Author's note: Sorry for the delay in posting, I got really sick before I could finish this chapter and I haven't been able to think straight since Monday. This is shorter than the other chapters because it is what I had written before my head got fuzzy, and I wanted to give you guys something for your patience. I will write more tomorrow night, and will post the next chapter either then or on Saturday. There isn't any smut in this chapter, but I hope you enjoy anyway. Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 3

After our shower, I realized that the only clothes I had with me, were the ones I wore to the party last night. Aubrey saw my hesitation and smirked at me, from where she leaned in the doorway to the bedroom we had spent our day in. "Problem, Beca?"

I looked at her and sighed, "Mistress, I just realized that the only clothes I have here are the ones from last night. I don't think that they are appropriate for a first date."

"I was wondering when you would figure that out," she said with a grin. "Come on, I'm sure I can find something for you to wear."

"Thank you, Mistress," I said following her out of the room. She opened the door to the next bedroom in the hallway. I stepped inside and paused. It was a spacious bedroom, decorated in a style that I immediately recognized as belonging to the Aubrey I used to know. This was the kind of room I would have imagined Aubrey slept in, if I would have given it a thought before last night.

She saw me looking and smiled, "This is my bedroom. We've been using my playroom. I never sleep in there when I'm alone, or when I've brought home a lover instead of a slave."

"Oh," I whispered, lowering my eyes, as I suddenly felt cheap and used.

Aubrey was next to me in a second, using a gentle finger to tilt my chin up to look at her. "No, Beca. I didn't mean it like that."

"It's ok, Mistress. I understand," I said unconvincingly.

"No, you don't. What we've shared is special. That's why I want to take you out to dinner."

"Really?" I asked, feeling fresh tears prick at my eyes.

Her smile was instantaneous and brightened the entire room. "Yes, Beca. You are special to me." She leaned in and claimed my lips in a gentle but thorough kiss. After a long moment, she pulled back. "Now, let's find you something to wear."

We quickly realized that I would have to wear the leather pants from the previous night. Nothing she owned would have fit right. But we did find a white button down top that fit well enough, even if it was tighter over my chest than it would be on Aubrey. She also loaned me a black tank top to wear under it. We got dressed and did our makeup in silence. I could feel butterflies in my stomach as I began to feel nervous about our date. We had barely managed to get along in college, how would we manage now, with this new dynamic between us? I could sense Aubrey's own anxieties begin to surface as we got ready. But with my current situation, I could do nothing to help her.

When we were ready, we walked to the front door. Aubrey hesitated for a moment before taking both of my hands in hers. She took a deep breath and asked, "Beca, will you promise me that no matter what happens on our date tonight, you will come back and spend the night with me?"

I smiled up at her, and I saw her worry fade a little. "Yes, Mistress. I promised you this morning that I would be yours until I have to leave tomorrow. I don't run anymore."

Her breath shuddered out a relieved sigh. "Good, my pet. Because I'm not done with you yet," she purred reaching up to tug gently on the collar still around my neck. I shivered and felt heat race down my spine.

"Thank you, Mistress," I gasped out. She grinned at my reaction. She pulled me in for a searing, demanding kiss, which left me panting with need. She smirked at me, and reached up to unbuckle my collar.

I took a step back from her as I felt the leather fall from my neck. I felt different, part of me desperately wanted to immediately grab the leather from Aubrey and re-secure it around my neck, and the other part felt oddly taller. I met Aubrey's eyes, "Thank you, Aubrey."

"You're welcome, Beca," She replied formally and I couldn't stop the smirk from forming on my lips.

"Shall we?" I asked.

"Yes, let's go," she said, leading the way out of the house.

After she locked the door, I asked, "So where are you taking me?"

She smiled, "Just a little place down the street. They have excellent food."

"Great, well, why don't you drive, since you know where we're going." I offered her my keys. She gratefully took them and we both climbed into the car.

