Fletcher asked the question before Mallory could come up with a reasonable argument as to why Master Derek was making a mistake. She relaxed on the couch instead of speaking. Let the Dominants sort things out and then she would put in her two cents.
“In the past you’ve always played with younger, though experienced, submissives, haven’t you, Fletcher?” Master Derek asked without directly answering his question.
“Yes, I suppose I have,” the man answered after a moment of thought.
“Have you ever considered taking on a new to the lifestyle submissive and teaching her about BDSM? Sharing with her what you prefer, what you want and need from a submissive partner? Train her to your hand, so to speak.”
Mallory held her breath as she waited for Fletcher’s answer. Her classes in BDSM, and playing short, lightweight scenes with a couple of the Dominants over the past few months had taught her a lot, but she had a feeling what Master Derek was about to propose would take her education in kink to a whole other level.
She watched Master Fletcher frown before slowly shaking his head. “I’d never thought about it. In my position away from Rawhide, having a long-term submissive has never been feasible.”
Master Derek grinned like he’d landed a whale while fishing for guppies in the stream that ran through Rawhide Ranch. “But you’re not out in the world for the next four weeks. What I’m proposing is that while you’re here, you try something new.”
The resort owner then turned his focus to Mallory. “I know you were hoping for an older play partner, but there areadvantages to having a younger man dominate you. Fletcher is well-trained in all aspects of BDSM and has requested to be introduced to a submissive he could practice his shibari bondage technique with. You did express an interest in learning about bondage, didn’t you?”
Even as she nodded, Mallory opened her mouth to say that she didn’t have time for a full-time Dominant. Between the classes she’d been taking, her work in the Dungeon, and sleep, she barely had time to practice her drawing or the larger piece of artwork she’d been working on as a gift for Master Derek and Rawhide Ranch.
Without waiting for her to speak, he continued, “If you accept Master Fletcher as your Dominant, I’ll see your hours in the Dungeon are cut back so you have more time for him and for your artwork.”
Glancing at Master Fletcher, Mallory was surprised to find him watching her, assessing her. Was he considering the match?
Could she put aside her own biases against younger men to see what Master Fletcher had to teach her?
Fletcher was not sure if it was the opportunity to train a woman to his hand, or the scent of Mallory’s perfume that had him considering Derek’s plan. He’d discovered over lunch that Mallory Blackstone was a widow of two years with no children who had recently lost her mother. She was an artist who’d been dipping her toes back into creating after a lengthy hiatus, and though shy, she was an insightful woman with interesting, informed opinions. From his body’s reaction to her in that dress, he already knew he was interested. In fact, he’d admit that if theywere anywhere else in the world, he would be seriously tempted to sweep her away for a tryst, or more.
When she still didn’t say anything, and looked on the verge of panic, Fletcher decided it was time for him to step in and flex his Dominant muscles. “How about we take a walk and talk about this idea.”
He watched as Mallory released her breath in a whoosh before slowly nodding. “I can do that. But I have to be changed and in the Dungeon by four. I’m covering for one of the other submissives this evening.”
Fletcher checked his smart watch and nodded. “That gives us a couple hours to get to know one another before we have to give Derek our decision. How about you show me this misfit zoo I’ve been hearing about?”
Mallory nodded with a smile. “I can do that, Sir.”
“But first we’re going to need to find you some better shoes to wear,” Fletcher said looking at her bare feet. “And perhaps a sweater if we’re going to be outside for a while.”
“What size shoe do you wear, Mallory?” Master Derek asked as he rose.
“Eight.”
Master Derek nodded then left the room. Sadie rushed in a few minutes later carrying a pair of bright pink plastic clogs.
“You can wear these,” she said, handing the clogs to Mallory. “You don’t want to go visit the zoo wearing heels anyway. And these can be washed off if you step in something stinky.”
Mallory slipped her feet into the clogs with a grateful smile. “Thanks Sadie. I’ll get them back to you as soon as I can.”
Sadie waved a hand. “Whenever. I don’t wear them much because they don’t fit my feet too good.”
Derek handed the pale pink sweater he’d returned with to Fletcher who thanked him.
“Well, Miss Mallory, shall we go and see the misfit zoo?” Fletcher rose and held out a hand to the woman who wasn’t what he’d come looking for but might be just what he needed.
“We shall,” Mallory said as she stood and, after allowing Fletcher to help her into the sweater, obediently lay her hand on top of his when he offered it again.
Sadie saw them out. “Have fun,” she called after them with a giggle and a wave.
Chapter Six
When they took the path that led to the stables and barn that housed Reese’s Perfectly Imperfect Animal Rescue and Petting Zoo, Mallory wasn’t sure if she should remain silent or talk. She’d been taught that Dominants were supposed to be the ones to speak first.
