AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rebecca nodded.
“It’s important to understand that submission is always consensual,” Dante continued. “It’s not about giving up your independence or autonomy; it’s a way for individuals to explore their desires, boundaries, and relationships with the guidance and support of their partners. But,” Dante went on, his words punctuated by a sense of seriousness, “it’s essential to understand that the power exchange comes with rules and discipline. Do you remember Master Derek going over the rules for guests?”
She was about to answer yes but hesitated. If she admitted knowing she had broken one of those rules, would that get her into even more trouble? Then again, if she tried to act as if she didn’t, then she’d be lying and she’d feel awful. With a reluctant nod, she said, “Yes, Sir. I-I guess I sort of forgot about them.”
Dante’s eyebrow arched in a way that had her tummy flutter.
“I let my curiosity take over. I’m sorry.”
He gave her a soft smile. “I know you are. Rawhide Ranch means to provide guidance and support, but it also requires dedication and adherence to those rules. Do you understand you gave your promise to follow those rules and gave your consent for consequences if you failed to do so?”
Rebecca nodded, remembering how Master Derek had asked her more than once if she was sure she understood the paperwork they’d gone over the morning after she’d arrived. She opened her mouth, then shut it, hesitating for a moment.
“Do you have a question?” Dante asked.
Her gaze fixed on his as she voiced the question that had been on her mind since he ordered her to add an honorific to her responses. “Do you think I’m a submissive, Sir?” she asked, biting her lip.
Dante met her eyes, his expression thoughtful. He tilted his head as he considered her question before responding. The room felt charged with anticipation as he broke the silence with a thoughtful, “It’s not for me to say definitively. But I’m drawn to you, and I feel a certain... appeal to my Dominant side when I’m around you.”
Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat as Dante’s words hung in the air between them. His admission revealed the complexity of their connection, and she couldn’t help but wonder where it might lead. “I feel something too, Sir.”
He held out his hand with the palm facing up, and she automatically dropped her hand into his. “Will you consent to be my submissive for the duration of our stay at the Ranch?”
Her heart stuttered before it started to pound in her chest. “Will we discuss limits, and will I get a safeword, Sir?”
He smiled. “Yes, give it some thought and let me know what word you’d like to use, okay?”
Rebecca nodded. “I will and I very much want to be your submissive, Sir.”
CHAPTER 11
By the time they finished their breakfast, the cafeteria was crowded with people. Two adorable-looking Littles in pigtails seemed to be in deep concentration as they studied the menu chalked on a board. He saw them doing rock/paper/scissors and when the red-headed Little girl won, her fingers opening and closing over her companion’s flattened hand, he smiled. The very atmosphere of the room hummed with the sounds of Littles laughing and Bigs making suggestions on choices, some scolding lightly while others praised their Little for making good decisions.
After Dante and Rebecca finished their meal, they placed their trays on the rolling cart and left the eatery behind. Dante led Rebecca to his room, where he sat on his bed, the soft morning light filtering through the window.
Dante pulled her gently between his knees, both wanting her proximity and thinking she needed the connection for the conversation to come. He closed his eyes for a brief moment. She seemed so vulnerable and worried. Damn Derek for asking this. Slowly opening his eyes, he asked, “What did you do wrong this morning, Rebecca?”
Rebecca’s gaze dropped to the floor. Her voice was heavy with guilt and regret. “I was in places I wasn’t supposed to be,” she confessed. “I acted disrespectfully toward those who deserved my gratitude.”
Dante used the knuckle of his index finger to lift her chin tenderly, guiding her to meet his gaze. “Yes, you did,” he acknowledged, keeping his voice even. “But why?”
Rebecca’s shoulders sagged, her hands fidgeting with the material of her robe at her sides. Her voice quivered as she explained, her words carrying the weight of her emotions. “I just felt so useless,” she admitted, her eyes misting with unshed tears. “All I wanted was to find something to do and repay the kindness I’ve received. But I can’t.”
Dante listened and nodded. “I understand,” he said, using a soothing tone. “But tell me more. What made you feel that way?”
Rebecca’s fingers continued their restless fumble, and her words came out in a rush. “I have no skills. I have no money, no way to give back. I see all these people around here, doing their jobs, contributing, and I feel like I’m just... in the way.”
Dante’s brow furrowed as he processed her words, his heart aching for her. “Rebecca,” he said, putting as much empathy in his voice as he could, “it’s okay to feel that way sometimes. But you’re not alone now, and we’ll find a way to help you grow and find your place here.”
“Can I?” A big, fat tear rolled down her cheek, and he used his thumb to wipe it away.
“Darling, of course you can.”
Rebecca started to cry. She sobbed and her shoulders shook. Dante pulled her onto his lap and cradled her against him. Her crying became louder.
Dante stroked her back, lending her his strength. His resolve strengthened with every tear she shed. He understood that her actions stemmed from genuine goodwill. He also recognized the deep-seated insecurities that plagued her.
Patiently, he waited for her sobs to subside and her body to still.
