Chapter 5

As soon as the door closed on my crappy studio apartment, I pushed Aubrey back against the door, latching my mouth onto the soft skin of her neck. I licked the tender flesh and felt a shiver run through her. She immediately wrapped one hand around my waist, holding me closer to her as the other hand tangled in my hair. I kiss my way up her neck and she tilted her head down to let me capture her lips. As our tongues danced against each other, my hands ran up her back to find the zipper on her dress. I pulled down the zipper and pulled the dress' straps off her shoulders. Not breaking the kiss, I pulled back enough to allow her dress to fall to her hips. I pushed if off and the light fabric hit the floor.

Aubrey broke the kiss, gasping for air, and I moved my mouth down to kiss the swell of her breasts as I unclipped her bra and pulled it off her. Aubrey remained passive under my touch, somehow understanding that I needed to take the lead tonight. When her gorgeous breasts were exposed, I flicked out my tongue to tease each nipple in turn. Aubrey moaned, arching into my touch. Her response further enflamed my desire to have her. I pulled away long enough to yank my own dress off, before taking her hand and pulling her towards my bed. I pushed her down onto it and straddled her hips, immediately claiming her lips again. I massaged her breasts and shifted so I could press my thigh against her heated center.

"Oh God, Beca," Aubrey moaned into my mouth.

I felt the heat racing down my spine, but I ignored it. I rocked my hips against her, adding to the pressure against her core and I could feel her panties growing damp against my skin. I moved down to take a nipple in my mouth. I alternated sucking the erect nub and flicking it with the tip of my tongue. As I continued moving against her, Aubrey's hips began rising to meet my own. I smiled around the hard nipple in my mouth and with a chaste kiss pulled away. I yanked off Aubrey's underwear and gave myself a moment to just look down at her, laying open and eager on my bed. Her green eyes met mine and she smiled. I returned the smile and leaned over her to gently kiss her perfect lips.

I kissed my way down her body, stopping briefly to lightly rake my teeth across each nipple. This produced delightful gasps and shivers, that made heat race to my center. I didn't linger, continuing my way down her incredible body. When I reached her belly button, I licked it, making her squirm and I chuckled as I moved down to nip at her hips. As I grew closer to her center, I could smell her desire and I felt my breath grow short. I was teasing us both, but I took my time. I kissed my way down the outside of her right thigh, and I felt Aubrey's impatience growing. I knew where she wanted my mouth, but I ignored it and continued kissing my way down her leg. When, I reached her toes, I lingered there, using my lips and tongue to mercilessly tickle Aubrey's feet. She squirmed, trying to get away as giggles fell from her lips. I just grabbed her ankle and held her foot in place. Eventually, I relented and began to kiss my way up the inside of her leg. Aubrey's laughter stopped and was replaced by short expectant pants. I grinned inwardly, I had no intention of giving my girlfriend what she wanted just yet. When, I reached the top of her thigh, my lips so close to her center that I could taste her arousal on them, I turned and followed the crease of her thigh back up to her hip. Aubrey groaned, but said nothing. I glanced up at her as I kissed my way to her other hip. Her gaze locked on mine and I could see her inner struggle not to take control.

I lifted my lips from her skin long enough to whisper "I love you, Bre." Her eyes immediately cleared and she smiled. I briefly returned the smile, before going back to my task. I repeated my actions on her left leg. This time, when I reached her center, I stayed there. I lightly blew on her soaked folds and her hips immediately jerked up, causing a whimper to escape Aubrey's lips. I grinned and licked through her folds. I moaned at the first taste. Hearing an answering moan sound above me only encouraged me. I began to rhythmically lick and suck her clit. Aubrey shuddered against me and her hips began rocking against my face. I sped up, mercilessly driving her towards release. She began to gasp out panting moans and I felt my center clench in response. I closed my lips around her clit and sucked it hard into my mouth. Aubrey immediately stiffened under me, and I flicked the tip of my tongue against the tender skin and she fell over the edge, calling out my name. I licked up her release and when I felt her body relax, I immediately pushed two fingers inside her. She bucked against my hand and I grinned as I began thrusting into her as quickly as I could. Her hips rose to meet each thrust and it didn't take long before I felt her inner walls clamp around my fingers as she came again. I continued thrusting until the last wave of release died away.

