14 comments/ 78321 views/ 41 favorites Owning Bella Ch. 01 By: xelliebabex Authors note: I have used this first chapter as an introduction of sorts to the characters from my original series, "Mastering Bella". For those of you who read that series please bear with me as I begin to take Mel and Bella on this new journey. Prologue: from the series Mastering Bella. She watched him then and knew she trusted him. She was not scared of any of this. On the contrary, she was excited by it and she wanted to learn more, to know her limits and his. The idea of going back to the normal world of half hearted oral sex and a quick fuck where she didn't get the chance to get off did not appeal at all. Could she sign over her life to him, give him the total control he craved beyond the exciting albeit harsh sex? She continued to watch him chewing her lip. This weekend had erased almost all her fears from the week she had spent as his submissive and. if she was honest with herself, she knew this morning when he had not been there that she needed him to be. Talking with Dianne and then him in the car she seemed to find boundaries she could live within or at least try to. She wouldn't be trapped like a prisoner, and she could say no if anything was too much. He wasn't married anymore, so it could work in both worlds eventually, she hoped. Taking a breath, she knew the choice had been made. Bella crawled from the basket towards the man who knew her so well and knelt before him as he stopped to look down on her. She trembled a little and took a deep breath, knowing she was not saying everything she had been told, but remembering enough to hopefully make it sound sincere. "Sometimes," she began quietly, "what seems like surrender isn't surrender at all. It's about what's going on in our hearts as well as our minds. About seeing clearly the way life is and accepting it and being true to it, whatever the pain, because the pain of not being true to who you are is far greater," she look up at him, his face was unreadable and she trembled more as she continued with the quote Dianne had given her. "I choose a man who compels my strength. Who makes enormous demands on me. Who does not doubt my courage or my toughness. Who does not believe me naive or innocent. Who has the courage to treat me like a woman." His eyes bored into her as she spoke and her voice started to break in her anxiousness. "I accept and understand who you are and what you ask of me and I offer the gift of my submission and trust you to cherish it and hold it close to your heart. May I please wear your collar Master to show all others who I belong to." There was a long silence and she finally lowered her eyes. 'Had she done it wrong?' she worried over her words then. She had knelt on display open and available, she had tried to remember everything she needed to say, why did he just stare at her not saying anything? She chewed at her lip trying to hold back tears she felt welling in her eyes. 'He had changed his mind. He didn't want her after all,' the thought wounded her deeply. He reached down and fisting her hair pulled her to her feet then her toes as she whimpered softly. "Look at me," he said his voice thick with emotion. She tilted her eyes up to his. "I have never wanted anything more than I wanted to hear those words from you, my Ellie. You will wear my collar," he encircled her throat with his hand, "around your pretty neck but first," he growled, "I will take what is mine to take so you understand that every inch of you belongs to me now." She quivered in fear and anticipation. Turning, he strode toward a padded bar dragging her by her hair behind him. "Stay," he said as he bent her over the bar, he threw open a chest and snatched at something within returning to her he unbuckled the belt almost ripping it from her body. The vibrator fell to the floor shining with wetness. Smacking her ass he growled, "Open." Balancing precariously on her toes, Bella reached back and pulled her cheeks apart listening to his clothes fall to the floor. She twisted her head wanting to see him but almost lost her balance. She whimpered softly as he pulled her thighs wide. Placing his hands in the small of her back he slammed his cock into her tight wet hole, revelling in her cry of surprise and pain. He pumped into her several times with force until she took all of him and he growled in pleasure. Holding deep within her, his fingers sought out the plug. She felt the drip of oil coat her cheeks and the cleft between them as he pushed and pulled on the plug within her making her whimpers and panting louder. He pulled the plug from her inserting his fingers into the gaping hole pulling it wider and dripping the cool oil into her. She could feel his cock twitch within her as he pumped his fingers into her tightest little hole. He was so aroused by this girl who was finally truly his, her acceptance of him and her place in his life had fuelled his desire to dominate her totally. He watched mesmerised, as her ass, became open and accessible. He worked her further opening the tight muscles with his fingers, coating her in oil until he could hold back no longer. Pulling from her cunt he lifted his cock to ass. He felt her stiffen as she realised his intent and he slapped her cheek growling, "Relax." Bella took a deep shuddering breath and tried to relax but her mind was screaming at her, 'His cock is too big! He will rip you in half!' She bit down hard on her lip and closed her eyes, fear and adrenaline feeding her arousal. She had given him this power and it overwhelmed her senses as she felt him push into her slowly. Bella squealed as the head popped past her tight anal ring, her muscles instinctively pushing at his cock. She relaxed the push feeling him move further into her making her push against him again, her own muscles aiding the cock in sinking into her deeper each time they strained against the intruder. "Fuck..." Mel groaned she was so tight it was almost painful but he revelled in her howling gasps as he worked his way into her deeply. "Yes, slut, use those muscles." he slapped her ass again and ploughed into her deeply as her scream sang out into the room. Holding still, he growled deeply as her pushing and clenching muscles milked at his cock. He reached out pulling her up by her hair bowing her back. "Say it again," he roared, "Beg to be my slave. Beg to wear my collar." Her words came out in stilted sobbing mewls as he stayed locked within her not moving. "I offer... you... my submission... please... may I... wear... your collar... Master." Mel reached under her and rolled her clit between his fingers roughly, "Cum, MY slave. Cum now." He felt her tense and cum causing her muscles to spasm around his cock and he let go off his own need flooding her bowels. Mel let go of her hair and let her collapse over the beam and he slowly withdrew from her. The sight of her gaping hole slowly closing as it leaked with his cum igniting his need for her all over again, but he had other plans for tonight. "You are such a hot little slut." He picked her up and carried her still trembling body from the room. He carried back to her apartment, placing her gently in the bath and turning on the water in a warm flood. Placing a towel on the edge of the tub to cushion her head, he smiled at her. "Relax Ellie," he poured some sweet smelling salts into the bath water, "rest here for a little while it will hurt less." Her whole body ached and the discomfort she felt in her ass was slowly soothed by the warm water. She closed her eyes, gone were the nagging doubts and self analysis of the last week. She had accepted she wanted this, or at least wanted to explore more of it with this man who adored her, her Master. She felt a freedom she hadn't expected in becoming his slave. She had lived and learned so much in the last week, and the truth was it excited her, all of it. She turned to smile at him as he returned, "I forgot to say thank you, Master." He grinned at her, "You know, I did not even notice. You have made me a very happy man tonight. Thank you my Ellie." "It did not please me, however," he held up a chain for her to see, "to find you had removed this today." Her eyes widened as the Tinkerbell pendant hung from the chain in his hand. She opened her mouth to apologise but he held up his hand stilling her. "I was not clear enough in my instructions and you could not have known its significance." She tilted her head watching him curiously as he slid the fairy pendant off the chain handing it to her. "A friend of mine made this when I told him I was going to claim a slave girl for my own," he picked up a finely crafted filigree padlock in the shape of a heart, "With this the chain becomes an everyday collar." Mel pulled the rope like chain around her neck and threading the lock arm of the heart through the loops at the ends of the chain locked it in place around her neck. Bella breathed deeply as she heard it click into place. Sitting back he smiled at her, "People who do not live our lifestyle will see it only as a pretty necklace. You will not remove it without permission and then only to replace it with either a training collar or my formal collar. You will always wear one of my collars to show who you belong to and how proud I am that you are mine." He smiled and stroked her cheek leaning in to kiss her deeply. ....................................... Owning Bella Ch 1. He handed her a basket containing all her soaps and cleansers from her apartment, "Most of these will need replacing but they will do for tonight. Clean up, we are going out. You have fifteen minutes to be out of this bath." She squeaked and losing her balance slipped under the water, coming back up she spluttered, "Yes, Master." He chuckled and stroked her wet hair from her face, "Without drowning please, little one." She grimaced and nodded, "Yes, Master." He got up to leave and turned to smile at her again but she had turned from him rifling through the basket and pouring shampoo into her hand. She stepped from the bath after hurriedly scrubbing every inch of her body and shaving the already smooth areas. She wrapped her well used body in a large fluffy pink towel and searched the cupboards for a hairdryer. She semi dried her hair before running an anti frizz gel through her unruly waves, confident it would dry sufficiently on its own she started on her make up having found it in one of the drawers. She had seen him pace outside the door as he spoke on his phone watching her constantly like she might disappear before his eyes. She stepped out of the bathroom, "Right. I will see you there, Rob," he said and hung up. Reaching out he pulled the towel from her and threw it back into the bathroom. "Come, my little princess." He led her over to kneel beside the one single seat couch in the room, a smile touching his lips seeing her wince as she gracefully sat back on her heels. He stroked her cheek lightly as he raised his phone to his ear again, "Hi Joe, she's all moved in and settled... No not a sign of him... yeah better safe than sorry... I am just going to take her out for a bite to eat then put her to bed. I don't think she got much sleep last night... Sure, here she is." Mel passed her the phone and Bella smiled, "Hi Daddy... Oh yes the apartment is amazing... Yes of course I thanked him properly... No I am not using my phone. Mel rang you remember... Okay.... Hi Mummy ...." Mel smirked as she answered the same questions over again and promised to call the following day with a new phone number. She gave excuses to cut the call short and looked up at him. "Thank you she said quietly, "...they were worried about me." "Ellie, you are my responsibility now, that includes all that comes with you, family, friends, even ex-boyfriends," he said the last with an edge to his voice, "I would never give them any doubt about your safety and happiness." He reached out to stroke her face again and smiled softly, "Being mine is not all about pain and pleasure and sex. It is about pleasing me in everything you do. In turn, it is my responsibility to ensure your well-being in all facets of your life." Her parents would never know of their true relationship, but she was grateful he understood her need to still be their sweet daughter. She looked up her fingers going to the everyday collar about her neck, "Yes, Master. I didn't realise..." "You know now," he cut her off. Pulling her up to his lap he wrapped his arms around her. "You are irresistible, my little Ellie," his hands stroked over her ass and thighs, "and if I don't get you ready soon we will never make our dinner date." Bella smiled up at him and leaned into his chest revelling in this softer side of her Master that she had so rarely seen in the last week. He picked her up with him as he stood and walked with her to her bedroom. Putting her down on her feet her tilted her chin to him and kissed her lightly, "Your wardrobe is sadly lacking, my pet. We will go shopping this week for clothes appropriate to being my slave." Picking up a white satin slip dress he pulled it over her head and stepped back to inspect the length, "Those stockings and shoes," he murmured pointing at the bed and left her there for several long minutes to pull a lace topped stocking onto each leg to nestle around her thigh. He returned with a white leather waist cincher and adjusting the slip to pull tightly over her breasts and ride up over her hips to form a gathered skirt. He tightened the leather in place making her concentrate on breathing shallowly. As she looked into the mirror, she was stunned at the curves it gave her girlish figure. "It will do for tonight," he smirked and smacked her ass lightly to hear her whimper, "Mm, such a tight little ass. You may wear these tonight as I am feeling benevolent," he twirled a white G string on his finger, his smirk lingering. "You look lovely, my little pet. Now put your hair up off your neck. Use a white ribbon." He passed her the G string. She watched him walk from her room; he was handsome in dark pants and a white cotton shirt, open casually at the collar. She quickly put on the G string and pulled her hair up not spending time trying to tame the wayward strands that curled around her face. Reapplying a small amount of neutral lip gloss, she followed him out to where he waited by the door. She basked in the pleasure of his smile as he reached out and stroked her cheek. "Good girl," he spoke softly curling his hand around the nape of her neck and propelling her out the door toward the lift. She tried not to fidget and pulled her hands behind her back, his hand feeling heavy on her neck. As the lift arrived and his club card slipped into the slot she found her panic at disappointing him returning. Her mind kept rolling the words 'I want him and he wants me. No one else matters,' like a mantra through her mind. Bella looked up, she was about to speak but the lift doors opened and he propelled her before him into the club. Not stopping as they wore no coats he walked her through the reception toward the salon. A goliath of a man approached them. Mel smiled, shaking his hand in greeting, "Thanks for your help this afternoon moving my girl's apartment. This," he smiled down at her, "is my Ellie. Ellie this is Sir Stephen." "The rumours were true for once," Stephen smirked, "Hello, Ellie. I didn't believe any girl would meet Mel's high expectations, yet here you are. Congratulations." She spoke quietly, "Thankyou, Sir Stephen. It's very nice to meet you." Turning back to Mel he clapped him on the shoulder, "Many slave hearts will break tonight. Word travels fast. Several friends have been wondering when you would arrive." Mel chuckled, "They can wait. We are starving. Can you find us a nice out of the way booth?" The goliath let out a loud laugh, "What and ruin all their fun? Not me, Mel." Still laughing he chuckled, "Follow me." Her Master's hand tightened on her neck and Bella looked up at him nervously as they began to follow Sir Stephen into the club. She looked around once again remembering the rich dark décor that had so overwhelmed her two days earlier. 'Had it only been two days?' she wondered as they walked through the salon bar to the restaurant. Bella's eyes widened as they approached a large round table full of people, some of who she recognised, most of whom she didn't and she felt herself quiver in anxiety that she still didn't really belong here. Mel groaned and turned to Stephen as they approached the table, "Take Bella to the den and get her something decent to eat. I don't want her fainting from starvation while I talk to all these friends." His smile told her he was pleased his friends were here as he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Go with Sir Stephen. You will be safe with him, my precious pet." He stroked her cheek, and turned back to Stephen, "I think this will be a late night. I will send one of the girls in to keep her company. Make sure she eats." "Sure thing," Stephen bent low and took Bella around the waist hoisting her up and over his shoulder in a fireman's hold and strode off quickly toward a side door. Lifting her head she watched her Master approach the table and laugh happily as men got up to shake his hand or clap him on the shoulder before the door closed on her view. Bella was put down unceremoniously on a comfortable seat at a small table. "You will be fine here." Stephen's voice rumbled and he smiled. "Now what would you like to eat?" "I don't know," she whispered, "I am not a fussy girl. It's just I do not know your menu. I am sorry. Could you ask my Master or decide for me, please, Sir Stephen?" Sitting on the other side of the table Stephen looked at her. "If I let you out of my sight, Mel would probably have me fired, so let's talk about the menu." He had just convinced her to try a combination platter as she would have company no doubt to help her eat it and was calling the kitchen when Dusty came in quietly and leaned over to rub her cheek against Bella's. Bella was surprised, "Hello, Dusty." Dusty's voice was deep and soft, "Congratulations Bella. I don't think Mel has stopped smiling but he won't give much information away." Bella blinked, "Information?" "About you of course, only a few of us met you the other day and there is quite a crowd out there," Dusty saw the look of panic enter Bella's face and tried to reassure her, "They're all friends. The curiosity will wear off quickly, don't worry." Changing the subject, Dusty told Bella about her weekend and why they were still in the city as the food arrived and they ate. Seeing Bella relax, Dusty continued on about the farm she lived on with her Master. Sir Stephen smiled as a man in full bikers leather waltzed into the room peeling off his jacket. Clasping each others forearms they gave each other a macho hug, bumping chests and clapping each other on the back. "Where is this delectable little morsel I had to rush up here for?" He ran his fingers through his long hair and looked around. Stephen tilted his head in Bella's direction and she froze as the heavy boots clomped across the floor toward her. Dusty snorted and the man chuckled, "As talkative as ever I see, Dusty," his hand stroked her ponytail as he spoke, "And you little doll must be Ellie." She lifted her head to look at him and gulped. Standing in front of her was the embodiment of many heated late night fantasies. She whispered, "Yes Sir." "Master Rob," he corrected, "You can go now Dusty." Dusty nodded and leaned over to rub her cheek on Bella's again before leaving. "Stand up little doll let me look at you." Rob threw his jacket on a chair and put a leather box on the table watching Bella as she walked around the table to him. "Cute as a button, is that collar comfortable?" He reached out repositioning it and running his fingers over her neckline. Owning Bella Ch. 01 "Yes, Master Rob, it's beautiful." Bella had made the connection with the friend that had made the collar for her Master and she squirmed blushing as she wondered if she would be asked to thank this man like she had John. "Making my girl blush already Rob?" Mel came into the room, "Thanks for bringing it." "It's on the table. She's quite exquisite, Mel," he smirked and Bella felt a shiver run up her spine, "she looks almost too fragile to fit your particular taste. That collar might be too solid for her." Mel pulled a highly polished platinum choker from the leather box. It appeared seamless in its construction but Mel found the catch opening and closing it twice before holding up for her to see. Bella chewed her lip, it appeared to be a solid circlet about an inch wide, polished almost white a serpentine rope design of shining black gem stone had been inlaid around the circumference twisting on itself to rise up to the initials MM at the front. It sparkled with glittering diamond chips and she was looking curiously at the rings that fell from it, one from the edge under the initials and another on the opposite side when Mel spoke again. "You're an artist, Rob." Mel turned to Bella, "Before I place this on your neck I want to hear the words again before witnesses," Bella gulped and chewed her lip her mind whirling trying desperately in her anxiety to remember the words Dianne had given her. There was a knock on the door and Jack and Dusty walked in. "Don't mind us, I had to come, Dusty was so skittish I thought she might bite the next person her stroked her mane." Mel chuckled, "I bet Dianne is throwing a fit out there too, if she saw Rob arrive." "Dianne's here?" Bella gasped. "Rob called a few people and told them I asked him to bring this tonight and witness your submission to me." Bella looked up nervously chewing her lip. "It was meant to be an intimate moment and Rob would act much like a best man at a wedding. Should anything happen to me, he will be responsible for making sure you are provided for," Mel explained. Bella looked up at Rob who was smiling at her, and then back at her Master, "Yes Master, I umm, could I see Dianne please? It's just that... I need to go to the little slaves room could I have a minute please Master." Her voice was small and high pitched from anxiety and Mel could see the panic fill her eyes. Rob roared with laughter, "My god, Mel. Could she be any cuter?" Bella blushed deep scarlet and Mel nodded to Stephen as he smiled widely, "Yes little one, Stephen will get her." He placed the collar back into the box and closed it as Stephen left the room. Rob was still laughing hard as Dianne came in a minute later, taking a moment to greet the men before looking at Bella's panic stricken face and smiled reassuringly at her, "reporting for escort duty." "Just make it quick," Mel said as Kurt and Stephen entered the room behind Dianne, "before everyone ends up in here." Bella squeaked at the idea and hurried over to Dianne. Dusty snorted and Jack added, "Yes go with them bite anyone who gets to close to her." "She has brought out the protective side of the girls it seems. Sera and Tali are openly pouting out there and even Nyx seems sullen." Kurt chuckled as he sat down with the four men. "You may have more witnesses than you banked on soon and shy little Tinker-bella may just fly away." Taking a hand each the girls hurried Bella from the room across the short section of piano bar to the bathroom. Once inside Bella turned to Dianne, "Why does everyone care so much, that Mel gave me his collar?" "Honey, Mel is important to these people. He and Rob founded this club and gave them a safe place to be themselves and be accepted." Dianne hugged her, "Add to that the fact that Mel has never given his own collar to a girl even though many have begged for it. He has only ever offered club collars so the girls belong to the club and its members not him alone. That makes you very special and everyone is curious about you." All her doubt about not being good enough resurfaced and she pulled away from Dianne and went into the stall. "I am going to get it all wrong with people watching me. I can't bear to disappoint him now in front of his friends." Dusty's voice came in a low steady tone, "You can't get it wrong if you speak from your heart. You already did it once. This is no different. Just put on blinkers, look at his face and ignore the rest of the room." "You already begged?" Dianne asked excitedly. "Yes this afternoon when we got back," Bella emerged and smiled as she saw Dusty turn and snap her bright white teeth at someone trying to enter the bathroom. "We better go back before he changes his mind and chooses one of the beautiful girls here instead." "Not much likelihood of that silly girl, and I want details! Tomorrow at work ask Mel if we can have lunch again. He will give you just about anything you ask for." Dianne took her hand and grinned at Dusty, "Ready?" Back in the den the girls let go of her hands and keeping her eyes on her Master only, she went and knelt before him, "I am sorry, Master. I just got so nervous and well..." He stroked her cheek smiling and Bella blotted out the rest of the room as he pulled the collar from the box again, "I need you to beg for it again, my Ellie." She took a deep breath and all the words Dianne had given her flew from her head so she used the quote from The Horse Whisper she had always loved and had begun with earlier, "Sometimes," she began quietly, "what seems like surrender isn't surrender at all. It's about what's going on in our hearts as well as our minds. About seeing clearly the way life is and accepting it and being true to it, whatever the pain, because the pain of not being true to whom you are is far greater." She gazed into his serious face and trembled. Her voice started to become high and thin and she took a moment to breathe deeply and steady her nerves. "I accept and understand who you are and what you ask of me and I offer the gift of my submission and trust you to cherish it and hold it close to your heart. May I please wear your collar, Master, to show all others who I belong to." Mel leaned down to wrap the collar about her throat, "You smiled long ago and the spell was cast and here we are in heaven. For you are mine at last." The collar clicked into place and she smiled up at his simple words knowing there was so much more to them, and feeling somehow proud that he had chosen her amongst all the others he could have so easily. He pulled her from her knees to his lap then and kissed her deeply. Breathless from his kiss and nervous excitement she finally looked up at the people in the room, who were smiling and watching her. Mel stood her beside him as he rose and accepted congratulations from his friends. Jack picked Bella up in a bear hug making her squeak in surprise, "Any girl who can quote the Horse Whisperer as an act of submission is alright by me," he put her down and turned to Mel, "Anytime you want to send her down to the farm for some pony girl training with Dusty is fine with me." Dusty snorted happily and rubbed her cheek against Bella's. "Yes please," she said to Mel. "She will be looked after like a princess here at the club, Mel." Stephen grinned and followed Jack and Dusty from the room with Kurt and Dianne who had kissed and hugged her and congratulated Mel. "I never thought I would see the day," Rob smirked, "a sadistic bastard like you taking a sweet little doll like this as his own. Listen carefully, little Bella. You can hear the cries of anguish from some of the slaves here who wanted that collar you wear." Bella looked startled and blushed. "So give me the highlights before you go put her on display." Rob sat back down. Mel smirked, "She is as sweet and innocent as she looks, new to our lifestyle, but so very obedient it makes me hard just contemplating what she will do to please me and how I will train her." He stepped behind her and stroked a hand down over her breast playing with her nipple before twisting it cruelly making her whimper, "She's a natural submissive with an amazing tolerance for pain," Mel said proudly continuing to torture her nipples as he spoke. Rob chuckled, "I expected no less from a girl in your collar. I think I might enjoy being this little doll's sugar daddy, spoil her rotten and undo all your training." Mel laughed loudly, "You could try but I think it may be tougher than you expect." He turned Bella's head up to his kissing her lightly, "Rob is my closest friend and business partner. I trust him implicitly. You will serve him as you serve me, with total obedience. Do you understand?" "Yes Master." Bella whimpered as he pulled and twisted her nipple again. Her mind whirled 'it would be like having two Masters,' she thought. Rob moved closer and running a finger between her legs, grinned, "Your a hot little doll aren't you?" Pulling the thin material aside he pushed a finger into her making her squeal, "and so very tight." Pulling his finger from her he pushed it into her mouth. Bella closed her lips around it rolling her tongue and sucking it clean. "I agree with Jack. Anytime you want to send her to me for training, feel free." He pulled his finger from her mouth looking down on her, "It's so very tempting to keep you here baby doll and play some more but if Mel doesn't get you out there for inspection soon..." he left it hanging ominously. Rob walked to the door and turned to look at them, "I'll give you a few minutes alone, any longer than ten and I will come back and steal her away from you." Mel turned her to face him, "I am very proud of you, my Ellie. I hadn't expected the crowd or to have to go through your club introduction tonight, but it may as well happen now that we are here." He turned her face up to look at him. "You trust me and know that I will look after you so now you must prove your obedience and devotion. I need you to do this for me." "Yes Master." "Good girl, first did you have enough to eat?" "Yes Master." Mel explained what was to happen and took her from the den and through the side door to the salon bar they had passed through when entering the club. In the centre of one wall of the room was a giant decorative gold birdcage nestled in amongst a group of chairs and sofas. Guiding her inside Mel tied her hands together in an intricate series of knots he threw the end of the rope up over a bar above her head knotting it to a ring at the side of the cage leaving her standing comfortably. He leaned down to kiss her, "I am so very proud that you are mine. I will be close by all the time nothing will happen that I do not want to happen to you. You accepted who I am now you must accept who you truly are my little slave. Enjoy the attentions of others let yourself feel it all, knowing how happy it makes me to watch you like this." He closed the door to the cage locking it and as he stood in front of her lights came on over her head illuminating the circle of the cage, plunging the area around the cage into murky dimness. She could see him as a shadowy form taking the chair closest to the left side of the cage. Bella took a deep steadying breath and quivered in anticipation. As the night wore on the area around her cage filled with people and noise. Anonymous hands reached through the bars fondling her breasts and ass and cunt. She was hot and bothered, panting and whimpering softly in her need for relief. At some point her arms were lowered and she flexed them trying to stimulate feeling back into them while her hands remained bound. It had felt like she had hung there for hours listening to snippets of muffled conversation about her looks, her abilities and her Master's obvious pleasure in collaring her, though she had no true idea of time. The cage door opened and she was picked up by Sir Stephen and deposited into her Master's lap. Curling into his chest she was grateful he had let her sleep a little during the drive home. Untying her hands Mel whispered, "Good girl," in her ear as she curled into him, "Now stand up." Bella got to her feet and lowered her head as he stood beside her and curl his hand around the nape of her neck again guiding her before him into another short corridor. They emerged into a cavernous room almost as big as the dining area of the restaurant. About the edges of the room where three small stages all lit with a soft spot light. One of the stages was occupied and a small group sat or stood close to it obscuring Bella's view. Walking to the stage area Mel stopped and sat pulling Bella into his lap. Looking up Mel turned her face to the stage, she gasped as she saw Master Rob, he was tightly tying a girl in intricate rope patterns and Bella watched him mesmerised while Mel stroked her overheated little body whispering, "That girl is a club slave. I gave her the club collar and she has been sadly lacking in her service tonight. Rob is reminding her of her place." Having bound the girl with her legs curled under her and head down Rob picked up a paddle and stroked it over the girl's ass before beginning to spank her. Bella was panting in arousal at the scene before her surprising herself that she was so aroused at seeing another girl spanked. Bella squirmed hotly in Mel's lap and he pulled her thighs apart running a finger between her folds teasing at her clit. "You're such a hot little slut. Do you wish that was you up there being spanked?" Bella nodded and whispered, "Yes, Master." The girl was crying out and begging for Rob to fuck her as he finally tossed the paddle to the side. Bella watched as taking none of the care her Master had with her, Rob parted the girl's cheeks and rammed his cock into her ass making the girl cry out and buck against the bonds holding her. Mel's fingers found their way into Bella stroking in and out with Rob's pounding of the girls ass. "Do you need to cum, little slut?" Mel whispered in her ear. Bella realised her hips were humping at his hand as she watched Rob fuck the girl's red paddled ass, "Yes please, Master." He grinned, "Then beg me, my Ellieslut." Bella was stunned momentarily and she froze, Mel smirked and murmured, "Beg me, slave," and he forced another finger into her tight hole, pumping her harder. She blushed furiously in heat and humiliation as she begged breathlessly, "Please, Master. I need to cum, please." Bending down he touch his lips to her murmuring, "Cum for me," before engulfing her mouth in a deep kiss swallowing her cries of pleasure. He felt her tight little cunt squirt over his hand and her body twitch and jerk as he held her tight. He let her up and cuddled her close to him feeding her his sticky fingers as they watched Rob pull from the girl spraying her with cum and walk to her face growling, "Clean me." Bella tilted her head up to Mel and whispered, "Thank you, Master." Mel kissed the top of her head, "My precious pet." Rob walked off the stage and sat beside them as the lights dimmed and others came in to untie the girl. "I think she learned her lesson," Rob smirked. Mel chuckled, "Bella certainly enjoyed it," he stroked her thigh and she widened them so the proof of her enjoyment, "Such a hot little slut." He smiled at her before turning back to Rob, "Let's go grab a drink." Bella walked quietly beside the Masters back to the salon, the orgasm seemed to have taken the final reserves of her energy with it and she folded to kneel beside his chair as the men sat and ordered drinks. She didn't know how her Master maintained his energy levels when she felt constantly worn out from his use and the non-stop activity in their lives. She felt herself sway as everything seemed to catch up with her. Kurt swooped in and picked her up dropping her into his lap, "You haven't said hello to me all night Bella and I thought I was your hero," he turned a pout on her making her giggle, "How quickly heroic deeds are forgotten!" he lamented. "I am so sorry, Master Kurt, it seems I have been a little preoccupied with dramatic events today," she smiled at his crest-fallen face. "You see, Dianne, you complain of being weary and you have not had half the excitement of sweet Bella here. It's a wonder she is coherent at all let alone wilting in her kneel," Kurt was speaking quietly, but still loud enough to be over heard by any close enough to him to be interested in his conversation. Bella blushed deeply whispering, "Thank you," before turning to look at her Master, who had grasped what Kurt had done for his slave and he looked at the pale face of his slave. He was proud of Bella and had wanted to exhibit the girl who had won his collar and being the obedient slave she was she had not told him of her exhaustion always looking at him with bright eyes and a smile. Only Kurt and Dianne would have known the extent of Bella's emotional upheavals today and even then not all of what occurred. Mel was grateful for the second pair of eyes watching his girl that night. He patted Dianne's hair softly as she knelt between them, knowing she would have been the most vigilant as the Masters became caught up in conversations. "I think you have something that belongs to me, Kurt," Mel grumbled. Kurt exaggeratedly patted his pockets winking at Bella and whispering loudly, "He's not very good at sharing, is he?" Bella shook her head giggling but slid from his lap to return to her Master's side. Kneeling up straighter feeling his hand wind into her hair pulling her face up to look at him, "Once again, you have not trusted me to tell me how you are feeling, slave girl," he murmured quietly. Bella quivered knowing the consequences of his words and whispered, "It's been a big day, Master. A lot has happened. I didn't want to let you down. I didn't know all this would happen when I asked for your collar. I probably should have waited another day or so. I am sorry I will be fine really." Bella closed her eyes feeling miserable. Rob had raised an eyebrow curiously, "Why don't we have our drink upstairs? You can put that sexy girl to sleep and fill me in on all the excitement. I live such a boring life in my shack by the beach." "Good idea," Mel stood, "It's definitely been a day of days." Bella stood beside him and he wrapped his hand about nape of her neck once more as they walked to the elevator. A reception girl approached them and handed Mel a message, he opened it and read it quickly, letting out a derisive grunt and thrusting the message toward Kurt. "I guess we need to do something about this," Kurt said seriously looking at his watch. "Let's take the girls upstairs and fill Rob in then we can decide what to do," Mel was looking at Bella with concern in his eyes. "I had planned an early night for her until someone decided on an impromptu celebration." "Well who knew what exciting lives you were all leading," Rob shrugged, "I just wanted some fun in mine." They walked into the lift and as the doors closed Mel bent and picked her up in his arms cradling Bella against him murmuring, "You need to tell me when you feel exhaustion, it's important. You cannot please me if you do not care for my most precious possession. You are my greatest treasure, Ellie." Bella melted against him aware that he had shown his softer caring side in front of two other Master's surprising her greatly. "You will of course need to be punished but we can deal with that tomorrow," Mel smirked at her as her eyes widened, "We have all the time in the world now. You are mine." He had taken her to her apartment kissed her deeply and left her with Dianne, instructing her to undress and go to bed. Kurt had kissed Dianne gently murmuring in her ear before the men left closing the door. Dianne was her usual effervescent self exclaiming over the apartment and wanting details of everything that had happened after they had left her parents house earlier that day. Owning Bella Ch. 01 "Was it really only today?" Bella asked in wonder, "So much has happened my brain hurts thinking about it all." Dianne smiled and hooked her arm through Bella's, "Let's get you to bed then." They helped each other undress and climbed into the big bed naked. Dianne leaned over before turning off the light and looked closely at the exquisite formal collar Bella still wore. "Wow," she breathed, "I think I am actually jealous of you now." She leaned closer and brushed her lips against Bella's. "Have you ever been with a woman before?" Dianne asked as she felt the girl stiffen. Bella shook her head and Dianne pressed up against her more fully murmuring, "I won't do anything to you without Mel's permission, Bella, but women can be a delightful change of pace now and then." Bella relaxed allowing herself to look at her friend with new eyes and accept that her world was very different now and she wanted all the new experiences it offered her. Leaning up she kissed Dianne tentatively at first before deepening it feeling the softness of the other woman. Breaking the kiss she smiled shyly, "You have been to very good to me, Dianne, so good for me. I am not sure what I would have done without your friendship this week." Dianne's smile was dazzling, "I am going to ask Kurt about organising a play date for us, with your Master's permission of course." She winked and pulled Bella against her in a spooning position and kissed her neck, "Sleep, Bella, before I do something we will get punished for." Dianne's hand cupped her breast, her thumb stroking lightly over the soft flesh as Bella closed her eyes and drifted off almost immediately into deep sleep. .................................................. Bella's exhaustion was real and the day was almost half over when she finally woke alone in the huge bed. Being driven from it by her need to pee she padded to the bathroom, washing her face and brushing her hair finding this was hampered by the large collar she now wore. Putting her hair up in a high ponytail she wandered out into the apartment not bothering to dress, feeling at ease in her nudity knowing she was alone. She was surprised and a little fearful that she hadn't been woken for work, she looked at her new phone there was no message there and she tried not to feel that sense of loss and abandonment that seemed to come unbidden when her Master was not close. Taking the phone with her as she tried to decide if she should ring him or wait for him to call her she went in search of food. She found an ipod doc had replaced her old stereo. Her ipod was mounted inside so she pressed play and danced toward the kitchen. There was a laptop sitting on the small dining table as she passed it and stopped to look, and envelope with her name on it sat on top. She opened it and read as he crossed the short distance to the small kitchen. "My precious pet, I have decided to give you a day of rest today, due to my lack of vigilance last night when you were exhausted beyond reasonable expectations. This will not be a common occurrence so make the most of the day to relax and explore your new surroundings. Stay within the confines of your apartment please. The laptop is yours. Set yourself up a new email address for your friends and family to be able to contact you. The rest of the day will be yours to do as you wish after completing the following instructions. Call your parents. Eat something substantial the kitchen is stocked. Set up your new email address and email me. No masturbation. I own that hot little body now. I adore you my precious pet, M." Bella looked at the phone in her hand and opening the address book, pressing his number she waited as it rang, hearing his voice answer, "Finish everything on your list already, little one?" she folded unconsciously to kneel on the carpet smiling as she sat back on her heels. "I have only just woken, Master and wanted so much to hear your voice," she could hear his pleased chuckle. "I am glad you slept so long, you needed the rest. Now do as I have asked in the note, or do I need to come home and spank you? You already require a punishment after last night's indiscretion," Bella squeaked but she could hear the pleasure in his voice at the words he spoke. "Call your parents," he growled, "They have rung me already today." "Yes Master," she replied and he saved her having to say good bye to him by hanging up. She dialled her parent's number and spent a little time reassuring them that she was safe and happy while heating some pasta in the microwave and logging onto the laptop to create a new gmail account sending her master a three word email, "As you wish..." Bella spent some time quietly exploring her new apartment. Anything remotely old or tatty had been dispensed with. There was not any of the junk food she liked in the kitchen though she could tell most of her kitchen stuffs had been moved in. Instead she found healthy snacks and gourmet food. Sighing she flopped on the couch, as it had yesterday morning his absence from her immediate world left a huge gulf and she sighed. Looking at the clock, she saw it was only one o'clock she had hours to wait yet. She wanted to talk to him to ask him things to tell him about what happened with Dianne last night, but she knew when he came home there would be little time for talking and she felt her cunt clench at the lustful thoughts that ran into her head. She had to do something to distract herself so she sat at the computer and began a journal of sorts, naming it "Freeing my voice". She pulled a face at the triteness of the title but decided to get everything out of her system. She dated it yesterday and went through the whole day starting with her Master's absence, Jim and his threats, her parents over protectiveness, her confusion over her Master's moodiness and the punishment she received for her lack of understanding of his motives, Dianne's talk, his talk, the journey home. She stopped for a moment and smiled nodding to herself, 'yes home'. She got up and got herself a drink, before reading all she had written self editing as she went. She continued on with her arrival, her thoughts, her realisations that the decision to be his had already been made that morning and her account of how and why she had begged his collar in that moment. Her lack of fear and curious nature that made her want all that he offered her and more. That she had revelled in his pleasure of displaying her for his friends but was overwhelmed with so much happening to her so fast. She admitted that she would have fallen if Kurt had not been on hand and apologise for not having told him of her exhaustion. Lastly she spoke of Dianne and their kisses. She wrote as her mind worked over the feelings she had for the woman. Telling of her love for Dianne as a close trusted friend, not knowing exactly what a play date would involve, not having thought of another woman sexually before she now looked at Dianne with new eyes and felt an attraction of sorts. She just didn't really know what it all meant. Pouring it all out she wondered at how out of control her life had become in one week. It had taken her hours to write it all and it was horrendously long. She rubbed her eyes and stood up stretching, she would edit it again after a shower she thought and picking up her phone she padded softly into the bathroom. ................................ Bella screamed as a hand reached in and hooked a finger into the front look of her collar roughly pulling for from the shower causing her to sprawl on the floor at her Master's feet. Looking down on her he smirked, "Good that is your place now, at my feet," pushing a booted foot toward her face she growled, "kiss my feet and tell me how much you missed your Master today." This was the Master she had served all week, the one whose voice and actions told of his desire to dominate, humiliate, hurt her and to control every minute detail of her world and as she licked out and kissed his boot, she knew it was her path to bliss. "I missed you more than I believed possible, my Master," she mewled breathlessly between kisses to his leather shod feet. She heard the belt slowly whisper though the loops on his pants before it whistled through the air to her upturned ass making her yelp and tears come to her eyes. "Crawl out to the table, my precious pet," his voice was deep and dark and he watched her move away before reaching in to shut off the shower water. Following her out to the table he sat before her still open laptop and pulled her by her collar until she was sitting directly at his feet. "Display," his voice was almost a growl and Bella quickly spread her thighs wide and lifted her hands to the nape of her neck arching her back slightly. Mel pushed his booted foot between her legs and rubbed the rough toe of the leather into her folds watching her chew at her lip whimpering. Rolling the belt around his hand he let the end portion trail over her chest and abdomen occasionally flicking it so that it stung her but carried little heat. He admonished her to sit quietly while he finished reading her diary. Looking back up at her as he finished reading he admired the red patches covering her chest and could see the glazed heated expression in her eyes as she humped his boot like a bitch in heat. He pushed the toe in harder and against her almost kicking her over making her cry out and grinned, "Do you need to cum, little slut?" "Yes, Master. Please, Master. May I cum?" Bella cried out. "At the third stroke, my pain loving pet," he growled and slapped her tits with the belt making her howl and teeter in her kneel, the belt struck again and tears rolled down her cheeks. His boot scraped over to clit down to her wet cunt and he slapped her a third time with the belt her scream ringing out into the room as she arched painfully and came over his boot. Bella floated on the intoxicating blend of pain and pleasure this man gave her body. Wracked with spasms, she tried valiantly to stay upright amid the twitching and shaking that took over her limbs. Reaching out Mel grabbed her hair keeping her upright until he could see her eyes begin to focus on him again. Pushing her head back down to his feet he smirked, "Clean your mess, dirty slut." Letting go of her head he leaned back in the chair. "I liked your writing. It helps me understand what you were thinking and feeling. You will continue it when you are able or have need, though I do not plan to give you much free time for the remainder of this week. You are mine now, and you must learn exactly what that means." Mel shut the laptop looking down on the girl licking his heavy leather boot with her delicate tongue. Reaching down he grabbed hold of her collar and dragged her crawling after to him out her apartment to the other end of the corridor to kneel before the door the training room. "Your real training starts now," he said darkly and swung the door open. NB: Quote from The horse whisperer by Nicholas Evans, Thank you again to my copy editor LaRascasse. Owning Bella Ch. 02 Authors Note: This is my first real attempt at self editing properly so bare with me please. I Hope those of you who enjoyed the first series enjoy this one equally. ~ellie Reaching down he grabbed hold of her collar and dragged her crawling after to him out her apartment to the other end of the corridor to kneel before the door the training room. "Your real training starts now," he said darkly and swung the door open. "Go to your basket, precious pet," his voice was softer now and she looked up to him before crawling towards the large pet bed and kneeling up within its cushioned basket. A thrill of fear and anticipation ran up her spine as she watched him advance on her, a smirk of self satisfaction painting his face. He flipped open a dark highly polished wooden chest beside the basket and turned to her, "Hold your hair up." Bella looked up confused, her hair was in a ponytail. She lifted her hands and realised many strands had come loose during the time since he had pulled her from her shower. She quickly gathered all the loose strands and held them up, as he removed the formal collar from her throat. As he moved to place it in the chest, she pulled the band from her hair and quickly retied her ponytail in place. Mel smiled approvingly at her as he also removed the everyday collar she still wore, "Keep her hands on your head," he said softly. Bella felt naked without the snug weight of the collars she had worn for the last twenty four hours. The thought making her grin lopsidedly as she had worn no clothing all day bar the collars, Mel raised his eyebrow at her forcing her to explain her smile. Mel held up a thick leather collar before her, "You will not be naked for more than a minute, this is a training collar." Bella looked at the leather. She could see it had been worked and conditioned despite is thickness. The soft leather had been studded with loops and D rings, and the buckle was large. Holding it close to her nose and mouth he instructed, "Breathe in its scent, kiss it, lick it, taste it. You, my slut, will grow to love leather as I do. Just the thought and smell, the feel and the taste of leather will arouse in you the passion and the tormented ecstasy being my slave will bring you." He watched her breathe deeply, kissing the leather and stroking her tongue gently over it, feeling his cock twitch at her unquestioning compliance. Wrapping the soft leather around her neck he buckled it tightly in place assessing her movement. "Hands," it was a command though his voice remained soft. Bella lifted her hands before her palm up. "Open," he placed a cuff between her lips, "Lips and tongue only, not teeth," he continued as he placed a second cuff on her left wrist. Reaching down to her he pulled her collar forward and down while lifting her hips to crawling position, "When I say fours, or all fours, this how I expect you to position yourself, understand pet?" Bella nodded mumbling around the wrist cuff still between her lips. She felt her ankles encased in the same soft leather, his hand stroking over her ass and thighs as he finished buckling them in place. Returning to the chest he closed the lid and sat facing her taking the cuff from her mouth and bucking her wrist as he spoke, "When you arrive in this room, this must always be done first unless I expressly order; otherwise, you will come to your basket and dress yourself like this then wait for me." "Yes, Master," Bella whispered watching him as he pulled off his short leather boots and placed them into the basket with her and picked up his belt that he had placed beside the chest when they had arrived. His belt trailed over her back to her ass, "The last three days have not been easy ones for your Master, little slave. Allowing you, my slave, to stay with your parents overnight where I could not use you as I wished," the belt whistled through the air and cracked over her ass making her cry out jerking in pain. "Enduring your ex lover touching and threatening MY property," his voice had become a deep growl as the belt lashed against her thighs. His voice roared as the belt rained several more blows on her ass and thighs, "Your continued display of your lack of trust in me!" Bella was sobbing, and tears rolled down her cheeks as she begged, "Please Master forgive me, Please, I just want to learn and serve you, Master. I do trust you, Master. Please forgive me, Master." Her begging was music to his ears, and he felt that surge of power dominating this girl had given him all week. He dropped the belt into her basket and looked down into her teary face his cock hardening at her beauty. She looked up into his stormy face and leaned down to lick a tear from her cheek. "Yes, my Ellie, you will learn," his smirk added to the hungry look in his dark eyes. Unable to wait any longer, he picked her up and pushed her head first over the back of a large chair that stood beside her basket. Kicking off his pants he entered her roughly feeling the heat of the welted belt marks hot against his thighs as she gasped and cried out. Reaching forward he grabbed her ponytail and arched her back onto his raging cock, he pounded into her tight wet cunt. It had been almost twenty- fours hours since she had begged his collar and he had used her briefly only once. His need to possess her again was intense. His free hand slapped at her hip and thigh before reaching beneath her to seek out her clit. She howled as he pinched and brutally twisted it, her cunt clamping around his cock. "Cum my little slut, cum for your Master," he growled out darkly. Her body stiffened arching harder and began to jerk as hot, slimy cum coated his cock, milking at the rock hard flesh that continued to pound into her deeply. She howled into the cavernous room as he clenched his teeth trying to hold back his flood. The pleasure of her tight cunt as it spasmed around him was too much, and he buried himself deeply into her, his cock pulsing thick bursts of cum into her. Pulling her roughly from the chair as his cock still twitched, he knelt her at his feet, feeding his cock into her open mouth gazing down into her tear filled eyes. "Fuck!" Mel groaned as the lips lighted around him and sucked him dry. She took his rapidly softening cock deeply cleaning it of all their mixed cum before lowering her head to suck at his ball sac. Her eyes tilted up to him often feeling his power and control over her and revelling in it. Groaning he pulled back from her and looked own on her with a smirk, pointing between her legs, "Clean up that puddle filthy little cumslut." He watched as she scooted back and bent her head to the puddle that had leaked from her cunt as she had cleaned him. This was his desire, his need, his dream, his sweet innocent seeming slave willingly debasing herself for him. "Get back to your basket and clean my boots," he said dismissively as he walked away from her to the back of the huge room. Bella whimpered as the wide red stripes on her ass and thighs burned into her still as she crawled, her cunt wet as she rubbed her thighs together in need and bent her head to his boots tasting the leather again as he tongue flickered out over them. She could hear him moving around and after long minutes that stretched out he returned to her. He wore no shirt and she marvelled again that his physique was the well toned muscular body of a much younger man. He wore leather pants, not tight but not loose, giving him freedom of movement while still showing his form. Her eyes drifted to his cock and the flap of leather covering it. The fat tear drop shape had been studded around the edges, to highlight his swelling manhood and she squirmed in arousal at the sight of him. He held a long thin braided leather strap in his hand, the ends holding small gold rings. "I want this braided into your hair," he paused. "I will do it this time, but you, little slut, will remember and do it here after. This thong will be in the box with your cuffs and training collar," his voice was instructional, and she listened carefully. He stood behind her and tied the strap around her ponytail before splitting her hair into three parts. Joining the two long tails of the leather to the outside parts, he began to plait it tightly. As he worked, he spoke softly to her, "You have asked all week why I chose you. You have seen and met with other submissives and slaves as well as their Master's, yet you still asked." He took a breath and pushed the long braid over her shoulder so she could see the two ringed ends dangling from the end of her braid. "Like this understand?" "Yes, Master," she looked at it carefully. Moving back to her face he cupped her chin, "You met in that one lunch, the best of the best of submissives and slave girls in respect to their individual talents and you my most precious pet have the best of all of them within you." He could see her