Her eyes widen as though maybe I’ve said something that gives her hope. “Tell me what it is, and I swear that I will give it to you.”
“A woman who’s never been with another Dom.” I give her a moment to absorb how clearly that excludes her. “A woman who will belong to only me. Someone I can break and train and mold from the start into exactly what I want her to be.”
She lowers her head. “That’s certainly something that I’m not able to give to you.”
“There are plenty of Doms out there looking for a sub as perfect as you. I’m happy to give you a stellar reference. And I know that Easton will too.”
“You make it sound like a job interview.”
Claudia went from the ownership of one Dom to another. Like a transfer. She doesn’t understand the process of seeking a new Dom. Being a sub is very much like a job. In New Orleans, the better your referrals and experience, the better the Dom you will land.
“I heard that Jacob Westbrook was looking for a new sub. I can contact him on your behalf if you like.”
Jacob is wealthy. He would maintain Claudia in the lifestyle that she has become accustomed to. And I’ve seen him in action at a play party once or twice. Looked like he knew what he was doing. I would feel comfortable with transferring Claudia into his care.
“You just told me that we’re over a few minutes ago. I’m nowhere near ready to even think about another Dom.” She cups her hand over her forehead. “You’ve been the center of my universe for more than a year. I don’t even know how to do that—how to consider looking at another Dom, much less let one touch me.”
“I understand that you’re going to need time but please know that I’m willing to help whenever you decide that you’re ready.”
“Only a few hours ago, we were fine. Or at least I thought we were. What happened to bring this on so suddenly?”
All right. She’s hurt. She’s disappointed. She’s shocked. I get it. But all of this talking and discussing isn’t going to change anything. And it’s beginning to annoy the fuck out of me.
I wasn’t planning to tell her about Emma Lia, but I think I need to so that she’ll stop dragging this out.
“I’ve found my new sub.”
Claudia’s mouth gapes, and her face distorts as though she’s in pain. “You found hertonight?”
“I found her months ago, but I’ve been waiting on some things to fall into place. The time is finally right.” So fucking right.
Claudia takes a step back and blindly feels for the bed before sitting on the edge. “Did you cheat on me with this woman?”
Cheat on her?Cheating implies that we were monogamous. We were not. Hell, Easton continued to fuck Claudia at least once a month after she became my sub. People in love don’t do that.
“I haven’t been with her yet.”
“Yet,” she whispers.
The Claudia before me isn’t the poised submissive I’ve known for the last year. This one looks like she could have a meltdown at any moment.
“You don’t have to worry. I’ll pay for you to stay in the hotel of your choice until you find a new Dom. I’ll take care of your living expenses.” I owe her that.
“You’re making me leave?” Her voice has risen a few octaves.
What the fuck? Did she think I was going to have my new sub and my former sub living in the same house?
I shouldn’t have to explain what is obvious. “You can’t stay here. Emma Lia is going to be moving in with me.”
“Oh my God. Seriously? Her name isEmma… Lia? What the fuck kind of name is that?”
I’ve never heard Claudia be so hateful and rude.
“It’s a beautiful name for a very beautiful woman. It fits her perfectly.”
“Are you going to give her my bedroom?”
Claudia is laying claim to something that doesn’t belong to her.