As she pulled out of the driveway, I asked, "What about your car? Is it still at Marcus' house?"

She grinned, "Yeah, I'll have to call him tomorrow and have a couple of his slaves bring it back."

My jaw dropped. "He has more than one?"

She laughed, "Yeah, I think he actually has five right now, but they don't all live with him."

"Oh," I said, trying to imagine it. I gave up, "How does that even work?"

"Well, he rotates them, depending on what he's in the mood for. Last night, he was pulling Danny around on the leash. Danny's actually straight, and an investment banker. He just subs for the release of control, he's not interested in it for the sex."

"Alright, I guess I can see that," I muttered.

Aubrey glanced at me and she laughed. "The others like different things. Kevin hates being put on display, but I've been told that he is great behind closed doors. Jimmy is really more of Marcus' housekeeper. I have no idea what else he does, I just know that anytime I've gone over there during the day, he's collared and cleaning the house with a very happy smile on his face. Then there's Sara, she is really into pain, and has been known to let a domme go too far, if she's not carefully watched. Finally, there is Alli. I borrowed her for my performance last night."

I blushed and glanced over to see a smirk on her lips. I let out a huff and turned to look out the window. Aubrey was still chuckling when we pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. It was a nice little hole in the wall. The tables were crowded together with simple white table clothes on each. There were several people standing around the lobby, and I groaned inwardly. I was getting really hungry and didn't want to have to wait. Luckily, we didn't have to. Aubrey strode directly over to the host stand and waited patiently for the girl to look up.

When she did, her eyes lit up, and she enthusiastically greeted the blonde, "Bella! It's so great to see you again. Give me just a second; your favorite table just got vacated. I'll wipe it down right away."

She hurried off into the restaurant and I raised an eyebrow at my date. She blushed slightly and shrugged. "We met at a club about a year ago. She hasn't subbed for me in months."

"Uh huh," I replied, unable to keep from teasing her. She just rolled her eyes at me.

The cheery hostess reappeared and grabbed two menus before leading us back to a booth at the very back of the restaurant. "Thank you, Mary," Aubrey said to the girl when we were seated.

"Oh, you're so welcome, Mis—Bella." She quickly covered, shooting a panicked glance at me. I smirked at the girl, completely amused.

Aubrey, clearly wasn't amused as she snapped out, "Mary! This is not the place."

"I know. I'm sorry," She said, looking down. "I'll make it up to you, if you just give—"

Aubrey cut her off again, "Mary, I am on a date. This is entirely inappropriate."

"Yeah, you better go back to work before you have a riot on your hands, " I added, unable to keep the laughter from my voice as I nodded towards the waiting patrons in the lobby. Aubrey's eyes shot to mine and I shrugged in the face of her anger. I saw her eyes trail down to my naked neck before she relaxed and smiled at me.

Mary shot a glare at me and stopped away. I turned back to my date, "I wasn't laughing at you."

Aubrey sighed, "I know. I shouldn't have brought you here. I forgot how pushy she could be."

I reached across the table and squeezed her hand where it rested on the table. "Hey, it's ok. I know that I'm not your first and I probably won't be your last."

Her fingers returned the squeeze as she gave me a small smile. "Thank you for being so understanding."

I smiled and with a last quick squeeze released her hand to sit back. "Aubrey, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"How did you get started with all this?" I asked, meaning the BDSM lifestyle.

She smiled and was about to answer me, when our waiter appeared at the edge of the table.

"Good evening, ladies. Can I get you something to drink?"

Aubrey kept her eyes on me as she said, "I'd like a glass of Cabernet. Beca?"

I smiled, "That sounds good." I turned to the waiter. "We'll take two glasses of Cabernet."

"Thank you, I will be right back with those." He said before hurrying off.

I turned back to Aubrey with a smile. "You were saying?"

She smiled back, "Decide what you want to eat first, then I'll tell you." Seeing my eyebrow lift, she quickly added, "It's a long story, and I know you must be hungry."