eyes cloud over with self doubt ad insecurity. Letting her see his hands, he attached a long leather leash to her collar. "Like Sera," he continued as he pulled her from the basket on the leash, "You have an innocence and child like wonder about anything new and exciting and that gives me great joy. You do not, however, have her brattiness or throw temper tantrums, which also pleases me. What you can learn from Sera though, is her number one rule, 'Daddy knows best', or in your case Master knows best. She trusts her Master implicitly." Mel smiled as Bella lowered her head in shame. They stopped beside the large litter box she had seen yesterday and once again she wrinkled her nose. Seeing her reaction he led her into the box and commanded, "Crouch." He watched amused at the shock on her face as she obeyed, "Pee, my pet. We are going to be here quite a long time tonight, and you will not get another chance." Bella was horrified, mortified, embarrassed, she just couldn't. Mel leaned down and took her chin, "It will be much worse for you if you do not go here," the threat heavy in his quiet voice. "You, my pet, have Tali's sense of loyalty and playfulness, but you lack her shamelessness it is something you must learn. There is nothing I would ask of you in this room that should cause you embarrassment or shame. All I ask of you is for my pleasure. You do want to please your Master don't you my ellie." She did she so wanted to see his smile and bask in his pleasure and the way that made her feel she felt herself relax, and a trickle began to flow from her as her face blushed bright red. "Good girl," he stroked her cheek and smiled down on her the trickle increasing to a stream, "such a precious, obedient pet." The humiliation of the experience mixed with the warmth she felt inside at his smile and praise both confused her and aroused her. He led her carefully from the pit and reached into a small barrel for a moist hand towel handing to her. "Clean up, dirty little bitch," he smirked loving the blush that bloomed anew in her face pointing to a waste bin before moving her forward. Her head swung constantly as she gazed at the strange furniture and stands. She was led up a short ramp to a platform holding a leather head rest at one end. "Like Dusty you do not waste your words on me, you listen, watch and learn only speaking when necessary, you give things I teach you great thought before commenting on them," he stroked his hand down her back and over her ass as she placed her head in the rest provided. "That quiet intelligence is a most valuable quality in a slave, and why you were given a week to come to terms with whom you truly are." His hands pulled her thighs widely apart and positioned them by strapping leather cuffs from the platform below her knees. She felt and heard a spreader bar being slid into place between her knees and attached to the restraints to take the tight pull from the leather. She whimpered as her thigh muscles protested. Bella whimpered softly as she felt her cunt and ass peel open in the wide stretch. His cock stretched the leather confines of his pants, and he walked to her face. Pressing his leather clad cock to her lips as she whimpered, he opened the chest beside her and drew out a large anal plug of coloured glass, the handle of it cut like a smooth crystal. He could feel her mouth working to kiss, open mouthed, the length of his hidden cock, lapping at the leather as he applied a generous amount of lube to the plug. Reluctantly he stepped back and popped the studs on one side of the codpiece to give his cock more room before moving to her upturned ass. Slapping the red striped flesh he poured lube into the crevice of her ass, his free hand coating her and delving a finger into the tight dark star. He watched as the muscles relaxed and saw her shoulders rise and fall as she breathed deeply. Pressing the plug into her his eyes glued to the stretching hole watching her take the large plug, pulling it out briefly he watched the hole gape before ramming it in hard making her scream in surprise and pain. Mel ran his hands over the red stripes still glowing on her ass and thighs feeling the heat of them. "Like Dianne you seek pleasure in the pain I give you," he continued as he slapped her ass again. Like her, you enjoy both the harsher side and softer side of your Master, but you are not brassy or loud. She is a switch who is submissive with her Master but looks to dominate weaker men and women. She wants to play with your divine little body. His hand travelled down to stroke and tease at her cunt, "Would you like that my slutty little slave? To serve a woman like Dianne as you serve me?" Bella's eyes were wide, and her mind was reeling at his words her hips humping hotly at the hand teasing her cunt. "Such a hot slut, I bet you would love it." He moved his had away and slapped her ass. He went to a drawer near the wall and took out several short chains. With her knees held wide by the spreader bar, he pulled her feet closely together and connected the cuffs by a small chain. Pulling on her braid he commanded, "Sit." "I love how flexible you are you have the smallness and grace of a dancer's body like Nyx," he smiled as he took her hands and linked the cuffs to the outside of her ankles. "Nyx can hold a Gorean bow for an amazing amount of time unaided," he said conversationally as he pulled her braid down linking a short chain through the loops and joining it her ankles. Bella moaned softly as she raised her ass from her feet bending into an uncomfortable arch as her hair was restrained with her feet and hands. She listened as he spoke to her while he fixed her position, "She uses her body to make even the most mundane chores seem erotic, I would like you to learn that from her." Bella was panting and whimpering softly her body trembling in the stretched arch. She remembered the girl, Nyx getting a drink for a Master at their lunch and how beautifully she moved, she had wanted to be able to do that, so she whispered, "Yes Master I would like that." Mel Stroked her breast pinching and twisting at her nipple, "Here in this room, the only thing that matters is what I would like," his voice was dark. He pulled the nipple from her body clamping it tightly making her cry out almost toppling in the precarious arch she held. He repeated the process on the other side. Bella was sobbing in pain and discomfort as his hand ran down her body to her wide open cunt. "Beautiful, just beautiful," he crooned as he began to finger fuck her, the fingers curling deeply inside her to drum on her G spot. He watched her carefully, her ragged breathing and the tell tale shaking of the muscles in her legs. He pulled on the chain slowly as he worked her cunt, "Tell me what you need my pain whore, tell me what you want," his voice was a low growl. "I want to cum, Master," she sobbed breathlessly. His fingers stopped working her, "beg me," he growled menacingly. Bella was unable to move, unable to roll her hips to make the fingers move within her. Her cunt clenched at the maddeningly still fingers as she begged, "Please Master, Please I need it. I am a pain whore. Your pain whore, your slut, I am, and I need to cum please, Master." Her own words shocked her as much as she meant them in that moment, and the fingers came alive again. Mel snarled, "Not yet, slut." Bella howled her frustration and need, tendrils of pain and pleasure flowing equally between her tortured nipples and cunt her body shaking hard in the forced arch between the bonds that ensnared her. "Please Master, Please, she begged almost incoherently between cries as the clamps pulled harder on her nipples. The clamps came free setting off a chain reaction in her body. She came hard squirting over his fingers the arch pulling at her painfully as she bucked and writhed within the bonds. He moved to her head watching her body strain against the restrains that bound her at his will and fed her his fingers. Once clean he undid her hair helping her to sit back on her heels as she trembled in his arms. Seeing her eyes roll he took the spreader away and undid the knee cuffs. Picking her up and holding her close he walk to her basket. He lay her down, stroking her hair, before undoing her feet and hands. "Rest a little," he said, "but I am not done with you yet tonight." Moving away from her he sought out the clothes he had removed earlier. He took them through a separate door to his apartment and threw them in a hamper before washing his hands and face. Moving out to the kitchen he picked up the tray he had ordered for their dinner and went back into her. Sitting in the chair beside her basket he called her to him, "Come, precious pet." He watched her as she crawled from the basket to the space that he had pointed to beside his chair. Reaching out he stroked her cheek, "You must be hungry, yes?" "I am more thirsty than hungry," she said. Opening a bottle of still water, he placed a straw in and put it on the floor in front of her, "No hands or I will bind them." Bella looked at him confused but leaned over low to sip from the straw. "Tonight, in here you are my pet, little slave. There will be nights where you will be my toy, my dancer, my whore or my baby doll, and you will learn what is expected in each role you undertake for me. While primarily you are a yourself, an amazingly masochistic slut whom I adore, each role brings with it it's own nuances and games, its own equipment, and it's pleasures for both of us." He picked up a sushi roll and bit into it as he watched her closely almost seeing his words roll around inside her head. "Outside this room," he continued, "You will continue to be your sweet adorable self, obedient to me of course, but with a greater degree of independence." Picking up a stainless steel dog bowl from the tray beside him, he slowly placed it on the floor in front of her. It had the word 'Fuckpuppy' I bold writing on its front side. Inexplicably she grinned at it as she surveyed the small sliced rounds of sushi it contained. Understanding the meaning of pet more so now, she bent her head to the bowl and sank her teeth into a roll before sitting up and drawing it into her mouth and chewing. Mel was smiling as she sat up, "You truly make me so very happy." He reached out to pet her head as he spoke. They ate quietly each with their own thoughts comfortable in the silence that surrounded them. When she had finished she moved closer laying her head on his thigh, the soft leather caressing her cheek while he continued to eat. "Bring me your plate," he said with a smirk that told her this was a test. She bent forward and gripped the edge of the bowl with small white teeth lifting it to him. Taking the bowl he leaned forward to kiss her lingeringly. "Back to your basket precious pet while I get rid of these." She realised the basket, the litter box and the raised platform were all within a corner of the huge room, and she tried to remember what she had seen as she had crawled around the other areas of the room yesterday. She sat up in the basket trying to look around, but she would need to stand to see properly, and that was against the rules in here. Owning Bella Ch. 02 Bella stretched her aching body she picked up his belt fondling the soft leather and smiling. She knew so called 'normal' people did not crave the pain and humiliation her Master rained down upon her. But she had never felt so sexually stimulated and challenged and well satisfied. Her Master gave her that, could see the need in her, knew her so very well, and he loved her for it. He seemed to know her better than she had known herself. She had needed this week of forced slavery to make her see it clearly and accept it, and as he came back through the door, she looked at him with adoration. He walked towards her slowly savouring the look in her eyes as she watched him. He had known she would be like this. His dreams and darkest desires come true she was now looking at him with that same desire. He picked her up and kissed her deeply feeling her meld against his body. There was so much he wanted to do to this girl. He wanted to see what she would endure for him, and it took will power not to push her too hard or too fast. Her ability to endure his punishments over long times and intensity would increase as her training continued. Putting her down, Mel smiled, and walked her back past the litter box, not stopping. Bella was not sure if she was relieved or not as the bottle of water she had drunk begun to flow through her. She crawled up onto the platform and lay on her back as he guided her. Leaning over her and kissing her, he attached the wrist cuffs to the sides of her collar. Smiling, Mel stood and stroked his hands down over her body. Mel picked up the spreader bar he had discarded early and adjusted its width before fastening her ankle cuffs to it. Taking a soft suede flogger from the chest beside the platform, he caressed her body with it, listening her purr before he flicked it out stinging her. Smirking and satisfied at her yelp he continued teasing her with soft caresses and stinging flicks. Finally, he lifted the flogger and began to increase the colour of her body with a figure eight motion of his hand. The flogger crackled against her skin. She was mewling rather than purring, and her glassy eyes blinked tears to her cheeks when he finally stopped to survey his work. He was hard, and his cock press painfully against the restraining leather of his pants, he pulled the spreader up from where her feet had dangled. Forcing it up higher he rolled her body until the bar was close to her collar her feet resting either side of her head. Attaching it with a short chain Mel effectively bound her doubled over, her body curling to raise her ass slightly. He stepped back flogger in hand staring at her wide open cunt and the smooth, round crystal twinkling up out of her ass. Raising his arm he began winding it in a figure eight pattern again, the stinging tendrils landing on her ass and exposed cunt making her cry out for him. He stopped as she began to howl, throwing the flogger to the chest and grabbing a small vibrator. Turning it on, he pressed it to her swollen clit with his left hand as he right when to the crystal. He began to pull on it slowly watching the stretch and pull of her tight anal ring before pressing it back into her. He began to fuck her ass slowly with the plug preparing her for the onslaught of his rock hard cock. He had taken her ass last night, but he hadn't fucked it, staying still within her letting her muscles do all the work milking him. Tonight he would fuck her hard she would know every inch of her body was his to use. Wedging the vibe into her cunt and growling, "Hold it," reaching for the lube and tearing the tear shaped codpiece from his pants he coated his cock with long hard strokes. He could see her muscles working against her as the vibe was pushed slowly from her wet cunt, and he reached forward shoving it back into her. Doubled over the way she was, her ass and cunt so open and at the height of his groin, he groaned and stopped fucking with the smooth plug. He pulled it from her dislodging the vibrator in the process. Bella was trembling in need and heat and passion for his use, her voice croaking mewls as he pressed the vibe against her clit again positioning his cock at her now gaping asshole. Leaning slightly over her he pressed forward pushing the bulbous head within causing her to squeal hoarsely, her breath already ragged from her doubled over position. Mel began to fuck in and out, going deeper on each stroke while he held the vibe against her clit. He watched her wet cunt drip down onto his shiny lube covered cock. Finally fully within her ass Mel stopped momentarily savouring the feel and the almost painful tightness of his slave. He felt his seed start to rise too soon, and he clenched his teeth as he began to saw in and out of her ass. Her sobs and cries gave him momentum rather than causing him to ease up on her. "Cum you fucking nasty slut, Cum!" Mel roared as he buried himself to the hilt and felt her clench around his cock. Bella's mind snapped as he roared at her, calling her a nasty slut she floated on endorphin driven pleasure. Her body responding automatically as her mind floated on a high so blissful she thought she might never come down. She felt his cock twitch inside her briefly then all was black. Mel's came with such intensity that his legs buckled. He saw Bella's eyes roll in her head and roared, "Fuck!" So that, it reverberated around the room. Collapsing to the platform beside her, he reached over and undid the short chain holding the bar in place so she could breathe more easily. Satisfied that she was blissfully passed out he left the twitching girl to seek the moist hand towels dotted around his training room. He made a mental note to schedule her for a weekly enema. Returning to her he undid all the restraints and carried her unconscious body to the basket. He removed her cuffs and training collar replacing it with the everyday chain and locket. Leaving her for a moment he took his boots and belt into his apartment and turned the covers on his bed back. Smiling, he went and picked her up again and took her to his bedroom sliding her into the huge bed. Grabbing a wet towel from the bathroom, Mel stroked over her body cleaning the perspiration and remnants of their session from her. The cloth stroked over her body as she mewled and rolled over and slept. Once satisfied he went to shower. Mel rarely slept more than a few hours each night Sundays were usually his day to relax and recharge, but that hadn't happened this week. He went back into his room and pulled on some soft pyjama pants. Leaning over and softly kissing his wondrous girl, he padded out the kitchen looking for left-over's to eat while he checked his phone and emails. He had sent himself her journal, 'finding my voice' and read it carefully this time seeing how his mood and silence scared her, the love she held for her parents and how she truly thought of Jim. Mel groaned inwardly if they never heard that name again it would be for the best. Most of all her journal showed him her need for him, not just him but his approval and love. She was young and idealistic he reminded himself. He had put himself in the position of guardian and protector as well as a lover and monster. Like Alice in wonderland she was so very curious, and he laughed at himself always seeing her in terms of childish characters. He turn to go to the bedroom shutting off the computer and lights admitting to himself, this was no longer a fantasy or dark desire, she was here. She had accepted him as he truly was, and he loved her with every fibre of his being. .................................... The sun rose over the horizon, and Mel was awake, he looked at the girl beside him and smiled at what a lucky man he was. He rolled her to her back and entered her gently. She woke slowly wrapping her legs up and around his hips revelling in his softer more passionate use of her. They moved against each other and he bent his head to bite her collarbone as he came eliciting a slow soft release with in her. She trembled rather than shook violently as he held her tightly in his arms. "You are perfect," he smiled and kissed her gently before rolling from the bed. "Shower quick if you want one, we have boot camp," he smirked as she up bolt upright and looked at the time on the clock. "But..." she started but stopped turning to look at him before getting out of bed, "What time do we have to be there?" "Five thirty, but I told them we may be a little late today," he grinned as she scooted past him into the shower. She washed the necessary bits and jumped out quickly noting he had pulled on basketball shorts and a T shirt. "Shit! I have nothing to wear," she turned to run to her apartment his voice halting her. "Stop!" Mel chuckled and threw her a pair of little boy style panties and a sports bra in pale green, "Put those on." "Kitchen," he murmured wishing she still wore a leash. Bella followed him, and he threw her a water bottle, protein bar and gym towel. "Eat quick," he said taking a sizeable bite of his bar and ushering her toward the door. Bella's mind was screaming 'wait' but she said nothing opening the bar and taking a bite as they waited for the lift. She was extremely conscious of the fact that she only wore underwear, and she fidgeted as she chewed. Mel was enjoying her discomfort but wrapped his hand around the nape of her neck to settle her down. The lift doors opening and he pushed her in inserting his card and pressing five. Bella swallowed noisily as she watched the lights blink on and off quickly and the doors open again. She stepped out Mel pointed around her, gamming room, spa, gym," and he pushed her through the gym doors. "This is Bella. She is mine you will see her most mornings. She doesn't need a pass," Mel spoke with authority, and her photo was taken. "Yes Master Mel," the woman behind the desk said swiftly. Mel led her into the gym up to a man in full army fatigues, "Commando, this is my little ellie. She'll need to stretch out those muscles she had a hard night." The men grinned at each other and Mel leaned down to kiss her, "Do what the commando says sweet girl." "Yes, Master," Bella whispered and looked at the Commando taking in his muscular build. He was short for a man not much taller than her, but he had a forbidding presence. When she turned around again, her master was gone. "Right," the commando said holding out his hand, "I am Steve and we are going to have some fun. The Master's here like me because I am a hard ass with whiners, but you don't look like a whiner to me." His smile was infectious and Bella smiled back shaking her head. For the forty five minutes, Steve stretched and moved and ran Bella. He always made it a game or fun in some way, so she did not mind so much. Covered in perspiration and warming down, Bella saw Mel reappear. Collapsing onto the matt Bella watched as Steve and Mel spoke in hushed tones, finally getting up to grab her towel and water bottle and joining them. They smiled at her, and Steve spoke, "See you tomorrow Ellie, you did well." Bella opened her mouth to correct him but realised that was how they had been introduced. She hadn't noticed if he had called her that all morning as he pushed her through the boot camp. She looked up and said quietly, "Thank you, Sir." Mel walked her out, and they went back down to the third floor. He let her into her apartment. "You have half an hour to shower and dress for work, do not linger in the shower," his tone was abrupt, but he bent to kiss her as he turned and left her. Bella hurried to the bathroom. She decided her hair could last one more day until she negotiated a time to wash and dry it properly, so she jumped through the shower scrubbing her body all over and shaving quickly. Opening her closet, she noted the new clothes and selected a sheer pink blouse and a form fitting suit in pale grey. Checking the draws she found them full of underwear which was odd as she had not been allowed to wear any that week without permission. She pulled out some thigh high stockings and grey pumps then went to sit at the mirror to do her makeup and hair. She had barely finished tying the pale pink ribbon in her hair when she heard the door open. Bella applied a small coat of lip gloss before hurrying out to him. Mel walked around his slave inspecting her. His hands drifted over the sheer material of her blouse and up her thighs checking for underwear. "I like your hair like that," he noted. She had pulled the sides and top back into a pony tail of sorts and left the back hang free to cascade down her back. She smiled up at his praise, as ever the warm feeling within her bloomed. "Get a handbag your wallet and you phone, you will need them today," he murmured his hands still gliding over her. She darted quickly to her room having seen her worn old handbag thrown negligently in a corner with the boxed costume and travel bag from the weekend. Flinging her closet wide she searched he top shelf coming up with a matching bag for her suit and emptied the contents of her old handbag directly into it adding her phone and the lip gloss she wore, she flew back out to him. He nodded approvingly and placing his hand about her neck led her out of the building. John was waiting at the door, and she wondered briefly why Mel wasn't driving himself as she was bundled into the back seat. He opened her handbag as they drove, "You will fix this today I don't like clutter," he frowned at her. "Yes Master, it's just that..." she started. "I like excuses even less," he held up his hand to her and fished out her wallet. Opening it, he perused her cards, nodding to himself before handing it back, "Later this morning you will need to visit the bank, John knows which one, you will need one hundred points of ID those cards should suffice with your drivers licence." Bella was confused again, 'Why couldn't he ever tell her the whole story instead of bits and pieces?' she wondered. He always seemed to keep her off balance, and it fed her insecurity. The car pulled up and John opened her door smiling at her in an all too knowing way. "Come, Bella," Mel commanded, and she hurried to catch up with him. "What I wouldn't give to be able to have you on a leash," Mel murmured under his breath as they waited for the lift. His hand drifted down to squeeze her ass and she grimaced, a small squeak escaping her. Mel smirked knowing full well she was still recovering from last night, and the workout the commando had given her, would have been painful for her. He leaned down and kissed her gently and lingeringly in he lift, straightening before the doors opened. As they rounded the glass brick wall into the office space Bella froze, and Mel pushed her forward. "Bella, this is Dorothea," Mel's voice was calm and soothing, "She is your new assistant, she will run the front office while you attend to the onerous job of being my personal assistant." Bella blushed and moved forward holding out her hand weakly, "It's a pleasure to meet you Dorothea." He voice was high pitched and cracked with fragility "The pleasure is mine, Miss..." her voice was musical before Mel cut her off. "Just Bella, no Miss or Mrs," Mel was abrupt brooking no argument. "Of course," Dorothea lowered her eyes and stated again, "The pleasure is mine, Bella, anything you require I am here." Bella was totally taken aback. She had no idea and was speechless as she withdrew her hand wide eyed as if the woman might bite her, as well as take her job. "Thankyou for coming in early Dorothea, could you call down to the kitchen and have breakfast for two sent up, eggs, bacon, toast, you know what I mean," Mel had started moving Bella toward the door of his office as he spoke. "Of course Sir," Dorothea replied shooting a worried glance ay Bella before sitting and lifting the phone to her ear. As the door closed behind them Bella began to cry, she tried to stop the tears from coming, but her eyes welled up and she lowered her head not looking while he guided her into his office. Mel stopped and looked at her, "What on earth is wrong?" Bella sobbed, "I thought the real world would be at least semi normal, but you gave my job away as soon as I said yes and now what I am supposed to do all day sit here look pretty, suck your cock and grow dumber by the minute?" Her words came out harsher than she meant them to but this was never part of the deal. When she said yes, she had hoped their relationship could work in both the real world and the secret world he had shown her. It was Mel's turn to be stunned for a change. He tried to control his anger at her words. Bella had always been so amenable and he realised now so accepting of his decisions. He had thought to surprise her with a promotion let her start getting her hands dirty in the world of business. He couldn't understand where her tirade had come from, not realising what another woman sitting at the desk she knew to be hers would do to her. He sighed and gazed down on her, "For fuck's sake why can't you just trust me!" His voice was full of despair making her look up at him. "That is not my assistant out there it's yours! I hired her last week the moment you became my slave," he saw the look of horror on her face as she still did not understand. "Either you stayed, or you left, right? Well either way I needed someone out there. If you left I wanted someone who could do the job without being held by the hand, and if you stayed I wanted someone to do the job so you could move onto other things.", It was all finally too much for Bella, too many changes, new people, new rules, new... everything. She looked up at him and mumbled sadly, "Sure, I am the slave, only good for fucking now. What other use could I possibly have?" Dragging her to the side of the room he growled, "This is your desk now. You manage the office Dorothea works for you. You schedule meetings and appointments. You organise the daily grind around here." Mel slammed his hand down on three folders, "Here are the files on three small companies you now manage. You have a fucking business degree, you stupid slut, use it." Mel was beyond mad he was livid and roaring at her as he saw the lack of comprehension in her eyes. Bella hadn't understood or heard anything he had said properly, the woman sitting at Bella's desk had been the final push to make all her insecurities rise and crush her. He had replaced her last week not even waiting for her answer. Tears streamed down her cheeks as he roared at her. The only words penetrating her numbness, "You stupid slut." Mel raged and seethed, his fists tightly balled as he left the office knowing if he stayed he would end up damaging their fragile new relationship. He had not now, nor world he ever, punish a girl when not in total control of his actions and emotions, and at that moment he wanted nothing more than to put her over his lap and spank some sense into her. He took the stairs not waiting for the lift and one flight down he stopped, "Why can't she just trust me!!" He yelled out into the empty stairwell well. "Because you don't explain anything to her you ass," Dorothea had followed him into the stairwell, "That poor girl had no idea I would be at her desk and thought you had totally replaced her. She looked devastated when I greeted her. I know that look and that feeling." Mel began to walk back up the flight of stairs he had run down, "I wanted to surprise her," he said lamely. "Surprise her with jewellery. This is her life you are messing with, her sense of self. You don't want a girl who doesn't have any self worth at all. She was good at her job probably even liked and you just took it away without telling her. Fired her with no reason," Dorothea patted his shoulder as he sat beside her, groaning. Owning Bella Ch. 02 "I didn't fire her for fucks sake, I gave her a promotion!" He growled trying to calm down and failing. "She didn't know that. I have known you for more years than I would like to admit, I have seen you use and abuse girls but never have I seen you this affected by one. If she is your one you need to treat her differently to those other girls you just picked up and discarded," Dorothea softened her voice, "She is obviously special, so don't treat her like every other girl who worshipped at your feet. It's time for you to change your world as much as you are asking her to change hers." "If you want her to trust you tell her what's going on in that brilliant mind of yours," Dorothea continued to lecture the great and powerful Mel Marino as only she could. "She can't read your mind any better than the others could. Trust goes both ways; trust her with your plans. Leave the surprises for special days. Show her she is valuable as a person not just as a lover." Mel Looked at the woman. She had been with the company from its earliest days. Her husband and Master had passed away years ago and she had no need to work, but she got up and came in every day like clockwork. Mel had asked her once why she still worked and she had smiled saying, "I like to be useful. I do my job well and add value to your company. I am a valued employee. Aren't I? What would I do at home? Take up knitting cock warmers?" Mel smiled at the memory admitting sometimes he could be too clever for his own good. Mel rose and smiled helping the older woman to her feet, "You are worth your weight in gold, Dorothea." They walked back to the office together, Mel much calmer and ready to explain the changes properly to Bella, but she was nowhere in sight. Mel checked all the rooms within the office suite before starting to make calls. ...................... Kurt and Dianne hurried into the building and went straight to Mel's office. Bella didn't have their mobile numbers, especially if she was using her new phone. They milled around as Mel called her parents on a pretext of making sure Jim hadn't reappeared there, letting them know everything was OK, and Bella was in a meeting all morning. "The front desk and my driver said they hadn't seen her leave the building, I don't know where else to look," Mel was frustrated, and the grief over his actions was clear in his voice. "I'll go back to my desk in case she tries to call me through the office phone," Dianne said and looked at Kurt for askance. Kurt nodded, and Dianne turned to Mel as he spoke softly, "You will call me the moment you hear anything won't you Dianne." "Of course, don't worry there is probably a funny story behind all this, Bella is not a silly girl prone to theatrics," Dianne turned and hurried out of the room wondering what exactly happened to cause Bella to run away. Dianne walked into her office opening the bottom drawer and throwing her handbag inside, she looked around knowing the office had been searched and walked quickly into Kurt's office having a quick look around. Returning to her desk she pulled out the chair and sat down and turned on her computer. As she scooted the chair forward, her shoe kicked flesh and a muffled squeak met her ears. Jumping up and looking under her desk Dianne exclaimed, "Shit Bella! Do you know how many people are out looking for you?" Bella hiccupped and turned her tear streaked face up to the gorgeous blonde woman, "I really messed up Dianne, Mel stormed out, I just want to go home but I can't." She stated to cry again, "Everything just happened so fast, I wasn't ready, I didn't understand, you know?" Bella looked up imploringly. "Yeah I know sweetie come out now, we can work it all out, tell me what happened from the beginning," Dianne grimaced knowing she had pushed Bella into accepting Mel's collar as much as anyone. Bella didn't move, couldn't move, she was distressed beyond belief, and she looked at Dianne with wide eyes, "It's okay honey you can stay there as long as you like." "You know what?" Dianne was talking to herself more than Bella, "I am going to call the one person who can sort this out, lovely. He will take you home if that is what you truly want," Dianne just hoped he was still in town. As she dialled the number, she hoped this would be worth the punishment she was sure to get, "Bobby", she whispered into the phone, "something terrible has happened, and I need you get here as soon as you can without alerting anyone and I mean anyone. Please we need you now." There was a silence and Dianne whispered again, "Yes Kurt's office, that's the one. Thank you, hurry." "See everything will be fine, come out Bella, you can wash your face and feel better," Diane spoke softly, "You will have to come out sometime hun." Dianne moved her chair into the desk space again crowding Bella until she wanted to talk. Master Rob like to think of himself as a white knight, rescuing damsels in distress. To those girls who knew him well and that he cared for, Rob gave his mobile number. It came with the instruction that if ever they were in danger, to call him Bobby and he would understand. Both he and Mel had seen the 'lifestyle' go wrong for so many girls. They had both together and separately rescued girls from destructive relationships with brutal men who did not care for the gift they had been given. He realised the only reason Dianne would have called him to come to Mel's company was if she or Mel's new girl were in danger, and he couldn't fathom that either Mel nor Kurt would do anything to endanger their girls. He had stayed an extra night in the city, and the ride down to the office block took mere minutes. Rob strode into Kurt Whites office within fifteen minutes of Dianne's call. Dianne looked up and pointed to her desk she said, "Bella and Mel had a misunderstanding this morning, he stormed out, and when he came back she had disappeared." "I see," Robs voice held a question and Dianne shrugged, "Let me get you a coffee while you wait." Dianne stood up and walked into Kurt's office with the man, Bella heard the door close and relaxed momentarily. Dianne told Rob what she knew repeating Bella's garbled words verbatim. Constantly glancing over her shoulder worriedly at having left the girl. "I am as much to blame as anyone I pushed her to say yes, and well other things..." Dianne left the words hanging. Rob was starting to seethe, "Get Kurt down here. I want the whole story." Dianne opened the office door and came back out picking up the phone on her desk. "Hi Dorothea it's Dianne I need to speak with Mr White please. ... Sure I'll hold." Dianne's voice softened, "Master, could you come down to the office for a few minutes something urgent has come up..." Rob snatched the phone from Dianne, "Kurt its Rob, get your ass down here now and don't tell Mel why." He handed the phone back to Dianne. Rob was mad the girl was clearly distressed to the point of break down, and if Mel had done this he wanted to know why. He shook his head unbelieving that Mel could do something like this. Rob climbed under the desk beside Bella wrapping his arms around her. "Don't you worry little one, I am gonna sort this shit out." "No!" Bella cried softly, "It's all my fault. I just want to go home. I was never good enough, never will be good enough." She burst into tears again and sobbed into his chest breathing in the smell of his biker's leathers and thinking only of her Master. The lift bell chimed, and Kurt hurried in, "You called Rob?" He questioned Dianne. "She is practically catatonic and won't come out from under my desk, Mel would have made it worse, and you were up there with him," her voice petered out as her excuses sounded lame even to her. "Stay here where it's safe, I have a few bones to pick with Mr White," Rob said softly. "No, really," Bella pleaded, "It is all my fault. I just didn't know. How could I know? I mean so much has happened, and I tried to understand, you know right?" "Yeah I know baby doll. I get it, but I still want to talk to Kurt okay? You can come if you want," Rob looked at her, and she shook her head. "Suit, yourself," Rob climbed up and looked at Kurt as he sat in Dianne's chair. "Someone better tell me what the fuck is going on here," Rob exploded. Mel stepped into the office from the hallway, "Why don't I do that?" He looked around visibly deflating when he didn't Bella. "Yeah you're the man with the answers," Rob said sardonically, "Tell me all about it." "Better yet why don't I let her tell you," Mel moved to the computer turning the screen and keyboard to face him and logged into his email. He brought up the journal page Bella had written and stepped back to let them read it. The journal was long, and he sat back on one of the anteroom chair with his face in his hands. Rob whistled as he finished reading, "Wow, I wouldn't have made such a big deal if I had known," he felt the guilt of having played his part in the break down of the girl under the desk. "Right so that was Sunday this is Tuesday. What happened today?" "She had yesterday to rest properly, and last night was incredible! We woke refreshed this morning. We went to the gym before work," he grimaced. "I planned surprises for her today, first of which was a promotion to office manager with her own assistant so she could start managing a couple of smaller businesses we have our fingers in," he hesitated. "Nothing taxing just to get her feet wet and see how she went. She is incredibly smart you know." "Well that's a good thing surely" Rob said nudging the girl with the toe of his boot. "He called me a stupid slut," Bella whispered under her breath. "Yeah but I didn't tell her I wanted to surprise her. We came in and met Dorothea, she was stunned, and I didn't realise why," he looked helplessly at them, "I didn't even have time to show her new desk or tell her about the new job, as soon as we walked into my office she began to cry. I asked why, and she all but yelled at me, accusing me of replacing her and expecting her to be sit like a glorified dumb bimbo doing nothing in the office every day instead of a real job." Mel put his head in his hands again, "I lost it," he murmured, "I dragged her to the desk and rubbed her nose in what her new job was going to be and stormed out. When I came back to talk to her about it, she was gone." "Geez, Mel, after everything that happened to her in one week, fuck, on that one day alone, you pull crap like that? No fucking wonder she won't talk to anyone," Rob huffed at Mel. He then slid from the chair and bent down under the desk, "For what it's worth if I had have known what your day was like, Sunday night would have been just the three of us. Don't lump me in the same basket as that sadistic asshole." Mel looked up startled, "You better come out baby doll he knows you're here now," Rob grinned at her and reached out his hand. Bella shook her head, but his hand gripped hers, and he said sternly, "Come out now, little one." Reluctantly Bella emerged from under the desk as she stood she looked up at Rob keeping her back to the others. "Good girl," he noted how pale she was and trembling, "Did you have breakfast?" Rob asked quietly keeping the conversation just between the two of them. Bella shook her head, "Master asked his new assistant to order breakfast, but it didn't arrive before..." she left it hanging. "That's not his new assistant," Rob laughed, "That's your new assistant. You just don't know how to boss her around yet." "I can't boss anyone around and she seems so nice, and she probably knows a lot more than me anyway. She was so," again she left it hanging unable to find her words. "Well then let's go see if breakfast is there and talk to Dorothea, she's been at this company longer than anyone except maybe the decrepit old owner. She could tell you some stories I bet. Help you with filing and answering phones but she's not so good on the business front. I hear you have a business degree," Rob kept up the chatter as he steered her out of the office and into the lift. Dianne leapt at her phone, "Pastries, five minutes ago, Mel's office." Slamming down the phone she picked it up again, "Dorothea she is on her way, and pastries from the kitchen too, just go with whatever Rob says. Good. Mel's here. Yes. We will be up soon." Hanging up Dianne nervously looked at the two Masters and softened her voice, "I had no choice." "It's okay Dianne. You did the right thing. I ask her to trust me and tell me everything, but I do not tell her much," he shrugged his shoulders. "She is just so perfect I forget how new she is to the lifestyle we lead, and I cannot expect her to accept everything blindly. I have never had to think about it before now, I always used them and passed them onto the club or another Master." He smiled at Dianne and stood, "I'm going up to repair the damage, she is worth a few chinks in my total bastard armor." He rode the lift up thinking about the whole week and what he had done to get the slave he desired. It hadn't all been done in the proper way, but she was not an average everyday girl and he had wanted her so badly as his. He decided to start back at square one. She knew now about his lifestyle and what it entailed. He would offer to free her but beg her to stay, he had never in his life entertained such a thought before, but the idea of losing Bella now after to newly winning her submission was more than he could bear. Mel walked into his office and found the three sitting on the leather couches. Dorothea stood as he entered and Bella said quietly, "Dorothea, whose assistant are you?" "Yours Bella," the woman replied glancing at Mel. "Good, then sit back down please," Bella said. Looking at the woman Bella said softly, "I am very sorry for my behaviour this morning, I didn't understand why you were there at the desk I used to occupy. Please forgive my rudeness. If my Master doesn't decide I am too much of a drama queen I am sure we will be great friends.", Bella smiled. She turned then to Rob, "Thank you so much Master Rob for coming when you barely knew me at all. I guess I should thank Dianne for that. She gave you little choice. I promise this will not be a regular occurrence, and I will be sure to eat breakfast before running off anywhere." She grinned, "I do feel so much better after eating something." Taking a deep shuddering breath Bella got to her feet and walked to Mel floating down to kneel at his feet. He started to speak, but she held up her hand, "May I go first please?" Mel sat forward in the chair and stroked her cheek nodding slowly. Bella once again drew a deep breath before starting, "I understand it must be very difficult for a Master such as yourself to take on an inexperienced girl like me, but you knew that all week. It's not like I didn't warn you that I wasn't good enough to be your slave. But the truth is I want to learn and do the right thing and please you so very much, but how can I if you don't tell me what is happening or why things need to be a certain way, or what you expect of me." "Don't you think my life has been full of enough surprises and drama lately without more misunderstandings because I just don't understand what's going on?" Bella lowered her head, "All I could see was my replacement when we arrived anything you said after that fell on deaf ears because I was frozen in fear that I so replaceable." Bella shook her head, "If you could replace me with experience here it would only be a matter of time before you realised I was too much hard work at home too." Mel reached down and picked her up drawing her into his lap and tightening her arms about her before she had finished speaking, "You are mine. I adore you and everything about you. To me, you are perfect. I will never let you go or replace you, not here or at home. Speaking of home," he looked at her with dark burning eyes, "Perhaps we should go home and have a day off work reminding you whom you serve." His hands tightened on her ass, and she squeaked blushing deeply. "Better yet, why wait," he picked her up and began to carry her toward the office's ensuite. Rob grunted, "Keep it in your pants I haven't finished with two yet." Owning Bella Ch. 03 Mel reached down and picked Bella up drawing her into his lap and tightening his arms about her, "You are mine, I adore you and everything about you. To me, you are perfect. I will never let you go or replace you, not here nor at home. Speaking of home," he looked at her with dark burning eyes, "Perhaps we should return home and have a day off work reminding you whom you serve." His hands tightened on her ass, and she squeaked blushing deeply. "Better yet, why wait," he picked her up and began to carry her toward the office's ensuite. Rob grunted, "Keep it in your pants I haven't finished with two yet. Go get your phone for me Bella, please." "Oh," she cried in dismay, "It's in my bag and that is still under Dianne's desk!" "I'll go down and get it, I am guessing that girl is trying to wheedle her way out of trouble anyway and won't mind the interruption," Rob laughed. Bella giggled and watched him leave. She reached up and stroked her Master's face brushing her lips over his, "I understand your rules and your need to see my submission, but this is nice sometimes too, right?" Mel cuddled her close and kissed her, "Yes MY Ellie." He realised in that moment what Dorothea and Rob had been trying to tell him. He expected total obedience and submission from her, but he also needed to adjust his ways to better suit this new relationship that was about so much more than just the power and control he held over the girls at the club when on occasion he used them. Bella was his responsibility now. He realised now how much of challenge that would be to him rather than to her. It was not just about the control over her he craved, it was also about finding her limits and boundaries within their relationship rather than pushing her constantly to live up to his high expectations. He needed to keep her strong and challenged and most of all happy to serve him as he wished. "But," he said, "it's a work day, and there is much to do," he smiled down at her, "We will talk about this more tonight." The best thing, he reasoned, was to make the day as normal as possible, no more surprises. He led her over to her desk and carefully explained the expectations of her new role in the company as separate from her role in his personal life. "Now," he said smiling, "This is your date book, Dorothea updated it yesterday in your absence adding appointments I have made for you." He flicked through to the appropriate date. Rob sauntered back in swinging her handbag, "This does nothing at all for my outfit, darling'", he drawled as he leaned over her desk depositing the bag and her phone in front of Bella. "My phone number is in there now, anytime your Master needs a dose of reality you just call me, and I will come riding in on my mighty steed," he winked at her. Giggling Bella looked up at Mel who was rolling his eyes dramatically, but he had a half smile. The phone rang, and Mel looked up at the doorway to Dorothea's desk, knowing she only put urgent calls through when he was busy. "Stay a few minutes Rob I just have to get this," Mel crossed to his desk to retrieve the call. Bella and Rob both saw the look of anguish on Mel's face before he turned his back on them. Hanging up the phone he turned back to them, "Can you run down to the club for me Rob, seems there is a situation there too this morning. I don't want to go out for a while, and I don't want my treasure to get any more strange ideas about going home before we have had a chance to talk properly." Rob shrugged, "I guess, but Dorothea is just outside, and she is a formidable old bird, I don't think Bella could get past her." Mel laughed, "I am sure your right but Bella needs to go to the bank and pick up her new corporate card now she is a business manager with the company and I want to take her myself now. We'll meet you there for lunch Stephen wants to see me about Friday anyway." There was a pause as Rob considered Mel's comment, then his face lit up with a smile, "You old fart, I forgot it was your birthday this week," Rob laughed shaking his head, "I am going to be stuck in town all week at this rate." "You Know Stephen, any excuse to fill the club," Rob pulled on his coat while Mel spoke, "I will see you there about noon." Rob kissed Bella on the forehead, "Be a good girl, I will see you in a few hours," he grinned at her. "Thank you Master Rob," Bella looked up at him her eyes filled with sincerity, "For everything." Rob stroked her cheek, "She truly is precious, Mel. Anymore days like today and I might just steal her away." He laughed and left the room leaving Mel growling after him. Bella sat at her desk and looked through the date book. She noted that the hours between one and three pm had been blanked out. Frowning she continued to make notes and looking at the three files on her desk noted down the names and quickly flicked through the contents of the flies. Bella peeked up at Mel who was sitting at his desk making calls before she went out to Dorothea. "I um..."Bella began. She felt awkward standing over the woman as she sat at her desk and went and took one of the waiting chairs dragging it over the desk sitting bedside Dorothea. "That's better," she smiled and placed her day book in front of Dorothea. "When I sat in your chair I set up a folder on the company server. May I?" Bella asked her hand hovering over the mouse. Dorothea scooted her chair back slightly, "Of course Bella." Bella showed Dorothea how to find the folder and set up a digital daybook within the company's online Sharepoint program. She created not only a calendar but a section for urgent messages and separate sections for each company Bella now managed. She explained that she would be able to access this from anywhere and subtly asked about the greyed out hours of her diary. Mel said that was training time, Bella," Dorothea said. "I think he has learned his lesson about explaining things perhaps you should ask him when he has a moment." Bella looked at the woman and saw the barely disguised grin and laughed. "I am truly sorry I was so horrible this morning, honestly I am so happy you are here," Bella squeezed the hand of the older woman and smiled widely. The woman squeezed her hand back, "Don't be silly I understand how much you have been through this week, I was young and new to the life style once." More quietly she said, "Mel needs some training too when it comes to looking after his own girl, but I will help where I can." Bella laughed, "I don't think anyone can tell him what to do." Dorothea smiled, "No but a subtle nudge in the right direction now and then won't hurt." Impulsively Bella hugged Dorothy and thanked her for her kindness rising and putting the chair back to its original position. Bella walked back to her desk picking up her phone and made sure she could access the page she had just recreated. Gathering up her things as she checked the time she turned to smile at Mel who nodded in her direction and finished his call. ........................................ Bella had been woken so early and so much had happened that morning that when she looked at her watch as they exited the bank it was till only ten thirty. Mel ushered her back to the car and helping her inside, he slid in beside her directing John to take them home. He pulled Bella into his arms, kissing her softly and murmuring, "I adore you, my Ellie." Bella smiled up at him happy to sit in his arms and put aside her concerns over going home rather than back to the company. Instead, she turned in his arms and asked softly, "Why is each day in my day book blocked out between one and three?" Mel's brow furrowed but just as quickly relaxed as he looked down on her. "I guess I planned too many surprises," he smiled, and it was the first time she had heard even a tinge of uncertainty in his voice. "Those two hours each day are to spend some time with the girls you met last week, Tali, Nyx, Sera, Dusty and Dianne. I thought it would be good for you to build those friendships with girls that I admire and ask questions about their different styles of submissiveness. Have lunch, go shopping or train depending on the girl you are meeting." Bella was surprised, she thought all her training would be with Mel, it was him that she needed to please and know better, but after last night she also understood that she lacked some skills that he had said she could learn from the other girls. The trust Sera has in her 'Daddy', the shamelessness of Tali, the grace and sensuality of Nyx, Dusty's discipline and strength, Dianne's knowledge and understanding. Mel watched her expressive face as she thought over what he had told her silently. As always her mind rolled around the words, he smiled, above everything else, she was absolutely obedient, and that is what set her apart. He realised she needed time to think about the demands that he made of her, but in the end she would do as he wished. Unused to having to explain his decisions or motivations he realised the next few weeks would be steep learning curves for both of them. He could not treat her as he did the girls of the club or girls who had been in the lifestyle for a while. He had brought her to his world, now he needed to ensure she remained safe within its darkness. The car pulled up in front of the building and they got out, Mel's hand wrapping possessively around the nape of her neck. Bella smiled feeling the familiar touch and weight of his hand as they walked to the lift. It was still early, and they rode the lift up to the third floor. As the lift doors opened Mel steered Bella toward the training room. Stopping before the door Bella immediately began to disrobe laying her clothes in a small neat pile before kneeling and waiting expectantly, a thrill running up her spine. Mel watched her in silence, he had not needed to command or correct her. Bella had done exactly what was expected of her, and he petted her head when she was done, "Good girl." Mel opened the door and followed her slowly as she crawled to her basket. Opening the small chest beside the basket he pulled out her formal collar and enclosed it about her neck above the everyday collar. He leaned down and kissed her passionately murmuring, "Mine." Leaving the chest open he stepped away gazing at her with a smile playing on his lips, "Finish dressing while I talk with you my sexy little slave." "Yes Master," Bella replied softly pulling out each item and placing it beside her as he sat in the large comfortable chair beside her basket. Bella breathed in the scent of the soft leather deeply and held the leash between her lips as she began to fumble awkwardly with her wrist cuffs. Mel adored the girl before him, his cock hardened as he watched her. She was unbelievably sexy but what fed his lust was the power she so willingly gave him over her mind and body, the absolute control of owning another human being. He began to explain his deep need for that total power exchange to her. "Before you became mine this week," he began, "I would use the girls at the club the way I dominate you. I had favourites who were masochistic and could take the type of treatment I desired, but I never truly wanted to own any of them which is why I never gave my collar to them. Instead they wear a club collar and belong to the members in general. They of course could seek out a Master of their own and give back the club collar at any time." He let his words sink in as she looked between him, and the cuff was fumbling with. "Several girls begged for the collar you now wear, but I had no interest beyond the sexual domination they offered me. With you, my sweet Ellie, it is different. I want to dominate every aspect of your life, your family, your friends, your work and leisure time, as well as your most intimate moments." He paused as she stopped fumbling with the wrists cuffs for a few moments to listen carefully. "Not only that," he continued, "I want you to be part of my family, my circle of friends, my life and all aspects of it." "We are two halves of a whole now. You are the yin to my Yang, the light to my Dark, do you understand?" He smiled as she nodded, the leash held between her lips flapping noisily. "I will bring people like Dorothea into an aspect of our world to enhance our lives, never for one moment believe that you are valued any less than my most precious and treasured possession." He leaned out of the chair and stroked her cheek as he spoke. "If I ask you to bring pleasure to another Master or Mistress it is not because I do not want you or don't find you desirable anymore it is because the obedience you show in doing these things brings me great pleasure, as great as when I use you myself because you do it by my command to please me." Bella had finished placing the cuffs on her ankles and wrists, and had attached the leash to her collar when Mel's hand went up, "There is no need for the hair tie today." He smiled at her and pointed to a spot before his chair. Watching her crawl toward him and bend to kiss his boots, her tongue snaking out over them delicately before kneeling up and sitting back on her heels, he was again amazed by her natural submission. Once a required task was shown or explained she easily followed his wishes the next time she was in the same situation. Leaning forward he took her chin between his fingers and lifted her face, "I need you to understand fully how much I adore you, want you and need you so that nothing like this morning occurs again." Both Rob and Jack have said they wish to have you for training, to learn their ways of being a Master, should I choose to give you to them for a time, it will not mean that you are not my slave or unwanted," he looked deep into her eyes sensing her confusion as she chewed her lip and thought about his words. "I want you to explore different kinks and fetishes. I want you to know what is out there and realise that, in your heart, you belong to me and that I can give you all that you need, fulfil your desires and bring you the pain and pleasure you crave. You are not meant for the world of soft sensitive men, and fluffy romance, you were meant for this life, harsh, cruel and demanding though it is. I want you to be able to feel my adoration and pride in owning you, and that I chose you, my precious pet, above all others." Bella could feel the truth in his words, she had asked herself why he had chosen her so many times in the last few days and she admitted that she was proud that he had pursued her as he had. He made her feel desired and valuable. She knew she did not want to go back to the Jim's of this world with over blown ego's and little else or to the lukewarm sex of his ilk. She wanted the thrill and excitement and rush that came with being used the way her Master used her. She wanted it all, and the 'more' his words promised her. She also knew after this morning that she needed his constant reassurance that she was loved and adored by her Master. She was a baby in his world, naive and needy, and she worried that her constant need for him to show his approval of her may not be to his liking. Bella straightened her back and finally spoke. "Being here like this at your feet, I know this is what I want," she gestured around the room, "All of it. Everything you will train me for and all that your friends can teach me." Bella lowered her head and spoke softly then, "I am very sorry about this morning, my brain just... just snapped or something." She peeked up at him worriedly before continuing, "I can't guarantee it won't happen again if I become overwhelmed or misunderstand your intentions. You became my world in the last week, and I knew the morning after the party when you were not there how much I needed you to be." Feeling on safer ground she looked up at him showing the sincerity in her eyes, "I need you and trust you my Master, you have made me your own and I will try very hard to remember what you have said and serve you as an adoring slave should do." Bella took a deep breath and Mel smiled widely down onto her before leaning forward to kiss her again. "Yes, my precious pet you are mine. It is you that I want, no other," he murmured low in her ear. Straightening he spoke again, "As I said before I took you as my own I had favourites within the club and your collaring has caused some of those women who perhaps thought themselves above others at the club to react badly to the news," he paused as she took in the information. "When we go downstairs to meet Rob I will take you to meet all of the staff and let them see for themselves the amazing girl you are," he stroked her cheek as he saw the self doubt cloud her eyes once more. "I know I demand a lot of you, but my little slave, but you are perfect to me just as you are, I want to show you proudly to my friends, family, employee's, the world!" Mel considered if what he was asking was too much after this morning, but he had demanded her absolute obedience all week, and she rose to each challenge. He did not want to coddle her. She had shown she could stretch beyond his expectations time after time. If he set his expectations high, she would rise to meet them, he was sure of it. Bella considered his words and again the nagging feeling that she was not good enough, and that everybody would be able to see she was not her Master's perfect slave. His words of praise made her straighten her back and look up at him, and she asked softly, "What would you have me do, Master? When I meet them, I mean? I am still not fully sure of the protocols except that all Master's are Sir unless they tell me other wise." Mel laughed easily, "You are a wonder my treasure. All slaves will have collars you can call them by name, some may try to call your sister or sis, do not use this address yourself," he grimaced, "not all girls are sister's in slavery and I wish only one as my own and that is you." He stroked a finger over her lips looking deeply into her eyes, "I will introduce the dominants to you by name. You already know Jake and Stephen." Picking up her leash he led her to the far corner of the room and stood her up, she looked at the shelves lined with clothing in various materials. Mel picked up a leather strap and wrapped it around her breasts adjusting it, so the narrow width covered her nipples and pressed into the flesh pulling the small rounded tits together before securing it at the back. He stepped back considering her before turning to the shelves again. Bella watched as Mel selected what looked like a long leather vest and pulled it into place guiding her arms through to sleeveless shoulder straps and adjusting it as it hung. He grinned; she was so tiny the long leather vest would work as an extremely short dress. Pulling at the two bottom edges he joined the zip and started to pull it up slowly seeing it hug her hips and pull in at her waist. He left it only done up half way so that it flared out framing her leather bound tits. His desire to decorate the soft white skin with red welts rose up strongly in him, but he had other plans and looked at his watch. Unable to help himself, he unzipped the dress and took up a crop. "You are irresistible my Ellie," he pushed the vest from her shoulders with the crop allowing her to shrug it down her arms, "I am afraid you will make us late for our meeting with Rob. Pick up the vest," he indicated the floor behind her. Bella bent to pick up the garment, squealing as the crop landed on her upturned ass. Folding it neatly she put it on the bench. No sooner had she placed it down than she was jerked back by her leash stumbling and falling to her knees. Stepping in close he took her head and pressed her face to his groin, "You make me so hard." The crop landed again on her ass as he reached over her. Making her gasp and squeal against his fabric covered cock. Her nose brushed against his belt, and she quivered in longing. Owning Bella Ch. 03 Reaching down he fisted her ponytail and pulled her to her feet. "Display," he barked and watched as she widened her stance and pulled her hands to her neck. Mel ran the crop roughly between her legs bringing it up to her eye line, "Such a slut for her Master." Pressing the flat end of the crop to her lips she licked out at it and he pressed it further between her lips growling, "Do not drop it." The heavy leather crop dangled from her lips as Mel walked behind her securing her wrists to her collar and pulling her elbows back. His growl was low as he pressed against her back, "We have very little time this morning." Bella whimpered as Mel slid his hand between her legs to tease her, "It seems my slut won't need much time will she." Her breathing was hard, and she whimpered hotly as she shook her head mumbling, "No Master," around the crop. Taking the crop from her mouth he swung it rapidly three times at the exposed soft underside of her tits making her howl and tears finally spill to her cheeks. He noted with satisfaction that she held her position sticking her feet widely apart. The welts rose on her tits rose red and angry, and he stepped behind her again painting her ass and upper thighs with the same angry red stripes. Still she did not move, her cries and tears rang in his ears and his cock almost burst from his pants as he took off his belt and freed the throbbing flesh. Pushing her to a nearby bench, Mel bent her over it and entered her brutally driving deep into her wet fuck hole. Mel roared and began to pound into her in his need to possess her. The heat from the welts on her ass and thighs radiating back onto his own and he rammed into her. Bella's brain was spinning. The fiery tendrils of pain ran through her as her Master fucked her so deeply. She felt his hand in her ponytail again pulling her up to arch back onto his cock. The crop hit her thigh like he was riding a racehorse and she howled for him feeling her orgasm approach fast she began to beg, "Please... I need..., please Master," she gasped. "Cum slut," he roared, "Cum on your Masters cock!" The crop landed on her thigh again as he buried himself deeply within her and pumped her full of his own cum. Slumping over her he undid her wrists and stood pulling her with him. Mel turned to lean on the bar and pushed her to her knees before him. He watched mesmerised as she eagerly took his cum covered cock in her mouth sucking him clean. Stopping her and redressing as she knelt in place he picked up her discarded dress and bent to take her leash leading her back toward the entrance, stopping at her basket. "I have changed my mind about this," he explained, picking up the leather hair tie and tying it tightly around her ponytail in a bow before moving on again. Stopping to pick up her clothes and bag from beside the door they walked back down the corridor to her apartment. He gave her strappy leather heels to put on and took some black lacy little boy leg panties from her drawer folding them and putting them into his pocket. Mel gently dressed her again, she had fixed her hair and make up, and he walked around her a finger softly tracing over the lurid welts on display in the skimpy piece of leather that served as a dress. Again he checked his watch and instructed, "Take your bag and check it at the front desk when we arrive." Bella took a last look in the full length mirror again marvelling at how sexy she felt and looked when Mel dressed her. Even the welts that had given her so much pleasure minutes before seem artfully contrived to enhance her look. She quickly applied lip gloss before picking up her bag and standing beside Mel. He flipped the leash over her shoulder and wrapped his hand once again around the nape of her neck guiding her out to the lift. Bella drew in deep breaths to steady her nerves as they descended. Mel felt her tension rise and began moving his hand upon her neck to soothe her. Stepping out of the lift she checked her bag with the girls and smiled at them nervously. The salon bar was empty as was the dining hall and piano bar, Bella looked around curiously. "The club doesn't officially open until one," Mel said as he led her to the study that she had been in the other night. Rob was sprawled at the large desk with his feet up on its surface contemplating the walls. "I think we need to redecorate in here," he drawled as they entered, "We are a bit older and wiser now than those portraits depict." Bella looked up at the wall he pointed to as he continued, "Maybe I have been wallowing long enough and need to come back work more often. Seems you have been creating chaos in the last couple of weeks my friend," he smirked at Mel. Mel sunk into a chair on the other side of the desk, and Bella knelt quietly beside him the leather vest dress exposing her to Master Rob and making her blush. "So how do you want to handle this chaos then oh mighty white knight?" Mel laughed good-naturedly. "Well," Rob drawled, "You could always just give your new little plaything to me," he smirked at Bella, "That would seem to solve all your problems and make me exceedingly happy in the process." Mel reached out stroking Bella's cheek, "Its bad enough you will spoil her already as her Uncle Bobby, you would ruin her if you owned her," he chuckled at Rob's look of shock and rolled his eyes. "Oh no, my friend I can see quite plainly what a unique girl she is, I wouldn't want to change that at all but as your unwilling to hand her over at this time I shall be content to share responsibility for her when you are unable as Master Rob," he smirked at Mel before adding, "for now." Mel laughed as Bella blushed, "So do you have a plan B or was that your only solution?" "Well," he considered the girl, his eyes raking over her and making her shiver, "I guess an introduction and perhaps a demonstration of her super powers will have to suffice." Bella's eyes went wide at the mention of super powers, and Mel laughed loud and long. "Perhaps not all her super powers, here put these on," he took the panties from his pocket and passed them to her and she smiled gratefully up at him as she stood and pulled them into place. Standing the men walked back out into the restaurant with Bella following behind them chewing her lip nervously. Walking into the kitchen Bella could see the chef's preparing for the day ahead busily moving about the space. She recognised Jake who stopped what he was doing and came forward to greet them. Master Jake was the day time manager and Sir Stephen the official club manager came in later in the afternoon and stayed all evening. "Gather the girl's in the staff room Jake seems this needs to be done before things can return to normal around here," Mel spoke abruptly losing the good humour he had mere minutes ago. Jake grinned and looked down at Bella, "Hello again little one, how delightful to see looking so..." he seemed to struggle to find the right word, and Rob jumped in for him. "Fuckable! She looks utterly fuckable," his face split into a wide smile as he raised his eyebrow at Mel, "Last chance to hand her over before we throw her to the lion's." His laugh was contagious, and the men chuckled as Jake went through a door to gather the club submissives. Bella began to fidget nervously and catching herself took a deep calming breath, 'she could do this, she trusted Mel to keep her safe, it would be fine,' she told herself over and over. Mel was revelling in the praise his slave continued to elicit from his friends. "Just be your beautiful self in there my sweet Ellie, you have nothing to be nervous about, I am so proud to own you," he kissed her softly. They followed the path Jake had taken and entered the room several minutes later, Mel led Bella by her leash loosely caught in his hand and stopped before the cluster of small tables filled with girls of every age, size and race. Bella was amazed that so many were there, some obviously dressed in the uniform of a waitress or dressed as kitchen hands, others were in various forms of undress and had obviously been interrupted by her appearance. Most looked at her curiously a few though seemed to scowl at her openly. Straightening her shoulders she turned to face them directly for a few moments before drifting down to kneel at her Master's feet, lowering her eyes from their scrutinising gaze. She heard Mel as he began to talk, "This is Bella. She belongs to me and wears my collar. You will treat her with the respect a slave of mine deserves at all times. It has come to my attention that some of you believe that I should not have given my own collar to any girl but rather brought her to the club as I had with others." He paused to let his words weigh on them, "When, in all the time each of you have known me, have I taken orders from a slave or put up with such disrespect?" His voice got louder and more forceful as he continued leaving them in no doubt what he thought about the drama in the club over the last two days. "It is not a submissives place to tell a Master what to do! Should I find the source of such disrespect the consequences will not be what you expect." Bella peeked up to see groups of girls whom all sat like statues barely breathing a few glanced furtively at Master Rob who obviously knew their identities. She felt the tug at her leash, and she stood up as gracefully as possible bringing her eyes up to theirs feeling the need to show that they did not scare her even though on the inside she was panicking. Mel placed his hand on the nape of her neck, and she drew strength of his touch standing straighter. "This girl, is what I want, I adore everything about her but above all she is absolutely respectful to all Master's not just the one who owns her," his voice though still harsh held a sense of pride. "Should I leave the room or ask her to, she would obey and serve either of these Master's," he indicated Rob and Jake, "as he would me because she does not play at being submissive. She would not think to question my decisions as some of you have." Mel squeezed her neck in a reassuring way. Bella lowered her eyes and blushed knowing she had done just that this morning, she was beginning to feel sorry for the girls he was berating, "Master," she whispered, he seemed startled and turned to her, "May I please speak to them. Please," she paused drawing a deep breath, "on my own." Mel started to shake his head, but Rob cut in across him, "I think that is a good idea. Come on Mel Jake can stay and protect your assets." Mel looked between Bella and Rob, she did not like seeing him uncertain and she felt immediate remorse for speaking. Eventually, he placed her leash in Jakes hand and left the room with Rob. Jake moved behind Bella out of her line of sight, and she looked at the assembled group. "I know I am only speaking to a few of you who care but none the less I wanted to say I never meant for anyone to feel bad over this. I had no idea. I have no idea about much actually I have only been a slave for a little over a week," she heard a couple of sharp intakes of breath, but she continued on doggedly. "Truthfully, I know I am not good enough, not as well trained as each of you but still he chose me. Who can know why? I certainly don't, but I accepted that although I don't feel good enough to be his, it is what he wants that matters." She turned to look at Jake, but he stood there placidly, not interfering at all. "All I am trying to say is that, who knows why Master Mel suddenly decided to take a girl as his own, but it wasn't intended to be a personal attack on anyone. Least of all those he favours and will in all probability continue to favour here at this club. I was actually hoping some of you could help me learn and become better at being a submissive," the words seemed to tumble awkwardly form her mouth as they all stared at her silently. Eventually unable to take the silence anymore she turned to Jake and whispered quietly, "I would like to go back to my Master now." She had hoped to relieve the tension and stop her Master's tirade on the girls who had done nothing but love him but instead she had proven how much she did not belong here and she was desolate at having disappointed Mel by divulging her naivety. Jake walked toward the door still holding Bella's leash but stopping before the door he murmured softly, "Go to the right and open the next door your Master will be there." He pushed her out and turned back into the room. Bella went where she was told and opened the door. Mel and Rob were sitting in a viewing room and turning to look where their gaze was focused she saw the room she had just been in. Quickly moving to a space between the two Masters she watched as Jake stood silently before the girls. "You can have ten minutes to talk amongst yourselves but then I expect you all at your work stations if you are on duty," his voice was crisp, and no nonsense and he turned to leave the room. Before she could kneel Rob grabbed her pulled her to his lap as he sat in a comfortable chair, "Leave Mel and run away with me," he grinned, "That was the most amazing thing I have seen in this club." Bella blushed and shook her head slightly, she only had eyes for her Master and his reaction to her speech, had she known he was listening she might not have said so much and she feared she had disappointed him in admitting how very new she was their world to the girls of the club. "Give me back my girl," Mel chuckled and took Bella from Rob's arms and sat back in his own seat, placing her at his feet his hand stroking her neck softly. "I adore you my Ellie," he pulled her head back and kissed her softly. Jake walked in smiling, "My god Mel that was a master stroke!" He patted Bella's head, "you were perfect little one." Rob burst out laughing, "That was all Bella, Mel nearly had kittens when I dragged him out of there." Jake raised his eyebrow at Bella realising he had seriously underestimated the girl and found himself wondering about the thank you he was owed from moving her belongings on Sunday. There was a low murmur in the room as girls got up to go back to their duties, "Right that's my queue," Rob said. "I love it when I am good cop to your bad cop because it is only once in a blue moon you are a total bastard and you have done it twice in one day," he chuckled, "What happened to the days when I was the bad boy all the girlies fell in love with?" "You got old," Mel laughed, "A motorcycle and long hair will only get you so far, you have to be seen doing bad things to maintain a reputation like yours, and you have been gone quite a long time my friend." "Well," Rob began as he usually did, "It seems you and this delectable little morsel here have brought me back." With a sad smile, he left the room and appeared in the room they were viewing. Bella watched as he walked purposefully to a table, and took a seat with several girls. "So you understand now?" He asked them, and Bella watched as one girl with a tear streaked face lifted her head. "I wondered what she had that I didn't," the girl sniffled, "but she is brave isn't she, brave and humble." The girl lowered her head. "She stood there," the girl hiccupped, "and told us all her bad points when she could have lauded that collar she wore over us." She hiccupped again and buried her head in her hands mumbling, "I would have if I had won it." Rob finally spoke, "I think that is the point, it wasn't there to be won. Mel pursued her, she had no idea and while in the end she begged his collar, he was the one that wanted it more so than her. She had little idea who he truly was until last week though she had known him for some time." Rob wrapped his arm around the sobbing girl's shoulders. Rob knew that several of the girls clustered around the crying girl had also thought they may have had some chance of securing a collar from Mel. "You all know that many other Master's within the club desire each of you. Time to consider other possibilities perhaps, he lowered his voice conspiratorially it's not like Aida hasn't pointed that out to you." A small girl who looked similar to Bella took his cue and whispered back, "She thinks she is still his favourite and the collar is just for show amongst the other Masters." The girl blushed and covered her mouth suspecting she said more than she should have but as she looked at her friends she saw them nodding. "Well," Rob smiled at them, "You know Bella is special now, and worthy of his collar, so I expect you all to be happy for Mel, and if you care for him as much as I suspect, you will congratulate him won't you?" Rob posed this as a question though it was more of a command. They all nodded, and a few answered the command with "Yes Master Rob." "Off to work now before Mel starts lecturing me too, for bogarting the best girls," He grinned at them, getting up he walked from the table knowing the girls behind him would disperse. Coming back into the room Rob shrugged, "Only one problem left now it seems." Mel grunted and rolled his eyes, "I will deal with it." Again Mel checked his watch, "I guess we should have lunch, my girl didn't get much breakfast this morning did she? Our guests are probably here too." He stroked Bella's cheek as she looked up at him in surprise, "Your one o'clock meeting." Bella looked down at her clothes and the stripes still evident across her chest and thighs, she blushed lightly, "Oh yes of course, Master, but it didn't say whom it was with." "Let's go see shall we, I don't want to ruin the surprise for Rob," Mel smirked and looked at Rob, "You will be joining us won't you?" Rob looked suspiciously at Mel but nodded, "Sure why not. I can tell you my idea's for redecorating the study now that I am going to be here more often," it was his turn to smirk, "It's going to cost you a fortune, my friend." They walked out of the viewing room laughing, "Not me, partner, us," Mel shot back at him and opened the door to the restaurant. Bella was started by a high pitched squeal and turned her head to see Sera charging toward them, "Uncle Bobby!" She squealed again and threw herself on him hugging him tightly, "Where have you been I haven't seen you for forever! Come see Daddy," she took his hand and dragged him to the table Charles sat at smiling at the small group approaching him. The cherubic woman was obviously excited as she bounced around arranging everyone's seats at the table making them all grin. Everybody was thoroughly hugged and kissed until Charles finally interrupted her and spoke softly by sternly, "Sit down baby, you are making me dizzy." Sera scooted to her chair between Charles and Bella. Bella watched her marvelling at her energy levels. Though she would have been in her early thirties, Sera's demeanour and clothing expressed her immaturity. She was chubby without being fat and reminded Bella of a Botticelli angel. Sera turned to her and whispered conspiratorially, "Daddy says if we eat all out lunch he will take us out for ice-cream. They don't make it properly here, no mix-ins or anything." Sera gave an Incredulous look as she told Bella the last and Bella nodded in agreement smiling at the girl. The lunch went all too quickly, Charles had ordered for both girl's gently patting Bella's hand and softly murmuring, "Trust me." What arrived had both surprised and delighted Bella and as she sighed with relief she grinned at Charles thanking him politely before she picked up her fork to eat the incredible fresh fruit salad the waitress had placed before her. Bella had giggled as Sera stole a chocolate dipped strawberry from her plate and let her have both of them, laughing more as she caught Master Charles eye. He winked at her before clearing his throat noisily making Sera jump guiltily and smile up at him. Owning Bella Ch. 03 "Daddy I need to pee," Sara whispered as they finished their lunch. Charles chuckled and murmured, "Go quick and take Bella with you. She probably needs to go too." Sera held Bella's hand as they crossed the short distance to the bathroom's the club restaurant was still empty aside of their party. Entering the bathroom Sera ducked into a cubicle and sighed with relief, "Daddy is gonna take us to Max Brenner's" she sung out, but only silence greeted her. "Bella, are you there?" Sera quickly finished and came out looking in each stall before panicking. Running out of the bathroom she cried, "DADDY!" All three men turned to look at Sera, standing they moved almost as one, "Bella's gone," Sera wailed. Mel burst into the bathroom just as Bella emerged through the hidden door on the other side of the room that led to the slave girl's locker room. Her eyes widened as Mel advanced on her. He picked her up clutching her tightly and left the bathroom carrying her back out through the dining room to the study slamming the door behind him. "What happened?" Mel roared at Bella dropping her to the floor where she crumpled in a heap. "I don't know," Bella whimpered, "I was entering the end stall and my hair snagged on something and I fell backwards through the wall and tumbled down the steps. I could work out how to open the wall again, and no one was around to ask." She looked up at him with teary eyes. "I couldn't get back through until I found the catch." Mel breathed deeply stilling his temper, "Snagged?" It was more of a demand for answers than a question. Bella lowered her head whispering, "I don't know, but when I got up nobody was there." Her head throbbed she had knocked it badly when she fell and had a feeling she may have blacked out momentarily, but she said nothing as tears welled in her eyes. Reaching down and stroking her cheek to lift her face to his, he asked softly, "Are you okay? Not hurt?" Bella looked up at him, but as she tried to nod she felt like her brain was rattling in her head. Mel scrutinised her noting her pale face and her eyes seemed unfocused, "Your hurt," it was a statement not a question this time. Picking her up and laying her on a nearby couch he called an ambulance and the buildings reception desk never taking his eyes from her pale face. The last three days had been full of dramatic moments for both of them particularly today for Mel, every new venture in his life had come with its own risks and rewards, he had known this one would be no different from the first day he had spanked her and knew the rewards of trying to have the relationship he had dreamed of with Bella was well worth the risks to himself. He had not ever considered that this moment would have been one of those risks. He stroked her face and held her hand watching her carefully. Rob barged in growling that no one saw anything or at least no one was saying anything but stopped in his tracks as he saw the pale girl lying on the couch with Mel hovering over her. Seeing Rob arrive Bella tried to sit up but dizziness overwhelmed her, and she clapped a hand over her mouth as her stomach rebelled against her. Mel grabbed the waste basket holding it under her face as she threw up her lunch, it was only then that Mel saw the large lump that had formed at the base of her skull, and he put the basket on the floor to take of the wide formal collar off easing the pressure from her neck. "I am so sorry," Bella croaked. Two paramedics were ushered into the room by one of the receptionists. Mel moved away allowing them to examine her relaying what Bella had said about her hair snagging on something to Rob, then he left with her as the paramedics bundled her onto a stretcher and hurried from the building. Owning Bella Ch. 04 Authors Note: Apologies to my regular readers who like this series. Thank you so much for all your comments and feedback on the series so far. Life is extremely busy at the moment but I will endeavour to keep up dating the series at least once a month. Thank you all for your patience. ~ellie * Bella's eyes flickered open, she was still woozy, but the insistent hand squeezing her own and shaking her slightly had roused her from sleep. "See I told you she wasn't really asleep," Rosie smiled down on her daughter the smile though, did not reach her eyes. "What are you doing here?" Bella asked hoarsely. "My baby in the hospital, where else would I be?" Rosie seemed shocked by the question. Her father came forward and kissed her cheek, "How are you feeling EllieBellie?" Bella smiled crookedly. "I am fine Dad really, I just fell. Nothing to worry about," she looked at her mothers worried face, "I am actually terribly embarrassed about all the fuss I created because of one clumsy move." "Nonsense," Rosie fussed with her bags, "You men get out while I get her changed out of that awful hospital gown." Bella groaned as Rosie held up a long conservative night gown. Mel chuckled, "C'mon Joe, I'll buy you a cup of coffee." The men left quietly leaving Rosie to fuss over Bella. Watching them leave Bella smiled up at her mother and tried to sit up, a wave of nausea rolled over her making her bury her head in her hands. Rosie sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped her arm about her daughters shoulder looking concerned. Feeling the nausea pass Bella looked up again. "You know me, Mummy if I am going to do something, I do it well, even concussions." "Oh Bella, don't joke you gave us all a big fright, especially Mel. He sounded distraught when he rang us," Rosie hugged her tighter. Bella hugged Rosie back, "I am glad you're here, Mummy." "Good. Now let's get you dressed up and looking pretty," she stood up and gathered her bag pulling out two night gowns and some fresh underwear to lie beside the first night gown she had pulled out. Bella Laughed, "How long are you going to leave me here?" "I didn't know until we got here, but the doctor said at least overnight for observation. Which night gown do you like, I didn't want you running around here in those skimpy little things you wear at home," her mother frowned in a mock scolding. Bella was grateful as her mother helped her change; the crisp white cotton of the basic gown she chose was crisp and felt lovely against her skin as did the sensible, fresh cotton underwear. The movement had caused her head to pound again by the time she lay back propped up by the pillows. Her eyes felt heavy, and she closed them as her mother talked about the possibility of taking her home tomorrow to recover properly. The nurse came in to do observations as Rosie kept up a steady stream of conversation. "I am so tired mum," Bella whispered as the nurse left and her mother kissed her on the forehead and told her to sleep. The next time she opened her eyes, Mel sat in a chair beside her bed playing with his phone. Bella smiled as she watched him. It was several minutes before his looked up again to see her watching him, "So quiet, little one. I didn't realise you were awake." Her throat was dry, "I didn't want to disturb you I have been too much bother entirely today." She thought back to her melt down of the morning and then this silly fall that landed her here. "Did Mum and Dad go home?" "I got John to take them to Dockside, it's nice there," Mel came over and sat on her bed beside her, "How are you feeling?" "I'm okay," Bella smiled, "I just seem to be so tired." She scooted up in bed a little. Mel took her hand, "It's been a hectic week or so hasn't it." A nurse bustled in, "You're finally awake again. I was thinking I would have to wake you up to take these observations," she said as she took Bella's wrist and looked at her watch. Mel stood back and let the nurse take the observations. "You're a popular girl, Miss Biancotti." "Please call me Bella and I think you have me confused with someone else," she laughed shyly. "The phone has been running hot with inquiries after your health. It's like having a celebrity in the ward," the nurse was friendly and chattered away as she worked, "I would hate to think how many people would be in here during visiting hours if the doctor hadn't recommended otherwise." Bella laughed softly again shaking her head. The nurse winked, "Remind me to get your autograph before you leave, just in case you're a star about to burst onto the stage." Bella laughed harder and rolled her eyes. The nurse wheeled over a bed table that held a tray. "Are you hungry? You can have a small snack since your obs are fine." She lifted the dome exposing a warm clear broth, "It is not very appetising I know but if you keep this down over night you can have breakfast in the morning." Bella was nonplussed about the food, but as the nurse left the room Mel encouraged her to eat something. Then wheeled the tray away, returning to lie on the bed beside her and hold her gently in his arms kissing the top of her head. "I am so sorry this happened, my Ellie, I won't let anything happen to you again," his voice was soft and full of emotion, and he tilted her chin up to kiss her. "I adore you," he looked searchingly into her eyes. "I am fine honestly," Bella hurried to reassure him and lay her head on his shoulder. They quietly talked through what had happened earlier in the day and the likelihood that her hair had snagged on the catch. Mel knew that Rob would be waging war with the girls of the club. This was exactly the type of drama they hard fought hard to keep out of their club and thoroughly vetting members and staff had protected them for the most part. Mel left Bella's hospital bed only when the nurse came back to retrieve the plate and check her observations once again. ........................................ Rob sat in the office looking at the computer screen, the nature of the club called for strict security and monitoring, they had camera's everywhere. He could see quite clearly that someone had been in the girl's locker room when Bella had fallen, but he could not see the face of the girl clearly. His fingers tapped impatiently as he waited for Stephen and Jake, both of whom were conducting investigations of their own based on the figure on the tape. A wall of silence seemed to have gone up as the girls all denied any knowledge of the accident. After the staff meeting, the girls that would have been the most obvious suspects including Ada had all been accounted for in the kitchen or bar area's preparing for lunch and evening crowd ahead. Stephen returned a few minutes later with a brunette woman. Rob looked her over and flicked his eyes back to the computer screen several times comparing the two as he waited for Stephen to speak. "This is Belinda," Stephen started, "She and a few other of the club beauticians helped out at Bella's parent's party last weekend." Rob raised an eyebrow but stayed silent waiting. "Tell him what you told me," Stephen prodded the girl. "One of the other girls that went with us to the party was at the centre of the ruckus that night. She was flirting with that handsome young man who tried to punch Mel," she swallowed nervously. "Anyway she has seen him again since then, and he has been telling her things about Bella, how badly she treated him and stuff I guess. I spent some time with Bella before the party I don't think its true but Marie falls for guys so easily. I don't think she would do anything this terrible, but she was missing earlier, and she left early tonight claiming she sprained her ankle." Rob motioned Belinda closer, "Look at this and tell me if it is the girl you are talking about?" Belinda moved to look at the monitor, she frowned, "It could be but it's so hard to tell from that angle, it looks like her, but it also looks like a few of the girl's." "Thank you Belinda, you have been very helpful," Rob smiled at her, "I know it's not easy to think a friend could do something so awful, but we need to look at every possibility. Who else was at the party?" "There were four girls went from here to the party to help with the family's make-up and costumes. Julie, Cassie, Marie and me," she explained, "Julie mainly helped Rosie and I helped Bella, and the other two girls did the set up, pack up and massages." Belinda whispered, "Bella is alright now, isn't she? She is very sweet. I can't believe someone would want to hurt her." "We will know more in the morning, but it appears she will recover," again he smiled at her, "You can go now." Relieved the woman hurried from the room. Stephen told him the little he knew from the party and the subsequent move of Bella's things, and as Jake came back he filled in a little more detail on the moving of Bella's belongings and what happened during the evening after it. Not wanting to disturb Mel at the hospital Rob called Kurt who immediately when into a round of expletives as he heard the news of Bella's injury and the investigation so far. As Rob got off the phone, he turned to Stephen, "Make sure Belinda doesn't mention her suspicions to anyone else let's keep this under wraps until we are sure what's going on." Stephen left the room without a word leaving Rob to his thoughts. Something didn't quite add up, and he couldn't put his finger on it. He admitted he had stayed in his self imposed exile for far too long after the death of his beloved Kitty. It was time to return to the world he and Mel had fought so hard to create and make safe for those who enjoyed their lifestyle. He glanced around the room and shook his head, nothing had changed in the last twelve years. Perhaps a real good shake up was what was needed. He smiled to himself. 'Who would have thought the catalyst for change would come from a tiny green eyed, innocent looking slave.' He thought about Bella, and he could see why Mel had pursued her as he had, there was a toughness behind that vulnerable, sweet exterior. Not a toughness of the streets but more a strength of character and will that showed in what she would endure and could endure for those who commanded her. She seemed to Rob the perfect blend of princess and slut. Unwaveringly well mannered and well bred in public, a curious, dark minded, sexy slut behind closed doors. He found himself wanting to know her better, more intimately, share in her training and ownership to some degree. He looked back up at the portrait on the far wall. A much younger version of Rob and Mel stood with a girl kneeling between them, Kitty. They had begun this club together with just a vague idea of what it could become based on stories they had heard. While travelling through their other businesses to similarly minded places around the world, they discovered how others had built the type of club they wanted. The better ones of course, they could barely get into until they made the right contacts, and so when it came time, their own club instigated a vetting system for all members and strict code of conduct guidelines. It was rare that they had been forced to remove staff or members over the last few years, having built an elite clientele and loyal staff base. Rob was proud of what they had built, but he had the nagging feeling that right at this moment it was like a house of cards and about to fall around them. Rob sat back and sighed, maybe he was over thinking things, and it was all some lovers spat between Bella and her ex's new girl. He decided to go get a drink at the bar while he waited for Kurt as he stood and looked at the portrait a last time she smiled, "It's time to move on my love," he said out loud and walked from the room. Seeing Belinda in the Saloon bar he motioned her to him. "Glenfiddich, neat, then join me." "Yes, Master," Belinda nodded gently and moved to the bar, quickly returning with his drink and kneeling quietly beside him holding it up to him. Smiling down on the well trained girl he took the drink and sipped the amber liquid running his other hand through her long dark hair. She wasn't a beauty, but she had the tight well muscled compact body of a gymnast and Rob considered seeing just how flexible she was when Kurt came in with Dianne close behind him. He let Kurt fill him in on the party and Jim's appearance and subsequent exit without interrupting him. Finally smirking at the end of the tale, "The arrogance of youth, I guess he wasn't very happy when she never arrived home the next day." "I believe he was arrested for a break and enter. The apartment was empty, and he took his frustration out on a window, I heard the real estate agent pressed charges," Kurt said with a small smile curling his lip. "So it seems a bruised ego caused this," Rob murmured. He was unable to shake the feeling that there was more to this than he could see at the moment. "Maybe we should send someone over to talk to Marie. She hasn't been here to defend herself, so we only have innuendo to go on at the moment," Rob felt the girl beside him stiffen under the hand that still ran through her hair but showed no acknowledgment that he had felt anything as he looked down on her, "Was she going home or to the doctor did you say?" Belinda pursed her lips, "She didn't say, only that she had sprained her ankle and was leaving." Rob watched the girls face as she spoke her eyes flickering, "Let's get someone to contact her and see what she says shall we?" Again he felt the girl tense under his hand. Jake had stayed back past his shift to help Stephen with the ruffled feathers of the girl's and ensure everything as usual went smoothly, so he was the obvious choice to go see if he could find Marie, who was not answering her phone. Kurt and Dianne left to collect clothes for Bella who would be going home for a few days. Despite Mel's reservations, Rosie was adamant. Dianne also collected a clean suit for Mel and they left for the hospital. Rob motioned Belinda to follow him as he got up and moved from the bar. He moved through the arched doors to the private rooms. Taking a door to the left he held it open for her to follow him in before closing it quietly. He turned on her then and smiled, "Like Bella you have the small honed body of a gymnast or dancer, let's give it a work out shall we." He walked slowly toward her stopping just before her and ran a finger across her jaw and down her neck. His finger glided over her shoulder flicking at the broach that held her short toga in place, "We won't be needing this will we?" His eyebrows went up as he asked the question showing the hungry gleam in his eye. "No Master," Belinda lifted a small hand and removed the brooch allowing the toga to puddle about her feet. His rough hands stroked over her small breasts and down her ribs as he lifted her to sit upon a high bench. His hand continued to stroke and tease her body as her moved her knees further apart with his hips and stood between her legs. Reaching above them Rob pulled down a chain bearing steel cuffs and secured her hands above her head. Rob kissed her lightly his hands wandering lightly over her skin watching the goose bumps rise and pucker her nipples. "You have limits?" The question was murmured into her ear as he continued the tickling caress. Belinda was breathing deeply her mind unfocused, Robs lips nibbled at her neck as she whispered, "Yes. Needles, hard to extreme punishment, whips, canes, scat, water sports, age play..." her voice trailed off as his lips caught a nipple, but he had heard enough to know what sort of kink worked for this girl. Although she had the small, compact frame he found so desirable, she clearly was not Mel's type or his own for that matter, and he wondered once again why she seemed so nervous about them finding Marie. He stood back slightly and grinned to put her at ease, despite his disappointment and murmured, "I can work with that." He had designed this particular room himself for ease of use. Pulling a spreader bar from the end of the bench he murmured, "Now let's see just how flexible you are, shall we?" Rob quickly buckled the spreader bar between her ankles opening wide and murmuring his appreciation of her supple legs as the muscles flexed and strained. He then undid her wrists re-cuffing them behind her back and laying her on her stomach. Taking the chain from the centre of the spreader bar he connected it to the chain from the ceiling holding her wrists, bowing her body. All the while as she had been bound Belinda had felt his rough hands tickle lightly over her skin teasing her softly. The bindings were not tight, and the position she was pulled into was not arduous due to her long gymnastics career. She felt rather than saw him pull her hair back into a ponytail and tie it tightly to the chain keeping her head lifted. Belinda hung in the bonds, her belly still resting on the bench so as to reduce the strain on her limbs. With her hair bound as it was she could not move her head fully to follow him as he walked around her. She felt a feather light touch on her lower back, and she let out a sigh of pleasure, her goose bumped flesh crawling from the light teasing of his touch hands already. The soft feathery touch travelled up and down her spine before dipping through the cleft of her ass cheeks and across her moist pussy lips. Rob smiled as her body quivered at the touch of the large emu feather in his hand as he teased her. Her wide open cunt shone with wetness of need and anticipation already, perhaps his reputation had not disappeared entirely he thought to himself. He trailed the feather back up her spine and down again varying the speed and weight of the feather as he caressed the girl before him. Bringing the feather down her ribs and over her hip he avoided her ass as the feather trailed down her leg and up to the souls of her feet. Not wanting the tickling to feel annoying rather than sensual he applied added pressure to the father as it teased over her feet. Belinda whimpered as she felt the feather finally leave her feet and trace the curves of her right leg making her quiver with the exquisite sensations. The feather trailed up her aching arms causing the growing numbness that prickled at her like pins and needles under the gentle force of the feather. He pulled the feather between each finger before teasing down her supple arms once more. Once again the feather travelled over her shoulders to her lower back making her hips move and rock as the heat built within her further with his teasing. The only sound in the room was her rapid breathing and soft whimpers of pleasure. Tracing the feather up the left side of her torso seeing her squirm within the bonds he moved around to her face looking into her lust filled eyes. The feather trailed down her cheek and neck tickling teasingly lower on her chest until it lightly caressed the flesh of her breasts, barely touching the hardened nipples. He bent his head to kiss along her neck following the trail of the feather and listened to her appreciative moans. Moving closer to her ear he whispered, "I know you haven't told me the whole story, sweet girl." Rob watched her body as she tensed up at his words and raised the feather again to her arms starting the whole delicious dance of the feather again. Swiping a trail directly down her spine he watched her quiver and squirm against her bonds. The feather played over and through the wide cleft of her ass as he inspected the shining wet pussy lips a groan escaped her lips and he pulled the feather away. Picking up a vibrator he slid it into her without turning it on. "Hold it," he commanded softly. Working quickly he slid a soft rope around her hips his fingers enjoying the feel of the classic bondage knots he knew so well, running the soft rope up over her clit and against the base of the vibe, he drew it tightly up through the cleft of her ass to secure it in place tightening a small knot in the small of her back. The vibe turned on at a low speed and Rob picked up the feather again to resume the slow dance over her flesh. Owning Bella Ch. 04 Belinda was beside herself in need. The feather travelled over her body as if making love to her, and she could feel the growing sensations in her pussy as the vibe buzzed slowly. Rob leaned low, his voice in her ear asking the question again, "You haven't told me everything, have you, sweet one?" She gasped shaking her head, her mind was spinning making it difficult to think clearly. She could not form the words of denial she needed as his lips travelled down her neck. The feather simultaneously travelled down her throat and shoulder in a twin trail to his lips slowly lowering to her chest. She could feel herself build agonisingly close to climax, but as her trembling body betrayed her Rob stepped away standing upright before her. Looking up she gazed at him with lust filled eyes seeing what all the club girls saw, a fantasy biker. Long haired, leather wearing, hard bodied, sex on legs and she was at his mercy, she almost sent herself over the edge as she took in his form. Rob watched her for a moment gauging his timing before speaking softly but with authority. "Now my sweet girl," His voice was deep and dark, "You can either tell me the whole story and I will promise you the most mind blowing orgasm of your life, or you can choose to stay silent in which case I can tease you all night without release" he watched the quivering cease as her body tensed at his words, "I know there is something you are holding back." He moved closer bending to kiss her teasingly, "It can't be that bad surely." Belinda closed her eyes remaining silent, and she heard him move. The feather brushed up and down her torso once more with slightly more force, it floated over her ass tickling at her pussy lips as it worked its way down to her feet. The feather sawed between her toes dipping down into the arch of her foot and tickling at her heel as it moved. Tracing back up her legs it tickled at her inner thighs alternating between both quivering muscles as the vibe droned on slowly within her. Rob purposefully moved his free hand against the rope pulling at it slightly, so it put extra pressure on her clit and noted with satisfaction the that trembling thighs now shook quite violently. He smirked and stopped touching her, stepping back to her face. Noting the perspiration beaded on her forehead and upper lip he cupped her chin and kissed her, "You have nothing to fear from us, you know that." The girl nodded croaking out, "Yes Master, please Master," she was panting, "Please let me cum." He kissed her lightly, teasingly brushing his lips against hers as his lips went to her ear, "Talk to me sweet girl," He murmured. "It wasn't a sprained ankle," she burst out, "Marie had let herself be branded by someone outside the club!" She tried to hang her head in shame at betraying her friend, but the tie in her hair kept her head in position, "Someone the club wouldn't like, she wouldn't say who." His mind worked around the information quickly as he moved to turn the vibe up for the girl tightening the rope against her clit slightly, moving back to her face he kissed her panting mouth deeply, passionately as his hands cupped her breasts softly at first, then with increasing pressure, "Such a good, sweet girl," he murmured against her lips, "You may cum as much as you want now." Rob continued to tease her until the first climax slammed into her then stepped away watching the tight athletic body thrash in the bonds. He turned the vibe up to high as the first orgasm seemed to ebb and watched as another rolled through her, smirking he released the chain watching her body fall to jerk and shudder upon the bench as yet another climax racked the small body, the blood flowing back to her freed limbs. Rolling her carefully to her back he leaned over and bit at her wide open lips his hands kneading her breasts and pinching at her nipples, "One more, sweet one, you have at least one more in there," he bit her throat and growled low as she arched up off the table. Her own body was super sensitive now and as the last orgasm rolled its way into her, her eyes rolled in her head, and she floated into oblivion. Rob quickly turned off the vibe and undid the rope, picking her up and carrying her to the small bed in the room and covering her with a sheet. He left the room quietly making sure Stephen knew where she was that he wanted her to stay at the club until he returned, for her own safety. He then went to the office again, to go through the files of terminated memberships and applications that didn't make it through the vetting system they had in place. They possibly also needed a list of known disgruntled Masters whose runaway slaves the club had taken in. Surprisingly the list was not exceedingly long once the young men who thought being part of the club was about free sex with hot girls had been taken out. It would grow again once he added business rivals from the company, but it wasn't too unwieldy, and would be narrowed down to one hopefully when they found Marie and looked at the brand. Picking up his phone he called Jake to see how the hunt for Marie was going. ............................... Bella woke as the nurse gently picked up her hand to take her pulse. She blinked up at the woman and grimaced into the small light from above her bed. "Good Morning, how you feeling, honey?" The nurse enquired in a whisper. "I have a dreadful headache," Bella admitted also whispering. "Let me do your obs, and then I will get you some panadol, did you keep your dinner down?" She smiled kindly. Bella nodded and regretted it immediately and putting a hand to her head. The nurse shone her torch into her eyes. "It was a nasty bump, I think you will have a head ache for a while," she held Bella's hand, "Don't be brave in here, if you're in pain you let us know right away, okay?" "Of course," Bella whispered. ""I'll get you some panadol," back in a minute. The nurse left the room and Bella rolled over seeing Mel asleep in a chair. She was so glad to see him but felt guilty at the same time that he was not sleeping restfully in his own bed. She smiled as her eyes travelled over him, it was a strange mixture of emotions she felt for him. She wasn't sure that she felt love. What she felt was not the romantic love of books and movies, it was more that she felt adoration and devotion to him. She smiled remembering the first time he had kissed her properly as a lover, and how she had floated on clouds after it. 