Page 76 of Reign

Aftercare asks for reassurance. Physical contact. Not being left alone when she’s frightened or overwhelmed.

At the wedding, I saw the blood too late. She cut me off and walked away before I could ask whether she needed anything from me.

Whatever happens next, I won’t make that mistake twice.

The final response leaves two words behind.

Choice.

Safe.

I understand choice. I know how to place it inside every instruction and make submission something willingly given.

I don’t know why safety matters enough for her to repeat it. I don’t know what she expects to happen if she stops a scene or what taught her to fear the person standing on the other side of that decision.

I only know that if Elite accepts her, someone will be responsible for making that promise true.

The idea of placing that responsibility in another man’s hands settles badly.

I close the file and open my email.

The sensible answer is rejection.

Elena doesn’t live in Florida. She’ll never enter Elite. Her presence in my life is temporary. Elite is private enough that I don’t require another justification.

Dear Lena,

Thank you for your interest in Elite. At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your private consultation.

Simple. Defensible. Finished.

My thumb hovers over send.

Rejecting her won’t erase the curiosity.

She’ll look somewhere else. Another club. Another Dom. Someone who might see her inexperience, read curious, and decide it means yes.

No.

If Elena wants to explore this, her first consultation should be with me. I know what I missed the first time.

Plus the thought of another man attempting it irritates me beyond reason.

I delete the rejection.

Then I remove her questionnaire from the general membership queue and transfer it into my restricted files.

No membership coordinator. No staff Dom. No one else contacts her.

If she wants answers, I will give them to her myself.

I lock the screen and stand.

The flight attendant straightens near the door. “Mr. Castillo?”

“Have the car ready.”

“It already is, sir.”