I looked at her. She was being sincere. "Alright," I said giving in. I opened my menu and took a quick look. I immediately saw the steak I was craving. I shut my menu and sat back, crossing my arms to wait.

Aubrey looked up and laughed. "Either you are very hungry and picked the first thing you saw, or you really want to hear my story."

I smiled, "It's a little of both actually."

Aubrey returned my smile, "Alright, I always get the same thing here anyway." She paused to lick her lips. "After Chloe and I moved to New York, I got a job clerking for a law office. I was miserable for the two years I worked there. It was all long hours and sleazy men trying to pick me up. I was fed up with men and their tired lines when one of my friends from my Pilates class invited me to a bar with her. I knew she wanted to get into my pants, but I just wasn't interested in her that way. Later, I realized that it was because she was too dominant for my tastes."

Aubrey was interrupted by the waiter's reappearance. He carefully set down our wine glasses and we ordered our meals.

"Steak and potatoes? Really, Beca?" She said laughing when the waiter left again.

I shrugged, and then deliberately dropped my eyes and voice, "I was told that I would be allowed to come later, and I want all of the energy I can get to please my mistress."

Her shocked gasp sent a shiver of heat down my spine and I struggled against my body's urge to squirm. I could hear her breathing heavily and I risked glancing up to meet her eyes. Sheer possessive need clouded her eyes and I smirked at her even as I felt my center clench in anticipation. I could barely hear her low, growling voice as it said, "You will pay for that later."

Heat flooded me and my breath caught. I cleared my throat, and forced my voice to be light and mocking as I said, "Maybe, Aubrey. But right now you're on a date with me, not your pet."

She looked away and took several deep breaths. I took a sip of my wine while I waited. Finally she looked back at me, the possessiveness was still in her eyes, but the need had faded. "You're right, Beca. I'm sorry."

I smiled, "It's fine. I was baiting you."

"I know."

"I'm sorry, Aubrey. Will you please continue your story?" I asked, sobering.

She sighed and took a drink from her wine glass. "Alright," She said relenting. "Well, even though I wasn't really interested in Paula, I agreed to go out with her. The club we went to wasn't a leather bar, but there was a couple there that caught my eye. One of the girls was very butch, and she was wearing a lot of leather. Her partner was very femme in her pink dress and heels. What really caught my attention though was the leash the butch was using to lead her girl around. I had a hard time looking away from the girls. Paula noticed and followed my gaze. She asked me which of them I was imagining myself as. I was completely embarrassed, but I honestly told her that I wanted my own hand on the girl's leash. Paula laughed and asked if I'd ever done anything like that before. I told her I hadn't, and she offered to show the ropes, as it were. Paula was a switch and taught me a lot." She paused to take another sip of her wine.

I took the opportunity to ask, "What's a switch?"

She smiled. "It's someone who can act as either domme or sub."

"Oh, ok," I said, nodding my understanding.

"Well, we fooled around for a couple of weeks, while she taught me about things, and then she invited me to go to a BDSM club with her. She offered to act as my sub for the night, and I readily agreed. I spent a month's pay on my outfit for the night and on the collar and leash I had picked out for her to wear. Well, we had a great time. I felt like I had finally found the place that I belonged. We weren't at the club for long before Paula noticed my interest in one of the unclaimed submissives. She encouraged me to claim her, so I released Paula and went to talk to the girl. We hit it off and Cheri was my first official sub. We dated for several months, becoming regulars at the club. We were asked to do a scene on stage one night, which ultimately was the downfall of our relationship, but it launched my career."

I felt my eyes go wide. Career? I couldn't ask her about it, because our food showed up. We ate for a few minutes in silence, until I couldn't wait any longer. "What exactly do you mean by career?"