'Love,' she thought to herself, 'such a hard words to define.' The nurse came back smiling, and handed her two white tablets and glass of water, "Here you go honey." She took the glass as Bella finished, "Concussions can be nasty, but you are going to be fine." "Do you think," Bella blushed as she asked, "That I could get up and go to the bathroom now, I have been in this bed all night." "Okay, but I will have to come with you just to be safe," the nurse helped her pull the sheets back and slide her feet into slippers. Together they walked the short steps to the private rooms' bathroom and with immense relief Bella sat on the toilet. She looked longing at the shower, "You can have a quick freshen up if you like. It's been a quiet night on the ward, I can spare some time." Placing a plastic chair in the shower cubicle she helped Bella move across and undress, unhooking the shower head from the wall the nurse made it tepid and satisfied that the girl was safe, the nurse left her to shower and went get some fresh clothes and underwear. Mel had woken and was looking at his phone, "You shouldn't have that on in the hospital Mr Milano." The Nurse winked as she retrieved the clothes and returned to the bathroom. Mel looked at the messages from Rob with consternation, itching to go and investigate himself but refusing to leave Bella's side. He looked around the room at all the flowers and gifts and realised just how many of his friends had also taken to his remarkable girl, smiling he noted the giant teddy bear sent by Charles and Sera. He imagined that Sera must be beside herself in grief that it happen while she was there. He would make time and call her later in the morning and make sure she had Bella's phone number so she could call her herself. The bathroom door opened, and Bella looked pale as the nurse helped her through the doorway. Mel was on his feet and picking her up before she moved very far. He laid her carefully in the bed and kissed her lightly, "Feeling better?" His eyes searched her face as he asked the question. "Much," she smiled up into his worried face. "Honestly, it's so much fuss over a simple fall, I feel really silly," she looked away. The nurse quietly left the room as Mel took her chin making her raise her eyes to him, "You are my most precious treasure. I can't imagine my world without you in it. Nothing that happens to you is silly or trivial. Do you understand me?" "Yes Master," Bella whispered. "Now rest," he kissed her lingeringly. Bella sighed as he went back to his chair and he turned raising an eyebrow at her. "I feel as if I have been asleep forever," she said quietly, "Maybe I could just read some of the cards first?" She asked hopefully. Mel chuckled and handed her a bunch of cards from the small chest beside her bed, "Dianne was here last night and wrote what they came with on the envelopes for you." "Oh, no! People were watching me drool on my pillow and snore?" Bella was horrified, "Why didn't you wake me?" Mel chuckled again, "Don't be silly, you don't snore and you weren't drooling." Mel was not a man to chuckle often Bella realised as she smiled at the foreign sound. He was a stern and controlling man even when she pleased him, she found that the sound of his deep soft chuckle warmed her from the inside out. They talked light heartedly about the flowers and cards she had received from friends before he broached the subject of returning home with her parents. He knew she would do as she was told and would be torn between pleasing her parents and pleasing him if he tried to make her stay here with him, so he approached it a different way to his usual controlling stance. "You're mother isn't willing to leave you here in town to fend for yourself when you leave hospital, nor will she let me hire strangers to look after you. I do not wish you to go anywhere, but I do not see we have much choice here," he was trying to be careful with his wording. He did not want her once again to think he was sending her away when he wasn't or that he did not want to look after her himself. She fiddled with the cards in her lap as she quietly said, "The truth is I 'm not sure how you convinced them to let me go so easily on Sunday or how it is you sit in that chair rather than Mummy." She looked up at him from beneath her lashes; "She can be a bit overbearing," Bella grimaced. Sitting on the edge of her bed he took her hand, "I want you to understand I am not happy about this. I do not want to be the one to cause a rift between you and your parents," he smiled at her and she understood his greater meaning. "You will make me happier though if you insist on taking Dianne home with you to keep you and Rosie company while you recover so that I know you are safe." He smiled at her, "I can bring her down tonight or tomorrow and have a good excuse to check on you." "Such fuss over nothing, honestly I am fine," she looked up at him determined to show she was indeed quite well. "Let your mother fuss over you she rarely gets to anymore," Mel smiled at the look of resolve on her face, "It's been an anxious few days for everyone and it will only be for a day or two and you can ease your parents minds that you're happy and safe here in the city," he paused before adding, "With me." Bella realised the decision had already been made without her, and she lay back on her pillow resigned to her fate. Three days ago she had made the decision to follow her bliss and nothing seemed to have gone right since then perhaps it was not the right thing to do after all. She turned her head to look up at Mel who was watching her anxiously, "I will do as you wish, Master," she forced a smile to her lips, but Mel noted it didn't reach her eyes. He remained holding her hands until once again they were interrupted by the nurse with breakfast. The room became hectic after that with her parents arriving, the doctors visit, Dianne and Kurt coming by before work, and in the midst of it all Bella sat in the hospital bed letting it all happen around her. The doctor realising she was not responsive to anything going in the crowded room asked them all to leave so he could examine her. Shining a light in her eyes, he asked, "Headache? Dizziness?" "A headache but it's bearable," she smiled. "I know your family and friends are eager to get you home, but you can stay for another night if you are not feeling up to going home, I believe you live a fair way out of town?" The doctor was concerned about her apparent lethargy. Bella laughed, "I live here in town, quite close actually. It's my parents who live a fair way away." She realised this man was giving her a choice, a right Mel had said she retained when she became his, but had been taken out of her hands in this instance. Maybe it was time for negotiation. "I would love to go home, to my place, but my parents seem determined. You couldn't advise against a long car trip, could you?" She smiled cheekily at the doctor showing some signs of life for the first time since his arrival, and he smiled back. Bella had always just done what she was told, and it felt good to be asked what she needed and to voice her own opinion. "Let's see what I can do, about that," he grinned. The doctor opened her door to the hallway, and she could see and hear him clearly as he spoke, "I understand how worried you all were, she has had a nasty concussion from the bump to her head, but she will be fine with a day or two of rest. Now did anyone ask Bella where she would like to have that rest?" Bella watched Mel who, as always was studying her from the corner of his eye as he listened to the doctor. 'Oh dear,' she thought, 'She hadn't realised that would happen.' "Bella will need to come back in to have the wound checked in a day or two, she tells me she has an apartment here in town, that would probably be preferable to driving back and forth from the family home don't you think?" He turned his head looking at them all, "Best perhaps that she makes the longer journey on the weekend maybe." Rosie started to protest, but Joe cut her off with, "Now now, my love, the doctor knows best," and wrapped his arm about her shoulder. The familiar phrase from her father made Bella smile despite the strained look from Mel that she was receiving, he did not look pleased that she would not be going home with her parents, and that confused her. Mel considered Bella as the Doctor finished speaking. He had handled the situation too gently perhaps in his efforts of not wanting her to think he did not want her after the dramas of the day before. He had indeed wanted her to go to her parents safely away from the city until he could find out exactly what happened at the club. Instead she had not done as she was told, but in such a way that she could not be punished for disobedience. They would discuss this at length when she was fully healed he clenched his fists and relaxed them again as he thought about that conversation. Several hours later Bella showed her parents through her new apartment, her mother immediately went to the kitchen determined to find a reason that this was not the best place for her daughter to recuperate. She was chagrined to find it extraordinarily well stocked with healthy food rather than junk. Rosie had to admit it was a lovely apartment as she investigated every room while Mel and Joe spoke in the living room. "Dianne can come and stay with her," Mel was saying, "and I'll drive her down myself Friday after she gets the all clear from the doctor." "You've been very good to her, and us," Joe thanked his friend. "She is easy to be good to," Mel smiled. Bella needed some more medication after all the movement, but she didn't want to take them in front of her parents or Mel and have them worry more, so she went to the bathroom to take them and came back to sit on the lounge as she waited for the pain killers to take effect. It had been a long day and she had had a seriously broken night of sleep, she listened to them talk around her and slowly drifted off to sleep curling up on the soft chair. .............................................. Rob had worked on through the night with both Stephen and Jake allowing the quiet of a Tuesday night at the club to allow the trainee managers to step up into roles they worked for. They were still there the following afternoon trying to piece together the small pieces of information they had all managed to gather the night before. Each of them had napped for small amounts of time on the couches in the office. "Mel will be back from the hospital with Bella in an hour, how about we all go shit, shower, shave and try and think about what the hell we do next before we have to face him and explain why a slave he barely knew would have tried to hurt his girl," Rob was still troubled by the information about the new brand Marie had been given. The men got up to leave, but Rob stopped and spoke again, "Wait," the two others stopped and looked back at him, "We need a stake holder's meeting tonight, I imagine they are all intending on coming in to see what actually happened anyway." "I'll send the email, I have clothes here I will stay and keep an eye on things until you all return," Stephen said. "Good man. Make sure you get a kip in to if you can, David and Theo can handle the club for a little while I am sure," Rob clasped his shoulder in farewell and walked out with Jake. Letting Jake out on the ground floor Rob travelled up to the fourth floor. An exact duplicate of the floor below where Mel and Bella lived Rob barely used his floor for more than a place to sleep when he was in town. He had brought Belinda up earlier this morning explaining that he did not believe it safe for her to go home in case someone knew that Marie had told her of what she had done or was planning to do. Leaving her with the instruction to freshen up and de-clutter the suite he had locked her in and gone about his business. As he approached the door, he wondered what he would find within. Since the death of Kitty, he had not lived here so to speak, but that was about to change, and he took a deep breath as he opened the door. Rob walked into the smell of cookies baking. The heavy curtains had been drawn to let in the limited sunlight that the old heritage windows allowed. Hearing the door close Belinda moved from the kitchen approaching him slowly. "You're baking?" He questioned her. "There was not much in the way of food in your kitchen, and I had not eaten since lunch the yesterday. I found the cookie dough in the freezer and hoped you would not mind," She explained. He loved the smell of cookies baking and Kitty had always kept cookie dough on hand, the slaves who serviced the rooms must have kept the stock of regular items on hand for his infrequent visits. To Belinda he said, "Make a list of what you would like and I will have it supplied." He looked at her and softly murmured, "You may be here a few days. Were you meant to work tonight?" "No, Master. I work Friday to Tuesday," Belinda replied equally softly. "Good. Do you have your own phone?" He asked. "Yes it's in my locker," she answered keeping her voice soft but not using any of the formalities she would have in the club. "Okay, another thing I hadn't thought of as well as feeding you," he grimaced, "It's been a busy day." He ran his hand through his hair, "I will have it sent up soon. Then you will use it to let anyone who may be concerned about your disappearance that you have gone on a spur of the moment joy ride with a biker friend." He smiled, "Better yet text them, you are not a very good liar." Rob laughed and walked to the kitchen searching for cookies. Owning Bella Ch. 04 Belinda watched him wondering how exactly she was supposed to act here, he didn't own her, they weren't in the club, she was submissive and enjoyed the role she played within the club, but she was not a slave at heart. She enjoyed the small freedoms she had on her days off, and she knew that no amount of mind numbing sex could persuade her to give that up. Taking a deep breath she followed him to the kitchen and pulled up a stool at the bench. "Master Rob," she said quietly and waited for him to look up from his inspection of the cookies. "I have a confession to make," she swallowed noisily knowing this could cost her the job she liked, and that paid her so well. Rob leaned back on the counter crossing his arms and nodded as he took a bite of a cookie. "I genuinely like my job at the club, great pay, good sex, bonus's and incentives, well you know..." she was stalling, and she steeled herself as she blurted quickly, "I am not a lifestyle submissive though. I don't honestly want that outside work, and now I am here," she waved her hand around and looked back at him, "I don't actually know how to act with you." "I see," he said seriously, "Well it's a crushing blow of course that you aren't lusting after my collar and my body, but I think my ego will recover." He smirked at her, "Look," I don't care if you're a nun in your spare time. What I do care about is that we can't locate Marie and that Bella was hurt by someone we trust." He could see her relax as the relief washed over her features, he actually felt the same way but didn't let it show, he had a reputation to bolster after all. "I don't want to be accused of kidnapping you, and because you have done me the honour of being honest I will do the same. I want you to stay here until we work out what happened. You could be in danger. If you want to go home, however, I won't stop you. If you stay I can promise there will be no expectations on my part." "So if I stay I can just be myself?" Belinda smiled. "Why can you morph into someone else?" Rob smirked at her as she laughed. "Make a list of things you need and I will organise it, but first I need a shower." He walked off. An hour later Rob stood alone in the locker room of the club, he collected Belinda's bag and the few items of clothing she had there. Counting three down the row, he stood before Marie's locker and checked the combination before opening it not sure what he was expecting to find. Surprised, he took the few belongings and bundled them together with Belinda's things and left the room heading in back to his apartment upstairs. ............................................... Finally alone, Mel sat in the comfortable armchair in the living room. Rosie and Joe were on their way back to their home, and he could finally take some time to ring Rob and Kurt and find out how things had progressed during the day. He was surprised when ten minutes later his sleepy girl came out and sat at his feet resting her head on his thigh. Smiling and petting her hair gently he continued his conversation cryptically loving the sight of the girl he adored at his feet where she belonged. His hand trailed over her neck and the chain that was back in place as he played with her hair. Hanging up his phone he smiled down on her showing his pleasure. "It's good to have you home, my Ellie." Lifting her head Bella smiled up at him, "I am happy to be here to. It is much better than the long drive home without you would have been." "You didn't do as I asked though, did you, little one?" His voice dropped as he spoke and she felt the edge of his displeasure. Bella chewed her lip as she considered how to answer, "The doctor was going to suggest I stayed another night in hospital, I really didn't want to." Bella dropped her eyes, "So I told him how close to the hospital my own apartment was and that it was my parents who lived so far away." "I see," Mel was surprised he hadn't realised there was more to the conversation the doctor had with Bella. He ran his hand over her cheek and leaned down to kiss her lightly, "I have to attend a meeting tonight. It is not something I could change to be here to look after you." "Yes Master," Bella whispered, "I am fine honestly, I don't need looking after." "Even if you did not have a concussion I would want to look after you my Ellie," he held her face in his hands making her look up into his eyes, "You are mine and I do not want any other accidents." Bella nodded slightly as his hands held her in place. "I have a nurse and a body guard coming to look after you while I am away and you will let them look after you won't you, little one?" Again Bella tried to nod as she whispered, "Yes, Master." Mel Picked her up then and rested her in his lap his hands travelling over her body. He growled as a finger caught in the elastic of the sensible cotton panties her mother had bought her, "Your mother makes you wear far too many clothes for my liking." Bella squirmed lifting her ass as Mel pulled the offending panties from her body. Mel squeezed her ass hard, "So tempting, but I will wait for the doctor to declare you fit for duty." Bella looked up, and he kissed her deeply and passionately holding her close his hand still on her ass. "Go change into something more suitable for a slave of mine, your nurse will be here shortly." Mel followed her into the bedroom, he watched as she pulled the nightgown from her perfect little body, "Mm, that's perfect," he muttered his eyes travelling over her body making her blush. He turned to her drawers looking through the lingerie and pulling out a pale blue lace chemise as there was a soft knock at the door. "That must be your nurse, you can wear this," he smiled and left the room to answer the door. Bella came out and giggled as the sexiest nurse she had ever scene stood with Kurt, Dianne was in the stereotypical sexy nurse style uniform and even carried a medic's bag. "Hey there troublemaker," Kurt grinned, "I have to run, but I will be up to check on you later." He turned to Dianne, "Don't do anything to exciting." He kissed her then and left. Mel raised an eyebrow, "What's in the bag?" "Just the essentials," Dianne winked at him, "Chick flicks, popcorn and chocolate." Mel chuckled, I need to shower and change before the meeting, "Both of you girls relax a little, I will be just next door." They had settled down onto the lounge sipping cool lemonade and making small talk about Joe and Rosie's disappointment that they couldn't take her home. Dianne laughed as Bella imitated her father saying, "Now now, my love." Mel returned holding the door open and stepping aside for two guests. Bella smiled as Dusty walked in and hugged her tightly, "How are you feeling?" Dusty asked as she broke the embrace. "Honestly, I am fine. No big deal. I don't know what all the fuss is about," Bella was becoming exasperated with being treated like a puppy with a broken leg, everyone petting her and handling her with kid gloves. "Stronger than ya look, aren't ya little filly," Jack spoke quietly as he entered. He leaned over and kissed her forehead as Dusty moved out of his way quickly. "You look just fine to me," he winked and turned back to Mel, "Let's go." ................................................... Each of the club's stake holders had slowly drifted into the club late that afternoon. They took seats in the saloon bar, greeting each other and talking quietly. Aside of the biannual stake holders meeting, it was rare to find them all together in the same room. When Mel and Rob had begun the club they had approached each of these men, who were leaders of their own lifestyle groups that played discreetly in private homes, about the venture they were undertaking. Each man had been offered lifetime membership and a stake holders vote in how the club and clientele would be managed to appeal to a wide variety of the BDSM community. They had come tonight without their subs, unsure of what the meeting would entail and concerned over Bella's accident yesterday that had not been explained as yet. Charles was one of the last to arrive. He hadn't liked leaving Sera who was still upset about the events of the day before. He shook hands with Mike and Mark Millar before taking a seat beside Josie and kissing her on the cheek. Jack walked in with Mel and after greeting them all they went into the office, Kurt and Rob already there. Kurt had stepped up into Rob's position both in the company and the club when Rob had taken a leave of absence the year before. His position within the group had never been contested but with Rob's decision to return making Kurt's own place official had become an item to be discussed with the gathered Stake holders. They gathered in a circle on the comfortable arm chairs, Stephen and Jake standing in the background. Mel look exhausted, lines of worry showing deeply around his eyes, "Leon is running late as usual," Rob spoke up. "We can catch him up on events when he gets here." He launched into events of the last few days and the concern that someone within the club had covertly hurt another with unknown motives. "We can only speculate why this happened, which is why I believe we needed this meeting," he looked at each of the people in the room. "One might think it was a jealous girl, that would be the most obvious assumption," Rob was stating what they all thought as Leon waltzed in and flopped into a chair noisily. "It would seem though," Rob continued, "that the girl we believe might have hurt Bella barely knew Mel." He waited for his words to sink in, "In fact it would seem she knew Bella's ex better than she knew any of us." Josie was surprised by this information. She waited for Rob to finish his recount of the investigation he had carried out with Jake and Stephen over the last twenty-four hours. Stephen and Jake both added to the recount at appropriate places, but all signs pointed to the missing girl, Marie, and Bella's ex, Jim. As she listened, she considered carefully what she would say to the gathered group knowing she held a small grenade that could blow up in her face if she did not throw it into the mix of personalities carefully. Josie had worked hard to prove herself in this gentleman's club. While Domme's were accepted as members, it was a rarity for them to remain long. Many of the Master's, particularly those who had Gorean tendencies, felt it was their duty to make Domme's submit to the will of men. Josie was made of sterner stuff. She was not one to be cowed or forced to do anything. She had survived those first stormy months holding her own through sheer force of will and sharpness of wits, eventually gaining the respect of most of the members in the club and earning her place among the stake holders. Her mind drifted to Monday night. Intensely loyal to Mel and Rob, she hadn't been surprised when Mel had called her to deal with a young man thoroughly lacking in manners. It had been an easy task to find and lay the bait for the young man. Good looking and arrogant, he expected women to fawn over him and the pack of testosterone laden young men that he ran with to do his bidding. Josie had spent a lot of money to look as good as she did at her age and she had dressed with care for this 'accidental' meeting. She dripped with money and class and oozed sexual availability. Her date, a sweet young girl, who exuded a natural submissiveness, was equally dressed to please. Together they embodied many men's fantasies as they sat at the bar enjoying a long slow kiss before ordering. Within minutes, they had gained the attention of most of the men in the bar and allowed the arrogant young man they came for to win their attention, his ego swelling more so, if that were possible as his friends watched on with wide grins. With gentle prodding and teasing Josie tested the young man, he had little respect for women, and as the night wore on and the drinks flowed, his assumption that they would just fall into bed with him irked the Domme. Her demeanour changed subtly correcting the way he spoke to them, sending him to the bar for drinks and hinting at the delights that awaited him if he played the game their way so to speak. They had taken Jim home and Josie had sat with him on the couch her hand lazily stroking his semi erect cock through his pants as her girl, Gian, stripped sensually for them both. The perfect body of Gian tempted both her watchers as finally naked she knelt spreading her thighs wide. Josie stood taking him by the hand and standing him before Gian while moving behind the kneeling girl. Leaning forward to kiss Jim, Josie's hips pressed the girls head forward, Josie ran her nails down his chest and began to undo the buttons of his shirt as Gian unbuckled his pants pulling them and his boxers to his feet. Gian's Mistress's hips behind her head urged her forward and parting her lips she took the rapidly hardening cock in her mouth. Jim groaned into the kiss, and Josie took his hands and placed them on her breasts allowing him to knead the soft globes as she continued to kiss him her nails raking over his chest. Jim couldn't believe his luck these two hot women were making his brain explode with pleasure. His hips started moving into the soft warm mouth forcing the girl to gag, but she just swallowed and took him balls deep into her throat. Josie broke the kiss staring into his eyes, her hands rolled down to his hips her nails digging in slightly giving him a thrill that ran up his spine as she purred, "stand very still." Dropping his gaze from her piercing gaze he saw she was moving her hips controlling the girls head as Gian sucked him. After a few moments Josie ran a fingernail over his neck and under his chin tilting his head back up. "Slow down cowboy," Josie murmured throatily pushing him backwards so that he took a step his cock falling from Gian's suctioning mouth with a pop. Walking him back to the couch she pushed him hard making him sit, and stood before him as Gian began to undress her, kissing and stroking over each body part as it was revealed. Jim stroked his cock as he watched the two women with wide eyes. Once naked, Josie sat on Jims lap her thighs straddling his. Her back was against his chest twisted slightly to the side so he could kiss her neck. Raising a hand she guided his head over her neck as Gian knelt between their legs. The girl's hands moved up to them, one hand stroking his cock the other playing between Josie's puffy moist lips her mouth alternating between the two. Josie repositioned slightly rising up while Gian guided Jim's cock into her. She rose and fell slowly allowing Gian to get used to the pace. Gian sucked on Jim hairy, tight ball sac as her fingers deftly teased at her Mistresses clit. Jim was barely holding it all together as the women gave him the wildest ride of his young life. He was breathing heavily as Josie worked her inner muscles around him grinding down into his pelvis with every stroke. She quickened her pace letting out a long low moan. Jim came too soon for Josie who groaned in dismay before standing up and pulling Gian's head back by the hair, straddling her face, and making her suck Jim's cum from her cunt as the girl's nose pressed against Josie's clit. She rode Gian's face cumming hard, crying out into the room as her legs shook. Dragging the girl with her, she collapsed back onto the couch beside the boggle eyed Jim, who still sported a hard on. Pulling the girl up to her chest to lap at her breasts, Josie turned her head to Jim, "You can fuck her now, she loves this position." Jim almost jumped from the couch positioning himself behind the girl; he entered her without any preamble, thrusting deeply, making Gian grunt in surprise. Jim didn't last must longer this time than he did with Josie, as the girl he fucked hard kissed the woman holding her. Each of the women caressed the other's breasts before his eyes as they kissed. Gian's body shook with her climax as Jim pumped his cum into her. The three lovers collapsed onto the floor in a tangled heap. Josie smiled, as the memory filled her mind, she had enjoyed the game of the hunter as much as she had enjoyed the spoils of war. "Josie," Rob repeated her name disturbing her reverie, "What is your take on Jim?" "The boy is no real threat to anyone, but himself," Josie shrugged, "He is as they say, 'young, dumb and full of cum'. His family connections, on the other hand, had been a surprise and required closer examination, which I have done." She looked at the assembled group, "It seems his god-father was strangely upset about the break up. Jim said he was actually angry with him for losing Bella to her new boss." She paused to look at Mel, "Jim didn't believe Bella had left him for anyone let alone an old man, and that she would come crawling back to him in a week or two and told his Godfather as much." Again she paused, "The concerning part was that the godfather had told Jim that he was planning to offer Bella a position in his new business venture and the offer was there as soon as he rectified the situation and got her back as well as good options for Jim, as a reward." Mike rolled his eyes. He had little time for Domme's believing them to be unreliable, confused women who should know their place instead of pretending they were equal to men. "Well he did leave Jim for someone else obviously, so this matters because?" He drawled. Josie did not miss a beat or react. She knew Mike's lifestyle would mean he would never accept her as the Domme she was. Ignoring the tone of his question she looked at them all before answering, "His godfather, it seems had plans for little Bella. Aren't you at all curious who he is?" She gave Mike a knowing look and her lip curled as she said, "Would you think it mattered if you knew the man who had plans for Bella was Lewis Arfor?" Grenade thrown, Josie sat back again keeping her penetrating gaze on Mike as the small group erupted into noisy chatter. As they digested and discussed this information there was a soft knock at the door, Stephen answered it speaking in hushed tones and taking a note from the girl. Closing the door he took the piece of paper over to Rob and passed it to him as the astonished murmuring of the name of a well known antagonist and rival rippled around the room. The note had four words, "Red. Red. Red. Belinda." ............................................... In the small hours of the following morning, Rob stood in the morgue with Belinda looking down on the body of Marie, she had apparently jumped from the Gateway bridge late last night and been pulled from the water by the Water Guard who stood post at each of the main bridges that crossed the mighty river of their city. The right ankle had been cut and the broken bone distorted the skin, but Rob discreetly used his phone to take a picture of what was left of the brand. He put his arm around the sobbing Belinda's shoulder and led her from the room. Owning Bella Ch. 05 Authors Note: Welcome back readers. As promised my monthly update to Bella's story. It is quite a bit longer than the previous chapters as it has now become a monthly treat to write rather than a chore to churn out chapters more rapidly than my mind could think through the story line. I hope you enjoy this installment. ~ellie * "I don't care what you fucking promised," Rob yelled vehemently. "She can't go home for the weekend. Not now! You fucking arrogant bastard, she's not an object like a car that you can replace if she gets damaged." Mel gritted his teeth and glared at his friend speaking in a deathly calm and quiet voice, "Look," he said an obvious edge to his voice, "Don't you think I have tried to figure a way around this?" He was tense, and his face betrayed his anxiousness, "I want her safe more than anyone don't you think? We have thirty-six hours to find something damning on Lewis or the kid, or I am taking her home to her parents for the weekend, end of story." "Even if we find something damning you know that's not enough to keep her safe," Rob was beyond angry. "It's just too much of a coincidence to take the risk." Mel understood his friend's motives. He wanted to save all other slaves from danger because he had failed to save his own, Kitty. The trip to the morgue earlier that morning had obviously been an emotional jolt for Rob. Mel backed off sitting back down at the desk. "I know," he said quietly, "but its more of a risk to put even more pressure on her at the moment than necessary, I am doing this for her and her family. What I want is for her to be happy not paranoid and insecure." He looked into his friend's eyes, "help me keep her safe, without making her a frightened prisoner here. Neither of us wants that." Seeing Mel uncharacteristically retreat from the argument, and reason with him instead; Rob let go of the rage that had been building inside of him and sagged back into a chair looking up at the portrait he both loathed and loved. The love of his life, kitty knelt demurely between himself and Mel, he closed his eyes at the painful memory of losing her. Kitty had been with Rob and Mel at the beginning of their ventures, all three were young and idealistic in their chosen lifestyle. Kitty belonged heart and soul to Rob, but she was equally affectionate with Mel and the trio worked hard to build the club from proceeds made possible from her inheritance of a small mining company which she had sold to Mel and Rob. Mel's business acumen turned it from a company barely breaking even to a world class company with revenue to rival most in the country within a few short years. Every penny of profit Rob and Mel sunk into researching similar clubs around the world and building their own to make it worthy of the great men of the world who shared their ethos. Kitty was, for all intents and purposes, first girl. She interviewed and trained every girl admitted to the club herself. She and Rob and on occasion Mel were headline events in the exhibition show room. As the club gained patronage through the harshest of vetting programs, so too did the number of staff grow until Kitty finally agreed to having a Dominant, if not a Master assist her in her managerial duties. Rob was Kitty's real power as she was his. Should a girl need punishment it was he who doled out the necessary measures. If masters over stepped their boundaries it was Rob who made sure they understood the repercussions of their deeds, but it was Kitty who watched everything, knew who everyone was and where they were at any given time. It was Rob and Kitty who ruled the club as Mel ruled their legitimate business partnership and signed the cheques covering all the expenses that the club couldn't meet itself. Mel enjoyed all of the lifestyle he had built with Kitty and Rob. He worked hard to put the company into the top twenty five in the country, and he helped Rob make the club an international destination for those in the lifestyle. The funds of both their labours never seemed to be enough though with the needed refurbishments to the floors above the club in the old heritage building they had bought. It was in these early years that Mel had married outside the lifestyle. He had courted and wed the only daughter of an equally successful mining magnate. She had a son from a previous, doomed relationship and Mel had adopted him upon their marriage. While more of a business deal than a marriage in the true sense of the word, they both agreed to live their separate lives each preferring a lifestyle that was not widely accepted within societal norms at the time. It was not a loveless marriage, they were indeed the best of friends, but each needed something different outside of the usual marriage vows. While, for the years of their son's young life, they put up the pretence of a happy marriage for friends and family they eventually spent less and less time together and more time with the type of women they preferred in their own ways. After the first decade everything had gone so well, the company, the club, the lives of the three lovers all seemed to be heading in the direction they had worked so hard to achieve. Satisfied and content with their success Rob and kitty started to spend time away from the club, reigniting their love and devotion to each other. Mel also travelled and spent time on his own pleasures having worked hard to get where he was in the business world. It was at this time, when they had begun to relax their total control over things that a rush of rotten luck plagued them. There was a death at the club that almost had them shut down, the murderer citing an urban myth by scrawling on a mirror in the bathroom where the body was found, "Bloody Mary", three times. As the club was investigated and fought off uneducated accusations, there was a run on the stock of Mel's company. Fighting off each attack took time and money neither of which they could afford, but surprisingly the club had flourished on the unwitting publicity the media had given them and damage to the company was minimal. The investigation of the murder at the club had led to only dead ends and a shadowy figure referred to as Lucifer. The police had no real leads and believed the shadowy figure to be part of urban myth itself, like the boogie man, Lucifer seemed an insubstantial spectre. It was kitty who unwittingly made the connection. As she trawled through the video footage from the cameras on the night of the murder, she saw a man she didn't recognise in the background of the show room. It wouldn't be so hard to borrow a real member's card or be signed in as a guest by a member who had put them forward for vetting. Checking and cross checking the members who were there that night she saw no guests had entered through the main door of the club, and none had been listed. All the emergency exits were alarmed, so someone must have let him through the kitchen door. Again she trawled through video tapes, they had cameras everywhere except the bathrooms until she found the proof she needed. The trio took the video tapes to the police and walked them through Kitty's discovery. The camera view of the kitchen door had been restricted by a large rack of bread but following the movement of people around it and the video scenes in the dinning room minutes later they could see quite clearly the unknown man before he disappeared into the shadows along the walls. The shock was that the girl who had let him in was the murder victim herself. The man was subsequently identified, arrested, found guilty and imprisoned. He claimed to be acting on his own. He did not divulge a motive and did not seem at all disturbed at his sentencing. One of the arresting officers had gone to the club to meet with Mel and Rob when it was all over remarking, "Oh did I mention we found your boogie man? The murder worked for Lewis Arfor. Get it? Lewisafor, Lucifer," he had laughed loudly and slapped his knee at the joke. Kitty had testified in court that she had found the unknown man on the video tape, her knowledge of every club and staff member made her uniquely able to make the distinction. They had celebrated that night and Rob related the story of the comedian cop and the name of their boogieman. "Sounds familiar Kitty said, "Is he a member?" "Blackballed," Rob replied, "By Mel, shady business dealings or some such." "Well there's your motive, revenge for a bruised ego," Kitty said seriously, "Better keep an eye on that one." A few days later, Kitty went out on an errand and never returned. Her body was found by hikers, the shallow grave had revealed part of her foot after a heavy rainfall. There were no clues, no suspects no one to blame but the boogieman or in Rob's mind, Lucifer. "Well there's your motive," he heard Kitty's voice in his head, "I put his loyal henchman in jail." Rob had become obsessed with the man he called Lucifer, delving into his shady business practises through Mel's contacts. Each time he thought he had some evidence of wrong doing the trail would end. A feature spot on a crime stoppers TV show finally turned up new leads in the death of Kitty and a reclusive truck driver who had been visiting the city the day Kitty went missing was arrested and finally convicted not only of her murder but several others between the city and the north coast town he lived in. Finally able to lay Kitty to rest, and never having been able to link the murder of his love with the reclusive Lucifer, Rob let go of his obsession and retreated to his beach side house to grieve. While he made regular trips into the city, he had never fully returned until he met the girl that had captured Mel's heart. He had felt an instant connection with the girl. She had a vulnerability about her that made him want to protect her even though he knew she would have to be a strong young woman to meet Mel's standards. Still he felt drawn to her and protective of the girl Mel had chosen to wear his collar. Taking his eyes from the portrait Rob murmured, "It's time to replace that," he waved his hand at the large portrait, "It's time to move on. All these coincidences are just bringing back bad memories. You're right, there is no proof, and we are wiser now. If it's all the same to you, though, I might go check on the princess myself, just to be sure." He got up and began to walk out as Mel replied, "No one wants to forget what happened, Rob. We just can't be jumping at shadows again, but I have put watchers on Lewis and Jim." He smiled as Rob turned back to him, "We are wealthier and wiser this time around. It won't hurt to make sure our assets are protected even if only from shadows." "Extra security for her as well?" Rob asked. "Already in place," Mel smirked, "I'm glad your back, my friend, you've been away too long. No one yells at me here and reminds me what an insufferable bastard I can be." Rob laughed, "That's only because Kurt does it with a smile on his face instead and I bet Dianne has said it under her breath more than once." He turned thoughtful, "I thought she would have earned her Domme boots back by now, what's going on there?" "I think she finally found someone to appreciate her unique style of submission," Mel smirked, "and made her rethink which end of the leash she wanted to be on." "A man of many talents," Rob chuckled, "Maybe we should give him a raise." With the tension gone Rob could see the strain on Mel's face. He had taken the reigns of the company and club both when not only Kitty disappeared but Rob all but disappeared into self-imposed exile too. He regretted his earlier harsh words, "Let's grab a beer and an early lunch and take it up stairs and check on your girl," he smiled, "We could both use the break and the sweet company. I still can't believe an old goat like you got such a sweet princess to beg for your collar." Mel laughed easily, "Amazing isn't she," he said with pride and love in his voice. "Yeah, let's go keep the little one company." Mel imagined her as she was the last time he had her in the training room and knew she was far from a princess, the thought making him grin. "Go order us some lunch to take up and see if anyone up there wants anything and I will just finish off here, give me ten minutes or so." "Sure take your time I will meet you up there if you like," Rob again smiled keeping the mood light, "You old people need to take things slowly," he stopped suddenly remembering why they had been in the restaurant on the day of Bella's accident and cursed, making Mel look up at him. "I just remembered something I had to do, can we make it thirty minutes, I will organise the lunch and meet you back here." "Sure," Mel agreed, "I need to check in with the office, Kurt is running things over there at the moment, so I better make sure a clown troupe isn't roaming the halls. Just as well Dorothea is there to reign him in." Rob laughed as he sauntered out, "Yeah good luck with that." Mel rang the office, despite his laid back, comedic nature Kurt was a brilliant businessman and Mel truly had little concern leaving him at the helm of his company for a day or two. Stephen and Jake could run this place blind folded and had been loyal and trusted employees from the clubs early days when procedures were being put into place. He had surrounded himself with good reliable people, and he finally had the girl he had always wanted, "Why now?" He asked himself. It had been years since they last had to discuss the reclusive and shadowy figure of Lewis Arfor and he certainly didn't want to go down that road again and reignite Rob's obsession with the man. He hung up from Kurt, Josie had checked in with him at the company. She had taken it upon herself to keep tabs on Jim and his dealings with Lewis, which worked well for Mel. Aside of the extra security for Bella, which would be expected, he was determined to show no reaction to the death of Marie aside of a wreath to accompany Stephen and Belinda's attendance at her funeral. She was a valued employee after all. Without a reaction from himself or the club, if this was anything more than an unstable girl pulling a nasty stunt and regretting it, it would be up to whoever was behind it to make the next move, and hopefully expose who they are. Mel did not want to believe his newly formed relationship with Bella was under attack from a smart mouthed little punk like Jim, but that would be far preferable to what Rob was suggesting. As always when he thought of Bella he smiled. Rob would be back soon, so he let images of her dance through his mind, they had only had one true training session together, and he craved more. He could, he realised take out his frustration with several of the girls in the club that he had favoured in the past, but they paled in comparison to Bella now that he had exactly what he wanted. He sat back in his chair and closed his eyes seeing her as she had been that night in the training room, so willing, so obedient, so eager to learn more. His minds eye saw her in the thick leather training collar and cuffs kneeling at his feet, and he groaned out loud. He could hear her sweet begging and see her tears as he relived the moment she learned what it would mean to serve him properly. His need to possess her totally that night had been intense, and he wanted more, he would take her again tonight, perhaps not as harshly due to her injury, but she would know he was still her Master and would use her as and when he wanted. As his mind revelled in sadistic delight, he remembered how she had cum hard and often as he humiliated and painted her body red with pain. He had truly fucked her ass for the first time that night, claiming all of her as his. He relived every delectable moment. Bella had been trembling in heat and passion from his use, her voice croaked mewls as he pressed a vibe against her clit positioning his cock at her asshole. Leaning slightly over her he had pressed the bulbous head within her causing her to squeal hoarsely, her breath already ragged from her doubled over position. Mel had begun to fuck her, going deeper on each stroke until he was fully embedded. He had stopped momentarily savouring the feel and the almost painful tightness of his slave. He had begun to fuck her hard then, her sobs and cries giving him momentum rather than causing him to ease up on her. "Cum you fucking nasty slut, Cum!" Mel had roared at her and buried himself to the hilt as she had come, he had exploded inside her with such intensity that his legs buckled. And he groaned at the memory. "Yes tonight, he would take that sweet ass again," he decided. "She was stronger than anyone gave her credit for, he doubted she felt any of the effects of the concussion anymore, but he knew that until the doctor gave his all clear tomorrow and they left the hospital, he would not take her with the same intensity as their first session had been. Even then, he thought morosely, he would have to deliver her to her parents for the weekend. * * * * * Rob had left Mel and walked into Stephen and Jake's small office that nestled behind the larger office he and Mel used. It had doors similarly that ran from the reception room and to the restaurant kitchen area. "Right," Rob said as Stephen looked up at him from his computer as he barged in unannounced, "What is the plan for tomorrow or is it on hold because of all this bullshit?" "Mel wants it to go ahead even though he won't be here until late if at all," Stephen ran his fingers through his hair. "He wants to make sure if anyone is messing with us that we look as if business is going on as normal." "Ah," Rob nodded, "Mel of course had been looking after him as well with his speech about not jumping at shadows. Mel had had to look after everything himself for so long and once again Rob knew he had lost his mind and forgotten the details. Mel was right of course. He was always right, damn it, Rob thought. "Good." Rob finally replied, "You've got it all under control then." Stephen laughed, Rob was always mercurial, quick to temper and just as quick to laugh. "What's on your mind?" Stephen asked. "I guess I just didn't realise how well everyone got on with things while I was gone, I don't seem to be able to get a grip on it all again, yet. Of course, Mel has it all organised. He's a control freak you know," Rob smirked. "Tell me something I don't know," Stephen continued to laugh. "We want lunch and beers sent up to Bella's place in half an hour how about that?" Rob grinned, "Some of those amazing steak sandwiches would be good, who's up there with her?" "Dusty's still there, Jack went to see a man about a pony," Stephen sat back in his chair considering Rob, "Waldorf salad?" "Perfect! See I knew there was a reason we kept you around," Rob stood up, "Alright I have other birthday plans to get on with, seeing as you're so good at your job." "Plans?" Stephen could see the mischief brewing behind Rob's eyes. "Sure, I have to plan if I am going to mess with the control freaks birthday plans," Rob chuckled and walked to the door. Still smiling he turned back to Stephen, "Do me a favour, in about half an hour go tell Mel I will meet him upstairs, delay him a little if you can," Stephen shook his head still laughing softly, he had missed Rob, his infrequent visits had been purposeful rather than for fun, and he had still been in a kind of mourning phase. He was glad to see the old Rob back and making mischief in the club. Rob took the lift up to see Bella. As the lift doors opened a man stood directly before the lift, and as Rob greeted him and stepped out another man moved from a space out of his line of sight into the hallway. The first man nodded his head in greeting, "Mr Collins." "Call me Rob, Please," he groaned and made his way to Bella's apartment knocking and letting himself in before the door could be answered. "Bite me at your own peril," he smirked at Dusty who had jumped out of her seat as the door opened. Dusty grinned wide showing bright white teeth. Owning Bella Ch. 05 Bella looked up and was once again struck by Rob's rugged handsomeness as he walked toward her. She wasn't sure how to act with Master Rob, he came off as so laid back and charming, but she remembered his correction of her and his inspection the night she had begged her collar from Mel. She knew from that brief interaction that he could and would be just as demanding as her Master. She had been told at that time that Rob would be like a second Master, if anything happened to Mel it was Rob who would assume the responsibility of looking after her. She stood and quietly greeted him, "Hello, Master Rob." "Hello, Princess, how are you feeling today?" Rob smiled widely at her. He crossed the floor and picked her up in a bear hug and put her back in the chair she had been sitting in looking at her lap top. "I feel great," Bella smiled, but it didn't make it to her eyes. "Do you want to try that again but tell me the truth this time?" Rob frowned at her, "It's not beyond my duties to spank you young lady." Bella's eyes widened and she felt butterflies fill her tummy with excitement at the thought. "Really I am totally fine, no headache, not a lump anymore, I am all good." She rushed to assure him. "Okay," Rob studied her face, "So what's bothering you then because that is not the expression of someone who is "Great"" Rob quizzed her further, "And you may as well tell me the truth because I will know if you try to lie to me again." Bella's eyes glanced over at Dusty and then back up to Rob as she took a breath and opened her mouth finally whispering, "No one will let me do anything. Dusty even made my bed for me. I can't cook because it's all pre-prepared food which would be great normally because I would be too busy but right now I am bored to stupidity. I have been emailing Dorothea asking for work to be emailed, but she refused." Bella lowered her eyes, "I know I was hurt, but this is ridiculous. I am fine." She looked up and saw him listening intently as he studied her face and sighed, "Master has barely touched me since I left the hospital, it's as if he thinks I might break or something." Rob was surprised by her answer, but it made his plans all the easier to put into place. "It just so happens I have a job for you and it sounds like you need a diversion," Rob said seriously pulling at his earlobe thoughtfully. Bella's eyes regained some life and Rob began to outline his plan to get her to ask her parents to come to town tomorrow for her hospital appointment then keep them here with tickets to a show or something so that Bella could spend Mel's birthday with him. Dusty's head swivelled around, and her heightened sense of hearing made her move toward them. Rob rolled his eyes, "I can help," Dusty's low voice held an element of excitement in it too, "This sounds like fun." Rob raised an eyebrow and Dusty told him her idea of giving them tickets to Cavalero, a horse show that her Master was consulting on. Looking at his watch he said, "We have about ten minutes before lunch and Mel arrives. Go make your calls, I will delay him a minute or two if I need to," Rob smiled at the two girls. Stephen arrived with Theo one of the trainee managers carrying the food and drinks they had ordered to come up closely followed by Mel. Bella had quickly disappeared through her room to the bathroom as she tried to end her phone call and Mel looked around as he came in searching for her. It was Dusty who spoke, "Bella went to the bathroom a second ago, Master Mel," It was rare to hear Dusty's voice and Mel raised his eyebrow. Rob laughed disarming the situation, "Protective isn't she, almost bit me when I came in unannounced." Mel turned to look at Rob, "Thought you were meeting me down stairs." "How am I supposed to rescue the princess from the old ogre if you're always around?" Rob complained. "You should have bitten him," Mel said in mock seriousness to Dusty and began to walk toward Bella's room as Rob chuckled. Bella left the bathroom just as Mel walked in and smiled widely, he reached out and pulled her to him kissing her passionately without saying a word. "I miss having you constantly by my side little one," he murmured between kisses, making her smile wider and her arms wrap around his body. Mel stroked his hands down over her body and felt her quiver and respond immediately to his touch. Breaking the kiss he placed his hand heavily on her shoulder, and she melted to her knees before him, looking up and whispering, "I have missed you so, Master." Bella echoed his earlier words. Uncaring of the people in the other room Mel went and closed the bedroom door giving them some small amount of privacy. Bella's eyes followed him, and as he came back to stop before her, she bent forward and brushed her lips over the leather of his boots almost purring at being at his feet again and cursing the accident that had seen him wrap her in cotton wool so to speak and barely touch her since, she felt fine and wished everyone would just let her go back to normal. Mel ran his fingers through her hair as she knelt back up before him. Tightening the hold in her hair he watched her wince and immediately released her. Bella dropped her head feeling she had disappointed him, but he lifted her chin, "Tell me," he said. "It's just where the actual lump was that is tender. I am honestly all better now. I feel great, no headaches, or any other side effects," She rushed her answer, before sighing, "Please, Master, don't stop. I need to be yours again, properly, not treated like a china doll that might break at any moment." She felt better for saying it out loud to her Master rather than complaining to Master Rob. Mel was surprised by her answer, but he did not show it, "I want only to ensure my precious treasure is kept in perfect condition if that means you must wait for more training than that is my decision and you must accept it and trust me." He smiled and lowered his hands to her breasts he fondled them through the thin fabric of the short summer dress feeling the hardened tips and noting her arousal at being alone with him for what seemed the first time since leaving hospital. Pulling her to her feet by her nipples he kissed her again and ground his hardening cock against her belly, "It is not that I do not want to use you, little slut," he growled showing her his own need. "We will spend the night together alone and discuss it further," he kissed her again his mind planning a light training session to take the edge off both their need. Mel hadn't let go of her nipples and he twisted them one last time. Her whimpers were so musical to his ears, then he smacked her ass turning her toward the door and placing his hand on the nape of her neck. Bella's body betrayed her excitement at his touch as her still painful nipples lead the way back into the living room and their company. Rob was talking with Dusty about his beach shack in a remote area of the coastline south of the town they lived in, not too far from the ranch where Jack and Dusty lived. It was far enough away to seem remote but was within an hour's drive of the city for the average person. It was less for Rob, who rode his motorcycle like he had a death wish, "Seems I will have to spend more time in the city again though, so if you and Jack ever want a change of pace just let me know," Rob finished saying as Mel and Bella sat down at the table with them. Rob eyed Bella, his eyes obviously lingering on the hard tips of her perky breasts poking through the flimsy material of the dress. His lips curled, and he looked up at Mel, "Nice of you to join us, you certainly have a wonderful effect on your girl." Mel reached over and fondled her left breast making her blush deeper and her lip suck in to be chewed upon. "Mm hm," was all Mel murmured before surveying the lunch and declaring, "I'm famished, let's eat." Rob reiterated his story about spending more time in the city and offering the use of his shack to his friends, "I'll even take your girl down there for some of my own personalised training if you like, Mel," Rob leered at Bella as Mel seemed to consider it. "Maybe sometime," Mel finally answered and Rob smiled widely, "But I don't imagine it will be any time soon," It was Mel's turn to smirk and Dusty grinned at Rob's look of chagrin. Bella picked at her salad as she let the rest of the conversation wash over her. She was paying attention, she knew better than not to, but her mind kept drifting to the fact that tomorrow was her Masters birthday, and she had nothing to give him and even if she could go shopping she actually had no idea what to get him. "What are you thinking little one?" Mel interrupted her thoughts making her jump guiltily. "I am sorry, I was listening to you all really," Bella squeaked. "The beach shack sounds like a wonderful place to visit for a few days of uninterrupted, um, fun." She finished lamely. "I know you were little one, but you looked so forlorn that whatever is on your mind is obviously bothering you," Mel pressed her. "I am just little stir crazy being stuck here, and talking about holidays by the sea, I guess," she immediately regretted her words and back tracked, "I am so terribly grateful for all the care and concern everyone has shown me but do you think maybe I could go for a walk? See the sunshine