I gently pulled my fingers from her core and licked them clean before moving up her body to claim her lips. She moaned at the taste of her own desire on my lips. I pulled back to grin down at her. She smiled lazily at me. "God, Bre, you are beautiful," I said, reaching out to gently run the backs of my fingers down her cheek.

She turned to kiss my fingers before meeting my eyes, "I love you, Beca."

I smiled, "I love you, too."

I lay next to her and pulled her into my arms. She curled into my side, kissing my neck before settling her head onto my shoulder. I let my fingers run idly through her beautiful blonde hair. She caressed my side as we cuddled. Eventually, her soft caresses changed to gentle scratches that made my breath catch as heat raced through my system. I knew in that moment, that Aubrey wanted to touch me, but she was waiting for me to tell her to. My heart warmed at the idea that she wasn't willing to make demands of me tonight.

"Bre, please touch me." I laughed as she immediately shifted to take off my bra and underwear. "Eager, are we?" I asked, amused.

"God, yes," She replied as she ran gentle fingers through my slick folds. I groaned and pulled her mouth to mine. We made love for hours, neither being able to get enough of the other. Eventually, we fell asleep in each other's arms.

Morning found me alone in bed. I sat up in bed quickly calling out "Bre?"

"Over here, Beca," She said and I saw that she was standing next to the stove. She was grinning at me. "I wanted to make you breakfast in bed."

"Oh, thanks," I said, relaxing back into the pillows on the bed. I yawned and stretched. "What time is it?"

"About 10," She said, moving to crawl across the bed to kiss me. When she pulled back, she smiled down at me, "Good morning, love."

I grinned at the new title, "Morning, Bre."

"Alright, just relax, your French toast is almost ready." She said, moving back to the little kitchen area.

"Ok," I sighed contentedly. "I could totally get used to this," I said, unable to stop myself from baiting her.

She met my gaze with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

I pretended to think about it for a minute before answering her, as innocently as possible. "Yeah, I think so. You'd make a great housewife."

I shrieked when Aubrey landed on top of me with a growl. She quickly pinned me against the bed, and stared into my eyes. I felt her dominance press over me, demanding that I submit to her. I felt my eyes lower and my face turn away from her before I even made the conscious decision to do so. Heat rushed to my core, and I felt myself grow instantly wet. Aubrey leaned down and bit my neck hard. It was a delicious, magnificent pain and I bucked against her, as an orgasm crashed over me without warning. Aubrey released my neck to look at me with a smirk.

"Still want me to be your housewife? Because I'm fairly sure that no housewife could satisfy all your needs, Beca." Aubrey's tone was mocking.

I was still gasping from the unexpected release, but I managed to say, "I just want you, Aubrey. I want all of you."

She instantly released her grip on me and smiled. "You have me."

I sat up, and wrapped my arms around her. "I know." We held each other for a moment before I asked, "What the hell just happened?"

She chuckled. "You baited me. I responded, and you submitted." She kissed my forehead and jumped up to go pull the now burnt piece of French toast from the stove. I watched as she threw it out and slapped another piece into the pan.

I waited until she came back to bed with a tray full of food and then I asked the question racing through my mind. "But why did I react so strongly? I mean I've never come like that before."

Aubrey began dividing the food as she answered. "Beca being submissive is part of who you are, just like being a domme is part of who I am. I know you're new to actually experiencing all of this, and I think that your submissive needs have lain dormant until you let yourself feel them on Saturday. I think this morning you baited me because last night I let you take the lead and part of you needed to be certain that I wouldn't always do that."

