Submission

CHAPTER ONE-PART 2

“No, I won’t deny that.” Taking a deep breath, she plunged into the sordid tale. “Sabrina told me about a year ago that she was a submissive. I tried to make her see reason, but she was convinced she was happy bowing and scraping to someone.”

“Perhaps she was.”

Trying to hide her distaste, she shrugged. “Maybe. It seemed fairly harmless, as long as it was still a fantasy. I knew she had a membership to some prison club.”

“Dungeon,” he corrected with just a trace of a laugh.

“Whatever. A few months ago, she told me she’d met a wonderful man and had accepted him as her Master.” She grimaced. “I was worried about her, but I couldn’t convince her to slow down. Six weeks ago, she told me she had entered into a contract to be his slave.” Sable shuddered. “Slavery. What the hell is wrong with her?”

He wore a serious expression. “Some submissives enjoy having someone assume complete responsibility for their needs. It makes them feel free.”

“Hmm.” It seemed wiser not to show more of her opinion on the subject. “It was crazy. She gave away her possessions, sold her apartment and car, and stopped taking modeling and acting jobs.” Sable frowned, remembering how buoyant her sister had been as she’d dismantled her entire life. “She even left her dog with me. Sable loves Sparkles more than anything in the world, except maybe me. Sobbing her heart out, she actually left her.”

“I suppose it had to be done, and she’d decided to entrust herself to her Master’s care.” Julian shrugged. “What do you want from me? Are you looking for a psychological explanation, or more information on the finer workings of top and bottom relationships?”

“No, thanks. I have the Internet, you know.” She took another deep breath, trying to control her irritation. “Look, part of the contract included Sabrina being able to contact anyone she chose. She was supposed to retain her own cell phone and email address and be able to freely communicate.” At his nod, she continued. “I heard from her the day after she arrived, but not since then. Her phone number is disconnected, and she hasn’t answered her emails.”

Julian frowned. “Do you know if the contract allowed the Master to suspend her privileges as punishment?”

Sable shrugged. “I have no idea, but I thought about that. It seemed reasonable to assume someone like that would punish a grown woman for following her own mind, but surely it wouldn’t last six weeks? I’m afraid she’s gotten in over her head with someone who isn’t holding up their side of the bargain.”

Julian looked troubled. “I won’t lie to you, Ms. Collins. There are Dominants who disregard the slave contract in an attempt to truly enslave their partner.”

“Partner?” She snorted. “Sabrina isn’t a partner. She’s being exploited, and the idiot agreed to it.”

His lips thinned. “I’m sure it’s more complicated than that.”

“Whatever.” She waved a hand. “I really don’t care about the dynamics. What I care about is finding my sister. You’re the only person I know who is into this stuff, so I thought you might be able to give me an idea where to look.” Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Julian shrugged. “I might. If I can help, I will. Do you know the Master’s name?”

Sable shook her head. “She only called him Master.”

“Do you have any idea where she went?”

“I know it was somewhere in the mountains. Her flight landed in Denver, and I know she called me about six hours after she landed, so I assume it’s somewhere in Colorado? Sabrina told me it was an exclusive community, and she was excited to join it. She said she wouldn’t have to live in fear of others’ judgments.” Sable shifted with discomfort, sure her sister had included her in that group.

Julian’s eyes lightened a bit. “I might be able to help. I’ve heard of a few communities around the country, where Doms and subs live openly, or at least with less need to hide. I’ve never been to one, but I can try to track down some information.”

Sable had to suppress the urge to cry. She was not a weak woman, constantly in tears, but the stress was catching up with her. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

“How can I reach you?”

“Here.” She withdrew a business card. “Call my cell number. I’m staying at The Fairmont.”

Julian took the card, slipping it into the pocket of his black cords. It was completely inappropriate to appreciate the snug fit of his pants in the circumstances. “I’ll make some calls and be in touch as soon as I can. I’ll also let you know if I can’t get any information.”

“Thanks.” A small surge of hope made it possible to stand erect and leave the shop when what she really wanted to do was just collapse in a heap and sleep for twenty-four hours or so. By the time she reached her hotel, the lack of sleep over the past week caught up with her, and she crashed into her bed in one of the bungalows.