and get some fresh air, John could follow me. You would know exactly where I was," Bella asked hopefully. "You need to rest until we see the doctor again tomorrow, my Ellie," Mel said gently but firmly. "Yes Master," Bella replied quietly. "I'll stay and play tea parties with you, little princess. You can play the lady of leisure while the old grump goes back to work," Rob grinned trying to lighten the mood around the table. Dusty snorted which made Bella giggle all the more as Rob looked injured, "What?" He said, "I like a good tea party along with the next guy!" Jack walked in as Dusty snorted again and Bella dissolved into giggles, Dusty's head immediately came up, and she rushed to her master's side. Jack ran his hand through her ponytail and down her back. "Oh good you're here," he strode over to Mel stopping to stroke Bella hair, "I hear you are feeling better Bella, that's good." To Mel, he said, "I have a couple of guys coming over to fit Dusty for some new gear I found. You don't mind do you? We could always go down to the club, but I think Dusty and Dianne have hatched a plan to look after your little one, so she is reluctant to leave." Mel grimaced, "I don't think Dianne has been a good influence on our girl's Jack, you and I may have to have a little chat with her about that." Mel stroked Bella's cheek, "I do apologise for and appreciate the inconvenience to you Jack. This one is extremely precious to me." "It's not too unreasonable," he turned to look pointedly at Dusty, "Yet." Then he turned to look at Bella who had dropped her eyes and was almost pouting at the trouble her clumsiness had caused. "We were in town for a few days anyway." He stroked Bella's hair again, "Got another beer around somewhere?" "Of course, Master Jack," Bella stood up and scampered to the kitchen. The fridge was so well stocked she was sure she had seen beer in there. With relief, she saw she was right and grabbed a bottle and a small glass tankard before hurrying back out and holding them out to Jack with a smile. "Thank you sweet girl but I don't need the tankard, the bottle will do just fine," he said taking it from her and twisting off the cap with a hissing sound denoting its freshness. Bella returned the tankard to the kitchen and came back to begin clearing the table. Distracted by her Master, Dusty had allowed Bella to clean up alone. She lost herself in the mundane chores or washing and wiping the plates, she was unsure of how to send them back down to the club, so she left them stacked on the bench with the trays they came on. "You didn't have to do that you know," Mel's voice was soft as he leaned against the doorframe of the kitchenette. He wanted her to be happy, but her safety had to come first. "I understand you are frustrated, my Ellie, but you have to be patient," Mel pulled her too him and kissed her. "I couldn't bear it if anything else happened to you," he admitted, "You are mine, I want you healthy, happy and in my collar." His fingers trailed around the collar decorating her neck. Bella smiled up at him, "I understand, Master," she whispered and returned his kiss when he took her lips again. "Good girl, I have to go into the office, I will be back tonight," he stroked his hand down over her body before leading her back out to the living room. Mel looked at Rob, "You coming back to the office or staying at the club?" "Are you kidding?" Rob replied, "I am staying right here, with that delectable little morsel you can't seem to let go of, and we are going to watch Dusty try on the new tack and gear. You wouldn't want to deprive me of that would you?" Rob was wide eyed in wonder, "I am close enough if they need me downstairs." Bella couldn't help but smile at his expression and the groan she could imagine went with a rolling of her Master's eyes at Rob's response. Mel looked at Jack who just shrugged his shoulders and chuckled, "You can stay too if you like, my friend. Never let it be said that I won't share my toys," Jack nodded meaningfully toward Bella who stood with Mel's hand still wrapped around the nape of her neck. "Perhaps I should leave Bella with Stephen rather than you two reprobates," Mel growled, but his mouth turned up in a smile at its corners. "He never did share well, did he?" Jack remarked to Rob. "Control freak," Rob replied, "Hand over the precious princess and go sort out the clowns at the company before we become bankrupt." "Kurt must be running things over there if there are clowns about," Jack chuckled as Mel cut in. "Notice Rob only seems to be a partner in the business when he is talking about money?" Mel was struggling to keep his stern demeanour. "We all have our own strengths," Rob said lightly, "I'm the creative genius behind your business acumen." Giving up Mel bent low and kissed Bella passionately leaving no doubt to anyone who watched them exactly how he felt about his girl. "I will be back in a few hours," he murmured and almost ceremonially took her over to Rob, "Try not to wear her out, I have plans for her tonight." "I'll see what I can do," Rob grinned and winked at Bella. Mel left the apartment and chuckled once the door was closed. He had undeniably missed Rob, but the strictness and sternness with which he had treated Bella during the first week of trial he had put her through were rapidly being undone by his friends, and though he knew he needed to be careful he would make sure she remembered his Mastery tonight. Bella watched Mel go and unsure of what to do next or how to act before these two Masters she sank to her knees beside Robs chair and was rewarded by his hand petting her hair. Jack turned to Dusty, "Explain." Dusty knelt before her Master and looked up into his face explaining quietly how Bella's accident had derailed many of the plans for Mel's birthday and how she had hoped that her Master could help repair some of the damage with the things she had asked for in their hurried phone call. Rob had chimed in from time to time admitting that it was he that had included the girls in his planning knowing Jack would not approve of the girls making decisions for their Masters. "I see," Jack said slowly. He turned his serious eyes on Bella, "Aren't you a little bundle of trouble." Bella dropped her eyes and looked at the ground. "The chaos you have brought from the moment Mel introduced you to us all has never happened before," his deep voice sounded in her ears, and if she could have shrunk down any further she would have, she felt so guilty she had no words even to apologise. "The fact that one girl can cause such chaos has really pissed off Mike, you should have seen his face the other night, when Josie delivered her news!" Jack finally let out a roar of laughter and Bella looked up surprised and watched him stroke Dusty's mane as he continued, "Honestly, Sugar, it was better than that time you bit him, she may as well have kicked him in the balls." Jack was laughing so hard he could barely get the words out. Robs hand brushed Bella's hair aside and allowed his fingers to trail over the skin of her neck and shoulders as he chuckled with Jack. Bella was confused and tilted her head up to Rob, "What happened last night, Master?" She didn't know anyone named Josie and she hadn't done anything else to create chaos, that she knew of. "Nothing for you to worry about, little one," Rob's tone brooked no more questions and Bella turned back to watch Jack who had lapsed into a quieter chuckle realising he had said too much. Bella considered the burly man, she was still confused and unsure if she was being berated or not. Something had happened last night and Mike, she assumed that was Mike Millar, was angry at her for all the trouble she had caused, and who was this Josie who was telling stories about her? "Do not look so worried little one, I am enjoying the chaos immensely. It's about time someone brought some life back into the place, it's been almost comatose since Rob left and Kurt went over seas to sort out a business deal for a while," Jack smiled at her. "I have every intention of helping you with your plans, troublemaker. I wouldn't miss it for the world." "I didn't mean to cause any trouble, honestly," Bella said quietly, "I'm sorry." She was still confused by the big man. "You have nothing to be sorry about," Rob said from beside her. "Any girl who took Mel's collar was bound to cause a little stir. Just happens that the stir got a bit bigger than expected with your accident, that's all." Bella smiled half heartedly up at him, "Thank you for saying that." She sat silently thinking about all the things that had been said be lifting her head again, "If there is enough time before Dusty's fitting I would like to go have a shower and rest a little, please, Master Rob." Rob frowned at her but nodded, "Of course." Excusing herself Bella padded silently from the room and closed her bedroom door, her life had been spiralling out of control for the last ten days. Opening the closet she looked at all the beautiful clothes, she turned and surveyed her room, ten days ago she lived in a small dingy apartment, had normal friends, an on again off again boyfriend and a semblance of a normal life. Now it was all gone replaced with secrets and constant insecurities. She couldn't work out what she had done to create the chaos Jack mentioned or to make Mike Millar angry at her. Taking a clean dress from the closet she turned toward the shower. The door opened behind her, and she swivelled mid step to see Rob coming in and closing the door. Rob looked at her sad eyes and knew she tearing herself up inside over Jack's off hand comments. Too intelligent for her own good, her thoughtful introspection always seemed to be guilt laden, and he could see she was about to break down again as she had the other morning. At least there was no opportunity to flee this time or she might have run from the apartment rather than just asking to rest. With her comment about Mel earlier, Rob realised it was time to take some action. "You realise my role on the night you begged Mel's collar?" He asked finally after staring at her for several minutes taking in her stance and the look in her eyes. "Yes, Master Rob," Bella's body visibly straightened and her head came up. Closing the gap between them Rob asked, "You know then that will obey me as you obey him and that while you may wear his collar and belong to him, I also hold dominion over you. Particularly in his absence it is me that you will obey and strive to please." Owning Bella Ch. 05 Bella chewed her lip, she had understood at the time, Mel had told her as much, and he had made it clear by his thorough inspection of her immediately after the collaring ceremony. She nodded, "Yes, Master Rob." "I understand you have had little time for training with Mel as yet, but you will find me just as demanding if not more so when we are alone," His voice was hard and deep as he towered above her, "and when we are alone as now, I expect to be greeted appropriately when I enter the room." Without hesitating Bella sank to her knees before him, his tone was commanding and left no doubt as to his expectation that she would obey him. She lowered her head to his boots and brushed her lips over them kissing them before kneeling back up. "I see he has not totally neglected your training then," Rob smiled in approval. "You will find Mel and I are men of similar taste which will make serving me on occasion much easier. The subtle and not so subtle differences you will learn over time." Rob watched her as he moved away to sit in one of the two antique looking armchairs in the room, her eyes were alight and followed his every movement. He motioned her toward him and to his delight she crawled to him rather than standing and walking. He stroked her hair as she knelt before him, "Strip." Bella's mind had stopped spinning as she concentrated on the Master before her, she had only seen a small part of this side him that first night when she had received her formal collar. She obediently pulled the short dress over her head and folded it neatly before placing it beside his chair. While the way Mel dressed her left little to the imagination, Rob still marvelled at the youthful sweetness and lush beauty of the girl before him. "Display," he commanded and again took his time to survey her. He kicked lightly at her knees to open her thighs wider to his view. His fingers trailed over her breasts lightly taking in the small mounds of soft flesh before flicking the nipples lightly, "Not pierced yet, has he discussed this with you?" Bella squeaked as he flicked the hardened pink tips of her breasts before answering breathily, "Master has decided not to do that at the moment, he uses a decorative chain with loops hung with bells beneath my work blouses." "And in training," he pressed. "He has used clamps once or twice, though we have had little time for training since I became his," Bella spoke quietly, a tremble in her voice as his booted foot rubbed between her legs the leather teasing at the lips of her cunt. "Good," he looked down at his boot and smirked, "Quite the excitable little slut aren't you, Princess." He watched her blush fill her cheeks as he with drew his foot back momentarily before pressing it harder against her lips. While both Master's were sadists who enjoyed the aspects of pain and humiliation, Mel's kink was firmly embedded in his sadistic desire for a girls tears and cries of erotic pain while Rob enjoyed that aspect of it to a lesser degree, it was when it was coupled with the humiliating aspects of a scene that he got the most pleasure. Rob could see that Bella had been as on edge as she had been the morning he had found her hiding under Dianne's desk. Her eyes though now seemed clearer as she concentrated on the Master before her. What the girl needed was routine and some small amount of normalcy in her life. From what he knew, Mel had put her on a rollercoaster ten days ago that hadn't stopped yet. "I want you to listen to me carefully now," his foot stopped moving and pulled back a little and he waited for her eyes to show her understanding that he was serious. "It is the nature of Master's and Dominants that we are arrogant and insensitive people on the whole. What we do and how we act in public is quite different to how we are behind closed doors, much like the rest of society. When Mel and I and our friends are together we may seem laid back and light hearted, but there is always an underlying current there for little ones, good training will teach you those nuances. Taking Jack's good natured teasing to heart did not become a slave of Mel's or mine for that matter, and while you have been through some trauma this week and Jack may forgive you easily, I am extremely disappointed." Bella blushed and hung her head in shame, disappointed with herself and the knowledge of what she had inadvertently done, insulting Master Jack. Rob leant forward and cupped her chin bringing her head up to meet his eyes once again. "I imagine that beautifully expressive face is one of the reasons Mel adores you so much, I have to admit it appeals to me greatly as well, so you will not hide it from me anymore , do you understand?" "Yes, Master," Bella whispered. "You know your place. You accepted your place at a Master's feet the moment you accepted your collar. Stop questioning it. That expressive face of your shows your doubt and confusion and it does not become you," Rob still gripped her chin tightly so she could not drop her head, so she lowered her eyes, shame flaming her features. "You are exquisite, intelligent and strong, but you lack confidence and trust in your masters and that is something that you must work on. Nothing that has happened is your fault. Nor has anything diminished your worthiness to wear Mel's collar. So stop worrying, and leave that to your Master's." Rob smirked at her and she stopped chewing at her lip. Bella wanted to apologise, to blame herself for her own self centred foolishness, but she knew that was what he had warned her against, so she stayed silent and looked up into his eyes. He was so similar but so different at the same time to Mel. It had taken time, and a lot of words on Mel's behalf to convince Bella that he wanted, needed and adored her, but she felt she could see it in this man's eyes though he had never come close to saying those things to her. She wondered if she might be reading too much into the look he gave her at that moment. "I should spank you," Rob murmured, "but you are so tempting I may not be able to stop, and you haven't been given the all clear yet. Mel probably wouldn't be impressed if I damaged his girl. So you should go have a quick shower, Princess, then come back out to the living area." Rob left the room, she was right he thought, she had been wrapped in cotton wool, and that wasn't the way to treat a girl like her. She needed to know what was expected of her, he felt satisfied he had stopped the inner turmoil that Jacks teasing had created in her already fragile psyche and had halted another possible melt down like the other day. He was wrong. Bella watched him leave and waited for the door to close before she let the tears fall. "She had tried to warn them all that she could never be good enough, be submissive enough, be anything enough," she cried to herself. Now she was the troublemaker who upset all his friends and the girls at the club. She felt sick at the thought of how disappointed Mel would be in her after today. She needed to go home, to her parents and forget all of the drama and trouble she had caused by her mere presence in Mel's life. She couldn't face Mel or his friend's again, knowing what they must be thinking about her lack of training and manners. There was only one thing she knew she could do now. * * * * * Joe walked into the heritage building and approached the front desk, "Hi, I am Joe Biancotti, my daughter, Bella, is expecting me. She is on three." Joe took in the surprised expressions of the reception staff one of whom openly gaped at him. "Would you have some ID Mr Biancotti?" A young woman smiled at him, and the second woman regained her wits and went through a side door, allowing another girl to take her place. "Oh, of course," Joe smiled, "One of the things we liked about this building was the added security. Can't be too careful these days can you?" The young woman looked at the ID scrutinising it carefully, "So true, Mr Biancotti. Just a moment and I will get you a pass card for the elevators. Does she know you're coming?" "Yes, I spoke to her about twenty minutes ago. She had a bit of a bump on the head, and I think she is just feeling unwell. I thought it best to check on her since I was in town today anyway," he watched the girl shuffle through several pass cards, "I wouldn't normally be able to pop in like this, but she sounded so upset on the phone," he let his worry show in his voice in the hopes that it may speed up her security check. Bella emerged from her room as she heard the commotion and loud expletives that signalled the news of the arrival of Joe downstairs. She was dressed in one of her old comfortable dresses that had made the move with some of her belongings from her old flat. She was surprised at how like a shapeless sack it felt compared to the newer clothes Mel had given her. "Your father's here," Rob said as he walked toward her. Not wanting to alarm her father, Jack and Dusty were moving to Mel's apartment with the security team from the hallway. "I know," Bella said calmly. Rob finally took in the way she was dressed and the overnight bag in her hand. "What did you do?" He growled at her. "You were right," Bella said quietly, "I have been self absorbed and emotional taking too much to heart. I can't bear to disappoint Mel, and you and his other friends anymore," she stopped and swallowed noisily as a tear escaped the corner of her eye, "I need to go home, where I belong." She put her bag down and fumbled with the chain collar around her neck. "Don't you dare take that off," Rob roared loudly making her jump in fear from the tone of his voice. "That is Mel's, as you are Mel's. It is not something you can decide on a whim, then just leave," Rob stilled her hands surprisingly gently and pulled them away from her neck, "You will break him if you do this. Don't do this," Rob's eyes beseeched her. "I can't be what you all want me to be. I can't live in this cage without any freedom at all. He promised I would have freedom and choice, but I don't. All I have is the constant disappointment of other people for not being good enough to be with him," she was crying in earnest now, and a knock sounded at the door. "I will keep the collar for now, but I need to get away," she waved her arms about, "from all this, from all of you." Bella sidestepped Rob, ran to the door opening it wide, and flung herself into her father's arms. "Elliebellie, what on earth is wrong?" Joe asked as he all but carried her back inside stopping at the sight of Rob. "Hi," Rob said easily, "I'm Rob, a friend of Mel's, I was dropping off some stuff, and he asked me to check in on Bella while I was here. It looks like she is happier to see you than me, though it's hard to tell with those tears." Bella gulped and sniffled, "Daddy, I should have come home with you and mummy from the hospital, this new place just doesn't seem like mine yet, and I want my own bed and some of mummy's chocolate chiffon cake." "Nothing wrong with being homesick, Elliebellie," Joe hugged her tightly. "But what about seeing the doc tomorrow?" "Dr Moss will come out won't he?" Bella asked hopefully. "I am sure he will, but he is no expert," her father was looking at her as she wiped her face on the tissues Rob had offered. "What about the birthday lunch? You were so excited about that earlier when you rang me?" "It's been two days, if I was going to have side effects, they would have shown before now. I am sure he won't even have to treat my homesickness once I am there," she smiled. "Maybe we could have Mel over for a barbeque on Sunday and thank him properly for all his help lately, then if I am feeling better I can come back to work with him." Knowing someone would have called him and not wanting the confrontation Bella looked up at Joe, "Please, Daddy, I just want to go home." "Well your mother will be happy," Joe smiled and hugged her. "Go and pack a bag then, I will reschedule my afternoon meeting." "I feel better already," Bella disentangled herself from her fathers arms and went to pick up the small bag she had already packed. Joe walked to the kitchen as he spoke briefly to the secretary of his afternoon meeting and rescheduled it for Monday with sincere apologies for the late notice. Then he called Rosie and said he was coming back early with a surprise and asked her if she could bake a chiffon cake, she had laughed at the strange request and teased him about his waistline getting bigger before agreeing. Smiling he hung up it would be nice to have Bella home for the weekend. It had been too long since they had spent any real time together as a family, the party last weekend had been much too busy to find out how everything was with her. Bella had stood at the door holding her bag counting the minutes while her father was on the phone, "This isn't the answer Bella," Rob tried reason, "You could have talked to Mel. He isn't the ogre I make him out to be." "I did, during lunch. I begged him even, to let me go out for a walk, to use me when we were alone in the bedroom," her head dropped. "I have just been a fragile bird in a gilded cage, and I have still managed to disappoint everyone this afternoon, as well as last night, apparently. I don't even know what did wrong," Bella shook her head, "Can't you see, I am doing this for him. So he doesn't have to be embarrassed by me anymore and have to admit this was a mistake." She touched the chain about her neck. "You've got to be fucking kidding me," Bella jumped again at his tone and Joe looked out from the kitchen. "Alright Ellie, let's go. Nice to meet you Rob, I am sure we will run into each other again," Joe smiled. "Indeed," Rob replied, "See you soon, take care, Bella, or can I call you Ellie now too?" "Bye, Mm... Mister Rob," she smiled lopsidedly. Rob laughed, "I am hardly going to stay in your apartment when you are gone. I'll ride down with you." It was in the lobby Mel caught up with them, his face showing the concern he felt followed by the shock of seeing Bella with Joe coming out of the lift. "What's going on?" He asked a little more testily than he meant to but he had rushed madly back here when he heard of Joe's arrival. Bella immediately dropped her eyes and head. She had wanted to avoid this direct confrontation, to avoid disappointing him yet again. "I am glad we caught you," Joe voice was friendly ignoring the tone of Mel's question, "Bella has become homesick, it's probably nothing but I am going to take her to see Dr Moss, just to be sure." "You should have said something Ellie," Mel frowned at her. She felt her father squeeze her hand reassuringly, "I did. Kind of," she whispered, "but it just got worse and worse and I knew I had to go home." "I see," he said tilting his head and taking in her bloodshot eyes and blotchy face. "Bella tells me it's your birthday tomorrow, Come out to the house for a barbeque Sunday, I will get Bella to invite those friends of yours that were such good company at the party, Kurt and Dianne. You can give her a lift back to the city if she is feeling better. You weren't expecting her tomorrow anyway with the doctor's appointment and all, were you?" Joe was as good natured as ever as he watched the expression darken on Mel's face. "No, of course not I had expected she would come to lunch with our work colleagues. They will be disappointed not to see her," Bella looked around at Rob as she fought back more tears. "Seems I am always disappointing someone lately," she whispered sadly. "Come now, Elliebellie, he didn't mean it like that, and just think how happy your mother will be to see you," Joe's arm tightened around her shoulder. Seeing the tears Mel immediately softened, "We will miss you tomorrow, my Ellie, but you did the right thing if you are unwell, you have to look after yourself because the people that love you can't always see it." He smiled softly, "Can I give you a hand with that, Joe?" Mel reached for Bella's bag. Joe was stunned by Mel's words of love and easily gave up the bag, following him out of the front of the building. "I'll call you after we see the doctor, a few days of Rosie's fussing and she will be begging to come back," Joe laughed as he helped Bella into the car, "Have a great day tomorrow if we don't see you, Happy Birthday." "I'll see you Sunday," Mel replied, "Better get Rosie to make some macaroons if you're inviting Kurt again," He chuckled. Mel waved them off and strode back into the building. He said nothing as he passed Rob and went down to the office in the club. He called the head of his security detail and changed the location of his most precious piece of property giving them exact layouts and directions to her whereabouts within the small town. Only when he was sure of her safety again did he look up at Rob. ***** Joe and Bella travelled out of the city in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Once out on the open road Joe cleared his throat, "He's a bit old for you don't you think?" Bella squeaked and looked up at her father, open mouthed. "Don't treat me like an idiot, Bella," he took his eyes off the road momentarily and looked at her, "Blind Freddy could see how much you just hurt him by running away." Bella remained silent, unsure of how her father felt about the discovery. "I brought you up to be a good girl, I trust your judgement, Ellie, but I must admit I am a little confused right now," Joe admitted, "I think it's time you told me the truth don't you?" "Oh Daddy, everything just went wrong," Bella said tearfully. "I knew you wouldn't approve, and now you are disappointed in me too." "Who said I didn't approve? Quite the contrary, as you grew up I wished we could go back to the days of arranged marriages, and mature successful men. It would save all the Jim's of the world coming knocking on our door," he laughed at her stunned expression, "Mel mightn't be who I would have picked for you exactly but he is a good man, and a vast improvement on Jim. Your mother and I realised at the hospital that there was something more than friendship between the two of you." Bella blushed and nodded confirming his words. She felt the need to protect Mel from the assumptions her parents might make. "It was me," she said quietly, "Who made the first move. Nothing had happened until the week before your party when Jim was away, and then Jim showed up at the party and everything just went wrong from there." Joe was considering his words carefully, he wanted to know much more, but he also realised scolding and interrogating her right now would do neither of them any good. "Well I guess that explains Mel's insistence on helping you so much," Joe said thoughtfully. "It was your Aunt who thought something was going on that night, at the party," Joe chuckled, "It is the way Mel looks at you that gives him away." Bella remembered the conversation in the kitchen about older men and shook her head at her Aunt's gentle prodding. "When I am with him I never think about ages. He makes me feel so... so... precious," Bella concluded lamely using one of the words Mel called her often. "So why all the tears then, what really happened? You are not the type of girl to come running home like this," Joe kept his voice light and easy, but he was tense. He did not want to think Mel would mistreat his daughter. There would be repercussions if he had. "Everything went wrong, Jim showing up at the party, his threats and having to move to a new apartment, I got a concussion the day I got a promotion," she sighed, "I just seem to be doing everything wrong, and he is a man that does everything right." Bella took a deep breath, "I just seem to be constantly disappointing him with all the stupid things I do." "He said you were a disappointment?" Joe raised his voice slightly, and Bella saw his knuckles whiten as he gripped the wheel, "For things that were out of your control?" Owning Bella Ch. 05 "No!" Bella exclaimed, "He would never say that, quite the opposite actually," It was true he never had, but his friends had, and she knew they would never think she was good enough for him. "Then you are assuming he is disappointed?" Joe was trying to follow her logic, "You have hurt him and run away because of an assumption? Not anything he has actually done?" "It sounds so dumb when you put it like that but," she felt tears well again, "I guess I just realised that people would never think I was good enough to be dating someone like him." Joe wanted to swear, his radiant beautiful daughter voicing such self doubt, "Did that knock on the head make your brains leak out?" Bella looked at her father, of course he believed her to be the best, and she smiled through her tears, "Maybe," she said feeling foolish talking to her father about her love life. "Rest then," he said, "Facing your mother with this story will be like walking into the Spanish inquisition." "Can't we just tell her I was homesick?" Bella asked plaintively. "Do you think she will believe that any more than I did?" Joe countered and laughed. Bella sat back in her seat and looked out the window as they headed for home. ***** Mel hung up his phone and sat back in his chair. That was certainly not the conversation he thought he would have with Joe when he found out about his and Bella's relationship. True them man did not understand the full extent of their relationship, but he knew that they had been intimate and seemed to accept it. After the eventful weekend, the party, Jim, moving Bella to a new apartment, they should have settled into a routine this week and been able to explore their new relationship properly, but they had spent only one uninterrupted night together amidst the new drama's that plagued them. He could see why she had left when she did. He had been so busy trying to protect her that he had failed to look after her as she needed to be. Mel had known once she was aware of who he was, and the lifestyle he wanted with her that it would be hard for her to accept. What he hadn't realised though, was that in taking her into his collar meant changing his ways as well. He had not understood her plea's during the lunch for his touch, his attention, the freedom of a walk to be away from his babysitters. She didn't understand why it had to be that way because once again he hadn't explained. He smiled at her resourcefulness, calling Joe as she had was probably the only way out of that apartment, and she knew it. Once again he was amazed by her and wondered at what exactly she had told her father about their relationship. It can't have been anything to paint him in a bad light as Joe had encouraged him to come down for the weekend and see her and work things out. The conversation was fairly brief, and Mel had been stunned by Joe's acknowledgement of his relationship with Bella and had not pushed his luck at the time. Before the call, Mel had spoken to Rob at length as well as Jack and Dusty, but it was when he returned to his company office that he was given a few home truths by Dorothea. "You get no sympathy from me, Mel Mirano," Dorothea had stood in his office with her hands on her hips, "I told you on Tuesday that she was intelligent and needed explanations or she would come up with them herself." Mel had opened his mouth to argue, but she spoke over the top of him, "She had an accident, she didn't mean for it to happen and then not only did you take her freedom away and give her baby sitters, you took yourself away from her. I would bet my house that she even tried to beg you to stay with her, use her, anything to get your attention back before she finally left." Mel's eyes had widened with acknowledgement and Dorothea nodded, "I expected better of you when you finally took a girl as your own, but it turns out you're no better than the majority of pretenders down at that club. The truly awful thing though, the very thing that galls me... is that she is at home right now undoubtedly blaming herself for the whole mess while you, Mr I-don't-explain-myself-to-anyone Mirano will come out smelling like roses as usual. I am taking the afternoon off," Dorothea said disgustedly and left him staring after her as she muttered, "You all want the girls to trust you implicitly but then lie and keep secrets, yeah that builds trust." She laughed mirthlessly as the door closed behind her. It took a few minutes for Mel to regain his wits after such a sharp blow to his already battered ego. He caught Dorothea before she stepped into the lift. "You're right," he almost yelled stopping her in her tracks and she turned to face him. "Then let her go. She deserves better," Dorothea was abrupt and still had the edge of anger in her voice. "No," Mel stared flatly at the older woman. "Then get away from all this, the company, your precious club, the people who have been more involved in your relationship than you have and win her trust back, you arrogant asshole. You took her submission for granted as soon as she gave it, now it's your turn to show her how much it means to you, not to your friends or your status at the club, to you, Mel Marino, the man she loves," Dorothea finally let the lift doors close and left Mel standing there alone. She smiled to herself. That parting shot couldn't have worked out better if she had planned it. Mel had walked slowly back into his office, it was no good getting angry about Dorothea's lack of respect, there was only one man she had ever respected enough to hold her tongue for, James, her late husband and Master and Mel's mentor through the early years of the company and the club. He had loved them both like surrogate parents, and since James' death Mel had watched over Dorothea not that she wanted for anything except a good spanking and perhaps a gag, he chuckled to himself. The phone call from Joe had interrupted his contemplation of what each of his friends had said and sitting back in his chair now he contemplated the chaos that had surrounded him since the weekend. In four days his obsession with owning the only girl who he had ever contemplated taking as his own had turned their worlds upside down and he admitted, he had not built a very firm base on which to build their unique relationship, he had just set about the everyday aspects of training her to his liking. He considered those among his friends that he valued, and the relationships he had built with them over time. He called Rob and their business lawyer, Stuart, setting up a dinner meeting, and set about tying up loose ends on several business projects nearing completion. The phone rang in his office, and Mel put it on speaker. Kurt's voice boomed, "Looks like I have to announce myself, Dorothea's done a runner." "Come on in, I wanted to see you anyway," Mel chuckled feeling lighter since the brief conversation with Joe and planning to call him back as soon as he had a few things in place. Kurt swaggered in, "I just got a phone call from Bella's mother, some sort of birthday lunch for you on Sunday, thought I better suss out the details before agreeing, though if she is making macaroons I will probably go regardless of your opinion." Kurt smirked surprised to hear Mel's chuckle after the departure of Bella. "Yeah, seems they want to thank me for defiling their daughter," Mel said with a perfectly straight face making Kurt almost choke on the expletive he let out. "Want to run that by me again," Kurt said. "Bella told them, not all the details of course, but that we have been seeing each other," Mel was still a bit surprised about it himself. Kurt whistled, "So they invite you and your friends over to celebrate? I guess even an old man like you is a prize after that arrogant prick, Jim." Mel raised an eyebrow at him before chuckling and nodding in agreement, "If the few things I am trying to do this afternoon work out, there wont be a barbecue on Sunday, but feel free to accept for now if you like, I assume Dianne will be coming with you, if it goes ahead." "Yeah, I guess I should wrap her throat in something more permanent before she realises she has choices. It works for us, the way it is, though, I am happy, but I guess you know that," he shrugged. "Making sudden changes doesn't seem to work out so well in our lifestyle it seems. Everything okay with you then?" Kurt asked tentatively. "I'm working it out. You know me, it may take longer than expected but I always get what I want in the end," he grimaced, "I am not particularly well known for my patience but I want her, and I am willing to do what it takes." "Don't let the business world know that you are open to compromise, I will never get a deal done again," Kurt smirked. "You're a great businessman Kurt and an even better friend, I probably haven't said it out loud, but I want you to know how much I appreciate you stepping up when I have needed you to, here, at the club and personally," Mel said sincerely. "You and Stephen both have saved my sanity, since Kitty..." He paused briefly leaving the sentence unsaid, "And then Rob losing his grip on reality for a while." Kurt looked at Mel, "Stephen and I both know that already, we're your friends Mel, not just employees." "Great," Mel said, "Then you won't mind organising a birthday breakfast for me at the club with the usual suspects, no girl's, just the men." "I'll get right on it, boss," Kurt saluted and laughed loudly as he left the office. ***** Rosie was overjoyed, Bella was here and finally talking to her woman to woman. It had taken her the past few days since seeing Mel and Bella together at the hospital to come to grips with the fact that her beautiful daughter was involved with their long time friend, but as she watched Bella's face she could see the genuine feelings there. Joe had explained the unconventional marriage of Jenny and Mel, she had been shocked at first, and Joe hard laughed until he cried when she asked plaintively, "Why didn't Jenny ever flirt with me?" Bella sat wrapped up in her pyjamas on the end of the comfortable couch sipping hot chocolate and talking with her mother. Growing up she had imagined her parents only had sex once in their lives, and that was to conceive her. Bella was having trouble with the notion of her mother seriously being offended that Jenny never found her attractive enough to flirt with. "This conversation is just so wrong on so many levels," Bella complained. Rosie laughed, "You're not a little girl anymore, come on you must have thought about being a woman just once?" Bella blushed, and their playful banter continued until Joe came into the room, "Mel just rang to check that you were alright," he said kissing Bella on the head, "and wish you sweet dreams." Bella's eyes began to mist and she curled deeper into her corner of the lounge. "Aw baby," Rosie patted her leg, "Don't you think he is the best judge of who he wants to be with?" Rosie had listened as her daughter had cried about not being good enough for Mel and thinking she constantly disappointed him, when she first arrived home. Rosie realised how much her daughter cared for Mel by the fact that she only blamed herself, never him. Bella had only spoken about him in the best of light and for that Rosie thanked the heavens. That realisation of the true feelings of their relationship had dispelled any fears Rosie had about Mel taking advantage of Bella's naivety. Joe sat in a close by sofa chair and said quietly, "You could always take the trip to Italy your Aunt and Uncle offered. Is your passport up to date?" Bella smiled, "I renewed it last year yeah before I got the job with Mel, I was planning on a gap year, though I hadn't been brave enough to tell you or Jim or anyone at the time." "Good then that gives you something else to think about if you truly want time to think about things. Is it here or at your apartment?" I need to go back to the city on Monday anyway I could pick it up for you," Joe had spoken to Mel about his plans to take Bella away on a holiday, close enough to her Aunt and Uncle if she became upset again but far enough away that they could just be together and enjoy each other without the worry of outside influences. Mel had been relieved that Joe and Rosie knew that he loved their daughter and that the relationship had only formed when Bella had come to work for him, all grown up and unbelievably beautiful. "It's here," Bella smiled, "All that sort of important stuff is, birth certificate, passport, university degree." "Let's all have an early night, we have a party to plan tomorrow and cook for," Rosie grinned, "That toy boy of mine will only come if I make macaroons." She laughed as Joe rolled his eyes in despair and got up to start turning out lights. "It will all work out Ellie, trust me," Joe hugged his arm around her shoulder as they walked up the stairs. ****** Mel had spent the night in deep negotiations with Rob and their company lawyer drawing up new contracts for Kurt and Stephen as well as Jake who had worked equally as loyally for the club. They had given Kurt a small percentage of shares in the company as well as the rights of life members of the club which were offered to all three men, including their places within the stake holders group. It was time for some new blood and each of the men had earned it in their own way. During the breakfast in his honour Mel made a big show of handing out his birthday presents to the three men, also promoting several girls to semi managerial positions at the front desk, even though they were not in attendance. Mel joked and laughed with his friends despite the fact that most of the members of his inner circle knew that Bella had left him yesterday. The truth was that he was happy and if everything went according to plan he would have the girl he wanted back at his side tonight. Farewelling his colleagues and friends, claiming there was no rest for the wicked Mel left the club and walked out of the building with Rob, "Kurt and Stephen will run things until you get up to speed again, rely on them, I do." They had stayed up late into the night talking over Mel's decision to take some time away from the city with Bella. Rob had taken the news that Mel had left others in charge of their interests particularly well, admitting he had no real interest in the business side of their partnership. He would, he said, get up to speed on the club and maybe give it a bit of a face lift, nothing to dramatic he assured Mel. Mel took his keys from John who had waited patiently for him throughout the long breakfast and slapped his shoulder, "Thanks, have a great holiday," he smiled knowing John was taking some time off himself in Mel's absence. As he drove toward Bella he tried to decide how to approach the subject, Joe already knew, and while he wasn't so sure about the idea of Mel taking Bella so far away the fact that her Aunt and Uncle would be reasonably close by reassured him. Now he just had to convince Bella to trust him again. He worried over his plans less the closer he got to her house, and worried more about facing not only the girl he loved but her parents as well, his friends, Joe and Rosie. It was close to lunchtime when he finally pulled into her street and pulled up in front of the large house. He could see the security he had posted there inconspicuously parked at either end of the street and he smiled finally pulling into the long driveway. Bella saw his car from the kitchen windows where she was cooking with her mother, "Oh no," she cried in dismay and looked down at her old jeans and t-shirt. Rosie came and stood beside Bella, "You can't run away from your problems baby, tell him how you feel, tell him all the things you told me last night. Then if, you still want to give up your life in the city I will love having you home with me." "I can't let him see me looking like this!" Bella's voice held dismay knowing she would only be disappointing him again. "Nonsense, you would look beautiful in a sack," Rosie said, but the look on Bella's face made her relent, "Go quickly then, but I will let him come find you if you do not hurry." Bella turned and fled upstairs hearing her father open the door with a hearty, "Happy birthday Mel. How was the drive?" "A bit of traffic coming out of the city, people getting away for the weekend I expect," Mel replied as he shook Joe's hand. Seeing Rosie appear behind him Mel smiled, "You're looking as beautiful as ever Rosie, Bella's so lucky she took after you and not Joe." Mel embraced her and kissed her blushing cheek before looking around. "She insisted on changing," Rosie whispered, "But that is good because it gives me time to threaten you. If you every hurt her..." "Now, now, my love," Joe cut in, but Mel held up his hand. "It's okay Joe. I understand you must both be a little shocked, and I am a bit surprised I didn't hear that from you actually. All I can say in my own defence is that I love her and want only the best for her. I had no idea she was so unhappy yesterday, I am still not sure exactly what happened," Mel looked at them both sadly. "Come on into the kitchen," Rosie smiled, "Lunch is almost ready." Mel turned to follow them and saw her standing on the stairs, and stopped, "My Ellie," he smiled, "You look lovely." He crossed the floor in long swift strides as she came down the stairs picking her up in a strong embrace and kissing her chastely aware of her parents watching them. Bella too was abundantly aware of being watched and her hands wrapped loosely about his neck as he hugged her. "Happy Birthday," she smiled lopsidedly. "We need to talk," he said quietly, Bella nodded and chewed her lip, "Shall we go for a walk?" Mel suggested. Again Bella nodded and looked up at her parents. "Don't go too far, lunch is almost ready," Rosie said, and she and Joe moved into the kitchen as Mel and Bella walked out of the kitchen door and around the house to the back. The house stood on several acres of land covered mostly with gum trees and low wattles. They walked away from the house and the manicured back garden into the bushland a little way before Mel stopped and looked at her. "I have told you more than once, I don't care what anyone says or thinks, the only person you have to worry about pleasing is me," his eyes scoured her face. "It's not just that, its so many little things," she sighed and walked on a little further until the trees and low bushes shielded them from the house. She knelt down on a patch of green grass beside a fallen tree and looked up at him. "When we are together what we have is amazing, everything you have shown me and taught me is exciting and new, and I want to know and learn more, to experience it all, but..." she chewed her lip as he sat on the log beside her. "It doesn't seem to matter how hard I try I always seem to mess it all up, people I barely know are angry at me for all the chaos I have caused, along with people I don't know at all, and the worst thing is I don't even know what I have done half the time to fix it." Mel spoke quietly, "You have done nothing wrong, none of the drama at the club has been your doing if anyone is to blame it is me." He pulled her up into his arms and settled her on his lap, "I want you at my feet, I want to dominate and control every aspect of your life. I expected you to just give it to me and to give nothing of myself in return. That is the way it has always been for me, I make demands and people do it without question, at work, at the club, women in general." "I have tried..." Bella began but Mel kissed her swallowing her words. "I know my Ellie. This is my fault, not yours. You are not some brainless bimbo or an employee trying to impress, you are more different from all those women than I imagined, and it is why I love you.." Mel kissed her again to emphasis his admission. "The first week of the trial would have been enough for any of the girls at the club that I used occasionally before you came into my life because they were replaceable I had nothing invested them, they were not entirely mine, and while I may have cared on some level, it never came close to how I feel about you and what I expect from you." Owning Bella Ch. 05 Bella listened passively until he stopped talking momentarily, "You love me," she repeated. "You haven't loved any of the other slaves you have been with", she said clarifying for herself, "How could you have known how I would react to being treated as a slave? Or accept your collar after only a week?" "I didn't know for sure, but I hoped. All I knew for sure is that I wanted you as mine," he said forcefully, "That hasn't changed. I am not a man to bend to others will or compromise easily, but if the alternative is losing you then I must change the way I do some things. Give you proper explanations about why things are the way they are and build up your trust in me rather than just expecting blind obedience." "Perhaps it would have helped to spend some more time alone together, we haven't really had the opportunity to do normal stuff, get up, go to work, come home and enjoy each other as lovers normally would whether vanilla or tutti-fruity like us, we have been more rocky road from the beginning." Mel chuckled at her ice cream analogy, "Yes, those were my thoughts exactly," he smiled down on her, "I bought us a birthday present." She looked up at him in surprise, "I am glad, because this old ogre had me shut up in a tower and I couldn't get out to get you anything," he said cheekily. "You, wearing this," his fingers ran around her neck above the chain, "and belonging to me is all I ever wanted from you," he kissed her. "Then what did you get for yourself? A clone of me?" She asked keeping the cheeky smile on her face. He smacked her ass feeling more confident that he had not lost her, "A holiday, just the two of us far away from the distractions here," he grinned, "To see your Aunt and Uncle." "Italy? Really? When?" Her eyes were wide with amazement. "Tonight," he chuckled, "You need to understand though while I will begin to make some small concessions, I still want you as I have always wanted you." Mel looked into her eyes, "I need you to accept your place, my Ellie," he continued to study her face intently, "and your punishment for running away." Mel murmured deeply making sure she realised the full meaning of his words. "Yes, my Master," she whispered and felt a thrill run up her spine as she thought of exactly what that meant. The afternoon flew by as they had lunch and Bella packed and repacked a small case all the while reassuring her parents that being cooped up after the concussion had made her stir crazy and a little homesick. "The heart wants what the heart wants," Rosie had said, a born romantic as soon as she had seen the look in Mel's eyes as he gazed at Bella most of her reservations disappeared. This wasn't a young girl's crush on an older successful man, he too adored Bella. "We're flying out of Spearfield," Mel told Joe, "Kai is sending his plane back to pick up his wife so we are hitching a lift as far as Singapore, much better than flying commercial." Joe nodded, "So what's that six hours to Singapore and another eight to Italy?" "We might stay a day or two in Singapore before doing the other half of the trip," Mel smiled, "We aren't on any big schedule, I'll get Bella to call you when we get there." "If I know you at all, you have this planned down to the last detail," Joe laughed. "I've left some leeway, for Bella, KL is an exciting city, she might want to take in a few sights," Mel smirked, "but yes I have some plans of my own." Joe chuckled, "That's more like the Mel I know. I guess you better get going then if you're heading to Spearfield." Mel smiled, "If you wouldn't mind hurrying the girls along I would be most grateful." Joe chuckled and went to find the women he loved. Within minutes of Joe's gentle prod, Bella was waving from the car as they were pulling out of the driveway and turning into the street towards the small town centre. Bella felt the shift in Mel's demeanour as soon as they left the driveway and watched him as she sat quietly in the seat beside him. Mel sped recklessly through the streets of the small town not saying a word, but she could see his body held taut and straight his knuckles white on the wheel as he drove. Bella chewed her lip even during her week of trial she had not seen him lose control, but as she watched him she could see him fighting himself and it frightened her. She gasped as they pulled into the driveway of the house Mel shared with Jenny, "Jenny is away for the weekend," Mel said abruptly hearing her gasp. The man who had come to her at her parent's house, admitting his faults seemed to have vanished. He got out of the car and moved quickly to her door dragging her from the car by his hand around the nape of her neck and marched her into the house. "I warned you that taking my collar was not a game, little girl. I would have given you the world, had you asked, for the privilege of owning you and having your complete obedience." Mel moved through the house propelling her before him. "I don't care what anyone else thinks! I don't care if everyone in the world believes I have the worst slave imaginable. I don't care if no one else understands as long as you understand that you are mine! You, my precious pet, live to please me!" Mel roared at her. "Running away is not an option from this day forward do you understand!" Bella was terrified, she had never seen him lose control of his temper like this. She whispered, "Yes, Master." "I am glad your parents know and understand it was you who chose to be with me," he smirked at her, "They may not know you begged for my collar, my ownership, but they gave me their blessing to love you, and keep you with me, as mine." "This collar," he stroked her neck, "Was obviously not enough to convince you that I was now in control of your life." His smirk turned into a sneer. "Of course you will have some freedoms and some choice, but you must ask for them to be granted." Bella was trembling as she looked up into his eyes, the words of apology on her lips as he continued. "I have told you, others have told you," he gripped her tightly and pushed her down over a small coffee table, "I have never wanted a slave of my own before you, I have never given my collar to another, I have never pursued a girl the way I have pursued you. Yet you doubt me. You wear my collar. You are introduced to my friends as mine and still you do not realise how completely, I own you." Mel stripped her of the dress she wore and began to bind her. She lay with her ass on the edge of the small table her thighs bound to the legs and her arms pulled above her head to also be bound making her immobile as she listened to his rant knowing she had let him down again and deserved it. Tears sprung from her eyes as the apology still danced unspoken on her lips. "From tonight you will know you are mine forever and..." he leaned down over her face and growled, "If anyone plans to take you from me they will have a constant reminder that I will be hunting them." Mel walked away from her, and a stranger moved forward, "If the pain gets too much," the strange man said gently, bite down hard," and with that he placed a rubber dogs bone in her mouth. Bella felt a feather like touch on the mound above her vagina as she lay there tears leaking from her eyes at what she had done to deserve this. She was being punished for running away the way she did. The tattoo gun began shortly after, and she whimpered around the rubber bone between her teeth. At the tattoo's conclusion, Mel was invited to view the artists work as he swabbed an antibacterial solution over the wound. He nodded, and the tattoo artist put a dressing over it and moved away. Mel leaned over Bella their faces almost touching, "You belong to me. You serve at my pleasure. This will be a permanent reminder of that, this was not your punishment. You will be punished for running away, when I have the time and leisure." Bella whimpered and nodded around the bone she had been given to bite upon. Mel slowly undid her bonds and pulled her up from the table. He led her to the dining room table where he had laid out what she would wear for the flight. Kai was a man of particular taste and Mel did not want to offend him. Bella looked at the items then up at Mel. It was taking more will power than Mel imagined possible to restrain himself from taking her there and then but he needed to assert his control after the last forty-eight hours. He realised the week of her trial had not truly been enough to make her understand his needs and his lifestyle or to prepare her for her new life as his slave. Over the next two weeks, she would learn the two very different sides of her Master. From this point on, she would do only what he allowed until she truly understood her place within their unique relationship. Mel assisted Bella into a white leather body harness, he wrapped a white leather collar about her neck above the chain she already wore and let a leash like strap hang down her back. Pulling her forward and bending her over the dining room table he spanked her ass several times revelling in her cries and whimpers but being careful not to rub her cunt and the