I was confused, "But, I loved what we did last night. I enjoyed making love to you and touching you however I wanted, whenever I wanted."

She smiled gently, "As did I, it was wonderful. But, the sub part of you still wanted to me to take control. You need a balance between your desire to submit and your desire to take the lead. We are stubborn, strong-willed women, so the balance of power between us will never be static. Whether we are spending time together as girlfriends, or mistress and slave, you will strive to find a balance between the two aspects of our relationship. Does that make sense?"

"Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I get that that means I'll find ways to disobey you when I'm collared, and I'll bait your possessive side when I'm not. But I still don't know why that made me come when you just bit me." I said, trying to not to let myself feel embarrassed by my body's reaction.

"In all honesty, I have no idea, Beca. But it was hot as fuck." Aubrey admitted, and I found myself grinning.

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah. In fact, it gave me an idea for the next time I have you at my mercy," She replied with a mischievous smirk.

I squirmed under that look, feeling heat begin to race along my skin in anticipation. "Why do I feel like I'm in trouble?"

She leaned in to run her tongue along the ridge of my ear before she purred, "That's because you will be."

I shuddered and Aubrey chuckled. I pushed her back, grumbling, "Eat your damn breakfast, Posen." She grinned and started eating. I watched her warily for a moment, before I began to eat my own.

Later, after we'd finished breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen, Aubrey and I curled up together on the couch. We sat there, in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company for a while, before Aubrey shifted. I sat up looking at her, "What's up?"

"The other night, when I asked you about going with me to the event on Thursday, you never answered me," she said quietly.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that." I said remembering.

She waited, but when I didn't say anything else, she prompted, "So, will you go with me?"

"Oh, sorry. Of course I'll go with you."

"Really?" She asked, excitement evident in her voice.

I smiled, "Of course, I wouldn't let you go alone. I don't want any other subs thinking they can take what's mine."

She smiled, "Oh, really? Wow, who knew Beca Mitchell was the jealous type?"

I narrowed my eyes, suddenly irritated. "Who do I belong to?"

I felt a small victory when I saw the possessiveness flare into her eyes. "You're mine."

"It's a two-way street, Aubrey. What you're feeling, I feel it too. Don't mock me when I express that feeling," I snarled.

Instantly, her eyes widened. "I'm sorry, Beca. I didn't think of it that way. I didn't mean to belittle your feelings."

I sighed and looked away. "It's alright."

She reached out and gently turned me back to meet her sorrowful eyes. "I really am sorry."

I gave in, "I know. It's ok, really." I pulled her in and kissed her with all of the possessiveness I felt at the idea of her hands holding someone else's leash.

Eventually, we had to pull away for air. As we tried to catch our breath, Aubrey pulled me into her side, and I let myself curl into her side. I relaxed against her, letting the last of my anger go. I knew she wouldn't intentionally hurt me. Feeling me relax against her, Aubrey began to idly play with my hair.

"I have a favor to ask you." She said, breaking the easy silence we had fallen into.

Nerves danced through me. "What?"

"I need to take you shopping for Thursday," she said vaguely.

"Ok…?" I said, drawing it out into a question. She heaved out a little sigh and I could feel the nervous energy running through her. I turned to meet her gaze. "Whatever it is, just ask, Bre. It's ok."

She nodded and squared her shoulders. "With my job, nearly everyone in the BDSM lifestyle here in LA has heard of me, and many of them recognize me on sight. I will be recognized in the stores I want to take you to. So, I have to ask you to wear your collar in public today. I'm sorry, I know we agreed to never bring in into your apartment, but I—".

I cut her off, understanding why she was so nervous. "Bre, it's ok. I don't mind."

"Really?" She asked, surprised.

I smiled, "Really. Actually, I kinda find the idea really hot."

She chuckled, "Which part? Kneeling to me in your own home, or in a store full of people who will be staring at you because you're with me?"

