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Dante rose and followed Derek into the office. He couldn’t help but cast a backward glance at Rebecca, a silent question lingering in the air. What had happened now? She seemed to be a magnet for trouble, this one.
Dante stepped into Derek’s expansive office, which exuded authority and luxury. The massive room featured large leather chairs that sat imposingly in front of a grand six-foot ornate desk crafted from highly polished mahogany. The desk was a masterpiece of intricate design, with carved patterns that hinted at a rich history. A massive, straight-backed armless chair stood nearby, ready for visitors who dared to enter this inner sanctum. In the far corner, a comfortable couch beckoned with plush throw pillows, offering a more relaxed atmosphere in contrast to the formality of the desk.
In another corner of the room, a giant implement closet-cum-armoire stood tall, its dark wood finish blending seamlessly with the room’s decor.
Behind Derek’s imposing desk, French doors beckoned. They led out to a private patio, shielded from the sun by an awning that cast dappled shadows across the space. A round table and a few chairs provided a serene setting for confidential conversations and private meetings away from the prying eyes and ears of the world. The heavy wooden door creaked softly behind him. The Master leaned his broad frame against his imposing desk, his arms crossed over his chest.
His deep voice broke the silence. “Rebecca,” he began, “has been caught snooping around, without a guide, no less.” He shook his head, his eyes narrowing. “Just think about what might have happened if she stumbled into the dungeon, or, God forbid, encountered lifestylers in the middle of a scene. She wouldn’t have understood the dynamics. Not only could it have traumatized her, depending on the other guests involved, it could’ve blown up into a huge scene.” He muttered something under his breath Dante couldn’t catch. “Thank the Lord it was early and almost everyone is still sound asleep.”
Dante shifted uncomfortably in the leather armchair across from Derek. He had been present when Rebecca had agreed to the Ranch owner’s stipulation that she not leave her assigned room without a chaperone. Evidently, she’d chosen to ignore that agreement. He had an idea where this conversation was headed but was unsure how to navigate it.
Derek continued, his voice softening. “I know she needs correction, and since you both signed the papers establishing that guests would be held accountable for any breakage of the Ranch rules, she knows it as well. And while punishment is well within my realm of responsibilities, I wanted to discuss a different path, one that will not traumatize her further. She’s shown remarkable resilience despite the abuse and rape she’s had to endure and I certainly do not want this one mistake to set her back. I believe it is our job to guide her with a gentle though firm hand.”
The weight of the situation was heavier than the dumbbells Dante used for his exercise. He understood Derek’s reservations, for he shared them. Both he and Rebecca had been given the opportunity to read and discuss the very few rules necessary for all guests to follow when in residence at the resort. To be honest, he’d not given the paper too much thought as he was all in from the second he’d made his reservations.
For a brief moment, he considered searching for a loophole in the papers Rebecca had signed, but deep inside, he knew that wouldn’t actually benefit her. She’d gone through trauma that was true, but when Derek had made sure to go over each one with her, she’d also assured him that she understood the need for such rules. Dante knew Derek couldn’t afford to let Rebecca’s curiosity jeopardize the Ranch’s tightly-knit community’s safety. Looking up, Dante nodded, the men’s eyes connecting in a way that spoke of mutual agreement.
“I see you get it.” Taking a deep breath, Derek continued, “You have a connection with her, something I can’t replicate. I’d like you to consider taking her under your wing, treating her as your submissive for the rest of your stay, and guiding her into our world.” Derek’s gaze bore into Dante’s, the gravity of the request hanging heavily in the air between them.
Dante swallowed. He couldn’t ignore his body’s response to the prospect or his heart’s desire. As Dante mentally prepared to address the matter at hand, he knew he was entering a delicate battle, akin to navigating the complexities of a high-stakes court case. He intended to proceed with caution, leveraging the growing trust and attraction between them, much like building a persuasive argument in the courtroom. His goal was clear: to coax her submission, to secure her allegiance, all within the confines of this private courtroom of desire and intrigue.
He rose from the chair. “I’d be honored. I’m not promising anything, but I will do my best to guide and support Rebecca into our world.”