detailed tattoo she had just received against the edge. Taking up a bottle of lube he slowly let it drip into the crack of her ass as he watched her muscles quiver. He leaned over her as his fingers fought to enter the tight hole and murmured, "Relax little slut. Every little part of you belongs to me and me alone." Picking up the plug from the table he slowly drew the attached tail before her eyes and stepped back watching avidly as he forced it into her tight asshole. Drawing her up from the table their eyes met, hers teary and full of heat, his hard and full of hunger, he picked up the dress she would wear, it was open like a coat and he pulled it around her shoulders manoeuvring for her arms to move through the holes before pulling it tightly around her, drawing the front together and zipping the long front opening together. He placed a head band of cat ears on her head and stepped back taking in how totally fuckable she looked. Mel groaned and knowing they had little time forced her to her knees before him. Freeing his cock he grabbed her head and Bella obediently opened her mouth. There was no tenderness in his movements as his need to fuck any part of her overwhelmed him. Bella shook with desire, this was what she had wanted for days, the feeling that he needed her so desperately he couldn't wait a moment longer. She gagged and swallowed as he thrust against the back of her throat wanting more and taking more. Within minutes Mel roared, "fuck!" he pulled from her mouth and sprayed the first jets over her face before depositing the remnants on her tongue and letting her suck him dry. Mel pulled her up to stand before him as his breath slowly returned to normal and turned her from him. He took the long leather leash that hung from the back of her collar and secured her wrists in the base of her back and turned her back to him. He put shoes before her feet and helped her step into the stiletto heels and finally picked up the last item from the table, a leash. "Time to go," he attached the leash and led her outside, a young man approach cautiously. "Luggage is onboard Sir," His eyes raked over Bella briefly. Mel nodded and led her onboard the helicopter. He strapped her in and put headphones over her ears before securing himself. Bella sat perfectly still very aware of the cum oozing down her face as the co-pilot who had addressed Mel climbed in and nodded in their direction. The flight to Spearfield was relatively short and they landed not far from a jet that was being readied for take off. Once landed Mel undid her seatbelt, took off her earphones and pulled her by the leash from the helicopter. Mel was greeted in a friendly way by a tall Asian gentleman, Bella was not introduced rather the man walked around her inspecting her. "As always your taste is impeccable, Mel, enjoy the flight." With that he walked away and Mel led Bella onto the plane. It was sumptuous and decadent from the chandelier to the soft carpeting and leather recliner style chairs. Bella was lead to the rear of the plane and Mel opened a cage before releasing her wrists from the binds. "In," Mel ordered and dropping to her hands and knees Bella crawled into the cage curling up on the padded base to fit comfortably. "I will be back after take off, my pet," Mel smirked at her and walked away not waiting for her reply. If she still harbored any doubt about his complete ownership of her it would be gone by the end of this trip, he thought to himself. Owning Bella Ch. 06 Authors Note: Hello to all the faithful followers of this story. I hope this chapter eases some of the tension left after the last chapter. I can't tell you how much appreciate the feedback and comments I receive both good and bad as it make me remember that I write for an audience who can't always see where the story is heading as I do. Thank you all for your continued support and I hope that you enjoy this chapter. My apologies it is a little later than expected. Thank you to a friend who has volunteered to help with the editing. J. you are awesome *smooch* Please bear in mind that I am Australian and as such I spell some words differently to American English. Thank you to those readers that have offered helpful tips on my spelling but perhaps this explanation will help you to overlook some cultural differences. ~ellie * After the plane had taken off, Mel walked back and unlocked the cage that held Bella and led her back out to kneel before his seat. "Display," he commanded, pushing her thighs wide with his boot. Her new tattoo had been covered with a clear dressing. While sealing the area and keeping it sterile, it allowed the reddened swelling around the tattoo to be seen through the clear film. He continued to watch as Bella lifted her hands to her neck and arched her back gently. He could see the mark clearly which made him smile. Bella looked up at Mel as she knelt on display, his gaze firmly fixed on the point of discomfort between her legs. Whenever she moved it stung like she had severe razor burn, but it was bearable and reminded her of the punishment to come. She gazed up at the man she had chosen to be with, her lover and tormentor, watching as he took a cloth from a small bowl beside him. She closed her eyes as he gently washed her face. "I have obviously been too lenient since collaring you and I think you have forgotten who is the Master and who is the slave," Mel said without emotion. The softness of his hands as they cleaned her face showed his care even if his voice didn't. "You took this collar knowing what type of relationship you were entering into. I gave it to you above all others that have begged for it because you are the girl I want, the girl I need and the girl I deserve." Placing the cloth back in the bowl of water and sending it away, he sat back in his chair considering her. Bella said nothing as she gazed at him. She could not tell his mood by his words or voice. The anger he displayed at his home seemed to have dissipated, and she held her breath as he considered her, not knowing what to expect. "Did you forget the whole week of training you had?" Mel stared at her hard. "No, Master," her voice quivered. "Oh good, you do remember that I am the Master then," Mel said, finding it hard to keep his voice even. He had to, once and for all, make sure she understood that she was not just as good as the other girls, she was better because she was his. All the advice and interfering of others had made them both question their roles in each other's life. He would put an end to that once and for all. He had gone almost from one extreme to another since her accident, and he realised now that was not what this girl needed, or what he needed, but he also admitted to himself that some explanation would forestall any further self-doubt and anxiety she had about being anything other than exactly what he wanted. Bella knew now that she was in trouble, and she squirmed slightly on her heels making her cunt ache even more. She wasn't sure of the right thing to say, of course she knew he was the Master, the thing she doubted was that she was able to be the slave he wanted, and she guessed running away had shown that she wasn't. "There will be no more of this disobedience, do you understand? There is no more room for doubt about your place with me. Should that collar ever come off, everyone will still know whom you belong to because I have marked you as mine. I want you as I have always wanted you." Mel looked into her eyes. "I need you to accept your place, my Ellie," he continued to study her face intently, "and your punishment for running away." Mel murmured deeply making sure she realised the full meaning of his words. "I have told you time and time again, I don't care what anyone else says or thinks, the only person you have to worry about pleasing is me." His eyes scoured her face. Mel spoke sternly, "This is the last time I will repeat this to you. None of the drama at the club has been your doing. If anyone is to blame it is me." He leaned forward in his chair, "I want you at my feet, just as you are now, I want to dominate and control every aspect of your life. I expected you would just give it to me and to give nothing of myself in return. That is the way it has always been for me, I make demands and people do it without question, at work, at the club, women in general." He took a deep breath and reached out to stroke her cheek softly, "The first week of the trial would have been enough for any of the girls at the club because they knew me and what they were getting into. I realise now that you did not, and that I may have placed some unrealistic expectations on you." Bella listened passively until he stopped talking momentarily, "You expected me to accept your collar after only a week and be like all the other girls?" "All I knew is that I wanted you as mine," he said. "That hasn't changed. I am not a man to bend to another's will or compromise easily. I had not truly considered the amount of time it would take you to adjust to your new way of life." Mel took a breath, "We will take this time away from home and work to build up our relationship as we should have been able to this week, if there had not been so much interference. It will help to build your trust in me again and give me the obedience I expect." "I will try much harder to meet those expectations, Master," Bella finally stopped chewing her lip and replied to him. "Yes, you will," he stated, "We will have no more of these little girl tantrums where you run away. You are mine. My most precious treasure, it is true, but you will understand that you belong to me!" Mel said the last forcefully and Bella jumped. "Yes, Master," she squeaked feeling the force of his words as he ended the conversation. Mel nodded to the steward who had hovered just out of Bella's line of sight. The steward stepped forward with a tray, offered Mel a drink and placed a bowl of water in front of Bella before stepping quietly away again. "Drink," Mel smirked as he lifted his own glass to his lips. Bella lowered her head to the bowl and lapped at the cold water realising just how thirsty she was, and wishing she could tip the bowl up and drink properly. "This plane belongs to a friend of mine, who is known as Binatang Tuan, which roughly translates as the Beast Master," Mel said conversationally. "It's like a flying hotel suite really, it was nice of him to lend it to us on such short notice don't you think?" Bella sat back before replying, "Yes, Master, it is lovely." She took a moment to look around the main cabin they were in, noticing for the first time the doorways leading from it. "While we are on this plane you will remain collared and leashed, as would be expected of any bitch that came aboard. You will have to stay in the cage for take off and landing though, or if we hit severe turbulence, for safety of course," he said, keeping his voice even, though he enjoyed having her in the position she was during this flight and felt the pull the corners of his mouth in a half smile he managed to keep the pleasure from his voice. He called the steward over and murmured softly as Bella knelt in position at his feet. The steward walked to the back of the room, returned with a large, soft cushion and placed it beside her. "Rest for a little, my Ellie, when we land it will be morning, and you are still recovering," he said, gesturing to the cushion at his feet. "Sleep for a little and I will wake you when we need to prepare for landing." He smiled gently as she crawled onto the large cushion and curled up. Before closing her eyes, Bella looked up at Mel and smiled softly, whispering, "Happy birthday, Master." "Thank you, my precious pet." Mel returned her smile and placed a well-shined boot upon the pillow beside her head, softly stroking her hair with the toe as he leaned back in his own chair to relax. It had been some time since he had allowed himself sleep and he signalled to the steward for a wake-up call an hour before landing and allowed his own eyes to close. Bella slept better than she had in days. She woke only once and smiled as she felt the stretched out boot still resting near her head. She gazed up at her Master, a small smile on her face as she closed her eyes contentedly again. She had been surrounded, it seemed, by everybody but him lately and it was nice to have him so close and to see him sleep which he seemed to do so seldom. The second time she woke it was a soft hand petting her head that roused her from sleep, and she blinked up into Mel's face as he hovered above her. "Come my pet, it's time to wake up," Mel said softly. Bella stretched catlike before rising up to her hands and knees and crawling from the cushion to kneel upon the floor of the cabin. The flight was so smooth it was easy to forget she was on a plane. Mel watched her with a smile playing on his lips, "You can drink if you need, little one." Gratefully Bella bent to the bowl near the chair leg and lapped at the water. While still feeling the discomfort, the pain between her legs had lessened, and she stayed bent over longer, drinking awkwardly from the pet-bowl. Bella finally knelt back wiping water from her mouth and chin and finally spoke, "Thank you, Master." "You're welcome precious pet. Now come, and we will freshen up before we land and see to that mark of ownership," he said, eyes lowering suggestively to the spot between her legs. Standing up, Mel took her leash and led her through the plane. It was sumptuous, like a five-star hotel suite, with cream-coloured leather upholstery on the chairs and pale, burnished wood and glass furnishings. From the sitting room, where her cage was lodged against the back wall, they walked down a narrow corridor on one side of the plane. She peaked curiously through the open doorways, seeing bedrooms and private sitting rooms. Leading her into the last room, he motioned for her to stand. Slowly and with proper care he unfastened the various buckles of the body harness she wore and took it from her. Turning her to face him he stroked a hand over her cheek and smiled before leaning down to kiss her. "You are truly beautiful, my Ellie," he murmured as he led her to a low bench. Bella leaned forward and placed her hands on the bench, but Mel pressed her down further forcing her chest to the bench, raising her well rounded ass to his view. He took hold of the tail she still wore and tugged lightly receiving a satisfying yelp from the girl before him. "Open," he commanded and Bella reached back to place her hands on her cheeks and pull them open for him. Mel stepped away momentarily, and Bella craned her neck to watch as he opened a bag from their carry-on luggage and took out a small bottle. Returning to where she stood bent over, Mel let a small amount of oil drip between the cheeks, of her ass. He gently tugged and released the tail easing the stretch of her tight muscles around the large plug-end as the oil dripped down onto her. Mel tossed the bottle away and slapped her ass above where her hand held it tightly and finally withdrew the plug, watching avidly as the gaping hole flexed and slowly closed. Groaning with desire, his hand fumbled at his belt pulling it free. "Let go," he growled and as her hands quickly came away his hand lashed down the belt stinging into her ass making her howl in pain and surprise. He lashed her three times before stepping back and removing his trousers as she gasped and mewled, her legs shaking and her cunt lips glistening with moisture. Taking a handful of her hair he pulled her to his feet to begin sucking his cock as he undid his shirt and discarded it. Bella fell to her knees before him and opened her mouth. She took his already hard cock between her lips and rolled her tongue around the head before filling her mouth. She enjoyed his groan of pleasure before tilting her teary eyes up to meet his. The shirt fell to the floor beside her a moment before she felt his hands tangle into her hair, and he pulled her further onto his cock. She gagged loudly but swallowed as he pushed further thrusting his hips hard onto her mouth. Using her hair as leverage Mel began to fuck her wide open mouth. His need to possess and use her was strong, and he wanted to make her to again feel his dominance fully. His desire for her coursing through him, he revelled in the gagging and choking noises that gurgled around his cock. Gritting his teeth he tried to make the moment last as long as possible before pulling back slightly to fill her mouth with cum, growling hoarsely, "Don't spill a drop." Sealing her lips around his cock Bella took a large breath through her nose before swallowing the hot, salty cum and sucking more form him long after the first spurt. She trembled on her knees as her body responded to his use and the still-stinging marks of the belt that lit up her ass in counterpoint to the soft ache in her cunt. Mel grabbed her hair tightly again and stepped back, pulling his cock from her mouth and dragging her after him down the hallway. There was a bathroom at the rear of the plane and he left her kneeling in the doorway of the small room as he ran a shower for her. Pulling her upright he pushed her into the shower stall letting the water run over her. Crouching down, and with considerable care, Mel peeled the covering from the new tattoo. Taking some disinfectant soap he squirted it into his hand and gently washed the area just above her cunt where his initials now claimed her body as his. He lightly massaged the slimy surface of the skin being sure to remove any trace of blood or the plasma that accompanied shallow wounds like a tattoo. Once he was sure it was clean he turned her, so the water cascaded over her back rather than soaking the tattoo any further and damaging it as his fingers delved into her moist folds and teased her clit. He smiled as she stiffened and lifted her hips toward his hand. "Please..." Bella whimpered, she was so hot and horny that his touch on her clit had sent jolts through her needy body. Steadying her with a hand on her back Mel murmured, "Not yet, little slut, not until I say." Bella bit her lip, whimpering as he suddenly thrust two fingers into her wet cunt and curled them forward his thumb pressing her clit as his fingers pressed forward from the other side. Her legs shook as her orgasm threatened to spill over and she mewled loudly, her hips rocking to the movements of his hand. "Cum my precious pet," Mel finally whispered softly into her ear, holding her as she arched and came hard, her legs trembling uncontrollably. He held her for several minutes while he washed his hand and took a soft cloth to clean her oversensitive cunt, carefully avoiding his new mark of ownership. Mel turned the shower off and hurriedly towelled himself dry after wrapping a towel around Bella and standing her to lean against the small sink. Then he took her back to the small room they had been in. He carefully smeared a thin layer of lotion over the tattoo. He left her kneeling on the floor and went to the carry-on bag that had been placed in the room. Bella watched as Mel dressed, it was not often she saw him fully naked, and she thought she could probably count on one hand, the number of times it had happened since she had become his. She marvelled at his well-toned physique that belied his age and experience. Tall, olive skinned, average build and a thatch of curly black hair on his broad chest, she smiled at the effect he had on her. In suits, he was so austere looking but half dressed as he was and shirtless he was manly and attractive in a whole different way. She felt the butterflies in her tummy as it finally dawned on her that he was hers as much as she was his. He had marked her because he wanted everyone to know who she belonged to. He was not going to dismiss her for lack of experience, or if she made a mistake, she realised, and her smile widened. Mel watched her from the corner of his eye as he dressed and saw her appraising look and smile. It did his ego good to find her ogling him in the same way he was constantly turned on by her perfect little body. Pulling on a shirt he commanded, "Belt," and tilted his head to where it lay on the floor after he had lashed her earlier. Bella promptly fell to all-fours and crawled over to gather the belt. She held it to her nose and sniffed the leather, quivering with the knowledge of not only how it smelled and felt in her hands but also with how it felt when held in the hands of her Master. Sliding back to her knees before him she held up the belt and looked up to see him smile. "This is how I always wanted you," he pulled her up into his arms and kissed her tenderly. "Mine," he murmured into the kiss. "Not just your sexy body, but your heart and mind as well. I want it all." Releasing her, he picked up the body harness she had been wearing earlier and redressed her in the leather straps, buckling it tightly to her body. He loved in her white, and the leather made the colour against her skin even sexier. He pinched the nipples on her perky tits, lightly pulling them out from her body to ensure the leather surrounding the base of her breasts was properly seated. Bella whimpered softly as he manhandled her into the harness and cinched it tightly. As she had before, she bent as he instructed her and reached back to spread the cheeks of her ass for him, understanding that while on this private plane, she would be considered only as a pet and nothing more by the crew and owner. Bella's lip automatically sucked between her teeth as she felt the oil and braced for the pain she knew was coming. The further they had flown and with the few hours sleep, the anxiousness Mel had felt at almost losing her again, had diminished. While he felt the overwhelming need to possess her as always, the initial anger he had felt, once winning her back from her parents had dissipated, and her willingness to obey him once again, had eased his fears that irreparable damage had been caused to their new relationship. He took his time, slowly oiling and easing the plug into her sweet little ass, watching as she slowly stretched out to take the large plug he had brought with him in the carry-on luggage. Panting and whimpering, Bella turned her head up to Mel as he pulled her upright again. "You are such a hot little slut, my Ellie," he smirked and kissed her deeply. "We will be landing soon, you must go back into the cage, but it will not be for long." A small smile tweaked his lips into a half smirk as he murmured, "This time." He added a gentle pressure to her shoulder, and she sank to her knees before him. Taking the leash, he led her from the room, down the corridor and to the main cabin they had taken occupied during take-off. Nodding to the steward, Mel guided Bella into the cage and closed the door before resuming his seat for the landing. The descent into Singapore was rocky and Bella curled in her cage, feeling strange at having no safety belt. She bit her lip and closed her eyes until she felt the jolt of the wheels hitting the tarmac. The plane had barely stopped before Mel was beside the cage, leading her out again to his side as he resumed his seat and smiled at her. Bella leaned into her Master's leg as he stroked her hair and the plane taxied to its final stop. Owning Bella Ch. 06 The plane door opened, and Bella stiffened, feeling her nakedness in the early morning light and dreading appearing in a public place as she was. She closed her eyes and reminded herself that she needed to trust Mel. He had sworn to look after and protect her. She had to stop worrying and trust him, but her mind fought her heart as she gazed at the now-open doorway of the plane and shivered involuntarily. Mel saw her shiver and held the leash tighter. "Come, precious pet," he said sternly as the captain emerged from the cockpit. He stood and walked to the front of the plane. "Thank you my friend," Mel said, shaking hands with the imposing man as Bella patiently stayed at his side on all-fours. "You are most welcome, my friend. You and your pretty little bitch are welcome to join me at my home if you do not have pressing plans," the pilot said, looking at Bella in a predatory way. "As always, I have plans," Mel laughed. "But I thank you for the invitation and hospitality you have shown to me and my precious pet." The pilot inclined his head and extended an arm toward the doorway, "Have a good trip then, I will see you upon your return no doubt." "I look forward to it," Mel smiled, and led Bella through the doorway. She let out a breath she had not realised she had been holding as Mel stood her up and wrapped a jacket about her shoulders before they descended the stairs and stepped into a waiting car. Bella realised this must have been a small private airfield, much like Spearfield, if a car had been allowed on the tarmac and she hugged the coat tighter for warmth in the early-morning breeze. The driver and Mel exchanged pleasantries as he checked the route and the status of his plans before joining Bella in the car. His hands went to the jacket still slung over her shoulders that she clutched to her, and took it away. From the coat pocket he pulled two pieces of white leather and clipped them into the harness. They effectively formed a bra of sorts. Again, from a different inner pocket, he pulled a tiny white leather skirt. He helped her pull it up her legs and around her hips. Turning her so he could lace up the back of the tight band of leather he spoke softly, his breath hot on her neck. "We are heading to the harbour where a boat is waiting to meet us, from there we are going to cruise up to Kuala Lumpur." He brushed his lips over her neck and ear before taking the lobe between his teeth and biting it lightly. Bella shivered in pleasure and smiled, "A cruise sounds lovely, Master." She squirmed in her seat as he continued to nibble at her ear and trace the lines of the leather straps against her skin. "All mine," Mel murmured into her ear. ***** The party for Mel's birthday was a mammoth affair with exotic and extreme entertainment brought into the club for the night. While many inquired as to his whereabouts, the club was so crowded that people largely believed he was around somewhere, especially when that was the answer they got from well prepared staff and his inner circle of friends. It was late in the evening when Kurt and Dianne finally arrived at the birthday festivities. They headed into the office den to speak with Rob before joining the crowds of people in the club. The investigation into the mysterious Lewis Arfor and his tenuous link to, and interest in, Bella continued after Mel had left for his vacation. It was Rob who coordinated all the efforts to find out what actually happened to both Bella and Marie earlier that week. Kurt though, despite his affable nature in public, was as much the control freak as his friend and boss and wanted to be kept up to date with all the investigations. Laughing at the decorations and crowded club he draped his tall, lanky body into a chair and raised his eyebrow at Rob, "No rest for the wicked?" "Didn't you hear? I went past wicked a decade ago, I am pure evil now," Rob smirked at Kurt. "And here I thought that was just a rumour. Speaking of rumours, fill me in on all the gossip, I'm guessing all the stake holders have passed through this office already tonight," Kurt still held a smile, but his tone had turned serious. "I quite like that little girl of Mel's, and I'm quite keen to make sure she is safe and stays that way." "That girl certainly has an effect on the men she meets doesn't she?" Rob leaned back in his chair, "I am never sure if I want to spoil her and protect her or tie her up, spank her and make her beg for every little thing. I do believe, however, that I owe her a spanking after that stunt she pulled yesterday." Kurt let out a guffaw, "I think she'll be getting enough punishment for that, if I know Mel, without her having to face you and your indignation at being taken by surprise." "Yeah, I will admit it was a pretty clever little ruse," Rob smirked. "She's definitely not just a pretty face, but the good ones rarely are," he said as he looked up at the portrait of his lost love still hanging in the room. Kurt looked up at the portrait and turned to Dianne, "Go get us a couple of beers would you?" "Of course, Master," Dianne smiled and left the room quietly. "The similarities are striking aren't they?" Kurt acknowledged. "In some ways yes, in others no," Rob said sitting back up in the chair. "She is special though," he smiled. "Any news on Arfor?" Kurt sat up straighter as he asked the question. "No, he's like a phantom I can barely catch sight of," Rob said, running his hands through his hair. "We have no real proof of wrong-doing by anyone, Bella herself said she thought she snagged her hair and fell." "So," Kurt paused. "Coincidence? Bad luck?" He shook his head. "I'm tempted to believe it was an attempt to hurt the club, the business, and Mel. I think we need to keep our feelers out there, just in case they try again. Don't you?" Rob let out a long breath and nodded, "Yeah. Josie is still working the ex-boyfriend, though he seems to be 'young dumb and full of cum' as she puts it so eloquently." He laughed, "Maybe while Mel is away and Bella is not here whoever is doing this will relax enough to slip up a little." He shrugged, "Maybe." Dianne quietly came back, bearing a tray with tankards of beer. She presented them both with the drinks before moving back to Kurt's side and kneeling before she spoke. "It's funny don't you think that most people are asking about the birthday boy and where he is hiding but only one person asked about Bella," her voice was soft, but she knew the impact her words would have. Most people would assume Bella was with Mel and would ask after him rather than Bella alone. Unless, of course, they did not know the lifestyle well or the circumstances that followed Mel's collaring of the girl. Their interest gained, both men looked at Dianne and waited for her to continue. "One of the entertainers brought in for tonight seems very interested in the whereabouts of our little star," Dianne paused. "Perhaps he has heard some rumours we have not?" "Perhaps indeed," Kurt smiled down at her and stroked her golden mane. "Perhaps you should point this entertainer out to me while we go and greet our friends." Rob stood up with his beer in hand, "I think I'll join you, I've been cooped up in here long enough. Let's go enjoy the party shall we?" The party was a kaleidoscope of colour, Stephen had outdone himself in his preparations and in every corner of the restaurant there seemed to be some form of entertainment for the guests. The entertainment room itself was filled with cries of pain and pleasure as well as the sounds of sex that rang as a counterpoint to the low murmur of appreciative observers. Making their way to the front saloon bar Dianne finally spotted him, and they settled into comfortable chairs watching as he worked with rope. "Go find Stephen for me," Kurt whispered to Dianne who wove her way through the crowd heading toward the front of house and the reception area. "Not bad," Rob commented, "but I always found shibari too time consuming to be effective for my needs." "Kinbaku," Kurt nodded. "Zen and the art of rope. Not really to my taste either but it does look exceptionally pretty when done with the right model." He smiled widely, "Maybe I will ask for a private demonstration with Dianne." Rob laughed out loud, "Now that's something I would pay to see! I still can't get used to her new submissiveness; she was quite the bad-ass bitch as a Domme." Kurt grinned, "She does have a wilful streak I will grant you, but it makes the punishment all the more fun." He, too, let out a loud chuckle. Dianne and Stephen arrived as the young girl that the entertainer had knotted into position with intricate rope patterns was being hoisted into position as a human piece of art. "You know this Nawashi?" Kurt asked Stephen, and Rob raised an eyebrow. "For someone who isn't into it you sure know a lot about it," he remarked as Stephen gave them a quizzical look. "The rope artist," Rob volunteered, "Where did you find him?" "Not in the yellow pages," Stephen laughed as the rope artist unzipped his pants and, swinging the girl he had hoisted into living art, began to fuck her hard and ferociously. "He is actually a club member and has been for years, but we don't see him often as he lives down South these days. Apparently a small club similar to this has opened up down there, he saw the party night mentioned in the member's monthly journal and offered his services if he could let people know about the new Southern club." "Well that would explain how he heard about Bella," Kurt murmured. "The fact that he collared a girl was big news, but did it make this months Journal already?" "I doubt it. Even if it had, it doesn't explain why he was asking about where she was," Rob's said, voice lowering ominously. They watched with the small crowd in the saloon bar as the girl was eventually swung away from the artist, and he spun her in her ropes to wipe his cock clean with her hair before zipping his pants back up and waving away to the polite nods and smiles of the observers. "Max," Stephen waved the man over. "Come join us for a drink." After initial introductions and polite chit-chat the small group relaxed into easy conversation. "Dianne tells me you were asking after the pretty little Bella?" Kurt posed the statement as a question to Max. "Oh yeah," Max said easily, "I guess everyone is interested in seeing the girl that Mel's collared." He leaned forward conspiratorially, "I hear though that she isn't here, she left him already and ran back to her parent's house somewhere down the coast." He shrugged, "She can't have been as good as they said if she ran away after only a few days." Kurt laughed long and loud, and Rob smirked, "Wow rumours fly fast in this group don't they? I bet if we wait another hour or so she will have a crone's face and a wart on the end of her nose." "Have you met her?" Max asked curiously, "or is she just a rumour after all." Kurt fished in his pocket and pulled out his phone, rifling through the photos on file. "Dianne and I went to a party recently that Bella also attended. Let me see if I have a picture." Rob was interested in seeing the picture too. If the photo was decent he may add it to the office den's wall temporarily, or at least until they had time to have a new formal portrait taken. It was a photo of the night Kurt had liked. He had taken it as she had spoken with her father after Jim's untimely exit. She had been smiling up at her father, but her eyes were full of unshed tears giving her a look of poignant vulnerability that had made Kurt and Dianne both highly protective of the girl. "Ah here is our little Tinkerbella," Kurt held the phone for Dianne to see. "It's such a lovely photo, Master. It captures her perfectly," Dianne smiled her praise. Kurt passed his phone to the other three men who seemed suitably impressed. Max took his time studying the girl and Rob watched him carefully. "Tiny thing isn't she?" Max finally said. "She looks as if she might break with any real use." "What is it they say, good things come in small packages?" Rob smiled. "No, no," Kurt cut in. "It's, don't judge a book by its cover." Stephen laughed with them, "She is exceptional, let's just leave it at that. Satisfy your curiosity Max?" "Oh sorry," Max said, finally handing the phone back to Kurt. "Yes. Will they be here tonight?" "They're around somewhere," Stephen gave the pat reply he had instructed the staff to give if asked. Another girl approached, and Stephen left to attend to club business with her, leaving Max with Rob and Kurt. "So tell us about this club you are part of down South," Kurt asked still smiling. "Is it as grand as this place?" "Its more of a café in comparison, but it might grow now that some high-rolling backers have come onboard," Max said good-naturedly, confirming the fact that he did not realise that Rob was the silent partner in this club. Rob seized on the information, "Oh anyone we might know? Maybe we should check it out sometime." Rob turned to Kurt, "Never know what delectable morsels may be hiding in the Southern states." "I quite like the scenery here, but I have wanted to catch up with some friends I haven't seen for a while that live down South for work. Maybe some of them belong to your new little club?" Kurt asked without naming anyone specifically. Max smiled, "I do alright, but I don't know if I can keep up both memberships if it becomes more like this club, but that is the talk lately, someone called Lewis has come on board and wants to tailor the clientele. I don't know much about the business side but if I bring a few memberships in I'll be in the founders group and get a life time membership and all the perks that come with that. Do you make it down South often? I thought I could make some contacts here to build the club up a bit and secure my spot and lifetime membership." "Oh sure," Kurt said magnanimously, "I'm always looking for something fun to do when I'm there for business. Why don't we have lunch tomorrow and you can fill me in on all the details. I was thinking about buying an apartment anyway, but this sounds as if it will be more fun don't you think, my girl?" Dianne nodded enthusiastically, "Oh yes, Master." "I'll see if I can move some things around to join you. Not that I travel that much, but it's always good to haven options," Rob agreed. He had almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the name Lewis but didn't want to spook the man they were talking to. They had been chatting for almost an hour when Max finally excused himself to release the girl he had bound into artwork. "Nice to meet you gentlemen, I will see you for lunch here tomorrow, about twelve?" "Yes. Twelve works for me," Kurt smiled and shook his hand, "See you then." "Feel free to bring some friends if you think they'd be interested," Max encouraged them before melting into the crowd again. "What an interesting young man," Kurt smirked. "Worth watching," Rob agreed. "And I know just the man for the job," he grinned. ***** Bella climbed from the car as it pulled up at the dock and stood demurely behind Mel. She was overwhelmed by the size of the boat, as he had called it. It was more of a ship, and they were greeted with deference by the crew. Mel spoke briefly to the captain as the early morning sun warmed Bella while she stood close by. Satisfied, Mel led Bella into the main cabin. Placing a cushion on the floor, he had her kneel as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "I have been thinking of the best punishment for your running away from me and everything this collar and our bond means," he began, his voice even. Her eyes widened as she looked up at him, but she said nothing. "From the time we left your parent's house you lost all your freedoms and independence from me. You will now have to work hard to show me I can trust you to remember who owns you, controls you and provides for you." Placing the mug on the bench he walked back to stand before her. "You will not move from where I place you until told you may move, you will ask for even the smallest things including going to the bathroom. Do you understand? You belong wholly and solely to me now." He nudged her knees apart with the toe of his boot, "And if you should ever doubt that, just look down to be reminded." Mel left Bella kneeling there and walked from the room, leaving her alone to contemplate his words and her loss of the small freedoms she had. Mel had turned to the sleeping quarters to supervise the loading of their luggage; he figured they would spend a minimum of three days on the boat. Three days to indulge his fetishes and build her trust in him so that Italy could be the enjoyable romantic place she had always dreamed of visiting and he would no longer have such deep worry about her commitment to him. He took up his tool bag and walked back to the doorway to the room she knelt in. She hadn't moved, and he smiled. He walked back into the room and sat the bag beside her, unzipping it slowly, allowing the smell of well-cared-for leather escape into the room, his smile widened as he watched her squirm on her heels. "Stand," Mel commanded as he pulled a fistful of hair assisting her to rise quickly to her feet. He enjoyed her whimper as he held her a moment or two longer, and bent to kiss her. His hands moved to unbuckle the harness once more. Mel stripped her of all the leather straps, his fingers lightly tracing the pink lines the tight straps had left upon her skin and the still swollen area of the tattoo above her cunt. Finally he took the chain from her neck and held it before her eyes, "This is only a symbol, as is the new mark you bear proclaiming you as my possession." Mel paused to let his words sink in, "You are mine because you know I will give you what you need, what you want and what you desire. I will give it all to you because you are mine and you have already given me what I most desire in the world, you." His voice was deep and throaty and full of passion as he continued, "I have wanted you just like this, for longer than you can imagine, I adore you my Ellie, you do not need the collar to prove it, you just need to trust and believe in me." Bella's lip found its way between her teeth again as she listened to him talk, her eyes focusing on the collar as he held it up. This was what she wanted it was true, it was why she had accepted his collar, and all that came with it, but everything she had done since then had seemed to be wrong and had cast doubts on that decision. She had wondered if she could ever be the girl he truly wanted. The past twelve hours had shown her otherwise. In the last twelve hours when it had been just the two of them together, Bella had truly listened to him. From the time he had arrived at her parents she felt the overwhelming longing to be with him like this. To feel his pride and adoration of her, to know without doubt that nothing that had happened in the last week had changed his desire for her as she had feared and all but convinced herself of during his long absences in the days following her accident. Once again Mel placed his hand on her shoulder with slight pressure and Bella melted to kneel at his feet. From the bag, he took the wooden box he had brought from her basket in the training room and placed it beside her. "While you are aboard this boat it will be as if you are in the training room at home." He opened the box to display the contents. "I expect you to be dressed appropriately." Mel took a step back and sat in a comfortable looking armchair to watch her. Bella sat back on her heels and pulled the training collar from the box laying it on the floor in front of her along with the leash. She laid out the four cuffs trying to discern by the size which were the ankle and which were the wrist. Enjoying the smell and feel of the soft, oiled leather, lastly she pulled out the leather hair thongs with the ringed ends. A small smile softened Mel's features as she began to put on the restraints and Bella basked in the warmth of his pleasure. Owning Bella Ch. 06 Bella was in the process of tying her hair up when a tap came at the door. Mel stood up and crossed the floor, opening the door widely. The captain stepped forward into Bella's line of sight, but she did not move, she was determined not to ruin the time Mel had made for them to be together, even though she was both terrified and excited by the promise of his words from the flight and their arrival on the boat. "The last of the items you have requested have arrived so we can cast off when you are ready Sir," the captain said formally, his eyes flicking to the naked girl kneeling on the floor. "Good," Mel clasped the man on the shoulder. "Have them bring the basket and accessories in here please and assemble the crew in here before we leave." "Aye, Sir," the Captain nodded and left the room, closing the double door behind him. Mel returned to Bella and picked up her leash, "You look beautiful my Ellie." He lifted her up and pulled her hard against him kissing her deeply and smacking her ass hard to feel her whimper into his kiss. Breaking the embrace he called, "Come in," to the tentative knock on the door. Two men in white uniforms entered carrying a large basket followed by two women carrying large packages. Mel directed where the basket would be placed, and the men settled it into a large, central place within the room. The women then bustled around opening the packages they had carried and making the small bed within the basket by unrolling a mattress and adding covers and cushions, before stepping back into line with the men who had been joined by their crew mates. The captain introduced each crew member by name and their duty aboard the vessel as Mel led her on her leash down the line of people. Bella blushed deeply, not meeting the eyes of any of the crew members as she crawled beside her master. Mel walked a few steps away from the assembled crew and turned to face them. "I am Mel Marino. You can address me as Sir while I'm on-board this yacht." He glanced along the row of faces knowing that they understood, as this particular yacht and crew came highly recommended by friends within the lifestyle. "This," he indicated Bella, "is my precious pet, you will have little direct contact with her without my express permission. Having said that, should you need to speak with her, you will remember that she is my most valuable possession and should be treated with care and respect unless I have stated otherwise." Bella felt all eyes upon her, making her blush deeper as she bore their scrutiny. "Thank you captain, we can cast off now." Mel turned and led Bella to the basket. "In," he ordered. "It has been a long night with little rest. I need to attend to some things, so I want you to rest here." "Master..." Bella chewed her lip lightly. "May I go to the bathroom first please?" "Of course, little one," Mel was overjoyed with her behaviour since agreeing to come with him, and though she had actually said remarkably little, the constant gnawing at her lip had lessened as had the deep thoughts that always clouded her eyes. To him it was as if his harsh punishments had cleared the dark thoughts and self-doubt that had grown, over the last week, into the monster that carried her away from him, and she was coming back to where they both knew she belonged. Mel took her lead again and led her through the luxurious yacht to the bathroom. "Do you need the plug removed," he asked softly. She nodded, the blush filling her face deeply. Mel knew all his little one's routines as well as he knew his own. He bent her over the bathroom vanity bench and smirked as she reached back, without being told, to hold her cheeks wider for him. Mel took care and withdrew the plug, carefully throwing it into the sink and allowing her to stand and walk to the toilet. He kept the door open and watched her until she was done and cleaned up then led her back through to the main cabin and her basket. Mel waited for her to crawl in before removing the leash and placing it in the basket with her. He poured her a glass of water from the bar, "I will have your dish brought in once we get underway. Rest now, little one," he stroked her hair as he spoke. "You have pleased me this morning." Bella smiled and lay down, pulling a cushion beneath her head, she was tired and happy, and she let her eyes drift closed as she watched Mel sit close by and open his laptop. Owning Bella Ch. 07 Authors note: I apologise for the delay as always outside forces tend to disrupt the flow. I had the story finished very early this month but the editing publishing stage took a while. I hope you enjoy it! ~ellie Leon Watt was a spoilt little rich kid. Even at the age of 42 that is how most people viewed him. Tall, arrogant and handsome, he let others run the company he had inherited while he showed up spasmodically and did as little as possible. For Leon, it was all about appearances, being on the 'A List' for parties, balls and fund raisers, being on members boards in prestigious clubs and associations and generally being seen as a powerful mover and shaker in all aspects of life. Very few people got past that outward persona and towering reputation to know the real Leon, but Rob was one of them and Leon felt an attachment to him akin to a brother. Looking at his watch as he dawdled to the club Leon considered that he was not quite fashionably late enough, so he stopped briefly to flirt with the girls in the building lobby before making his way downstairs to the meeting Rob had asked him to attend. Waltzing into the room he greeted the small group assembled for lunch like bosom buddies, shaking hands with the men before gripping the squirming Gian and fondling her while smirking at her owner, "How nice of you to bring a toy for me to play with, Josie." Josie rolled her eyes heavenward, "Put Gian down Leon. She has no interest in that bean sprout between your legs." "I'm crushed," Leon pouted, but took Gian's hand and forced it against his groin. "Have you heard the story about Josie and the magic beanstalk?" Gian was used to this game between the two dominants and let a small smile curl on her lips before assuming a vacant expression. She looked at Josie and whispered, "No, I don't think I know that story." "Ah, well come sit on my lap and I will tell you all about it, maybe even give you a demonstration." Leon was holding in his chuckle now, taking a seat next to Josie and pulling Gian into his lap. "You don't mind sharing do you, Josie." Instead of answering the grinning Leon, Josie looked across the table at Rob and sighed, "You could have told me that you invited this buffoon, given me some warning, anything." She spread her hands as if looking for answers. Rob laughed, "If you arrive unexpectedly at lunchtime, you have to take what you get I am afraid. Gian doesn't look as if she is suffering that much so shall we order now that everyone is here?" "About time," Kurt cut in, "I'm starving." "You're always starving," Josie grumbled in mock outrage. For all of her complaining, she loved and respected these men. While some of the founding members were almost impossible to deal with as a woman, she knew that the four sitting around the table with her not only accepted her but loved and respected her in return. Mel and Rob had built up a tight knit community within the leaders of their club, they were more like family than business associates. Max, who had sat quietly through the exchange, had recognised Leon as soon as he entered and was eager to talk to him about investing in the Southern club, thinking that if he brought this notorious name on board, his position there would be sealed. "Hi," Max extended his hand across the table to Leon. "I'm Max. I don't think we've met before." Leon looked at the hand and drawled, "Sorry mate, got my hands full at the moment." He jiggled Gian's large breasts, holding one tightly in each hand causing Josie to let out another large sigh, "I'm Leon." Stephen came over as they ordered lunch and looked at Gian, then at Josie, "Some of Gian's friends are in today. Perhaps she would like to take the time to say hello, we miss having her here." "What a fabulous idea! Go spend some time with your friend's sweet thing. I will come and collect you when we are done," Josie said cheerily, flashing a wide smile at Leon. "Traitor," Leon growled at Stephen who merely laughed and took a seat at the table. "So Max, tell us all about this new club. I'm dying to know," Kurt said dramatically "Not that it will be real competition if is down South but I am terribly curious," Stephen joined the discussion. It took Leon a few moments to put the pieces together of why Rob had wanted him to come today, so he sat back and listened. Max launched into a sales pitch directed mostly at Leon, the billionaire playboy. Rob cut in during a brief lull in the conversation and inquired, "You said a high roller was coming on board, so you thought it might become bigger sooner than expected?" "The more people of your calibre we can get on board the faster it will grow into a club to rival this one. I'm not sure about the guy who wanted to come on board, he had some strong ideas about restricting membership to certain lifestyle choices, and we just can't afford to be that picky." Rob mused on the thought for a moment, "I'm not even sure we would want to place those sort of restrictions in anyway." "What sort of restrictions?" Rob probed. "It started with no Dommes, gays, or lesbians but began to go into people's personal lives: religion, race..." his voice trailed off as Josie glared at him. "Well that counts me out" she said indignantly, "bad enough I have to fight that sort of bullshit here where I am more or less accepted let alone if it came from the management of a place." "Yeah, we were not so keen on the restrictions ourselves, which is why I am looking for other investors so we could tell Lewis Arfor to go fuck himself," Max agreed quickly. Leon hid his shock over hearing the name of Rob's phantom, but he began to pay closer attention to the man who was giving the spiel, knowing this was why Rob had invited him. They were almost through the main course, and Leon was deciding the best course of action to take at this point when Josie casually spoke again. "Well you may have to wait to do that anyway, even if each of the people at this table invested in your little venture," Josie said enigmatically. "Oh?" Max queried and raised an eyebrow in her direction. "Rumour has it," she continued conspiratorially, "Lewis lost something a day or two ago, and it has turned up overseas." She looked pointedly at Rob who had not asked her why she had shown up unexpectedly at lunchtime and asked to join his table. Rob had visibly paled, and Kurt looked shocked. Max seemed oblivious to the reactions at the table to that piece of news. Leon who took in everything and everyone at the table turned to Josie and said matter-of-factly, "Whatever he lost must be very important to him if he is willing to drop everything to go and retrieve it." "I guess so," Josie nodded but looked meaningfully at the group. Recovering himself quickly Kurt leaned back in his chair, "Well, old boy, this sounds fascinating, I think maybe as I missed out on being a founding member here I might be interested." He looked down at Dianne, who had sat silently beside him the whole time taking in everything as she knew she would be asked for her opinion as soon as they were alone. Kurt valued her intelligence and business savvy as much as he did her submission to him and she found that an aphrodisiac in itself. "What do you think girl, should we show these Southerners what it's all about?" "Of course, Master," Dianne smiled at him. "I think it's worth taking a look too," Leon stroked his chin as he spoke, as if in thought. "Can you set up a meeting for us with the owners and innovators, Max?" "Well I trust their say so," Rob said stiffly, still thrown by Josie's announcement. "I can't get away at the moment but if they say it's a good investment I could come on board." Max was over the moon at the interest, and he looked to Josie who held up her hands, "Not me. Until I'm sure I'm welcome by the owners, it's too hard to fight that sort of prejudice on two fronts." She grinned and made a mock pout, "I ruined my best pair of red heels on the last Dom who thought he could make me submit." With the lunch concluded, Josie spoke once again, "Well I hate to be the party-pooper," again she sighed as the immature Leon chuckled, and looked to Stephen. "Unless you're going to throw your hat in the ring with this lot could you go and get Gian for me? I have some business I need to see Rob about and I need her." She paused to spoke to Rob, "Privately." "I think I will take the same road as Rob," Stephen said, "and wait and see what Kurt and Leon think about it before investing." He stood and shook hands with Max, "Nice to see you again. When will you be heading back home?" "I'm meeting a few more interested people here tonight. Depending on how that goes, maybe tomorrow evening," Max stood to shake his hand in return. "It was good to see you Stephen." "Well I must be off too," Leon announced throwing his card on the table beside Max. "Email me the details when you set up the meeting. I'll fly down and have a look myself." "Great," said Kurt. "Can I hitch a lift on your jet? It'll save getting mine out of the hangar." "I suppose," Leon said. "What's one more hitchhiker?" Kurt laughed at the response, and Josie's sigh. Leon acted put out but he would actually enjoy the company. Leon walked away from the table. As he went through the club foyer he asked for his briefcase that he had checked in with his coat, then he detoured and slid into the main office by the hidden door to wait for Josie and Rob. He needed more information and it seemed that Josie was the one holding all the cards this time around. Slowly the rest of the group filtered in. Stephen had walked Max out to deflect him from the idea that the rest of the group were meeting again in another room. Josie entered the office and threw herself into a chair, "There is no need to call the others is there?" "No," Rob said quietly. "I don't think the club is under any direct threat at the moment." He looked at Leon before speaking again. "The question is, is this just all coincidence, and I'm being paranoid or is Lewis seriously stalking Mel and Bella?" "Go over it all from beginning," Leon said seriously. His whole demeanour had changed since entering the office. The arrogant, irresponsible playboy had faded into the serious countenance of the specialist he was. Leon had outgrown the adrenaline fuelled extreme sports many years ago and seeking different adrenaline-laced experiences had happened upon a small group of ex-intelligence agency and special forces men who had formed their own agency. They rescued kidnap victims, terrorist hostages and the like. They were hired by government agencies as well as private people who could find them and pay the exorbitant fees. Leon had joined the fledgling company and, with his money and contacts, had helped build it to be a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Kurt, Rob and Josie all combined their knowledge into one smooth telling of recent events. "Combined with the suspicious circumstance surrounding events leading to Kitty's murder, it's all just a little too coincidental to me," Rob finally finished. Kurt nodded his agreement as Leon finally took a breath and began to speak. "After the last meeting I put some feelers out through some of my connections without making too many waves. There were a couple of small bites but nothing significant. It seems that although his name crops up in several underworld groups, it's generally rumour or innuendo and stops with what seems to be an incredibly well protected and loyal middle man who never mentions where he gets his orders from." "So we are no better off than we were days ago when Bella first had her accident," the frustration was clear in Rob's voice. "If it helps I don't think you're being paranoid," Leon smiled, trying to lighten the mood a little. "Leave it with me a day or two, with this sudden departure there might be a few kinks that show in the network that we can exploit. I will put the agency on it in