Both images sent chills through me, not that I would admit that. My voice had grown husky when I said, "The latter."

She smirked down at me and I knew I hadn't fooled her. "Then go get dressed and I'll get your collar."

"You brought it with you?"

She shrugged sheepishly. "I hoped you would agree to go."

"You totally played me," I said, unsure whether to be impressed or mad.

"No, I didn't. I honestly didn't know what you'd do, and I didn't want to step over the line." She said, honestly.

"Fine," I said grudgingly. "It's a good thing you're hot."

She rolled her eyes, and tickled my sides. "Stop being such a drama queen. Go get dressed."

I giggled, and squirmed out of reach. "I'm going, I'm going."

"Wait," she said, stopping me. I turned back to her face her. "Call Jesse, first. You promised that you'd call today."

"Oh, yeah. Thanks, Bre. I'd totally forgotten."

She smiled, "I know."

I grinned and went to go find my phone. Jesse picked up after the third ring. "Becaw! You actually remembered to call. I'm amazed."

"You're such a nerd," I told him, rolling my eyes.

"So, how was your date?" He asked.

"Um, it was great. Look, it's still kinda going. Can I meet you later, have dinner and I'll tell you everything?"

"That's what you said yesterday! How do I know that you're not going to blow me off again?"

"I'm not going to blow you off." I said starting to feel frustrated.

"Let me talk to him," Aubrey said, gesturing for the phone. I raised my eyebrow and she nodded.

"Aubrey wants to talk to you, Jesse. Hang on." I handed her the phone before he could voice any objections.

"Hi Jesse, this is Aubrey…Look, I'm sorry about last night, I didn't know Beca was supposed to meet you…Yeah, I know…I'll let Beca tell you that…No, I promise, I'll make sure she remembers your plans this time…No, Jesse. I'm not going to hurt Beca…Yes, I know you are looking out for her…Alright, I will…Bye, Jesse," she finished and hung up the phone. She looked at me and grinned. "You are to bring pizza and beer to his apartment tonight at 7."

I stared at her. "What else did he say?"

She chuckled. "He gave me the hurt her and I'll kill you speech."

I laughed. "He has no idea."

"No, he doesn't, and that's ok. But, if you want to tell him, I won't mind."

I kept my voice light and curious as I asked, "You want me to tell him how you pulled me over your lap and spanked me until I sobbed?"

Her eyes darkened dangerously, "Only if you tell him what you did to deserve it."

I swallowed hard, "Um, no that's ok. I think I'll leave that part out."

Her grin was evil. "That's probably a good idea."

"Ok, then. I think I'll just go get dressed."

"Another good idea." She said smirking.

I turned and hurried over to my closet. I looked through my clothes, but had no idea what I should wear. I was just about to turn and ask when I felt her move up behind me. She groaned as she looked into my closet. I felt my shoulders hunch defensively. "What?" I asked.

"Why do you have to own so much plaid?" She mumbled.

"I like it." I moaned.

She sighed, and kissed my temple. "I know, love. Just wear what you wore to the party the other night. You look amazing in it."

"Ok," I said smiling. I hadn't been sure when I would have the opportunity to wear it again.

An hour later, we had both showered and were dressed. I was surprised that Aubrey hadn't said anything about wearing her dress from last night. When I asked her, she had smiled and said no one would bat an eye at the dress. I let it go. She surprised me again when she insisted I keep in my "ear monstrosities" and wear my usual dark eyeliner. Before we left the apartment, she pulled a thin leather collar from her purse.

"That's not my collar," I said when I saw it.

She smiled. "I know. But I thought that you might appreciate something more subtle to wear in public. This one is less likely to be noticed by people not familiar with the lifestyle."

"Oh, right. That's really thoughtful." I said, blushing at the thought of having so many people see me in her collar.

Her smile turned into a smirk. "Why are you surprised that I would understand what you need?"

