Dawn

The thumping of a heart reached my senses as I slowly woke up. My cheek was pressed against Elijah’s chest that, at some point during the night, I had decided to use as a pillow. His breathing was slow and even as he slept. I think that was one of the most peaceful night’s sleep I’d had in years. I was warm, comfy, and surprisingly refreshed. I almost didn’t want to wake up and face reality.

When I was rented, the rooms that did have beds were not used as a place to sleep. If I was lucky, the men would pass out after getting their fill and I would lie there, unable to sleep as the sounds around me would continue. It was almost worse than the dark and quiet when I was locked away. I never knew what might happen to me if I fell asleep.

I had no idea how long I dozed, lying in Emily’s lap, before Sir came back. I couldn’t recall what was said between the three, but Elijah seemed worried, or maybe angry, when I saw him in front of me. Despite whatever he felt, he picked me up and carried me up to his room, where I expected him to either leave me or have his way with me like Morgan and the other handlers always did. I felt so weak and tired.

I had asked, almost cried, even, for the man to stay, even with the risk of him hurting me in any way, just so I didn’t have to be left alone. I wasn’t able to deal with the panic-filled memories I knew would take over if I was left alone again. He surprised me by getting into bed and pulling me to his side, instantly soothing my nerves. It hadn’t taken me long to fall asleep wrapped in his embrace.

I hid my feelings for so long, refusing to allow myself to feel anything at all, knowing it would hurt worse. I hated it, but if I wanted to survive those cages, I couldn’t do anything differently.

Glancing down, I saw the comforter tented a little at Sir’s crotch. Feeling a little brave, I wanted to show the man I was thankful for everything so far: warm clothes, a bed where I could sleep, and good food. I gently and slowly moved my right hand down to his dick. Sometime during the night, he’d shed his pants and only had thin boxers on, where his tip was poking out.

Slowly, as not to awaken him, I pushed the material down around him. I then made my way down his body so I could use my mouth on him, leaving the covers over my head. The warm, stifling air was nothing I couldn't handle. He smelled so good, a mix between some kind of cologne, soap, and the musky scent of a clean man. Normally, the men I serviced were filthy, grime embedded in their skin, the scent of stale sex and body odor rancid. Sir was different.

Wanting to surprise him, I sucked on the tip before taking him fully in my mouth. He was very hard and thick by then. I sucked on him, swiping my tongue underneath on the vein, making him arch up and slide down my throat some.

Pulling back a little, I tenderly nibbled him before taking him in my mouth again, making him moan deep in his chest. I smiled, because for once in my crappy life, I was happy and content. I hummed against his member, and his hand grabbed my head, fisting my hair but not too hard. Most men never cared if they hurt me, and I had grown used to the pain—almost craved it, some days.

“Oh, fuck,” Elijah moaned as I released him and sucked on the mushroom head of his cock again. He quickly used his other hand to pull back the blanket. I looked up at him through my eyelashes. I could tell he wasn’t sure what to do: demand I stop or let me continue. His face was controlled, but his eyes shone with pure want and lust.

Quickly before he could decide, I took him all the way in my mouth. He was so long he hit the back of my throat. I moaned around him, liking the hardness of him. I had never before liked to give blow jobs, but I would do it every day for this man, if he’d allow me.

Elijah’s hand tangled in my hair, giving into my ministrations and letting his bright blue eyes close as he took deep breaths. I moved my hand into his boxers and played with his balls, rolling them softly. He muttered a soft “fuck” as he exploded down my throat. I gladly swallowed everything he gave me.

Pulling me off him, he was breathless but spoke with authority. “Come back up here.” I obeyed, hoping I wouldn’t be in trouble.

“Not that I can complain to such a great wake up call, but you didn’t need to do that,” he said once I was back up near the pillows. “But, that was the best blow job ever.”

“I’ve had a lot of practice, Sir,” I whispered, near tears. Was I in trouble?

“Oh, sweet girl, you are going to be hard to resist,” he mumbled as he kissed the top of my head. “I think you should get ready for breakfast. We have a few things we need to talk about—like how I expect you to act around here.”

“Yes, Sir,” I said, not knowing how to respond otherwise.