full rather than nosing around myself. If anyone can find your phantom they can," Leon said with conviction, despite the fact that they never got close during the search for Kitty. "It's been a decade since Kitty, well you know. Now we've got better technology and services, give me a couple of days, Rob. We'll kick over a few rocks and see what scurries out." "That's all well and good," Kurt said, "but I'm going to tell Mel. They need some sort of protection if we aren't being paranoid, whether we give you a couple days or not." ***** Bella had woken from her nap, the first day, to find Mel agitated and making phone calls, she had lain quietly in her basket not wanting to disturb him until he noticed her and smiled. Finishing his call and, as if knowing what she needed instinctively, he walked over, attached her leash and silently led her from the basket to the water bowl and then into the bathroom. Once they were back in the salon he had her kneel at his feet. Mel wasn't really sure about sharing this information with his beautiful pet but he wanted this time to be a time of real bonding between them and, in his mind, he could hear Dorothea's voice chiding him for his reticence. He finally spoke, "Did you sleep well, my little Ellie?" "Yes Master, thank you," Bella replied softly. "There will be some men coming aboard later this afternoon," Mel began, being careful with how he phrased what he needed to tell her. "I received some news from Kurt and some unsavoury types have been seen in this vicinity of the world so the men will be here to protect you." He stroked her cheek, "and me. You, however, are most precious and will be their priority." Chewing her lip Bella remained silent, "It's nothing to worry over my precious pet. It's just a precaution nothing more. I promised to keep you safe always and this is my way of doing that right now." The phone rang again and Mel looked at it. "I need to take this," he muttered before turning his eyes back upon Bella. "Display," he commanded. Bella fastened her hands behind her neck and widened her thighs tilting her hips to raise and display her cunt and the new tattoo sitting above it. Mel watched avidly, he never tired of seeing her at his feet so open and ready. He nudged the toe of his boot against her cunt moving it slightly against her lips forcing them to open and expose her clit before putting more pressure into the small movements. Mel watched her closely as he listened to Rob give his detailed account of all that had happened and Josie's report. He saw Bella's breathing quicken and the tell-tale shivers that ran through her torso as the toe of his boot scraped over the sensitive, swollen nub of flesh. Keeping pressure up against her cunt he slid the boot slightly forward until the toe was nudging at her fuckhole, her clit riding against the upper curve of his boot. Bella's breathing came in small gasps and soft whimpers as she began to rock her hips and he reached out his free hand to play with a nipple. His eyes crinkled as he watched her struggle to hold back her orgasm, prolonging his phone conversation as he twisted the nipple he was playing with making her squeal in a sharp high pitched burst and tremble in need. "Hang on a sec, Rob, I need to do something here. Talk to Bella." Mel removed his foot from her cunt and stood up pressing the phone into her left hand. Having trouble making sense out of the sudden change of events Bella panted into the phone, "Hello, Master Rob." "Hellom sweet Bella," Rob's voice sounded distant. "Are you enjoying your time with your Master so far?" "Yes, Master Rob," Bella's eyes were glued to Mel's belt as it slid through the loops of his pants and she squirmed at the thought of what he might do with it. "That was a very naughty thing you did, running away the way the other day," Rob spoke as if he couldn't hear the heat and need in her voice. "Yes, Master Rob," Bella panted barely able to concentrate on the voice in her ear as Mel lay the leather belt over her shoulder and continued to undress. "We will have to have a long chat about obedience when you return," there was a threat in his voice, but Bella was oblivious to the tone as she continued to watch Mel. "Yes, Master Rob," Bella couldn't muster any other words as she continued to squirm before her Master. "It seems your Master has your full attention and that is as it should be little one," Rob said. "Put the phone on speaker please Bella." "I will leave you to your honeymoon, Mel," Rob's voice chuckled through the speaker, "but just letting you know that Tony was in Thailand so Leon is sending him to organise security, he should be there to meet you at KL." "That's good news," Mel smiled down at Bella as he kicked away the last of his clothes. "I'll talk to you tonight when they come aboard." "Yeah, talk to you then," Rob chuckled and hung up. Discarding the phone and taking up his belt, Mel flicked it across her hardened nipples and down under her breasts enjoying the sight of tears forming in her eyes as she cried out. Moving around behind her he pushed her forward so her head lay on the cushion of the armchair, her hands stabilising her as her ass lifted from her heels. Mel lashed both her ass and her thighs several times before kneeling down behind her and driving into her hard and fast. His hand snaked around under her and finding the hard little nub pinched and twisted it as he fucked her, making her beg over and over for permission to cum. Finally he relented and Bella came explosively, her head spinning and her cunt clenching with spasms around Mel's cock, milking it desperately. "Fuck," Mel roared, and came himself, pumping jets of cum into his precious girl and leaning over her feeling his own body shake with effort. She felt amazing and he felt so vital and strong when he was with her, he could not get enough. His hands stroked her body as they recovered and he eventually sat back pulling her into his lap cuddling her close and tilting her head up to kiss her deeply. "I adore you my Ellie," he murmured into her neck. "I love you too, Master," she whispered. Bella lived as a pampered pet aboard the yacht. She had no privacy or personal freedoms but in truth she had not missed them once during that time. Mel had kept her close and in his sight the whole time, he had made sure she wanted for nothing and had used her constantly. Her body ached and bore the marks of his use but she was blissfully happy, she knew who she was, what was expected of her here, and that he loved her more than she had realised. They had relaxed into their role in each other's lives and he found no reason to punish her so every mark she bore for him was out of their desire, need and want. Mel smiled at her more often, seeing the way she lit up and basked in his pleasure, he spoke to her more about his wants, desires and needs as well as drawing out her own limits, both hard and soft. The men who had come aboard that first night were an unobtrusive but constant presence, and Bella began to relax around both them and the crew. She was introduced to Tony, who would be her personal bodyguard when they left the boat for any reason. Mel had introduced him as a friend that he trusted, unlike her introductions to the other men and crew which, while friendly enough, did not hold the same meaning and emphasis. Her nakedness, which had made her blush so in front of the crew when they had first arrived, became a convenience on the second day as Mel constantly played with her, using all sorts of toys and equipment in between the torrid bouts of fucking. No inch of her body was spared from his torment except the small patch above her cunt that had been tattooed which he personally gave the tenderest of care. Finally, in the early afternoon of the third day, the torment ended for a brief period and she was sent to her basket to nap and relax. Having been constantly aroused and kept on the edge for three days, only falling asleep when she had passed out after incredible orgasms, and then for not particularly long at a time, she found she was restless. Sleep eluded her as she wriggled around in her basket trying to find a spot that would induce the sleep she so desperately needed. Mel was sitting across the room with his laptop and phone, one eye on his precious pet the other on his work. Owning Bella Ch. 07 Seeing her discomfort Tony squatted down beside the basket and began to talk in low soft tones as he petted her hair. "I have heard a lot about you, Bella, before I came on board." Bella started to turn her head to look up at him but he put gentle pressure on her to lay back down, crooning, "Shush, nothing bad. I belong to your Master's club, and I am friends with his friends, part of the same circle so to speak." He felt her relax again under his hand. "Kurt told me you were cute as a button. Rob said you were a little doll." He watched her mouth curl into a small smile. "Jack said Dusty had all but adopted you, that was hard to believe, Dusty doesn't like too many people." "Dusty is the sweetest," Bella said in a sleepy voice, defending her friend. "I'll try and remember that the next time she tries to bite me," he chuckled softly and kept talking to her as she drifted off to sleep. The only description he got that even came close to the girl curled in the basket was from Dianne who had told him that she looked like an innocent and vulnerable little waif that made you feel protective and caring, but her looks hid an intelligence and strength beyond what most would believe possible. Even with the information from friends and acquaintances that had met the girl, Tony had been unprepared for the reality. She was obedient without mindlessly kowtowing to anyone who crossed her path, she was masochistic but without the lack of self-worth or self-preservation, she was submissive without the smuttiness and neediness of most slaves, but most of all it was the vulnerability she had that Tony found irresistible. He knew, like the others, that this girl was indeed remarkable, as any girl Mel took as his own would have had to be. Beauty, strength and intelligence: what every Dom wanted in a sub, or so he thought. Smiling as she finally dozed off, he crossed the floor to where Mel sat and took a seat. "So what's the news from home?" Tony inquired as Mel looked up. "Leon's men have a good lead they think, but as usual the phantom is elusive," Mel grimaced. "Thanks for coming Tony, I feel better knowing a friend has an eye on her as well." Tony waved the thanks away. "You know me Mel, anything for a free floor show, especially if it's as pleasurable as this one has been. I can see why you collared her so quickly!" Mel looked over at the basket, "Amazing isn't she? I have almost lost her twice, I'm not taking any more chances." "Damn, I guess I shouldn't tell you I was working on a plan to steal her away then," Tony laughed. "I see why all your friends have fallen a little in love with her, including the other girls." Mel laughed, "You always exaggerate. She is the perfect fit for me though, and I am more than just a little in love with her." "You don't say?" Tony replied, sarcasm dripping from each word. "You realise those outside your inner circle all think you've lost your mind. At your party, there were whispers of senility I'm sure." Mel gave him a withering look, "She makes me feel younger every day, and I'm not that old you know." Laughing together they made plans for the night ahead and their departure in the morning. Phantom or no phantom Mel was determined to give Bella a holiday to remember. It was early evening before he woke the exhausted Bella. "It's time to wake up my little Ellie," Mel said softly. He bent over her and gently patted her head, brushing the stray curls from her eyes. Bella stirred slowly to wakefulness stretching her stiff and sore body with a small whimper before blinking her eyes open. "Yes, Master," Bella croaked as she crawled from her basket and lapped at the water bowl kept beside her basket wishing she could pick it up. As she finally sat back up on her heels, Mel surprised her by picking her up and carrying her toward the bathroom. As her senses came back, she could smell his aftershave and realised he was showered and dressed formally for the first time in days and she looked up into his face without voicing the question. "We will be going out tonight," Mel answered her unspoken words. "I want you showered, shaved and your hair styled elegantly up off your neck within the hour." He smiled down at her look of surprise. "You will find your make-up and hair accessories on the bench. Putting her down he ran the shower for her as she took in his words and then kissed her deeply. "Do as I say little one, I have a few more things to prepare before we leave." Mel assisted with the buckle on the training collar before kissing her once more and disappearing through the door. Bella sat to undo the ankle cuffs and struggled with the wrist cuffs before looking up to see Tony leaning against the door frame watching her. She felt naked again which was odd as she had been naked in front of him for days, but the loss of the cuffs and the symbols of her place made her feel more so and she blushed deeply. Bella hurried to step into the shower. She washed and shaved thoroughly going over each area several times, being careful of the still fresh tattoo as she shaved carefully around the damaged skin. The lines of the design had not been coloured in so there was little scabbing to impede the razors flow, but she hated to imagine damaging her mark and what that would mean to him and for her. Rinsing the last of the conditioner from her hair Bella finally stepped from the shower and, trying to ignore the man watching her every movement, dried off in a large fluffy towel before wrapping it around her. Tony frowned and looked at her hard until she realised her mistake and dropped the towel before moving to the mirror. Tony retreated from the doorway and Mel returned as Bella was putting the finishing touches to her make up. "You look beautiful little one, now come," Mel held out his hand to her and looking at it she stood and walked to him. After days of crawling it felt odd to be upright again. Walking into the bedroom Tony lounged in a chair as Mel led Bella to the bed. Various items were strewn across its top. Curiously she looked at the array as Mel picked up a small gold ring, he bent his head kissing her deeply as his empty hand played with her nipple roughly, Bella felt it harden between his fingers as he pinched and pulled it out from her breast. Satisfied, he broke the kiss and opening the ring closed it about the elongated nipple making it stand out from the areola like the small rubber on the end of a pencil. He repeated the process with the other nipple before stepping back to view the effect. Bella stood passively as a large piece of white rubbery material was gently placed over her head. Thin straps ran over her shoulders holding a rectangular piece of rubbery material against her front, and she could feel a similar piece settle against her back and ass. "Display," Mel commanded and Bella lifted her hands to her neck. Holding out a small decorative gold rope to Tony he said, "Give me a hand with this it is difficult to keep them even." "I thought you would never ask," Tony chortled. "I love the feel of latex." Together they pulled the material tightly over the curves of Bella's petite body, the gold laces decorating her side in glittering arrays. Mel pressed his hand over Bella's tummy and down over her cunt before stepping back again pleased with the effect of the nipple collars through the latex and the slight shadow of the tattoo through the sheer material. Moving the items to the side, Mel guided Bella to lie on her back upon the bed. He picked up what looked like a large white condom and threw it to Tony picking up a second one. Picking up a foot each they spread her legs widely before pulling the condom on her toes and slowly rolling it up her legs stopping every few centimetres to smooth the wrinkles and stretch it further. It was one of the most erotic things Bella had felt, and she blushed deeply knowing her over used cunt was leaking as the hands worked the latex up and over her thighs. "She's a very excitable little slut isn't she?" Tony commented. "It is one of her most admirable qualities and one of the reasons I adore her so," Mel replied, smiling down at Bella's blushing face. His fingers trailed up over her wet cunt, parting her lips and brushing against her clit making her tremble in pleasure. "Do you need relief little one?" His fingers continued to tease her as she began to pant and nodded quietly, not looking at Tony who still held her leg wide. "You're such a needy little slut aren't you?" he asked as he pressed his thumb against her clit and pushed two fingers into her tight wet hole. Whimpering and lifting her hips to his hand despite herself, she tried to ignore the hard-on in Tony's pants that he had pressed against her foot as she whispered between gasps, "Yes, Master." The humiliation of the other man getting aroused by her Master bringing her to orgasm made Bella climb to the edge of the abyss faster than usual, and she was begging for release within minutes. Mel leaned over swallowing her garbled words in a deep kiss taking her leg with him exposing her even more to his friends view before growling, "Cum for me, show my friend what a little slut you are for me." Bella arched up off the bed as she came hard and long, her little body jerking and shaking as she cried out her orgasm for him. Bella opened her eyes in surprise as she heard Tony rasp in a deep voice, "Oh yeah." She saw he had opened his pants and used her latex clad foot to masturbate. His cum dripped from her toes, and she felt her face flame as Mel fed her the cum soaked fingers he had pulled from her cunt. She gazed up into her Master's eyes and saw how pleased he was with her, basking in the heat of his pleasure. Tony disappeared from view as he released her leg but returned with a basin of water. Once again clean Mel stood Bella up and gave her shoes that matched the latex stockings exactly. She looked amazing, but Mel was not finished. He placed a thick wide golden collar about her neck, from the front hung a large ring. Smaller, daintier highly-etched gold circlets were placed on her wrists and ankles. A ring hung from each circlet, and was then folded into place perfectly fitting the width of the circlets to be hidden until required. Mel stood up and stepped back to look at her again, and Tony nodded in appreciation of his work. Picking up the last item on the bed Mel opened a small box and withdrew a large white opal set in gold and attached it to hang from the ring that fell from the collar making it ornamental rather than utilitarian, for the time being. Finally, Mel led her to a full length mirror where she gasped at the girl that was reflected back. Tony whistled appreciatively, and Mel stroked his hand down her back petting her softly before smacking her ass and smiling. "You are, as always, most desirable my precious pet and I am so very proud to be your Master." Bella had no words to reply. The girl in the mirror had the body of a sex starved nymphomaniac. Her nipples and the mound of her cunt pressing against the tight stretched latex as if begging for attention. She felt as naked as if she wore no clothes at all. The gold bands at her throat, wrists and ankles told anyone with half an idea of her status and sexuality. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply, repeating her mantra silently to herself, trust and obey, trust and obey. If you are going out looking like an expensive slut you must trust that Mel will look after you, she continued to talk to herself as she squeaked and opened her eyes again at the slap he landed on her ass. Mel could see her mind working to accept his wishes for the first time in days, and leaned into her ear crooning, "I could not be happier, trust me, my Ellie." Relaxing slightly she turned to look at him, leaving her reflection to berate itself and smiled. "Of course, Master, I have just never looked so..." she searched for the word then laughed, "expensive." Mel raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing as he tried to understand what she meant. "Maybe valuable, is a better word," she tried again at his raised eyebrow. "Precious," Mel corrected her but seemed satisfied by her explanation. Guiding her back out to the salon Mel gathered their jackets before walking up onto the deck with Bella and Tony following close behind. Bella smiled shyly as several crew members turned from their duties to look at them. She hadn't seen anyone except the salon steward since her arrival on the boat and again she felt practically naked as one or two openly ogled her. Satisfied with the reaction of the crew Mel walked slowly toward the waiting car at the end of the dock with Bella a step behind him. Behind her, Tony and another man in a black suit followed them. He stopped beside the car and helped Bella into her jacket. Like her clothes it was white, hung to her mid-thigh and wrapped tightly around her. Opening the door Mel guided her in and sat beside her. "Ready for some sight-seeing?" he asked her happily. ***** Rob hung up the phone from Mel. Bella's voice full of obvious arousal had lit a fire in him, and he went off to ease the feeling of discomfort he felt after the phone call with the use of one of the club slaves. Rob slowed his walk, he had known the deep bond of trust and love that could be found in partnership of Master and slave, and while he did use the girls in the club from time to time he was most often left feeling hollow after it and that was not something he wanted right now, he realised. He thought about Mel and Bella again, a pang of jealousy and longing for his own lost relationship moved over him. Sighing he detoured into the kitchen, to seek out Jake. Spotting Jake in the back area Rob walked over. "Didn't you get a promotion or something? Why are you here doing prep for tonight?" Jake looked up and laughed. "What can I say, I love to cook. Here try this." He handed Rob a spoon coated in a yellow and white suspicious looking substance. "What is it?" Rob sniffed at the spoon. "Just try it already," Jake laughed. "There are more exotic ways to kill you than poisoning a dessert." Rob put the spoon in his mouth, and his eyes lit up. "That's sex on a spoon, what is it?" "Just tinkering with a passionfruit pavlova recipe," Jake replied smugly. "I'll take one to go," Rob laughed. "I need to get out of this place and get an hour or two of sleep." "Sounds like a plan," Jake replied, "You've been here non -top for the last week it seems." "Yeah, I'm going upstairs for a while, if Leon rings put it through otherwise I'll call everyone back." Rob turned to leave but turned back, "Oh yeah, I meant to ask before you side-tracked me with food of the gods, do you know who did the last lot of interior decoration in this place?" "Geez it's been a while. I think we used Dianne's company before she lost it," he shook his head, "Just shows no one is invincible, huh?" Rob shrugged, "Can you ring Kurt and see if he will bring the lovely Dianne in tonight?" "No worries," Jake handed Rob a plate with two servings of the flavoured pavlova. Rob looked at it and raised an eyebrow. "Your guest is still up there I believe." "Ah fuck, I forgot about her. Thanks, I guess she can go home now everything here has settled down," Rob mumbled thoughtfully, looking at the plate as he left the kitchen. Now that he had decided on sleep he was bone-weary, and the short ride up to the third floor seemed to take forever. Walking into his apartment, Rob collapsed into an armchair opposite to where Belinda sat watching TV. "Hi, honey I'm home," he chuckled. "Had a hard day in the salt mines?" Belinda inquired. "Something like that, I'm sorry you have been stuck here, do you want to go home?" Rob asked. "Seeing Marie in the morgue scared the shit of me, I've been more than happy to be here," Belinda smiled. "I would like to go get some of my stuff though, if you don't mind me staying a little longer." "Sure, whatever makes you feel safest." Rob struggled to his feet again. "First though, I need a shower and some sleep." Rob wandered toward the bedroom. "That's Jake's new creation on the table. Only one is for you. Don't even think about eating mine no matter how delightful it is." Rob showered and fell into bed. He woke to the sound of Kurt's loud guffaw and looked at the clock. Swearing at the lost hours he sat up groaning, rolled and stumbled out of bed. Pulling on some boxers he went out to the lounge room rubbing his unshaven face. "Hello, sleeping beauty," Kurt grinned. Rob scowled and looked at the empty plate turning to Belinda, "You let him eat my dessert?" "He ate mine as well if that makes any difference," Belinda laughed. Rob collapsed into a chair and put his head in his hands trying to wake up properly as Kurt explained, "I thought I deserved some compensation for giving my girl to you for the evening." Rob looked around and couldn't see Dianne. "Great," he grumbled. "No dessert and no girl." Kurt widened his eyes, "I am hurt that you would accuse me of stiffing you." Rob looked up at Kurt and growled, "Sure seems that way to me." "You're such a grumpy old bastard in the mornings," Kurt said checking his watch and seeing that it was after midnight. "Go get him some coffee Belinda." The girl fled to the kitchen rather than deal with the two men. "Now sleeping beauty," Kurt drawled, "when Dianne returns from the kitchen with two new desserts," Rob looked at him in surprise. Kurt held up his hand, "No need to thank me for eating your old stale ones, it was my pleasure to help you out." Kurt grinned. "As I was saying, when Dianne gets back I will take the lovely Belinda home to retrieve some of her things and give you and Dianne some time to talk about interior design or whatever it is you girls natter about." Rob sat back in the chair, "Are you trying to be irksome?" "I have another pearl of wisdom for you if you like," Kurt was enjoying himself, seeing the usually in control Rob on the back foot. "Sure give me the pearls of your wisdom," Rob encouraged. "You've done such a dandy job so far." "Pants," Kurt laughed, "Put some pants on next time you wake up and I am here, I don't need to see that, it's a little intimidating talking to a guy in boxers with a half built morning glory threatening to raise its ugly head." "Well if you've got it flaunt it," Rob said standing up, knowing that even by the club's larger than life standards he was seen as well endowed. "Jealous?" He teased and went to put some pants on. "Call Dianne, tell her to meet us in the office down stairs and order coffee," Rob called from the bedroom, waking up fully as he dressed and washed his face. The three went downstairs to the office where Dianne was waiting and Leon had arrived unexpectedly. Leon was lounging at the desk when Rob and Kurt walked in with Belinda, "That eager little beaver, Max, invited us down tomorrow, so I thought I would call in and see if you were free my friends," Leon said without preamble. "I thought that seeing as we haven't had much luck at quashing Lucifer as yet we may as well inconvenience him a little by stealing away one of his investment opportunities." "I hear a 'but' in there," Rob tilted his head and waited for Leon to get to his point. "Your right, as usual big brother," Leon tilted his head back at Rob. "Considering the trouble we have had locating him this all seems a little too easy now. The meeting with Max, the other club and the mention of a man who has, until this point, kept all his investments extremely private is all just a little too..." he waved his arms around expansively, "convenient. Don't you think?" "Well when you put it that way," Kurt shook his head. "But still it's a lead, because either Lucy is a possible investor or they are leading us on a wild goose chase for a reason. I say we accept but say that because of the short notice we will be sending our investment lawyer down and see how they react." Owning Bella Ch. 07 "Lucy?" Dianne asked. "The others have all taken to calling him Lucifer. I decided Lucy suited him better, made him less of a phantom and more of the little girl he acts like, hiding behind all these phoney names and organisations. I mean what sort of a name is Lewis Arfor anyway, it has to be made up," Kurt looked around at the stunned faces. "For all we know it's the name of a group of people. Much like the company that owns this club, if someone came to look for MR they would be looking for twelve people." Again he looked at the silent people around him. "You know I'm right," he said with conviction. "Didn't Josie say that Lewis Arfor was that idiot Jim's Godfather?" Rob asked scratching at his stubble. "I think Kurt has the right idea," Leon got up and walked to the door leading to the foyer, disappearing through it for a few minutes. When he came back in he smiled, "We're in luck." Rob was content to sit back and watch the two men bounce off against each other. They kept talking rapidly, all but excluding the others from their conversation until Mike and Mark Millar swaggered in. Belinda gritted her teeth and looked to Dianne who immediately identified each twin in her greeting. Thankful for Dianne's quick response, having fallen prey to the twin's games more than once, Belinda followed suit smiling prettily at the men. Mark scowled at Dianne who lowered her eyes demurely. "Yes, yes, I will add it to her tally for today," Kurt chuckled and waved the men over to the desk they had sat around. "We were wondering if you two world class lawyers were free tomorrow for a ride in Leon's private jet?" Leon cleared his throat and Kurt grinned at him. "It's Sunday so I could do with a little joy flight how about you?" one twin said turning to the other. "I guess. What's the deal?" The second of the men turned to Kurt. Leon and Kurt outlined the sequence of events and their eventual suppositions about the legitimacy of the deal. Rob watched distractedly mulling over the nagging thought that they were missing something. Coming to the slow realisation of what it was, he let out an expletive that cut through their planning and they all turned to look at him. "I've let you all become as obsessed with my old nemesis as I have been and we've overlooked something very important I think," he began to explain. "And that is?" Leon prompted. "If Josie is correct, we need to look more closely at the one person we know is the link between Bella and Lucifer. I think it's time Leon and I had a little chat with this Jim," he said with an evil smile. "If Lucifer is his godfather then he knows him personally, wouldn't you say? Perhaps a couple of Hell's Angels could put the fear of God into one of Lucifer's minions," Rob smirked at his own cleverness as everyone groaned at the lame joke. Ever the one with a plan Leon went over everyone's actions for the following day. The twins would fly south as investment lawyers, Kurt and Leon would get skyped into the meeting with the owners of the fledgling club at around one pm, they would use this office for the call. Rob would go to Josie's place in the morning and abduct young Jim for a couple of hours so they could have a heart to heart with the young man about his Godfather and his interest in Bella. Happy that there seemed to be some action rather than just sitting and waiting for reports, Rob called it a day and let everyone go for a few hours rest. Walking back into his apartment with Belinda he apologised, "Sorry that took so long, I will get Stephen to take you to get your things tomorrow." "It's fine," she gave a half smile. "The sooner this is all sorted out, the sooner I can go back to my life, and you can have your apartment to yourself again." Rob smiled and gave her a soft hug, "Sweet dreams, I will try not to wake you in the morning." ***** The late afternoon and early evening had rushed by as Mel and Bella played tourist all over the city taking in the sights of KL at night. They had nibbled at snack sized bites in the great markets, but Mel eventually decided he required something more substantial, and it was time to eat. They got out of the car beside what appeared to be an old theatre with two serious looking large men posted at the doors. The building from the outside did not appear noteworthy, if anything it seemed run down and Bella walked closely to Mel feeling a little unsure of the place. She felt Mel's hand wrap proprietarily about the nape of her neck as they drew close and she relaxed, reciting her mantra in her head: trust and obey, trust and obey. The doors swung open after a brief conversation between Mel and the men. As Bella stepped inside she could not have been more surprised, the contrast between the inside and the outer appearance of this building was startling. Opulence was an understatement. Bella gazed up at enormous chandeliers as Mel took her coat and adjusted her dress his fingers lingering over her collared nipples. Mel showed her a slim gold chain which he attached to the ring of her collar like a leash and murmured in her ear, "Do not leave my side, precious pet." Bella nodded still looking about the huge entry. The people looked as opulent as the furnishings as they walked through a bar area into a large theatre area. The rows of chairs one would normally expect had been removed and small booths adorned stepped platforms throughout the room facing the main stage which was empty at this time. As she sat, Bella noticed a smaller stage to the right and slightly higher than the main one that was lit with a spotlight. A large man wearing a black body suit and a hood stood over a girl who knelt before him. The man seemed to be chained to the stage floor by one ankle while the girl's lead seemed to lead out into the dimness of the few people standing close by. Mel explained softly to her leaning over to whisper in her ear. "The man is a slave that belongs to the club. He will do whatever he is asked by the owner of the girl that has been put on stage with him. Often Doms make the girls submit to a gimp like that as a humiliation punishment for forgetting their place. It is a service the club provides to its members." Bella watched interestedly as the gimp placed his hands on his hips and the girl bent double to lick his boots. Unlike the delicious well-cared for leather of her Masters boots, Bella thought the gimp's boots looked thick and dirty, like a biker or workman's boots. Bella's tongue snaked out over her bottom lip, and she drew it between her teeth to gnaw on it lightly. In the last week, Bella had associated all the sexual pleasure she received with the smell, taste and feel of leather, and she knew the feeling of being at the feet of someone who held power. She tried to imagine what it would be like to be up there on the stage being used by another slave, one without power so to speak, and it dawned on her that it would still be her master controlling what happened to her, keeping her safe. The thought appealed to her in an odd way. A waiter came and took their order, Bella realised she had not even looked at the menu and smiled at herself, of course she hadn't been given one, here people knew she was owned, and her Master would provide her with what he wished her to have. Bella saw Tony and the other security man, Frank, sit in a booth behind them to the right. Her eyes were drawn once again to the gimp. She noticed the small things this time, like the cuffs on his wrists and the rings on the boots as the girl's tongue continued to slide over the rough leather. Mel dragged his fingernails up her thigh to cup her cunt, "You are such a hot slut. Would you like that to be you up there?" Bella squirmed at his touch and was unable to form an answer before he went on, "Maybe you would like a spanking from those giant hands. It's a shame you've been such a perfect pet since we arrived." Bella twisted her head to look up, and him knowing she would see his smirk in place. "It would still be you controlling what happened to me," Bella voiced her thoughts, "Keeping me safe, even though that giant could probably squash me like a bug." Mel chuckled. "You are right. It will always be me controlling what you do and whom you do it with." He let his words sink in. "I like to show off what an amazingly obedient and talented girl I have, it gives me a heightened sense of power and control and makes we want you even more if that is possible." Bella knew that this was a truly integral part of their relationship, she knew that complete power and control over her was what he craved and what gave him the most pleasure, but it came as a constant revelation to her that it was what made her happy as well, she craved the adoration and pride that showed in his face when she pleased him, when he had that control, and she overcame a new hurdle in her training. The days following her accident had been punishment to her. When he had withdrawn himself and given her to other people to look after. She had felt as if he had been so displeased he didn't want her any longer. Putting her on stage with a gimp while still holding her leash and being in control was a new and exciting idea for Bella. "As long as you are there to make sure I am safe and cared for it would not be a punishment," she whispered softly and looked up into his eyes, showing the depth of how she felt. "You truly are the most exceptional girl," Mel murmured into her neck, holding her close, his hands stroking over her body feeling every inch of his little treasure beneath the thin latex. "Mine," he murmured in her ear. Bella smiled and whispered," Yes, Master, yours." The power she had shown that he had over her during the hushed conversation was the best aphrodisiac, and he felt his cock harden painfully in the restraining fabric of his pants. He picked up her hand and placed it over his cock and her eyes widened, "See what you do to me," he groaned, "putting gentle pressure on her shoulder he forced her beneath the table and unzipped his pants. Her mouth was warm and wet, and she teased him with that delightful fluttering tongue. Mel closed his eyes enjoying the sensation as she took more of him into her mouth, her fluttering tongue dancing on the underside of his cock. Taking her time and relaxing her breathing she gurgled quietly as she swallowed around him, her nose pressing against the leather of his unbuckled belt making her squirm even more as she continued to take him deeply, his hands on either side of her head urging her faster. In a relatively short time, he held her head still and pumped cum into her mouth growling, "Do not spill, little slut." Bella gulped, swallowing the bursts of cum that filled her mouth, surprised at how much he was able to generate after all the fucking they had done in the last three days. Feeling Mel relax she let his cock fall from her mouth, and she slid back up to sit beside him as he tugged on her golden collar. "Impressive," she heard Tony say from directly behind her. He had seen her disappear and had come to see what was going on. Mel smirked, "She is indeed, thank you." Bella wiped her eyes and cheeks, noticing the food on the table and realised Tony wasn't the only one who had been watching her. Blushing, she looked around at the smiling appreciative faces of the people sitting nearby and almost crawled back under the table until she looked up into Mel's face and he beamed a smile down on her. One of those rare full-faced smiles that gave her butterflies in her tummy and the rest of the world melted away for her. In that moment, she knew that only she could create that look on his face, and she beamed back at him. They ate quietly, discussing the holiday plans Mel had in mind after leaving the yacht. As it got later in the evening, Mel could see Bella's energy ebbing away and though she reassured him she was fine they headed for home shortly after eating dessert. "You will need your rest, I can't take you to visit your Uncle and Aunt if you are exhausted," he smiled and tilted her face up to him by holding her chin. "It is my job to look after you, my Ellie. Trust and obey." She smiled as he voiced her mantra, "Yes, Master." As they walked from the booth back through the bar area to the exit, Mel was stopped by friends who asked him to stay for a drink. He declined politely saying, "I must get my little one home." They were delayed some time as Mel made polite small talk and apologised that he was unable to stay once again, all the time his hand was fondling her ass through the latex. One of the men at the final table they stopped at stood to inspect Bella. His hands roamed over her body and even dipped under the short dress, to glide over the wet lips of her cunt. She had stood passively and sucked on the offered finger as he congratulated Mel on owning such a magnificent slut, and enquired if she was for sale. "No," Mel said with more force than he had meant making Bella jump. Mel explained that he would never sell another human being, slave or not. "The best slaves choose this path, ones bought and traded are merely shells, I need a whole woman with a heart and brain as well as a hot little body," the smug smirk was back on his face, and Bella relaxed as he smacked her ass. "It is a shame you feel that way my friend, I would have offered top dollar," the man lamented. "The shame is yours my friend," Mel smiled, "for she is worth more to me than you could ever hope to offer." The man gave him a look that said "everybody has a price" but instead farewelled him by saying, "Well if you change your mind you know how to find me." "No chance of that," Mel quipped and bid everyone good night before striding out with Bella in tow and the two men in black following behind. Frank went to get the car as they gathered their coats and walked out into the night air. "I was going to punch that guy when he inspected Bella so closely," Tony growled. Mel raised an eyebrow at Tony but instead turned to Bella, "See what you do to my friends, even mild mannered Tony has testosterone flowing through his veins tonight." Bella gaped at the pair of them seeing the pride shining in Mel's eyes and the men chuckled as they climbed into the car. Once back on the yacht Mel stripped Bella of her clothes leaving the gold collar and wrist cuffs in place but taking the ankle cuffs off with the latex stockings. Taking her to the bathroom, he watched as she cleaned up and let her hair down watching as it bounced down her back. She was stunning fully made-up, but the fresh faced girl with the long flowing hair was the girl he had fallen for so long ago, and it was how he loved her best. Picking her up when she was done, he kissed her deeply as he walked with her to her basket. It was the last night they would sleep apart, and there were other roles he wished her to explore now that she had built up her trust and obedience once again. "Good night my precious pet," he kissed her a final time and moved to the couch opening his laptop and phone to check in at home before sleeping himself. Owning Bella Ch. 08 Authors Note: Thank you to my friend LaRascasse for giving this story a quick once over. Its probably not to everyone's liking but i hope the readers following this story enjoy it. A piece of glass stood between Rob and the arrogant young man in the next room and Rob glared at his long-time friend, Leon. "I thought we decided I would pick him up," Rob said with tone in his voice that made Leon uneasy. "Be angry," Leon said "But at least listen to why I had the guys pick him up first. When I left the club last night, I considered the options and came to the conclusion that if we were right and if this kid is important to our phantom we don't want any more backlash onto the club, it's better that nameless and faceless men took him that can't be tied back to anyone. Trust me, these guys are very good at their job," Leon indicated the men walking into the room that Jim sat in. Rob turned back to watch the scene on the far side of the glass wall without another word. "We all want to be involved, to take charge, it is our natures as alpha male types, but you know I am right," Leon said as he poured his lean frame into a comfortable chair and turned up the sound from the room they watched. "Look," Jim was explaining, "I barely even know this Lewis guy. Yeah, we call him the god father but it's more like a club of sorts from when we were at university. You know, like the God Father movie. We aren't related or anything." "So you went to university with him, you know him, you met him, you could pick him out in a line up, you're hardly strangers," A short stocky man pressed. "I guess but he rarely showed up at anything himself, he usually sent representatives if he wanted us to do anything, hack the medical sciences labs or Dean's computer, you know easy stuff. My friends and I joined the VM for the parties, man could those guys throw a wild night. The only times I saw Lewis personally was when Bella and I went someplace together. He seemed to know her," Jim stopped and thought about that, "He always said he had plans for her." "What sort of plans?" A tall muscular man asked. "I dunno but one of the guys found me just after Bella and I broke up and told me Lewis was pissed, really pissed that she had defected to the other side, and that he wanted to see me. Each time we set up a meet, he was called away - first down south and now overseas," Jim looked up at the two guys. "Look, go pick up Bella Biancotti. She would know him better than me I reckon." "What did he mean by the other side?" Again it was the tall man that spoke. "Big business, the corporate elite. She had a degree in business and a cushy job straight out of school. Stupid bitch thought she was too good for us and dumped not only me but all her friends from school. She totally sold out! Hangs out with the rich old foggies she works for now, forgot what they do to the environment," he almost spat the last bit out his anger rising making him less careful with his words. "We have already spoken to the girl. She has never heard of Lewis Arfor so you better stop bullshitting us and tell us what we need to know. Where can we find him?" the short stocky man had become belligerent and was standing over Jim in a threatening way. "The dumb cunt lied," Jim shouted his anger getting the better of him, "She talked to him like an old friend. Hell, if cared enough about her at the time I would have been jealous. " Jim lapsed back into his cocky arrogant demeanour and shrugged, "Always more fish in the sea." "Yeah we'll check your statement but you better come up with more than that if you wanna get out of here any time soon," the man growled and walked out of the room followed by his partner. "He doesn't seem very concerned about his circumstances does he?" Rob said considering how calm the boy was after being picked up and dragged back to a nondescript building by strangers. "Any chance he is telling the truth?" Leon asked Rob. "Doubt it, but I can call and find out," Rob looked at his watch, "They should have landed in Venice by now, I could give them a call." "Let's wait a bit and see what else he has to say," Leon opened the door to the small room and let the men who had been interrogating Jim in. "Gentlemen, this is our client. He probably knows more about the phantom than anyone and what he knows could fit on the head of a pin, so let's help him out shall we?" "The kid is cocky, it's like he thinks he is untouchable. He admits to knowing and meeting Lewis Arfor at least once but deflects well. He hasn't asked where he is or why. It's like he was expecting us and has all the answers ready to go," the shorter man shook his head, "If you hadn't assured me he was our only link to the phantom, I would tell you he was a decoy just like all the other dead ends we have come up with." The taller and quieter men waited until Leon looked at him before speaking, "Well we know the phantom is young, up to three years either side of this guy's age, that's new information. We also know that Lewis is probably an alias, if like this idiot said and his girlfriend knew him. So it must be someone she knew from school or where she lived. Add to that the name of the group that recruits environmental activists from university and it seems we've got a bit more to go on, more leads to check at the very least. We have been concentrating on criminals and older more established business men. Maybe it's a militant arm of Greenpeace or something. What sort of businesses do you and your partner own?" He addressed Rob. "Nothing of interest to environmentalists I am sure," Rob considered the question, "The attacks seem to have been more of a personal nature." Leon nodded," Good points, and maybe Bella remembers an old friend she ran into at university parties." "Follow the other leads first. Let's let Bella and Mel enjoy their holiday. They have security with them now and if it is a bunch of young mafia wannabe's we should be able to handle it from here," Rob said quietly scratching at the stubble on his chin which was rapidly becoming a beard. "He can be our guest for a few days while we chase up a few leads, in case we need more details, like what VM stands for exactly," Leon said. "Give him a room, but don't make him too comfortable. I want him thinking about exactly how loyal he is to his brat pack." "You have an interesting take on things..." Rob said addressing the taller of the two men. "Harris," The man filled in his name but said nothing more. "Harris," Rob repeated, "How would you like a fact finding trip with some associates of mine today?" again he checked his watch. "Leon can hold his plane up for a little while to get you there for the flight. We have another lead on Arfor we are following up today and your perspective may prove interesting, given this morning's events." "Probably a good idea. The twins tend to get carried away with their own cleverness at times. We'll fill him on the way to the airport," Leon agreed and gave short instructions to the other man regarding the holding of Jim. The drive to the airport was rapid and when they arrived, Harris walked onto the plane with the briefest of introductions. "Breakfast?" Leon asked. "As long as it comes with good coffee," Rob murmured. "I know just the place," Leon slid into the driver's seat and started the car before Rob had slid in beside him. Gunning the engine Leon only knew one way to drive, fast, and they were on the highway heading south at breakneck speed within minutes. Pulling up in front of The Three Monkeys café, Leon grinned and stepped out of the car before Rob could protest the choice of venue. Growling Rob got out of the car and followed Leon in. While in his self –imposed exile Rob had met and embarked on a vanilla affair with the woman who owned this café. They had met at the beach where he had been in his self-imposed exile at his shack and where she was on a vacation of sorts. She was a free spirit, a woman playing a game of her own, and everything he had detested in the past about most of the women he had known. Rob had spent two weeks locked in her embrace, learning the softer side of love making from a woman who was taking joy in her freedom from the mundane. Though he had asked her stay with him after the two weeks she had left the shack and the beach saying little more than it was time to move on. It had been more than a small surprise when Leon had brought Rob to the Three Monkeys cafe several years ago for the grand opening to find that the owner was the woman he had had an affair with and that she was recently married. She had greeted him like an old friend hugging him close and kissing him in more than a friendly way. The free spirit that she had been still shone from her eyes as she laughed and danced through the crowded room enjoying her opening night. It wasn't until several weeks later that the woman sought him out at his shack. "If I let you in, we will play my game this time with my rules," Rob had said from the doorway blocking her entrance to his place of exile. She had grinned mischievously not understanding his meaning and desperately needing escape from the stresses of her day to day life, as she had escaped once before with the handsome man standing before her. She nodded looked up into his dark eyes. "Come in and close the door," Rob stepped back into the room watching her. He held up his hand as she turned back to face him, stopping her movement toward him and silencing her with the look in his eyes. "Undress," he commanded, "slowly." She was wearing a short dress that buttoned from her cleavage to the hem and as she unbuttoned it she revealed a demi-bra that barely held her ample breasts, the flesh spilling up and out over the small strip of moulded fabric. The dress puddled to the floor and he noted with a smile the matching lace panties and suspender belt holding the sheer black stockings. There was no doubt in his mind what she had come for. What she would receive, though, would be more than she expected. She stood for a moment before turning on her high heels and smiling at him in the hopes of a response. He merely raised an eyebrow and looked her up and down. With the briefest of hesitation she reached back to undo the bra letting the soft flesh bounce free to its own form as she dropped the bra to the floor. Rob followed her hands as she cupped the globes of flesh. He considered how well they would mark as he watched her hands trail lightly down over her ribs to her hips. Pushing her panties down slowly over her hips she revealed a well manicured patch of hair that matched the rich auburn colour of her hair. Rob watched with a smile and the memory of her soft pliable body in his mind. She bent to unclip her stockings. "Leave them," Robs voice was a rough whisper. The woman straightened and looked up to meet his eyes, still the twinkle of merriment danced in hers, in his she saw a dangerous edge that hadn't been there when she was with him before. He moved toward her, one hand wrapping around her neck, squeezing slightly, feeling her body stiffen with fear and he could see that need to lose herself, if only for a small time. "Why did you come?" His voice was calm and low next to her ear and as the timbre dropped she felt his power and she shivered, barely able to hear the words as she realised this was more than just a fun form of foreplay. "I wanted to see you," she almost purred, "relive some old memories. We were so good together." "You came to use me, to escape you pitiful life," he smirked down at her. "Where does your husband think you are?" "A weekend spa," her eyes finally dropped from his at the admission of guilt. He put a collar around her neck, fastening it so it was loose around her neck. He knew she would cry later and feel choked if the collar was too tight. "Put your hands on the wall, spread your legs." He growled turning her and pushing her forward. His hand ran down her back, so gently she trembled. He cupped her bottom carefully, slowly, his hands covering her ass briefly caressing the flesh. Then he started to spank her, building up, becoming more and more firm with each landing of his hand on her skin. "You're a wicked, wanton woman," Rob's smile showing his private pleasure widened as he watched her start to wince with each spanking, her bottom turning pink and into red. He knew she was struggling, her cries became louder, more intense and he increased the depth of each pain filled stroke. Small sobbing gasps of air came from her mouth between louder cries showing him just how difficult it as for her to take the punishment he meted out. He slowed his strokes feeling the heat from her bottom, moving to stroke where his hand had landed, enjoying her continuing flinch at such a calm and gentle touch. He moved between her legs, understanding she had both loved and hated her spanking. The wetness of her cunt soaking his fingers proved this more completely than any words could achieve. He let his fingers glide over the wet folds before delving deeper. He pushed one finger into her stroking the velvet walls of her cunt, quickly adding another and eventually a third watching her red ass as she began to rock her hips against the hand that was fucking her. She moaned part in pain, part in pleasure as he finger fucked her hard until he felt her push back against the onslaught. Abruptly he stopped. "You came to use me, but this time it will be about my pleasure, not yours, close your eyes," Rob instructed her. He wiped his fingers down her face and in her hair in a dismissive yet intimate gesture. Taking her hands from the wall he turned her around, she looked up at him her eyes unfocused, her breathing, ragged. Rob stroked her cheek and murmured into her ear, "We will do this my way or it won't happen at all." He fondled her breasts as he spoke teasing at the hardened nipples ensuring all her heat remained. Rob picked her up and carried her to his room. Opening an old chest, he pulled out a gag and wedged the ball into her mouth buckling it behind her head. She lifted her hand and he growled and shook his head. "Put your hands behind your back, palms outwards. Walk backwards until your hands reach the wall." He murmured. She took a few unsteady steps backwards. It pleased him to see her struggle not to fall, to comply with doing exactly as he said. Once against the wall he took both nipples between his fingers and thumbs and pulled them upwards. He kept pulling stretching her breasts, making her arch her back and neck in an attempt not to be pulled off the floor by his actions. He pulled the nipples outwards away from her, and again she struggled to keep her balance. He watched her face as she cried out into the gag but did not raise her hands to stop him. Watching her face he saw the eyes widen in shock and pain. Her scream was barely muffled by the gag as he attached a clamp to one nipple. The shock in her eyes was replaced with fear and she shook her head her hands beginning to move from behind her back. "No?" Rob questioned her. "If we stop now, we stop for good. You can take it. You know you don't want it all to stop," he ground his hips against her pelvis. She relaxed briefly but as he stepped back her whole body stiffened as if to run away from what was to come The second clamp was worse, the howl that escaped around the gag told him how much pain he had inflicted on her even before he saw the tears coursing down her cheeks. "So strong and brave," he crooned in her ear and kissed the tears away. He turned her around and placed her hands back on the wall. "Legs open, bottom out." He pressed up against her as she moved and wrapping his hands tightly around her hips pulled her legs further from the wall bending her in half as she struggled to keep her hands on the wall. He took up spanking her again, firm strokes, reawakening her skin from earlier. Her bottom glowed, the pain radiating outwards spreading over all her body. He knew she was hurting badly, and, with that knowledge he understood her inner war. He understood her dilemma of wanting to do anything to make it stop and yet giving in to that need to submit to him and eventually make love with him. While he had never truly been this way with her in the past, his minor touches on dominance during sex had always treated like a game by the woman trembling before him now. He had allowed that at the time and the