I sighed. "I guess, I've just never had anyone who cared enough to notice."

Her arms were suddenly around me. "Well, now you do, Beca. I will always take care of you."

I leaned into the embrace, breathing in her scent and relaxed. "Thank you."

"I love you, Beca."

"I love you, too."

She pulled back and handed me the collar. I took it and slipped the leather around my neck. I immediately felt the shift in me. I closed my eyes to savor the feeling of having my worries fall away and be replaced by the strange combination of safety and vulnerability. When I opened my eyes again, I found green eyes watching me with wonder.

"That was beautiful. You're amazing, Beca," she said.

"What, Mistress?" I asked, having no idea what she was talking about.

"Is it always like that for you when you put on the collar?" She asked.

I thought about it. "Yeah, every time," I said honestly.

"Incredible," she murmured, and I knew she wasn't talking to me. I still didn't really know what she found so amazing, but I let it go. She'd tell me if she wanted me to know. I completely forgot about it, when her lips crashed into mine. I melted into the kiss, opening for my mistress when her tongue demanded entrance to my mouth. I moaned, knowing that she was reinforcing her claim over me.

The first store we went to almost seemed like a costume store. A very kinky costume store. They had everything from lingerie to leather, and they even had a selection of frilly dresses and ruffled panties. Aubrey gave me a minute to take in the variety before leading me over to the corsets. The store's patrons were nearly as varied as the clothes. As we moved between the racks, I felt eyes on me and looked over to see who was looking. My eyes met those of a very butch, leather clad woman. She smiled at me before she deliberately raked her gaze over my body. When her eyes met mine again, I recognized the predatory look in them and I felt a shiver of fear run over my skin. I quickly turned away from her and hurried to press against my mistress' side. Aubrey glanced down at me and noticed the tension running through me.

"Are you ok?" She whispered.

I could still feel those eyes on me and shook my head, not trusting my voice. Aubrey stopped and put a hand on my arm. "Look at me," She demanded and I reluctantly raised my gaze to meet hers. "What's wrong?" she asked.

I didn't respond, I just subtly flicked my eyes in the direction of the woman, before pleading with her to protect me. I didn't want that woman anywhere near me. Aubrey turned to see what had scared me. I saw the change come over her face when she noticed the butch. All of her features hardened, and she glared at the woman for a moment before turning back to me. She reached out and gave my collar a light tug. It wasn't enough to pull me into her, but it was enough to remind me that I was hers. I relaxed slightly.

"No one will touch you," she hissed. "You belong to me."

The words did what her touch alone couldn't, and I felt the fear fade away. She would protect me. "Yes, Mistress," I said.

"Good," she said. She tugged my collar to pull me over to the corsets.

When we reached them, my eyes were immediately drawn to one in particular. It was a lacy navy blue with brown leather straps and steel buckles. I gasped, instantly wanting it. Aubrey noticed and followed my gaze. She smiled and pulled me over to it. As she studied it, one of the store's clerks appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Mistress Bella, it's a pleasure to see you again. What can I help you with today?"

Aubrey didn't bother to look at the woman as she replied. "I want to see my pet in that corset."

"Of course. May I get her measurements?" She clerk asked deferentially, and I realized that she was also a sub. She kept her eyes carefully lowered from Aubrey and she hadn't even bothered to look at me.

My mistress turned to me. "Beca, stand still so Courtney can measure you. She won't touch you more than necessary." I could tell that her last comment was a threat meant for the clerk.

"Yes, Mistress." I answered.

The clerk pulled a measuring tape out of her pocket and moved over to me, finally acknowledging my presence. I stood patiently while she moved around me, lifting my arms when asked. When she was finished, she shifted through the corsets and pulled one off the rack that was presumably my size.

"Is there anything else today, Mistress Bella?" Courtney asked.

Aubrey's voice sounded bored as she answered. "Not at the moment, but remain available to me. I will need you shortly."