Her eyes met mine and she smiled at the jealousy I couldn't keep out of my voice. She carefully set her fork on the table and took a sip of wine. "I'm not a prostitute, Beca. Clubs hire me to perform, or to teach their staff what to expect and how to behave during an event. I never get paid to fuck the subs I use in a scene. Hell, I've even published a book."

I could see her frustration with me grow as she spoke. "I'm sorry, Aubrey. I didn't mean to offend you." I apologized, genuinely meaning it.

She sighed. "I know. It's alright. I just get defensive about it. Chloe and I got into a big fight about it when I decided to move out here, where I had more options."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. She just doesn't understand."

I reached over to grip her hand, "I'm still sorry. I know how close you guys are."

She took a deep breath and squeezed my fingers. "Thank you, Beca," she said smiling a little sadly at me.

We went back to eating, keeping the conversation light as we finished our meal. I found myself smiling, enjoying Aubrey's sense of humor and honest conversation. I found myself wondering where I could take her for our second date, and I froze. Second date? Yeah, I wanted a second date with the blonde, and a third date, and a fourth date. I saw surprised with myself, but I had to admit that I wanted more of Aubrey Posen, both as the laughing woman currently sitting across from me, and as the domme who had claimed me. It just felt right somehow and I felt a smile spread across my face as I put down my fork, and took the last sip of wine from my glass.

Aubrey noticed my smile and she lifted her eyebrow. "What—"

Her question was cut off when the waiter returned. "Can I interest you ladies in desert this evening?"

"No, thanks, But I'd love a cup of coffee," I said.

"Sure," he said before turning to Aubrey.

"Coffee for me too, thanks."

The waiter took my empty plate and Aubrey motioned for him to take hers as well. She turned back to me, "What was that smile about?"

I sighed, hoping that the waiter would be enough of a distraction to make her forget. "I'll tell you, but first I need you to answer two questions," I said with complete sincerity.

She looked confused. "Alright. What do you want to know?"

I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "First, should we decide to continue our arrangement after tomorrow, how would your job affect that relationship?" I asked, starting with my most urgent question.

Her eyes widened and I saw doubt creep into her eyes. She was saved from having to answer immediately as our coffee arrived. "Here ladies, I will take this whenever you are ready, but please do not feel rushed." The waiter said as he placed the bill on the table. We thanked him and he walked away.

Aubrey bought herself a little more time, as she added cream and sugar to her coffee. I did the same, and then took a sip and sat back to wait. There was a long pause, as she stirred the coffee and tasted it to make sure her proportions were right. Finally, she set the coffee cup back on its saucer and met my eyes. "That would depend in large part on you."

"How so?" I asked, desperate to know her answer.

"Well, it would depend on how you feel about being on stage with me. I won't give up my career for you, but whenever you are willing, I would like it if you would be my sub for scenes. If you don't want to be a part of that, I would use another sub."

I wasn't ready to think about that, "Alright, I have a second part to my original question."

"Go ahead," She said, maintain a calm façade over the swirling emotions I could see in her eyes.

"Would we be exclusive?"

Her eyes snapped to me, the possessiveness back in her eyes, "I don't share my toys."

I smirked, "I assumed that much. What I meant was would I have to share you?"

Her eyes cleared, "No, not unless we both agreed on it beforehand. My job is one thing, but if you don't join me there, then my job won't follow me home. I can promise you that I can keep my professional life and my personal life separate."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief fall over me. "Then, my second question is this: Aubrey Posen, will you be my girlfriend?"

Her smile was immediate and she reached across the table for my hands. I offered them to her. Her voice was full of happiness and excitement as she said, "Yes, Beca. I'd love to be your girlfriend."

I returned her smile and gave her hands a quick squeeze before sitting back and sipping my coffee. She reached for the bill and gave it a quick glance before putting her card into the folder and laying it back on the table.

I gave her a minute to settle in her chair and take a sip of her coffee before asking, "So how will this work?"

