“Mallory? Are you all right?” Master Derek asked, after covering Sadie’s mouth with one hand to silence her.
It took another minute before Mallory finally nodded. “Just a bit overwhelmed. I’ve never had anyone be so excited about my artwork before. Are you sure they’re good enough for a show?”
“The residents of Rawhide Ranch have a different perspective on many things in life. You’d be surprised how much they’ll love your creative vision. I’d like to talk about possibly doing some special artwork for the Dungeon, and possibly the Littles’ Wing.” Master Derek winked at her before glancing at hiswife. “Angel, if you don’t stop licking my hand, you’re going to feel my wet palm on another part of your anatomy in about two seconds.”
Fletcher had to chuckle when Sadie’s eyes went wide as her hands slipped around her body to cover her ass.
When Mallory continued to look stunned, Fletcher stepped in once more. “Can we get through tomorrow before we make any hard and fast decisions about the art show? And maybe we could include other artists who live in the area?”
“That’s a great idea,” Sadie began bouncing again. “We could split it into two parts, one side with Mallory’s work and the other side of the room with artwork by some of the other residents. Definitely Payne as he’s not only your friend, he sings your praises to anyone who’ll listen. Maybe Master Colton would like to put something in even if his specialty is furniture. His carvings are just so beautiful. And Master Gavin who is a famous artist. Oh, and Blake. He’s a Little and would also love to have a coloring book of your drawings! And, and, and I don’t know who else, but I’ll think of them.”
“Sadie, enough or you’ll be testing that new gag the store got in for the rest of the afternoon.” Master Derek swatted her thigh hard enough she yelped in response. “Fletcher, I’d also like to schedule a demonstration or two over the next couple of weeks before you leave.”
“Whenever you need me. We’ll be in the Dungeon this evening if you want to pass that word to anyone who is interested,” Fletcher said as Mallory’s stomach rumbled. “But right now Mallory and I need to get some lunch before her stomach bursts out of her belly and starts eating people.”
That comment had both women giggling.
“Go, eat. I’ll pass the word that you’ll be in the Dungeon tonight for anyone who wishes to watch a Rope Master at work.”
Fletcher nodded, then stood with Mallory in his arms. “Sounds like a plan.”
With that, he headed for the door that led to the lobby. Sadie hurried around the desk to the door. On the way, she picked up Mallory’s bag and handed it to the woman, all surprisingly without speaking another word.
Just outside the cafeteria, he set Mallory on her feet and pulled her in for a hug. “Deep breaths, sweet bunny. You don’t have to make any decisions right now. In fact, I declare you won’t decide until tomorrow, after you’ve had a chance to sleep on it.”
Mallory sighed and nodded. “Thank you, Master Fletcher, for stepping in and protecting me from Sadie and her exuberance.”
“Anytime, sweetheart. That’s what a Dominant does, loves, protects and cares for the submissive under his care.”
Mallory pulled her head back and looked up at him with yearning in her gaze. “Love?”
“Yes, Mallory. Love. I love you, my sweet rope bunny.”
Chapter Sixteen
Mallory felt like she’d woken that morning in some sort of alternate universe. One where all her dreams were coming true at once.
“I love you, too,” she whispered with a bright smile.
“Good. I’m very glad to hear it. Now, let’s get lunch and we can go back to the room and take a no-sleep nap,” he winked at her as he squeezed her once more before releasing her and taking her hand in his.
The meeting with her ex was pushed far from her thoughts by the news of having an impromptu showing of her artwork in a few weeks. It even overshadowed the knowledge that she would be on display that evening as Master Fletcher’s rope bunny.
She waited until they were seated at a table away from other diners before she asked, “I won’t be naked tonight when you tie me up, will I?”
Fletcher’s smile as he added pepper to his fries sent a shiver through her nerves. “No, bunny, you won’t be naked. The outfit I ordered was delivered this morning. That was one of the reasons I’d been putting Derek off, I wanted to make sure you had an appropriate outfit that wouldn’t interfere with the ropes and knots, but also wouldn’t expose too much of my woman’s body.”
“But I was naked in the Dungeon the other day,” she pointed out, though she was grateful he would not demand she be naked again.
“That was punishment and the only person who was paying attention to what we were doing was Master Randell. I don’t know how many people will be present tonight, so we’ll keep your yummy bits covered.”
Mallory’s nerves settled as she lifted her hamburger. “Thank you, Master.”
Fletcher nodded then looked at her plate. “Eat, bunny. You’ll need your energy for this afternoon, and tonight.”
“Yes, Sir.”
The afternoon passed quickly as Fletcher kept her mind—and body—occupied in bed. Just before dinner they showered and he dried and then French braided her hair so it would be out of his way that evening. After an early dinner, they returned to their room where they watched a movie until it was time to get ready for their evening in the Dungeon. Master Fletcher stripped her and then helped her dress in a pale pink sports bra and boy shorts. The color was so light, it almost looked like she was wearing nothing.