I watched, amused at the slight shudder that ran through the girl. I followed Aubrey to the dressing rooms. She followed me in and closed the door. "Strip," was all she said once we were alone in the small room. I immediately obeyed. Aubrey helped me pull the corset on and laced up the back. She had me fluff my breasts and tightened the laces again. Once I was tied tightly enough to be forced into taking shallow breaths, my mistress turned me around to face her. Her eyes were hungry as she took me in. Need ran down my spine at the look in her eyes. She reached out a hand and gently ran it over the tops of my prominently displayed breasts. I trembled under her touch and she pulled me against her running kisses along the skin her fingers had stroked only moments before. Her hands ran down my sides, feeling how the corset accentuated my natural curves. Her fingers briefly dipped between my thighs, and I shuddered against her.

"This is perfect, Beca. You have no idea what it is doing to me to see you in this," She purred into my ear.

"Thank you, Mistress," I gasped.

She smirked at me. "Do you want to see how you look?"

The dressing room had no mirrors so I knew I would have to go back out into the store in nothing but the corset and my underwear. I felt my cheeks flush at the thought of everyone seeing me. "I don't know," I answered honestly.

She knew why I was embarrassed, but she didn't give me another choice as she opened the door and walked out. I hesitated and she snapped, "Get out here, now!"

I forgot to feel self-conscious as I hurried to obey. The butch from earlier had moved so she could watch me with hungry eyes, but with Aubrey at my side, I didn't feel threatened by her anymore. I moved to the mirror and gasped. The first thing I noticed was my boobs. While I didn't feel in danger of falling out of the corset, I'd never had so much cleavage on display, and I was fond of low-cut tops. I forgot all my insecurities as I looked at myself in the corset. I met Aubrey's eyes in the mirror. "Please, Mistress may I get it?"

I felt myself grow wet at the desire I saw in her green eyes. "Oh yes, this is perfect." She said as she studied me. Without looking away she snapped, "Courtney!"

The girl was instantly next to us. "Yes, Mistress Bella?"

Aubrey finally looked away from me to gaze down on the girl. "Show me what undergarments you have to match this. I will also need complementary attire."

"Yes, of course. Please follow me." She said, keeping her eyes lowered as she led Aubrey back over to the racks.

I didn't immediately follow. When my mistress turned back to the girl, I returned to admiring the corset in the mirror. I didn't realize that I was inviting trouble until a low, gruff voice spoke from behind me.

"You look good enough to eat."

I spun around and found myself face to face with the butch. I was speechless, I didn't know what to say to this unknown domme. I just stared at her, gaping.

Her eyes were cold as she continued. "If you were mine, I wouldn't let you out of my sight." She said, moving closer to me until her chest was pressed against mine. I froze not knowing what to do. "You dare to meet my eyes, slave? Kneel." Her voice was as cold as her eyes.

I shuddered. Part of me wanting to submit to this domme's strong presence. I fought my instincts and whispered, "No, you are not my mistress."

Her eyes grew angry, and fear raced icy fingers down my spine. "You obviously need more discipline than that bitch can dish out. Kneel, now."

Something shifted inside me as my own anger rose to the surface. My voice was strong as steel when I snapped out, "No. You do not own me. I will not kneel before you. Move now, or live to regret it."

She snarled, reaching out to grip my wrist in vice-like fingers. Before she was able to speak, Aubrey appeared. "Let go of my property!" She growled, moving to my side.

The butch sneered at Aubrey. "What are you going to do about it, bitch? You obviously can't control her."

I snapped, feeling my rage wash over me, driving out any subservience. Before I knew what I was doing, the hand that wasn't gripped in the bitch's grip plowed into her nose. "Don't you ever call her that again!"

Instantly, the grip on my wrist relaxed as the women fell to her knees. Her hands going to her face. I felt a moment of victory before Aubrey's hand was around my collar and pushing me down to my knees. I resisted for a split second and Aubrey snapped out, "Kneel, Beca!"

