine though, and the money’s great!
Well done, you! When are you coming home?she replied.
Six months, tops,I sent back.But I’ll keep in touch.
Six months!She added a shocked face emoji.That’s crazy! Are you sure you’re ok?
