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SHE WAS A coward. She freely admitted that. Being with Cassidy that night brought up hopes she didn’t want to feel. Because of her cowardice, Rebecca didn’t hesitate when a friend called her for help with a business venture. She could have refused, but she hoped by going away for a bit, she could get Cassidy out of her system. Or at least put her feelings in perspective. It didn’t work.

When she arrived at the club that night, she was informed that Cassidy had been there every night. She was also informed that she had been propositioned many times. And refused. As much as Mistress didn’t deserve to feel relieved, she did. She wasn’t sure how she would have handled Cassidy being in someone else’s room in her club.

Mistress’s step faltered when she saw Cassidy toying with the black card that had been left on her table. She seriously considered firing every single Dom that worked here if Cassidy accepted. The relief when Cassidy pushed the card away was remarkable. I’m in so much trouble. Of course, that relief was short-lived when she saw how sad Cassidy looked. The passionate woman she remembered was now laying her head back on the couch with those peculiar eyes closed.

She wanted to comfort her. To hold her in her arms and apologize for not being here. Rules! With a sigh, Mistress carefully placed her card on Cassidy’s table, caressing her cheek briefly before walking away. Just as she was closing the door, she heard Cassidy call out to her.

“Where the hell have you been?”

Oh, hell no. No one talked like that to her now. She was the boss. She was in control. She closed the door with a distinct click.

“Go to the foot of the bed and strip.”

Cassidy didn’t move. “Where have you been?” She repeated with irritation. “You said you’d be here. You lied!”

Anger filled Mistress. “I’m here now. And, I will not tolerate you speaking to me in this way. Say your safe word, Cassidy, and leave. Otherwise, do as you are told, and go to the foot of the bed and strip.”

It was like a switch had been thrown. Cassidy, who had just been fired up with resentment, now hung her head in defeat. Perhaps it was fitting that they were both dressed in black tonight with the way this was starting.

“Face me,” Mistress ordered. She watched as Cassidy disrobed, never once lifting her head. “Look at me.”

Her heart broke as a single tear rolled down Cassidy’s cheek and her eyes fluttered closed to block out the image. Or, maybe it was to remember this feeling of regret so she wouldn’t do it again. She reached up and removed her mask, tossing it aside. Whether it was Mistress or Rebecca that gently wiped the tear from Cassidy’s cheek, she didn’t know.

“Turn towards the bed.” Mistress stood close enough that her corset scraped against her tanned back. Placing a hand on Cassidy’s left shoulder blade, she hoped she could convey her remorse. “I was called out of town on business,” she explained quietly. “It was sudden, and I didn’t have time to get word to you. I’m sorry.”

She never saw the second tear.

Emotions weren’t her forte. The best way she could make it up to Cassidy is by rocking her world. And that’s exactly what she intended to do. If she got lucky, she would get the same results as the last time they were together. “Kneel on the edge of the bed. Hold on to the bedposts.”

The muscles in Cassidy’s back stretched as she obeyed. She had so much strength, and yet, someone as small as Mistress could bring her to tears. It nearly felt like too much control for Mistress, until she had to bring out the step-stool in order to reach up and tie Cassidy’s hands. She tied them a little tighter than usual, then dipped her head close to Cassidy’s ear.

“Don’t fall in love with me,” Mistress whispered. It was a desperate plea to Cassidy and to herself. Either way, it tore her apart to say them. In order to give her some time to gather herself, she stepped down and went to her armoire. Tonight deserved something more advanced. A riding crop would do. For now.

She took that crop and traced those spectacular muscles and colorful tattoos before moving lower. The slap of the crop against Cassidy’s ass rang out in the silence of the room.

“That’s for speaking to me the way you did.”

It didn’t surprise her that Cassidy pushed her ass towards her, silently asking for more. Emotions could do that. They could make you crave the physical pain over the emotional.

“Did you get other cards while I was away, Cassidy?” Mistress asked, knowing full well the answer.

“No, Mistress.”

She wants the pain. Mistress made sure to hit the same place for an extra sting. “Don’t lie to me! Did you receive invitations?”

“Yes, Mistress,” Cassidy panted.

“Did you follow through with them?” Mistress slipped the crop between Cassidy’s legs and caressed her soaked pussy lips with it.

“No, Mistress.”

Mistress moved the crop when Cassidy began moving her hips, effectively depriving her of finding more pleasure.

“Did you want to?” She asked. She dipped the crop into the crack of Cassidy’s ass, eliciting a gasp from the bound woman.

“No, Mistress.”

The vision of Cassidy toying with that black card flashed through Mistress’s mind and she spanked Cassidy harder than she had dared to before.