Her voice snapped me out of my anger. I immediately dropped to my knees, knowing that I had just done a terrible thing and I was going to be in serious trouble. "I'm sorry, Mistress. I—" I pleaded.

She cut me off. "Do not say a word." I dutifully closed my mouth and carefully kept my eyes on the carpet under my knees.

By this point, the butch had regained her feet. "Do you see what your slave did to me? She must be punished," she said speaking to Aubrey.

Aubrey's voice was cold and hard with rage. "And she will be. However, her actions do not excuse either the fact that you tried to steal my property or the fact that you put hands on what was not yours. Courtney, get your manager."

"Yes, Mistress Bella," the other girl meekly said, and I realized that she had followed Aubrey back over to us. The girl hurried off and silence fell over our small group.

A few minutes later, I heard soft footsteps and two other people joined us. "What seems to be the problem, Bella?" A strong voice, who I assumed belonged to the manager asked.

The butch started to speak, but Aubrey spoke over her. "This woman put hands on my property and attempted to take her from me."

"Is this true?" The manager asked the butch.

"She punched me," the butch snarled.

"I see. Was this before or after you touched her?" The manager said softly and I could hear the menace in her voice. I shivered.

"After," she reluctantly admitted.

"So, if I am understanding this, you mistreated another domme's property, attempting theft of the property and were struck?" The manager asked.

There was a moment of silence before Aubrey spoke. "Yes, Miranda. That is what happened."

"Fine, what is your name?" The manager asked the butch.

"Alex."

"Alex, you are banned from my store. Get out and don't come back."

"What?" She asked, incredulous. "But that bitch—"

"Will be taken care of, by her mistress. Get out before I call the police," the manager stated.

"Go fuck yourselves," Alex snarled as she left. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

My relief was short-lived as Aubrey's calm voice asked, "Sarah, may I borrow your paddle?"

I gasped, my eyes flying up to Aubrey's face. Her green eyes met mine with a look that had a knot of fear forming in my belly. I was in so much trouble, and I was going to be publicly humiliated.

"Of course, Bella. Courtney, fetch it." The manager said, and I could hear the eagerness in her voice. Courtney hurried to obey and I lowered my eyes, unable to continue looking at Aubrey.

When the girl was back, Aubrey coldly said, "Stand and grab your ankles, Beca." I reluctantly obeyed. I had to spread my legs in order to bend over in the corset, but I managed. When I was in position, Aubrey positioned herself behind me. "Count each strike," she ordered.

"Yes, Mistress," I breathed. And the first blow fell hard against my ass. I yelped, "One." The sting from the blow hadn't even begun to fade when the next blow landed. By the time the fifth blow landed, tears were running down my cheeks. After the tenth blow landed, my ass felt like it was on fire, and I was only able to stay on my feet by sheer strength of will. I gritted my teeth and grunted out each number as the blows continued to fall. Sometime after the 15th stroke, I gave myself over to the punishment and fell into that trancelike state, becoming only distantly aware of the pain of the blows and my voice sobbing out each count. After the 20th stroke, the blows stopped. I didn't move, I just waited for what would happen next.

"Thank you, Sarah. I am sorry that my pet caused this disturbance in your store," I heard my mistress' voice say above me.

"That's alright, Bella. That show was worth the trouble." She replied.

"Beca, you may stand," my mistress said, and I struggled to straighten. The corset, making it difficult, but I managed eventually.

I kept my gaze lowered as I dreamily said, "Thank you, Mistress. I'm sorry I embarrassed you."

My mistress lifted my chin with on long finger. I met her gaze happily, and I could see the amusement in her eyes. "You did well, my pet."

"Thank you, Mistress," I replied automatically.

I heard a sharp gasp and my eyes slowly moved over to study Sarah curiously. Her eyes were wide with shock. "Is she—"? She asked, studying the passive look in my eyes.