She met my eyes with a smirk. "Well, I've already told you what I expect when you are in my home." Heat suddenly raced through me as I remembered our conversation from that morning.

I swallowed hard, "Yes, I am yours in your house. I am to wear your collar and obey your every command."

"Yes, Beca. That is correct. Do you remember the second stipulation I had when you wear my collar?"

I thought about it. "You said that if we decide to leave, we will discuss whether I will wear your collar or not."

"Yes, but I think, we should add an addendum to that rule. If you need to leave for work, I will take off your collar without the discussion."

"Thank you. What about the rest of the time?"

"We should just be girlfriends. And if you take me home with you, then we can make love or whatever as equals. Does that make sense?"

I nodded, "Yeah. I think that should work."

She grinned. "Good, me too."

The waiter came over and took the bill to run Aubrey's credit card. After he had left, Aubrey bit her lip glancing at me.

"What?" I asked.

"I was wondering if maybe you'd be willing to go with me to an event on Thursday as my sub." She could see the hesitation in my eyes. "I'm not working it. I promise. I just want to show you off."

I let go of the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "You want to show me off?"

Her eyes darkened and the possessiveness was back in her eyes. "You have no idea how much I want to do that. You are mine now and I want everyone to know it."

I felt my core clench at her words and I exhaled sharply. I forced a smirk as I said, "Not currently. See no collar." I pointed to my bare neck.

"No, not currently," She snarled. "But do you really want to bait me again this close to when you willingly put it back around your neck?"

I shuddered and felt moisture pool between my thighs. "Probably, not my best plan," I muttered.

Her lips curled into an evil smirk, "Probably not, Beca. But you just gave me all the motivation I needed to ensure that you will never doubt again who you belong to, with or without the collar."

I swallowed hard again, as nerves danced along my skin. Before I could come up with a response, the waiter returned with Aubrey's credit card.

"Thank you ladies, I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."

Aubrey turned to him with a brilliant smile. "Oh we will." I felt another shudder run through me at the mischievous tone of Aubrey's voice. The waiter gave her a puzzled look and walked away. Aubrey quickly signed the receipt and slipped her credit card back into her wallet. She stood and offered me her hand. I took it and I knew she would feel the tremble in my hand as she turned to smirk at me.

"Do I make you nervous?" She asked sweetly.

"Yes," I answered honestly.

"Good," She said as she pulled me from the restaurant. The host tried to stop Aubrey, but she ignored the girl as she ushered me to my car.

The drive back to her house was silent. But I managed to pull myself together enough to reach over and rest my hand on her thigh. I knew that in a matter of minutes, I wouldn't be able to touch her without permission and I wanted to savor the freedom to do as I pleased for just a little while longer. She glanced down at my hand and smiled over at me. After she parked the car, we climbed out and headed to her front door. Just before she put the key in the door, I reached out to lay a gentle hand on her arm. "Wait, Aubrey I had a really nice time tonight. Thank you for dinner."

She turned to smile at me. "I had a nice time too."

I reached up to tangle my hands in her blonde hair and pulled her down to meet my lips in a tender kiss. She returned the kiss and as it began to grow heated, I pulled back, placing a last chaste kiss to her lips. I smiled sheepishly up at her, "Sorry, Aubrey, but I just had to do that before we went inside."

She smiled down at me. "I know. I liked it, Beca. I'm glad you did. What's a first date without a good night kiss?"

I laughed. "Yeah, but seriously. Thanks, Aubrey."

She smiled. "You're welcome," she said before unlocking the door and ushering me inside.

I didn't wait for her to close or lock the door; I immediately moved to the side table and picked up my collar. The leather was still slightly damp from my shower earlier and it was cold as it slid into place around my neck. I took a deep breath and felt myself relax, as the feeling of safety settled over me.

I could feel my mistress move up behind me. She wrapped her arms around me, and purred into my ear, "Well done, my pet. Go to the playroom, I will join you in a moment."