Slowly making my way off the bed and to my room across the hall, my fears grew. I didn’t know what would happen. Would I be punished? Would he make me go back to Master Galvin and Morgan?

After taking a shower and getting dressed, I made my way down to the kitchen. My nerves were finally calm, knowing that if I had survived this long, I could make it through whatever he had in store for me.

On the table sat two steaming bowls of oatmeal. He already sat with a bowl, watching me as I entered and took my seat. He didn’t say anything as I began to eat.

“Why were you in such a panic last night?” he began, his voice soft.

I remained quiet, pretty sure he already knew why, and not wanting to voice my fears. I wasn’t a child and shouldn’t be afraid to be left alone for any length of time. Galvin enjoyed punishing me for little things, no matter what it was. I hoped Sir wouldn't do that to me.

“Answer me, Dawn, and please be truthful,” Elijah said as he stared at me with those brown eyes. “What made you so afraid? Was it because you were alone, or because you didn’t know what to do?”

“Both, Sir,” I whispered, trying to look anywhere but at the man across from me. I didn’t want him to see how upset I was. I could hardly see through my tears.

“Dawn,” he warned, his voice hardening.

“I don’t like to be alone, Sir. Master Galvin liked to leave me alone for days at a time. He would punish me with the dark and being alone. No one would come and feed me.” I spoke quietly, feeling ashamed of myself for my weakness. “And . . . I didn’t know what you wanted me to do, Sir. Morgan and the other men would tell me exactly what they wanted me to do, all of the time, unless they were trying to trick me.” By now, tears slowly fell down my cheeks.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t clear about what you could have done. I should have waited until Zack arrived before I left you here to your own devices,” Elijah said. “I know I should have gone over the rules before now, but you were sick and I didn’t feel like you would be able to stay coherent long enough for me to do so.”

I looked up at him, and I could see that he truly was sorry. I wasn’t sure how to take that, as no one had ever apologized to me when I was with Master Galvin.

“So, once you’re finished eating, you are to meet me in my office and we will go over the rules and punishments of this house. We will both agree on these rules and consequences together. I want you to be honest with me the entire time. Understood?” his eyes locked on my own.

“Yes, Sir,” I said. I was scared, but I also felt better, knowing I would be able to have some sort of guidelines to follow so I could do my best to not be punished.

Elijah took care of his bowl before leaving me to finish my own food. After a few minutes and not able to stomach anymore, I took care of my own bowl, not caring if I’d get in trouble for wasting the food.

By the time I made it to Elijah’s office, I could feel the onset of panic again. I really had no idea why I was so scared. Either Elijah didn’t know I was on the verge, or chose to ignore it, as he simply smiled at me when I entered quietly. He told me to take a seat in the brown leather chair he’d moved beside his desk.

His office was off the living room, with a set of white French doors; his space was clean and colored like the rest of the house. Elijah sat in a fancy office chair.

“Before we begin, I want you to know that you will not be in any trouble at all while we discuss things. I want you to be open with me.”

I simply nodded my head. I tried to stop my hands from shaking by folding them in my lap.

“First, I will start with what I would like you to do, since my hours at work are usually long, both day and night. I would like my laundry to be washed, folded and put away, along with yours, in a timely manner. I try to put all my dirty clothes in the hamper in the bathroom, but sometimes my clothes end up around the bedroom. Later, I will let you explore the house and figure out where everything is.

“You don’t have to do any of it, if you don't want, of course. I just think that if you have something to do to keep your mind and body busy, then you won’t get lost in your mind and have as many panic attacks.” He paused then, waiting for me to respond.

“I don’t mind cleaning,” I said after a moment. “If it’s what you want me to do . . .”

“It’s not what I want,” he was quick to assure me. “It’s what you want, Dawn. You never have to do anything, never lift a finger, or even see me, if you don’t want to.”

He paused, letting that sink in before continuing.

“I would like my bed sheets washed and changed at least once a week. I don’t expect the entire house to be spotlessly clean, but I do want my bathroom, the bathroom down here, the living room, this office and the kitchen to be cleaned, and kept clean as much as possible. I have guests who like to pop in without calling. It’s important that these more public rooms stay as clean as you can keep them.

