He said the words I wanted to hear. For months, I’ve been watching him and dreaming about what it would be like to spend a night with Ret.

Whether he knows it or not, he’s the most wanted unattached Dom here. His large, 6’4” body, wide shoulders, and muscular legs are just the bonus to his handsome face.

“You think you can turn me?”

His full lips twitch. “I think I can make you realize exactly who you are.”

“Hmm,” I mutter and tap my finger against my chin as if I have anything to think about.

“But,” he says and turns his body to face me. “You need a break after tonight. No rough play or scenes for a while for you, piccola.”

My chest tightens at the thought. “You think I’m traumatized?”

“I think you’ve been through a bad experience, and he may have ruined your ability to really trust anyone, especially me, without taking time to build a foundation.”

My eyebrows shoot up and my heart begins to race. “So you, like, want to have a relationship?”

He pauses, staring deep into my eyes, and my mouth feels suddenly dry. “I think we need to take some time to explore your boundaries through a power exchange. We’ll start with simple things. After I feel you’re comfortable and trust me enough, we can take it further.”

My throat tightens and I cough. “What are simple things?”

“I won’t touch you until you beg me, but we’ll see how you follow commands. And when the time is right, and you’re crawling on your hands and knees, pleading with tears in your eyes and your cunt dripping for me, only then will I touch you.”

My stomach flutters and I squirm against the seat. “Okay,” I whisper and lick my lips.

His eyes follow my tongue and his body moves. I glance down, and the light hits his lap in just the right way to give me a perfect view. Ret’s turned on, his hard-on evident through his tight-fitting jeans. “Don’t worry,” he says and pushes his cock down. “I know how to control myself.”

I lean forward, gazing at him. “I’m game.” I smile and hope he doesn’t see my body shaking because my foot is tapping wildly against the floor.

“Let’s set some rules.” He pushes a few strands of his sandy brown hair that had fallen loose away from his eyes.

“Okay,” I say quickly and turn to face him, resting my leg on the booth.

“First, I won’t touch you sexually until you ask. Small touches to anywhere other than your pussy or breasts are allowed, especially if done with purpose.” I swallow hard and nod before he continues. “I want you to follow my commands while here at The Club and also at home.”

My eyes widen slightly and my fingertips tingle. “How?”

“You’ll be available to me via phone and text when we’re not here. If I send you a command, you need to follow it. If it’s something you’re not comfortable with, you can tell me and we can talk about it before moving forward.”

“Understood.” I nod and rest my hand on my knee to stop my leg from shaking anymore.

“You can’t have an orgasm unless I allow you.”

“But—” My lips purse, and he places a finger against them.

“Don’t worry. You’ll get to come. Your greedy cunt will need to at some point. But I want to own every orgasm you have.”

I clear my throat and glance down at his finger as he pulls away. “I can do that,” I say, but I wonder if I can keep the promise.

“We’re going to go over your list of limits soon, but not tonight. Right now, it’s about the power exchange and finding trust in each other.”

I nod slowly and feel my palms begin to sweat. “I like the sound of that.”

“I figured you would.” He smirks before his body shifts, lifting from the seat to reach into his back pocket.

I take the moment to steal a peek at his crotch, and there’s a dull ache that settles between my legs. Somehow, Ret made me forget everything that happened earlier.

He’s holding the phone in one hand and watching me. “What’s your number so I can contact you after I drop you off?”

I glance up and flush when he catches me staring. “Um—” I say before rattling off my number. “I can drive myself tonight.”

He shakes his head and rests his palm against my warm cheek. “You’re in my care now. After a night like tonight, you need someone to look out for your well-being. The first part of that is me taking you home. No arguments.”

“Okay.”

“One more thing.” His grip on my face tightens, his fingers digging lightly into the back of my neck. “You’ll only address me as a Sir or Master from here on out. No more Ret.”

My face moves toward his touch, wanting more contact. “Yes,” I whisper and close my eyes, trying to hide my excitement.

“Let’s get you home. Tomorrow you may feel differently about our arrangement.”

My eyes flutter open and my belly flips. “I won’t,” I tell him because I’ve been itching for a shot at the Master Ret for ages.

Much of the car ride home we sit in silence. I want to touch him, but I keep my hands to myself. When he pulls up in front of my door, I’m not sure what to say. “Thanks,” I squeak out and reach for the handle.

Ret places his hand on my leg. “Wait.”

I turn to face his penetrating gaze. “Yes?”

“I’m giving you one last out before we start. Are you sure you want to do this?”

I nod and smile, glancing down at where his hand is searing my flesh. His finely manicured fingernails rest against my skin. “Yes.” My voice is breathy and full of want.

“Go inside and take a warm bath before you go to bed.”

“I’m more of a shower person,” I reply and wrinkle my nose.

His grip tightens on my thigh. “A bath, I said.”

“Yes,” I say without conviction.

“Do as you’re told, piccola.”

The term makes my toes curl. Maybe it’s the way he holds my leg, but the combination sends tingles down my spine. “I will.”

“Good night,” he tells me, reaching in front of me to push open the door.

“Tomorrow, we start. You’re mine, 24/7.”

I lick my lips, trying to find some wetness besides that which is between my legs. “24/7?”

“You do your normal routine, but when I text, I expect a reply.”

I nod before pushing the door open. When I peer down at his hand, he removes it, and I instantly miss his warmth. “Goodnight, Ret.”

“Goodnight, Alese.”

As I climb out, I almost hate that he uses my name. It sounds beautiful coming from his lips, but not as sweet as piccola. I twist the keys in my hands, trying to walk slowly to my house. I worry that this was all just a dream. Looking over my shoulder, I steal a glance at Ret, waiting in his car and watching.

Raising my hand, I give him a small wave and a smile. He lifts his chin and motions with his hand for me to keep walking. When I unlock the front door, he revs the engine and speeds away.

My feelings are a mess as I take a step inside. Part of me is nervous, hesitant about what lies before me. But then there’s another part. One filled with so much excitement I want to spin around my living room and scream that I’m his.

Just as I’m about to start twirling, I realize this is only temporary. He’s helping me find myself. I frown and collapse onto my couch.

What if I want more?

What if I want this to be longer?

Maybe I can be the woman he wants and he can be the Master I’ve always needed—someone to guide me through my experiences, bringing my fantasies to life.

I give myself a pep talk and decide I’m going to let myself give in. For once, I’m not going to overthink everything.

For now, I’m his piccola.