"Yes, she is," Aubrey said and I could hear the pride in her voice. I looked back into her green eyes, not knowing what I had done to make her proud.

"Where did you find her?" Sarah asked in a hushed tone.

My mistress smiled at me, "We met in college."

"I've never seen a sub go so deep before," Sarah admitted.

"I know, Sarah. It's like she was born for it." My mistress said, and I could hear the love and affection she had for me in her voice.

"Wow, how did she manage to hit that butch?" The manager asked.

My mistress laughed. "She was defending me. That woman called me a 'bitch', twice. My Beca didn't like it."

Sarah laughed. "Well, I have to admit I'm jealous. You are a very lucky woman, Bella."

"I know."

I stood meekly throughout their conversation, gazing at my mistress. I thought that I was the lucky one, but I didn't bother to tell them. I just patiently waited for them to finish discussing me.

Sarah asked, "So, before the interruption, what were you looking for?"

"I need something to complement my pet in that corset. We are attending the event on Thursday."

"Of course, I have some ideas," Sarah said. She helped us finish our wardrobe shopping and an hour later we left the store with two complementary outfits.

When we got into the car, my mistress turned to me. "Beca, are you alright?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my ass still feeling bruised from the paddling I had endured. "Yes, Mistress, I'm fine. I'm sorry I embarrassed you," I said, dreamily.

She smiled. "You didn't embarrass me. I actually rather enjoyed it."

My surprise was enough to finally pull me out of my trance. I blinked and focused on her eyes. She was telling the truth. "Then why did you punish me?" I asked, feeling anger stir within me.

Her smile widened. "Because I had to, Beca. You punched a domme in public. I couldn't let that go unpunished."

"Oh," I answered and looked out the window.

She laughed, "Welcome back, my love."

I huffed, unwilling to answer her.

She grabbed my chin harshly and turned me to face her. "You are still in my collar and you will acknowledge me when I speak to you."

"Yes, Mistress," I replied.

"Better," She said, studying my eyes. After a moment she asked, "Are you alright? You were in the trance for a long time."

"Yes, Mistress. I'm fine," I answered. Seeing the doubt in her eyes, I continued. "Seriously, I'm ok. It was intense, and my butt is going to hurt for a long time, but I'll manage."

"Good, are you up for a little more shopping, or do we need to call it a day?" She asked.

"I can continue as long as the next store isn't as eventful as that one," I answered honestly.

She chuckled. "Alright. I promise I won't let you out of my sight this time."

I laughed, "That's probably a good idea. Thank you, Mistress."

"You're welcome."

She turned on the car and pulled out into traffic. After a few minutes, I asked, "So what else to we need to buy? I thought we got everything at the last store."

She shot a smirk at me. "We need to get you a matching collar and leash. You must be perfect."

Heat shot through me at the thought of being pulled through a crowded club by a leash in Aubrey's hand. "Oh yes, please." I moaned. My mistress shot another smirk at me.

The rest of our shopping was blessedly uneventful, but by the time we walked back into my apartment, I was exhausted. Aubrey left our shopping bags in the car. She decided that they would stay at her house until Thursday.

After dropping my keys on the small table next to the door, Aubrey said, "Kneel, Beca." I instantly dropped to my knees. Heat raced through me as my fantasy from that morning played through my head. Aubrey noticed and smirked. "You really do like the idea of kneeling to me in your home. It's a shame to do this, but I wouldn't want to break our rules." She leaned down and lay a gentle kiss on my lips before unbuckling the collar and setting it aside. A shudder ran through me as my usual worries settled back on my shoulders.

"Thanks, Bre." I said, standing.

She smiled. "Of course, maybe at some point, we can explore that fantasy of yours, but not today."

I nodded. "Yeah, that's probably a good idea," I admitted, grabbing her hand and pulling her over to the couch. I curled into her side and felt myself drift off to sleep in a matter of minutes.