“On the nights I am home, I would enjoy having a nice warm meal made for both of us to eat together. I will be sure to let you know ahead of time, so you can get the meal prepared. Joslyn and Emily will be more than happy to help you if you need anything, of course. If you are hungry, at any time, you are free to eat or drink anything you want in this house.

“I also expect you to be polite to me and to anyone who comes in this house, and when you are out with me or my family. Rudeness will not be tolerated. Anything I say to anyone is never to be repeated to anyone ever.

“If you have any questions or concerns, you must always come to me at any time to ask me what to do. If I'm not here, you can ask Kaleb or Zak. They are the two exceptions to the not repeating anything rule. I don’t expect anything sexual from you in any way. I don’t want a repeat of this morning until I know you are stable mentally and physically. This is very important, Dawn.”

“But you liked the blow job,” I blurted out. I quickly covered my mouth with my hands as my eyes widened. Did I just say that out loud?

“Yes, yes I did,” he laughed, leaning back in his chair. His laugh was soft but full of humor. “I know you are used to being used and abused in many ways, but you will never be treated like that here. I will get you whatever you need, any desire or want, within reason. I will never take advantage of you like that. I will never expect you to provide me, or anyone else, with sex.

“You will be treated with respect—like a person. You are not a slave in this house, and I know my mother already considers you family. It is my job to make sure you are happy here. But I don’t require that type of service from you. We not in the type of relationship to take that step yet. Maybe someday we will, but not for some time.

“Do you know anything about BDSM?” he asked, leaning forward again. He gently took my hands and held them in his bigger hands.

“No, not really, Sir,” I answered.

“I am a Dom—a Dominant. I like to control everything, especially sexually,” he said, making sure I was paying attention. “I will try my best to not overwhelm you, not with your history, but I do like order, and insist on having your respect. I will only give out punishments when—and that is a big when—we play in a scene. I will never just punish you because you didn’t do what I wanted. That’s not how this relationship works; no relationship, actually.

“Some Doms like to use canes and whips, but I personally do not like them, therefore I will never use one as a tool of punishment on you.

“If you disobey by being disrespectful, you will be given a warning to remind you. The second time, you will get a punishment, which most likely will be a simple spanking or a privilege taken away, such as TV, or reading a book.”

So, all he wanted was respect from me?

That didn’t seem bad at all, not when compared to what I was used to. More often than not, I was kicked or beaten and left breathless until one of the men would roughly pick me up or drag me back to my cage. Of course, I didn’t want to push this man in any way, so I would make sure to do everything he wanted me to do, as best as I could.

“I can be good, Sir,” I said, finally able to breathe easily again.

“I know you can,’’ he smiled tenderly. “Now, do you have any questions for me?”

“No, Sir,” I said, shaking my head.

“Okay. In your free time,” he went on. “You are can read a book, watch TV, do puzzles, or anything else you may want to try. I will have Joslyn bring some books over that may be more of an interest to you than what I have here, since they're mostly history and a few BDSM handbooks, which you may become interested in later.

“The reason I became a FBI agent was because I wanted to put a stop to what has happened to you.” I gasped, shocked. I hadn’t expected him to work for that type of work. ”And so it won't happen to others. It’s not the way of life anyone should be forced to live. That’s why I require my real last name not be said while in the company of certain people, and why you can't be allowed to repeat things you hear,” he explained. “But when it is just the two of us, you are free to ask me anything you’d like. I will always try to give you an answer.”

“Okay, Sir,” I said.

“For now, how about you find a book to read while I finish typing up some reports? Then, we can explore the house,” he said, standing up and patting me on my knee. I stood quickly when he did, so he moved the chair back by the others.

With wide eyes, I slowly made my way to the bookshelf, not really knowing what to read. I hadn’t been allowed to for over five years. I picked a random book, knowing I wouldn’t be reading much of it since I knew I needed to be alert and aware of my surroundings. It was so easy to relax here. I needed to be careful so I followed his rules and didn't break any of them accidently.

Getting comfy on the window seat, I opened the book and attempted to read. The first few pages didn’t hold my attention. The clicking of the keyboard as Elijah typed was soothing in the quietness. Before I knew it, I leaned my head against the window and I fell asleep, not fearing any painful surprises.