He was almost out the door when Derek’s voice halted him in his tracks. “Tread carefully with this one, Dante.”
His shoulders stiffened and he purposefully exhaled. “I will.”
CHAPTER 10
Rebecca sat on the unforgiving, wooden bench, its rigid surface causing her discomfort as she waited. She didn’t shift her weight, welcoming the ache as a penance for what she’d done. She glanced around, trying to gauge how long ago Dante had disappeared into the office. The minutes dragged on, and uncertainty consumed her.
The emotions churned within her like a tornado, a complex blend of regret and self-recrimination. She felt like such a loser, her mind echoing with questions she couldn’t answer. How did I get from wanting to be useful and paying back some of the kindness I’ve received to snooping around? Her shoulders slumped. The weight of her actions pressed heavy on her conscience.
Uncertainty gnawed at her, and her thoughts spun out of control. Were they going to kick her out? Where could she go? Her future was once again shrouded in a thick fog of anxiety.
When Dante finally emerged, she sat up a little straighter. His return meant she was one step closer to understanding her fate. But what other outcome could there be besides them kicking her out? She squared her shoulders against slumping and braced herself against the rejection.
His shadow fell over her. She lifted her gaze and met Dante’s enigmatic eyes. His handsome face betrayed nothing, and she couldn’t decipher his true intent. Her confusion deepened, and distrust crept into her mind. She didn’t know much about Rawhide Ranch, but what she discovered on her clandestine early morning exploration was telling enough. She sucked in a breath and held it, bracing for what was to come.
His voice, smooth and composed, broke through her uncertainty. “Come, darling,” he said, his words a mix of invitation and authority, “let’s have breakfast and discuss what you did wrong and how we’re going to fix this.” The air around them crackled with unspoken tension and she stared at his outstretched hand.
Dante patiently waited until Rebecca’s fingers intertwined with his. As her hand found its place in his grip, he couldn’t help but admire her at that moment. She was the embodiment of guilelessness. Her beauty and trust in him shone through like a beacon in the dimly lit hallway. A deep desire to sweep her off her feet and hold her close coursed through him. Of course, there was also the need to tie her, tease her, and fuck her until neither of them remembered where they ended and the other began. But he knew all of that would have to wait.
Before anything else, they needed to establish the terms of their unique relationship. There was an undeniable hunger gnawing at the edges of his consciousness, urging him to feed her, both physically and emotionally.
Taking her hand, he led her toward the cafeteria which was slowly awakening. The place was open seven days a week to cater to their needs. As they entered, the aroma of fresh, wholesome food greeted them. The wooden tables were accompanied by chairs, offering comfort and community to those who gathered.
Dante guided Rebecca through the space, his fingers lightly folded around hers, subtly reassuring her. The cafeteria’s atmosphere was warm and inviting, with an emphasis on all-natural and healthy fare. It was a place to nourish their bodies and their budding connection.
He grinned at her childish delight at the hot-cocoa bar. This special treat was a vibrant oasis within the cafeteria. It boasted hot-cocoa machines surrounded by an array of enticing toppings.
Waiting patiently, he watched her deliberate the multiple kinds of sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and cookie crumbles. Syrups and silver buckets of ice held a variety of whipped-cream flavors, beckoning patrons to create their own delightful concoctions.
Dante observed Rebecca as she meticulously doctored her hot cocoa, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He stood back, giving her the space to craft her own sweet masterpiece. She added generous dollops of whipped cream that billowed like clouds, then sprinkled chocolate confetti over it, followed by a dusting of chopped almonds. After checking the bottles, she drizzled a ribbon of caramel sauce with care, creating a swirl of sweet decadence.
With her personalized hot cocoa in hand, she joined him at their chosen table. The tray he carried was laden with delectable breakfast delights. It featured buttery croissants, eggs scrambled to creamy perfection, strips of crispy bacon, a stack of fluffy pancakes glistening with syrup, and a large, steaming mug of black coffee for him.
They sat together, the clinking of utensils against plates and the tantalizing aroma of breakfast filling the air. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, yet neither rushed to break the silence.