difference in partner was perhaps what he needed after the loss of Kitty too. He stopped. The tears flowed down her face making it the same colour as her bottom. She was humiliated by her need for him and her willingness to suffer like this for him in that need. He waited, watching her. She tried to gain control over her emotions but still could not contain them. Rob seemed to accept her limit. "Enough punishment for now," he said, wiping her cheek softly. He watched her take an unsteady breath and found his words were enough to calm her into stemming the tears. She could not look at him, too embarrassed and shy by her reaction to his spanking. He stroked her hair and enjoyed the pleasure of knowing she had tried so hard to show she could play his games, when they both knew, her path lay elsewhere. His hand went to her hair again, this time pulling her head back making her look up at him, his eyes searched over her face, watching her pupils react to that erotic act of being controlled by her hair. He allowed some release, her head moving forward before jerking back to look at him again. He bent to kiss her, his lips hovering just out of reach. It amused him to see the begging in her eyes as she craved his lips, his kiss. "Do you want to stop?" he murmured. She looked unsure but shook her head. "Very well, you chose, remember," He attached a lead to her collar. "Get down on your hands and knees." She swayed as she went to her hands and knees, after just a few seconds he pulled on her lead for her to turn and follow him. She crawled a few feet, clamps swinging, making each movement hurt beyond description. "Kneel up, legs apart." Rob had taken a seat in a large chair and watched as she knelt up at his feet. Holding just above her nipple in his hand he slowly opened the clamp. A millisecond went by before the blood rushed into her nipple and she moaned in horror at the intensity of it. As the pain began to subside he repeated the process with the other clamp. It made him smile that, just as she had when he had put them on, she readied herself for the agony. It did not make it any less, but her anticipation as if by being forewarned she could in some way avoid it, amused him. "Kneel back and relax. I have some water for you to drink. Then you will put your head into my lap and be calm for a few minutes." Her breathing was returning to normal as he undid the gag. Kneeling at his feet, close to his cock, his hand wrapped tightly in her hair the silence stretched for a few minutes, as he allowed her to drink and feel her place at his feet. But he did not want her too relaxed, too comfortable. He shifted in the chair. When he had been pushing her, making her go far beyond her own comfort zone to please him, his cock had been hard. There had been points when he wanted to stop, have her and resume, but he had not; waiting instead for this moment. At his guidance, she took his softening cock in her mouth. He loved the feeling of having it right in the back of her throat and his balls pressing against her lips. He knew as it became harder she would struggle to get it all in her mouth as it was now. She knelt up, stroking his balls with her hands as her mouth moved up and down his cock, licking the shaft and rolling his foreskin under the bottom of her tongue. Owning Bella Ch. 08 He watched as she explored it, pulled the foreskin back to reveal a sizable cock head, dipping the tip of her tongue into the end and tasting him. Running her hands up the shaft, squeezing it to find exactly what his cock liked, loved and begged for. Enjoying her explorations she put her lips on the top of his cock, barely opening them as she rolled her mouth down onto him, sucking him in as her cunt would. Up and down slowly, gently moving to the point that he twitched, she increased the speed and movement from gentle to firm he moaned appreciatively to the feel of her tongue, mouth and lips. She withdrew her mouth from him looking up, a small smile playing on her lips as she believed she had gathered back some small amount of control from him and placed both her hands on his cock. He smirked back knowing she only has as much control as he gave allowed her. With her hands wrapped around his cock she explored his balls. Her tongue was soft and warm and she slowly licked them. He encouraged her with his hand in her hair until she grew bolder, gently sucking one of his balls into her mouth, swirling her tongue around it. As she came up for air he pushed her face back onto his cock and forced it down to the base, enjoying the feel and sounds of her and feeling his need to dominate filling him once more. He allowed her to take him at her own speed into her mouth one final time before taking control. Using her hair to guide her, gave her the speed and ferocity he wanted for his cock to piston in and out of her mouth. It was hard and fast, with no opportunity for her to press her own control over his pleasure. Now she was little more than a vessel for him to pour into when he was ready, fucked over and over, his breathing changed. He felt his cock thicken and knew in a matter of seconds, he would erupt into her mouth. He roared, pumping his cum into her open mouth, over her face, her lips, dribbling down her neck and over her breasts. She swallowed the little cum that landed on her outstretched tongue, and smeared his cum on her face and the drips onto her breasts as he wiped his cock in her hair. "Come here," he growled. He pulled her up by her hair, bringing her close to him and kissing her hard. His tongue filled her mouth as she matched his need. He broke the kiss and looked deep into her eyes. "Are you mine now?" His voice was rough and low. She reached up and stroked his face, a tinge of melancholy in her voice as she realised her mistake in coming here again, "This is what it is, and all it ever can be." That was the last time Rob had let her into his home and the first time he realise he wanted more than just sex. The unmistakable attraction between himself and the woman and her obvious willingness to be with him for another brief fling whenever he saw her made him avoid the cafe that he followed Leon into. He admitted his jealousy of Mel at finding that deep bond with a submissive despite the drama surrounding them at present. Bella reminded Rob of Kitty in many ways and it made her loss even more heartfelt in recent weeks. It was what drove his renewed desire to find the phantom that seemed to plague both he and Mel over the last decade and allow him to move on and find his own love again. ***** The flight to Venice could not have been more different for Bella as the first flight of their trip had been. She was dressed in a sweet summer dress, its halter neck top hinting at her small breasts without being as revealing as most of the clothes she was used to wearing since becoming Mel's. Walking through the duty free shopping of the airport towards the gate, she had looked into the glass case and smiled. "My mother had a charm bracelet that I used to love when I was growing up. Each little charm had a story that went with it from her life. It's so different from these Pandora charm bracelets," her eyes glided over the different beads. "That's sound s like a terrific idea," Mel had enthused. "We should start one of your own. Let's go see what they have." He took her into the shop. Mel preferred the beads of the Pandora charms to the haphazardness of a charm bracelet like that of her mother. He purchased a gold rope and several charms placing it on her wrist before exiting the store. She looked at it now as she sat in the car, and played with the little charms and glass beads. He had promised to add more as they travelled and experienced many things together not just on this trip but in the rest of their life together. She smiled at that idea knowing that it made it happy, the worry and fear from the weeks before slipping away during this trip. "Have I told you how pretty you look today, little one?" Mel reached out and took her hand smiling down into her face. He grinned up at him and nodded. The flight seemed that much longer as even though in first class it was still not quite a private plane and Bella had watched a movie and napped as Mel opened his laptop and read through several proposals that Kurt had sent him as well as the update sent through from Rob. After leaving the yacht, they had done a small amount of sight seeing before heading to the airport for the twelve hour flight. She was treated like a princess throughout the day and the flight and they had landed in the most beautiful of cities, Venice. She was excited to see it all and almost pouted as the car raced through the streets affording her no real view. The trip by car was short and they booked into a carefully restored palace that had been turned into a hotel with all the splendour and luxury of days gone by. Mel spoke fluent Italian and laughed with the concierge as he booked them in and made sure the arrangements for their newly acquired entourage were in place. Bella had stayed close to Mel during the exchange but she turned about taking in everything in the sumptuous gilt laden foyer. She had waited so long to visit Italy she wanted to take it all in and couldn't wait to explore the city, go on a gondola ride do all the typical touristy things but realising this was probably not Mel's first trip here she wondered how much of that she would actually get to do. The concierge himself walked them up to their room followed by their security men and several hotel employees with their luggage. Bella followed listening to the man as he spoke about what services were available or a particular antique that had history relevant to the hotel. Their suite was huge and multi-roomed and adjoined rooms on either side. Bella realised Tony and the other men would be on hand should they need them. The men disappeared slowly and Mel walked her to the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind them. Spinning her quickly he pushed her to the wall beside the door his hand wrapping about her throat firmly without being tight. She gasped her eyes blinking up at him as he held her immobile, she felt him move closer pinning her with his body and she searched his eyes to see if he was angry with her. His mouth descended upon hers kissing her deeply, passionately taking her breath away. "So beautiful, my little Ellie," he crooned. He kissed her again his hands removing her coat expertly before travelling to her breasts his fingers finding the sensitive nubs through the fabric to pinch them. Feeling her gasp into his kiss, he twisted them, her answering whimper music to his ears. His hands travelled down her sides and around to her ass pulling her against him harder grinding into her belly as he kneaded her ass roughly. Growling into her mouth and picking her up Mel was moving swiftly across the room, turning her in his arms he draped her over a high backed lounge chair. Her head landed on a cushion, she squeaked and wriggled to gain some balance her hands resting beside her head as his hands travelled up her thighs raising the dress up and over her ass as she hung before him. His hand crashed onto her ass suddenly making her cry out. Holding her hip to steady her with one hand, the other travelled down the crack of her ass pressing on the plug he had discreetly given her towards the end of their flight before moving down to her cunt, "So wet for me, my little slut, so needy for your Master's touch." He heard her draw a deep breath as his fingers teased her lightly rubbing over her swelling clit, her hips rolling at his hand as he withdrew it to smack her upturned ass once more. Moving against her, his hardening cock nestling in the groove of her ass as his hands ran the length of her body pushing the dress further up her body until it crumpled around her shoulders holding her arms in place beside her head. Dragging his hands back over her ribs he could feel her squirm against him as he pressed his hard cock against her ass, his need for her so strong. He never tired of being with the beautiful young woman before him. Stepping back slightly he smacked her ass again eliciting a squeal between her panting whimpers. He parted her cheeks fingers delving for the plug again, he watched her tightest hole stretching and resisting as he pulled the plug free slowly, replacing it with his smallest finger for a moment just to feel the muscles grasping and clenching after being kept open for so long. The late afternoon darkness of the room enveloped her and she closed her eyes heightening her other senses as he stroked, teased and smacked her increasingly heated body, the blush heating her face flowered unseen as he withdrew the plug from her ass. His fingers dwelling there for a few moments before he withdrew them to smack her again. Her hips rolled as if begging for more as she panted hotly, bent over the chair and at his mercy. Unable to hold back any longer, his contemplation of her all through the flight had built up his need to have her and own her and dominate this amazing girl. He stepped back further one hand loosening his belt pulling it from the belt loops before he unbuttoned and zipped. His hand lashed out to smack the perfect upturned ass of the object of his desire with the belt and he revelled in her cry of pain. Between the smacks, he lowered his pants and underwear kicking them aside with his shoes. She squealed delightfully her body trembling in heat and need with each smack. He stepped forward again to grind against her as he removed his tie and shirt. She gasped her eyes flaring wide in the dim room as she felt him, her mind racing with images of the cock she knew so well. His cock always felt huge and hard and so hot against the already heated skin of her ass. Her hips rolled as if begging him for use and she surprised herself by begging out loud, "Please fuck me, Master. I need to feel you, in me, using me, filling me." Once naked he stepped away from her, she whined in disappointment her hips bucking back toward him. He smirked at her slapping her ass hard, "So needy, my little slut. Tell me again, what you want and what you need?" He moved to her head and reaching down pulled her dress free almost ripping it over her head and arms, lifting her chin so her face was turned to him. "Beg for what you need." "I want to feel you, in me," she whispered. "In here?" He questioned stroking her lip and sliding a finger into her panting mouth. She shook and nodded her head all at once making it seem like it was going around in a small circle. "Words my little slut, tell me what you need." "Please Master." She swallowed loudly again, "Please fuck me. I want to feel you," her voice turned to a whispering whimper, "in me, in my mouth, in my..." she hated the word but used it, "cunt." "And..." He prompted the belt flicking over her back to her upturned ass. "My ass," Bella squealed turning her teary eyes up to his face. "How could a Master refuse such a sexy little slut that begs so sweetly?" Tilting her head up further he bent and kissed her deeply as her hands pressed into the cushion below holding herself up to him. "Such a good girl," he crooned softly. He straightened, her face was near his groin in this position and he rubbed his cock over her lip feeling her tentatively lick out at it. He groaned and fed his cock into her willing mouth. She rolled and fluttered her tongue, revelling in the taste of him as his fingers laced into her hair pulling it roughly from the pins that had held it in place and wrapping it around his fists. He held her head where he needed moving his cock in and out of her sucking mouth, making her gag as he moved deeper. His desire driving him he growled in a low voice, "Mine, you are my slut, my slave, My Ellie, Mine." Going deeper on each phrase, he thrust into her savouring the sounds and feel of her. He pulled from her mouth abruptly, long strands of spittle hanging between her lips and the cock she desired and dropping to the chair cushion as they both panted raggedly. He freed his hands from her hair and moved back behind her, smacking her quivering ass he rammed his cock into her cunt enjoying the tightness of her wet cunt as he stretched her over him. Her head was lowering back down to the cushion and as he pushed the final inch of cock into her he reached forward grabbing her hair in a haphazard ponytail to pull her back up and against him. She whimpered and gasped as he entered her. She felt herself stretched wide the mixture of painful pleasure rolling through her as he fucked her hard. She could feel him so deep within her body and she groaned her head lowering only to be pulled back up sharply by her hair as he forced all of his cock inside her. The sharp pull of her hair sent thrills to meet those from her over stuffed cunt, her body singing with the waves of exquisite sensation rolling through her. Feeling her hips roll, knowing she was ready he pulled back entering her ass slowly his body tense as she adjusted to his size, moving slowly in and out with her whimpers singing to him he finally gave rise to his need and lust. He began to fuck her hard using her hair to pull her back onto him as he pounded into her small body. His free hand grasped at her hip the fingers sinking deeply into her flesh, her whimpers becoming howls of need and pleasure. Reefing her head back he roared, "Cum, slut, cum for your Master. Give me what I want." The roar travelled through her body the words a command as she arched her back, her body wracked by blissful waves of release as she cried out shrieking as her orgasm hit her. She could feel spasm after spasm as her empty cunt contracted, his cock buried deep within ass pulsing with its own release. Freeing her hair, he collapsed over her breathing as raggedly as she, murmuring as the blood pumped loud in her ears, "You are so fucking hot." Moments later he shifted his weight from her pulling her back up to his chest he collapsed down to the floor holding her in his lap his cock still buried inside her ass. She rested her head against his chest hearing his rapidly thumping heart and almost purring as he stroked her still shaking body. She looked up and kissed his neck. "Come, little one, no rest today," Mel said as his breathing returned to normal. We both needed that brief interlude but we are in a magical city ad we need to explore it. "Really? We can? Now?" Bella couldn't hide her excitement. She had seen so little of Singapore and Malaysia spending the majority of her time there on the yacht at his beck and call she could hardly believe he was taking her out on their first night in Venice. "Of course what good is a holiday to Italy if we don't take in the scenery? We may as well have stayed home," Mel laughed. They had showered and dressed, Mel once again dressing her in a short summery dress in pale pink chiffon with a cool cotton lining. It was caught beneath the breast and fell from there in a flowing design that swung freely around her body when she walked. She smiled as he presented her with a perfectly matching pair of high heeled Mary Janes. She wore only her new bracelet and her everyday collar, leaving her hair to hang freely down her back a small clip holding the front and sides back. Mel wore his customary suit, and she looked him over acknowledging how well he wore it, after the more casual days on the yacht, this somehow seemed more normal to her. Mel took her hand as they left the suite and met with Tony and Frank on the way down to reception. As they walked through reception Mel was stopped by the concierge and handed a message. Scanning it quickly Mel seemed to consider it before leaving Bella with Tony to explore the room while he and Frank walked over to the desk. "Vince!" Bella had walked around an ornate column and run headlong into another person, she gasped about to apologise for crashing into the man when the recognition hit her. "Hiya, Ellie," Vince smiled widely without a trace of surprise, "I heard you were in Italy. Who's the goon?" Tony had walked over to stand behind Bella protectively. "Oh, this is Tony," She quickly made the introductions. "Mel is here, over at the front desk." "Yeah I saw. We haven't really spoken since I went to live down south," Vince gave her a crooked smile. "No need to tell him you saw me," Vince hesitated and looked up at Tony, "Though your goon probably will anyway. Business trip is it? Now you work at the corporate salt mines and all. I am sure you are dashing around the globe like the rest of the suits." "We are here on holiday really," Bella laughed. "I'm sure he will throw in a few meetings, the business always comes first," Vince winked at her, "I am leaving today or we could have gone out to party like we used to while he went to his meetings." Vince hugged her, "Better make myself scarce if I want to avoid another lecture about wasting my life trying to save the world," he grinned, kissed her cheek and walked away. "Wait!" Bella grabbed his arm, "At least leave a number to call you. Maybe we could have dinner while we are both in the same city." Vince seem to consider her for a moment as if calculating something in his mind before handing over a business card, "I doubt Mel will want the interruption, but call me if you have sometime while he is conducting business." Vince cocked his head to where Mel stood talking on the phone, "Can't be easy being his PA." Bella realised Vince didn't realise that she had anything other than a business with him and decided this was probably not the place to blurt that out instead choosing her words carefully she said softly, "I care for him a lot, and we are going to see me aunt and uncle while we are in Italy. I can't wait to see where my mother grew up." Vince smiled at her enthusiasm, "I hope you make it there without work calling you back home first. Mel isn't known for leaving business to run itself." Mel had lost sight of Bella as he made the call home to Rob, keeping it short he cursed at the latest information pointing at the fact they were being harassed by a bunch of kids. A moment after he hung up he spotted Bella talking to a familiar looking young man with Tony standing close behind her. Recognition hit him and he smiled at the unexpected arrival as he approached the small group. Vince saw Mel's approach and quickly bent to kiss Bella, "See ya, Ellie! Have a great time in Italy." He walked towards Mel, "Gotta run, old man. Ellie's got my card. Give me a ring sometime." His smile held a hint of mischief as he breezed out through the main doors of the hotel. ***** Rob hung up the phone, and looked around the café. The woman had of course inquired about his life and loves making Leon chuckle loudly. "What can I say, girls love a bad boy," Rob had tried to make light of her obvious interest in renewing their friendship despite their final parting many months before. "I don't get it, an old bastard like you," Leon shook his head. Owning Bella Ch. 08 "We better go fill Kurt in on the morning and let him know I have spoken with Mel. His mobile coverage sucks over there. He'll call back tonight at the club for more details," Rob stood up from the table and walked outside leaving Leon to pay the bill and farewell their hostess. "She asked me to give you her number, she's divorced now," Leon threw a crumpled napkin at Rob who caught it and tossed it in the bin. "I am saving myself," Rob said airily. "For the crypt keeper?" Leon feigned surprise. "Maybe," Rob considered it with a perfectly straight face. In truth he wondered if he had the patience to renew that relationship. What he really wanted was to find and groom a girl as Mel had, introducing her slowly to his preferred lifestyle, the age or looks didn't matter to him so much as the trust and loyalty and devotion of a perfect submissive. He didn't want a game player like the woman from the café. He wasn't sure that he could handle one as new to the lifestyle as Bella either though. Her insecurities would drive him crazy. He was still considering the women he knew from the club and the various social scenes he frequented when they pulled into the parking garage at the company. The two men caused a stir amongst the women in the building as they strode through the corridors to the offices of Kurt White, Associate partner. Tall, handsome, wealthy and single each of them held appeal to the many women that worked there whether they were into the lifestyle or not. Dianne was not at her desk so together they waltzed into Kurt's office without knocking. Dianne was sprawled over the desk panting as Kurt sat back in his chair smiling happily. "Good timing as always gentlemen. What brings you in so early? I know I have a certain magnetism that attracts people to me but wasn't I meeting you at the club for lunch?" Kurt as always had an air of joviality about him. "I dunno why Leon is here but I came to steal Dianne away from you before you wear her out completely," Rob shook his head sadly looking down at the still prone Dianne, "I think I am a little too late though." Dianne sighed and sat up readjusting and buttoning her clothes. She slid from the desk and smiled at the men. "Any news from the honeymooners?" she asked as if it was a usual day at the office. "Yup," Rob looked to Kurt, "Seems I have a magnetism all my own." "It's true I saw it in action myself less than an hour ago," Leon smirked, "Have to take a stick to keep the women from throwing themselves at him where ever we go." Rob groaned as Kurt cocked an eyebrow. Ignoring Leon's comments Rob filled Kurt in on the mornings activities and the strange calm Jim had shown in not questioning where he was or why as well as the small pieces of information he let slip out during the interview. "Long story short, which of the companies have pissed the environmentalists off lately," Leon laughed and sat in a comfortable chair close to the desk. "So you're thinking some militant right wink green peace organisation is targeting us?" Kurt was ready to laugh at the stupidity of the idea. "Mel is so careful about that side of things. Hell, we employ a whole platoon of environmental engineers for just that reason." "Yeah I told them that the attacks seemed more personal. Directed more at Mel and I on a very different level to corporate sabotage," Rob agreed. "We gotta follow every lead. Speaking of which, we sent one of my men with the twins," Leon added to the story, "We are going to follow every lead to its end. One of them has to turn up something and it will probably be the one we least expect." "I don't much like that someone is messing with Mel and Bella but this is all a bit too cloak and dagger isn't it?" Kurt looked at the two men in his office. "Someone seems to have gone to a lot of trouble to be an invisible thorn in our side down at the club. If for no other reason than our own curiosity, we need to get to the bottom of it. We have two dead club submissives a decade apart, three if we include," he paused to look at Rob, "Kitty." "If it's just a phantom in my mind bringing together a series of unfortunate events, then fine, I can wear that, it's the not knowing that is killing me," Rob said softly scratching at his beard. "We do a lot to help the girls in trouble and make them feel safe with us, give them a haven from relationships that are less about D/s and more about abuse. We can't promise them that if we keep losing them like Marie and Bella's injury which could have been much worse." "There are been other smaller incidents too I guess," Kurt admitted. "I admit I have been absent for too long. Unfortunately this was the catalyst I needed to come back into the club and business and start to live again," Rob still spoke softly. "Humour me and let's look over the companies we have and any that may have some rancour attached the acquisition." "If nothing else, it will keep him out of my hair for a day or two while you go over that list," Leon laughed. "Dianne, check my partnership contract and see if there is a clause in there about babysitting the other partners. I have a feeling that is Dorothea's job," Kurt said seriously before turning back to Leon and Rob. "You're the senior partner, Rob, you have access to everything and everyone directly from your office and Mel is out of town. He has a the best PA in the world sitting there idly who would love a challenge like this. It'll be a big job and we both have other jobs to perform here and at the club." "How did you ever make partner when you fob off all the actual work to everyone else?" Rob laughed. Kurt was right of course, Dorothea had been with this company since it's inception in one form or another and she had an eidetic memory. "My charming personality and good looks of course," Kurt sat back grinning. "be good to have you back on board again, though," Kurt said with genuine feeling, "And I agree we do need to get to the bottom of this little problem finally. "I'm gonna leave you two to get on with that and I am going to follow up on the other leads we got this morning. Meet you at the club at one for the meeting," Leon stood and prepared to leave, "Go easy on the old man. He isn't used to the drudgery of real work any more." Leon laughed and left the office kissing Dianne on the way out. ***** Bella trailed her hand in the water as the gondola made its way slowly to the Grand Canal, she could not have been happier and she found it hard to sit still as she gazed around at the beautiful architecture of the city as they travelled. Mel disturbed by the appearance of Vince at the hotel had smiled indulgently at his gorgeous girl as she almost bounced with excitement when he had led her to the gondola. It wasn't unusual for Vince to be in this part of the world so he tried put it from his mind leaving it up to Tony and his men to discover Vince's whereabouts so he could catch up with him. The last time he had seen the young man, they had argued and Mel wanted to clear the air. Mel pushed all thoughts of Vince forcefully from his mind and pulled Bella to him. He held her close and lifted her chin to kiss her deeply. They were in the city of romance and he wanted nothing more than the girl in his arms at that moment. "I adore you my Ellie," he murmured. "I love you, Master," Bella smiled up into his face. Owning Bella Ch. 09 Authors Note: Thank you once again to R.K. Moreland for his copy-editing help it is much appreciated. I think this chapter will not be what the regular readers are expecting but I hope you all enjoy it none-the-less. * The evening had been magical for Bella; they had travelled for over an hour on the gondola and come back to Saint Marks Square where they had dined in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the square. She had been listening, picking up only a few words here and there in her somewhat limited knowledge of the language. In her youth she had resisted her parent's urgings to learn their native tongue and now regretted it as she listened to the lyrical cadence of the conversation around her. Mel of course spoke Italian fluently, his family having come from a city in southern Italy when they immigrated to Australia. They had walked hand in hand around the square visiting places of interest and adding amazing glass beads to her bracelet. The water seemed to puddle about the square and Mel had explained that the city was sinking and during deluges it was quite common for the square to be under several feet of water. It was late and still buoyed up by her excitement at finally being in Italy Mel had to command rather than encourage Bella to return to the hotel for the night. Bella felt she could have stayed awake all night just wandering about the city and exploring all the history and splendour that it held. But, suitably chastised, she held Mel's hand and walked back toward the hotel with him. Entering their room Mel knew he would need to make a phone call in the wee hours of the morning and was still disturbed by the appearance of Vince earlier that evening. It was late and as he deliberated his actions, the girl he adored wrapped her hands about his neck and kissed him deeply. Mel smiled, rarely did she show her emotions without prompting or thinking about how he would react to her actions and he knew that this was exactly what he wished for their trip into Italy. While he was her Master and needed to be obeyed at all times she also needed to be able to express her own needs and wants. When he had begun to steer her toward home she had balked wanting to continue to explore the city, she had not voiced her desires and if she had, he may have permitted further exploration for a short time. Instead, he had pushed his control and she had meekly complied. He would give her whatever she desired he knew if she asked but such was their relationship and her innate submissiveness that she rarely did. There was a fine line between being a brat and being a spoiled princess and it was a precarious one for both Master and slave to walk Mel knew, but as he kissed his princess in return he was sure they could find that line and enjoy a time of indulgence while maintaining the control he had instilled in their relationship. Mel's desire for his girl was as always close to the surface and he picked her up, cupping the rounded cheeks of her rounded ass and walked her back toward the bed. Sitting and kissing her deeply again, Mel marvelled that she was his as he prepared to speak, "You wanted to explore more of the city tonight didn't you, little one?" Bella jumped guiltily before nodding her head and murmuring, "I didn't mind coming home though." Mel frowned at her, "Did you think I would be angry if you told me?" "Not angry so much as disappointed. I don't like to disappoint you," Bella looked up into his face as she spoke her eyes showing her need to please him. The power she gave him in that look stirred all his need for her and he growled, "Do you think your pouting or silence pleases me more?" Again she jumped guiltily. She had not thought her own disappointment had been so obvious. "I...," she began but had no words. "I know you well, my Ellie. I can predict many of the things you will or won't like but," he paused and held her face between his palms looking into her eyes, "I am not a mind reader and cannot guess what you are thinking. It is my responsibility to ensure you have everything you could ever want or need but you need to help me by talking to me." His hands stroked down the sides of her neck and over her shoulders pushing the thin straps of the dress down in the slow movement revealing her breasts. "I will tell you what I am feeling next time," Bella said softly as Mel cupped her breasts and toyed with her nipples igniting her heat and passion for him. "But you didn't. Instead you pouted like a spoilt brat." He pinched her nipples hard between his thumb and forefinger making her whimper loudly and squirm on his lap. The bags had been stacked neatly into a corner and unpacked by a hotel valet, the wooden box that held Bella's cuffs and collar among other things had been placed beside the bed. Dismissing it for this evening, Mel stood Bella up and gathered a smaller bag from the neatly stacked pile and placed it on the bed. With the straps no longer over her shoulders the pretty pink chiffon dropped to the floor where she stood as Bella watched Mel retrieve his small bag and open it. She quivered as he turned back toward her and she saw the hungry look in his eyes. The look alone was enough to make her cunt clench and get wetter, his desire for her and pleasure in having her is what drove her own arousal and need for the harsher use he preferred. Turning Bella to face away from him Mel placed cuffs around her arms just above her elbow and linked them together behind her back with a short chain so they and her shoulders were pulled back and left her with limited use of her hands. Mel turned her back toward him his hands running over and around her breasts before his fingers found her nipples once again. He watched her eyes slowly glaze over as he pinched and twisted the tender pink nubs eliciting whimpers and squeals of pain and pleasure before attaching clover clamps linked by a chain which he lifted and placed between her lips the chain pulling slightly as he lifted it. Bella had not seen these large strange looking clamps before and found them not as painful when he attached them as the others he had used on her had been. When he placed the chain separating them between her lips and she lifted her head to look at him she felt them tighten and quickly dropped her head once more moving only her eyes to his finding that the pinch of the clamps did not loosen as she readjusted her head. Mel kicked her feet apart with his leather clad foot until she was wide enough to show the lips of her cunt separating and felt his cock twitch within his pants as her eyes tilted up to watch him. He held up a leather padded paddle and growled, "If you must act like a spoiled brat I will treat you like one." He moved behind her and bent her forward until her head lay on the bed, her ass raised and presented to him. The paddle swatted her ass making a satisfying sound, marking her and eliciting a squeal from his precious slave girl. The spanking began with mild swats but Mel increased the force with the pace of the assault watching the flesh turn from a mild pink to a glowing hot red all the while listening to Bella's cries and howls. He could see the chain pulling at her nipples making the clamps tighten unbearably as her head moved and she struggled to keep the chain between her lips and he stepped back stripping quickly as she recovered from the latest barrage of paddling. From his vantage point he could see the evidence of her arousal and need on the wet lips of her cunt and again his cock twitched in expectation of being embedded in that tight wet hole. Mel picked up the paddle again and began a new assault of forceful swats to the red glowing skin of her ass before finally throwing the paddle aside. He pulled her upright and leaned down to kiss her deeply pulling her against his body before moving her to lie back upon the bed. Mel took her feet and pushed them over her head doubling her over and looming above rubbing his thighs against the hot glow of her ass and his cock over her wet cunt. Bracing on hand on the bed beside her head Mel took the forgotten chain of the clamps in the other and ripped the clamps from her nipples as he entered her roughly driving deeply into the pain wracked body of his beautiful girl. He felt her body tremble and jerk below him and her cunt contract around his cock as he took her as his own and brutally fucked her. Her breath was short and hampered by her doubled over position and her sobbing mewls echoed off the high ceilings as he roared at her to cum for him. Arching up slightly as he pressed against her legs and body Bella cried out to the roof as she came hard, the cock pounding into her as her cunt contracted and pulsed with her orgasm. His unrelenting pace told her that Mel had not come with her and as he withdrew from her she whimpered at the loss. Mel grabbed her by her hair pushed her down the bed and off the edge to kneel between his legs as he laid back his torso resting on the bed. He pulled her head to his throbbing hard cock and she wrapped her lips around it, she suckled at the head eagerly tasting herself and the cock she worshipped. She rolled and fluttered her tongue revelling in the taste of him. His fingers laced into her hair pulling it roughly and wrapping it around his fists. He held her head moving it up and down his cock enjoying the suction of her lips and fluttering tongue as much as the gagging sounds she made as he moved her to take him deeper. His desire driving him he growled in a low voice, "Yes." His hips began to move with his hands upon her head, thrust into mouth with force her savouring the sounds and feel of her. He kept her there cumming into her mouth half sitting to watch her tear streaked face as she gulped the thick jets of cum that laced across her tongue. Holding her head as she milked him and teased at his still hard cock, his voice rasped between ragged breaths, "You are so unbelievably beautiful like this." He could see her eyes tilt up at the corners showing her pleasure at his words as her mouth was still held widely open by the cock between her lips. Unable to take much more he pushed her back and she sprawled onto the floor below him. Reaching down he picked her up like and carried her to the big bed before removing the cuffs about her elbows. Lay beside her he stroked her hair and held her close. "Tomorrow at breakfast we will look at the tourist books and you can choose something you would like to see as well," Mel murmured and Bella looked up to smile at him. "I would like that Master, thank you," Bella said softly. She knew he loved her, he had brought her into his world and shown his friends and colleagues that she was the girl he wanted in every way possible, she didn't know why she still worried so much about making mistakes and disappointing him. As she moved closer wrapping her hands more tightly around the man she loved and feeling the still burning cheeks of her ass and mild tingle in her bruised nipples, she also admitted that the punishments for those small mistakes were not so bad either. Exhausted Bella fell asleep within minutes. At four in the morning Tony arrived in their suite walking quietly to tap on the bedroom door. Mel ushered him in silently to watch over the sleeping Bella murmuring that the late night call should not take overly long and thanking him once again for his service. Tony grinned and motioned to the sleeping girl in the bed, "As if any red blooded man would mind babysitting that submissive little slut." "Yes, I am a truly lucky man," Mel agreed and slipped into the sitting room to make the call to Rob and Kurt at the club. ***** Rob, Leon and Kurt had been surprised by the meeting they had just had with the men starting up the new club down south. Not one of them could have been older than thirty. They had a youthful exuberance that Rob could see was reminiscent of himself and Mel at that age. If it wasn't for the strange coincidences surrounding the creation of this club and the mysterious Lewis Arfor he might have admired them. There didn't appear to be anything sinister or fraudulent about their plans. If anything, it sounded like a decent proposal to get in on the ground floor of. Likewise in the company nothing he had seen so far would indicate any dubious companies or vengeful people who had sold out to Mel. If anything it seemed like he had been over generous in most of the buy outs. The only thing he had to tell Mel was that they still held Jim and his assertion that Lewis was an eco-warrior with nothing more than environmental crusading on his mind. The only real lead they had was that all of the men they had found who had actually admitted to knowing Lewis Arfor were young and upwardly mobile. If not wealthy themselves they came from old families where just their names would open doors for them in the A list community. The disappointment stung. He had assured himself that this time he could unmask his nemesis, and that shadowy phantom presence in his life would be no more, but as always it seemed like they were back at square one. Mel skyped in and they briefed on the lack of developments so far. He looked fresh and full of life smiling at Kurt's awful quips and joking with Rob's teasing about feeling as young as the person you're feeling. "That meeting today was like that time we had those business students in from the University. All thinking they could take on the world and win, I almost believed them at the time," Kurt laughed, "Almost." "Speaking of people who think they can take on the world and win. Vince was here yesterday. Bella saw him in the lobby. He rushed off before I got to a chance to talk to him though," Mel said, a twinge of regret in his voice. "Is there a fluffy duck or something that needs saving from the sinking city?" Rob half joked trying to lighten the mood Mel always fell into when talking about Vince. "Probably some two-legged disabled frog that glows in the dark," Mel nodded, "Something vitally important I am sure." "Well gentlemen I am sure you will understand if I don't hand about, the most beautiful girl is lying naked in my bed and that is a whole lot more appealing to me that staring at your well-worn faces and learning nothing new. Geez Rob when was the last time you slept?" Mel grinned. "We can't all be as lucky as you my friend," Rob shrugged but a horrifying idea had just formed in his mind and he needed to speak to Leon without Mel listening on Skype so he said instead. "Seeing as you are not making good use of your bed warmer I might just come over and take the night shift, I will get some sleep then I am sure." "You wish. Call Tony if you need me, we will stay in Venice for a couple of days before sightseeing on the way down to Bobbio," Mel explained and the screen flickered and went blank as he signed off. "Come on," Rob said gathering his phone, "I have an idea who might be behind this and I hope to god I am wrong." "Wait!" Leon grumbled, "Where are we going?" "To see Jim," Rob stalked out the door. "Grumpy old bastard today isn't he?" Kurt noted. "Call me at the office and fill me in. I need to get back to work." Rob called Harris and asked him to check out the reaction of the men he was meeting down south as the burgeoning club to a couple of names if he could drop them subtly into conversation and call him back and let him know how it went when they were done. Leon raced through the streets in his usual style but Rob for once was grateful, he felt a sense of urgency to find out if he could finally link all the pieces of this puzzle together. He filled Leon in on the way back to his safe house where Jim was being held and a startled Leon swore wanting more background information, the men charged into the building calling Harris's partner to them and instructing him on what to say and ask so as not to tip their hand if he was right. ***** They spent two wonderful days in Venice, sightseeing, shopping and eating wonderful if fattening food which they would then work off during the evening and sleep late. Mel had a fascination of medieval history and quite often their explorations of the city had more of an historical twist to them than purely visiting the usual tourist spots. Bella found herself caught up in in fascination and excitement at find new hidden treasures to see within the maze-like canals and streets. Mel kept his business calls to a bare minimum trusting Tony to keep him informed of developments from the investigations still underway back at the office. He trusted Kurt and Rob to handle everything and Tony would inform him of anything major. Having the men in black as Bella had taken to calling them along for their holiday did not seem unusual at all by the second day they were unobtrusive and kept a reasonable distance from the couple most of the time, with the exception of Tony who stayed close to Bella even when she visited the bathrooms. On the third day they had hired cars and checked out of the hotel when Bella saw Vince again as they sat in a sidewalk restaurant waiting for their brunch order to arrive. Bella called out and waved him over. It seemed as though Vince would ignore them when he suddenly turned and walked toward the small group which included Tony and Frank. "I thought you would have left the city already," Vince said as he got close to the table. "He directed his comment to Bella all but ignoring the men at the table. "We're leaving today," Mel offered, "Would you like to join us and catch up before we leave?" "Sure why not," Vince mumbled and made a show of checking his watch, "So where to next? Milan? Rome? Bella opened her mouth to tell him about visiting her Aunt and Uncle but Tony cut her off, "Going on a road trip to a few small towns, I am the driver so I get to plot the course seeing as these two seem to be happy anywhere as long as they are together." He grinned at Vince. In truth Rob had alerted him to the fact Vince and Mel had a stormy relationship to put it mildly and he didn't want the kid interfering with what essentially equated to a honeymoon for the man he worked for. "It's like a mystery tour and I have it all planned out," he said as he tapped his head. Bella laughed. Tony usually said very little and she delighted in the idea that Mel would give up any control of their holiday, even to Tony. She looked up at Mel who also was looking at Tony with a bemused expression but said nothing. "Bella that's just gross, he's an old man for fuck's sake! You grew up thinking of him as an Uncle! How would you feel if I started doing your mother?" Vince was practically yelling at her and she shrunk under the barrage of words crumpling in her chair. "That's enough!" Mel roared. "She didn't plan it this way; she was just as surprised as anyone to find she had feelings for me." "Well lucky you," Vince swung around to face his father, "Next you will be telling me you didn't plan it either. Fucking control freak plans everything in his life. Next you will be telling me you really are letting this goon pick out your itinerary. Fuck! Turned your wife into a lesbian, had a kid you sent away at the first opportunity and went back to your perverted lifestyle as if we didn't all know and now you drag Bella into it. Fuck!" Frank and Tony had stood up in a threatening way and Vince held his hands up in front of him. "Call your pit-bull off. I am not staying anyway." He turned to Bella with a look of disgust on his face, "You are amazing! You could have had any guy you wanted. You could have had me! But you chose losers like Jim and now this! For fucks sake Bella, you're better than this, you should want better than this!" Vince turned knocking over his chair and stormed off into the crowd. Bella began to cry silently her shoulders shaking and Mel sat back in a state of barely controlled fury at the outburst he had just witnessed. Owning Bella Ch. 09 Frank went and fixed up the bill and got their orders to go and they left the small restaurant walking back past the hotel to the cars they had hired. Bundling Bella inside to the relative privacy the tinted glass gave them and waiting for the return of Frank and the two other men in black Mel gathered Bella into his arms and held her tightly. Mel began speaking softly into her ear as he held her to him. "A lot of what he said is true," Mel felt Bella tense in his arms but continued talking. "I did plan to seduce you. You have become the most beautiful of young women, I have craved you in a way that is hard to describe but I waited until you were adult enough to be living alone and making your own choices about your life. You are naturally submissive. It shows in all you do and in your insecurities, the need you have to please people. I knew you were the woman I have always dreamed of being with as we are now, submissive to my dominance. I wanted you, needed you, loved you and feel unbelievably lucky that you were able to accept me as I am and the role you have in my life." He bent his head to kiss her. "Vince grew up spoiled by his mother and grandparents, he chose to spend his holidays from school with them rather than at home where I could have seen him more. He only came to me when he needed something that his mother had said no to, which wasn't very often. His mother and I married for convenience; both of us preferred other lifestyles but were held to expectations of old Italian families. It is not the twisted version he threw out back there, do not let that worm its way into your conscience at all." Bella slowly calmed as he spoke. She knew everything he was saying already. They were things they had talked about in that first week or so when he had introduced her to his lifestyle. It was just that Vince had made it sound so wrong and, she admitted, she had been surround by only people within the lifestyle since then except for her parents who had accepted Mel's love for her quite well considering the age difference. Vince himself had never shown her any interest outside of their cousin like relationship from growing up in households that were linked during the holidays and special occasions. That she could have had him, as he put it, had never even crossed her mind. Mel had continued to stroke her back as she stayed silent. He worried over the damage done to her confidence in their relationship which he had been working so hard at building up. All the training to trust and obey and speak to him about her likes and dislikes, wants and needs could all be ruined by that once venomous outburst. He had always hoped to repair the relationship with Vince as he got older but he could see now that the resentment ran deep and it would take a lot longer before Vince could approach his father on equal footing and they could work it out like men. He was still acting like a spoilt child who wanted something he couldn't have. Bella took a shuddering breath and spoke softly into his chest not wanting to break the hold he had on her. "If this had happened last week or the week before I might have listened to his rant and taken it at its face value but you have taught me to listen to my own voice, and decide what is right for me not just you, or my parents, or the people in my life, like Vince. I knew when I begged your collar what I was asking for. I knew when I ran away that I was miserable without you, or the thought that you could replace me. Each time where I really wanted to be was here like this." She pulled back from his chest slightly and tilted her face up to his. "Nothing Vince said, or anything you just explained was new information to me. You have been very candid about Jenny and your desire to have me as your slave. I knew it when I accepted you, I knew it when I begged your collar. It was confronting to hear it as others may see our relationship but I love you." Bella stretched a hand up and stroked his face leaning into the kiss as he lowered his head in response. "I want you to look after me and teach me about your world. It thrills me that you would be so proud to have me at your side and I want to learn more, do more, be more, and experience it all with you. I trust you not only with my body but with my heart and although it may sting when confronted like that, this is exactly where I want to be." Mel felt his chest expand in happiness. She truly was the one he was meant to be with. No other woman had ever made him feel the way his Bella could. Call it kismet, soul-mates or written in the stars but he knew he would never let her go. He kissed her deeply and knocked on the widow Tony had been standing against. Tony opened the door and handed them the food from the restaurant saying that he was just going over their route one more time before leaving so they would still be a few minutes with they ate. "I'm starving," Bella grinned and took the food offered. Mel shook his head and smiled with relief. This holiday really had been the best thing he could have done for their relationship. ***** Rob was at the club when the urgent text alert came from Tony and he walked into his office to call him back immediately. He was surprised that Vince had been so confrontational in such a public setting. From what Rob had learned he tended to manipulate things from behind the scenes a great deal more. There was enough circumstantial evidence to lead them to believe that Vince was indeed Lewis Arfor but there was no real proof of any wrong doing. The initial troubles at the club decades ago could not have been Vince, he was barely sixteen at the time, but none-the-less recent events lead them to believe it to be true. Jim had been the first to show signs of uncertainly when confronted with the knowledge that his captors knew that Vincenzo Marino was Lewis Arfor. While he didn't confirm it his arrogant cockiness disappeared and he seemed less certain of being released. Harris had returned from the meetings down south with similar information. Though no one had fully confirmed it, Vince was involved with that group as well in some way. Kurt had invited Max and the spokesman of the newly formed club up to stay at their club while they negotiated the deal with the lawyers and to look around and see what they liked and what they would change. Rob had been fairly happy with how things were going. He had not told Mel of his suspicions as yet but had let Tony know to keep an eye out for the kid. He did not believe Vince would confront his father directly with so many people around them. He was obviously wrong and if he had killed Marie or had someone do it for him, then Vince was definitely a threat to Mel. Still in the back of his mind Rob knew that Vince could have been the same Lewis Arfor from so long ago, he was just too young. "Circumstantial," he said to himself shaping his head but picked up the phone. Putting the next phase of their plan into action earlier than expected Rob called Leon. It would be a twenty hour flight but Leon would be there with his crew and they could get a better idea of what Vince was up to if they could track him properly on the ground. No doubt his friends had told him that they had been asking questions, which was most likely why the confrontation had happened. Rob let his sense of urgency travel to Leon in his voice. ***** They had travelled to the city of Verona and on toward Milan before veering south towards a well-known medieval town called Castell'Arquato. Bella had heard the name before and knew her aunt and uncle were less than another hour or two of driving time away. She was happy though to stop and see the exquisitely preserved castle and town. Not only was there a castle to explore but the town held several palaces and cathedrals built during medieval time and remaining well preserved by the town's population. The cobble stone streets alone seemed well maintained and added to the charm of the town. The afternoon flew past as they explored the town and marvelled at the history dating back to roman times, but being from the tenth century in the main. As evening approached they began to drive west again towards the small historical town of Bobbio where her Aunt and Uncle lived. "We can come back tomorrow or the next day," Mel smiled in response to her lamenting the lack of time they had to fully explore the town. "That would be lovely," Bella enthused having taken on her Masters fascination with the relics and remnants of historical Italy. They continued to talk of the town they had just visited when in little more than thirty minutes Tony pulled the car up within a small village and she could hear her Aunt Lucia exclaiming long before the woman emerged from one of the small stone houses. Bella barely had time to climb from the car before she was embraced in a mammoth hug and with her Aunt shouting orders to her husband as well as Mel and Tony she was steered into the house. Mel as usual seemed at home within the large home and lounged in an armchair as Bella's Aunt and Uncle showed her around the house and to the room that would be theirs. Lucia expressed her surprise that they had brought a driver and business associate with them, as Mel had introduced Tony and Frank. She insisted they stay rather than go to a Hotel, they could easily accommodate them. The other men that were assigned to security had discreetly driven past the house and continued into town booking into a Hotel and taking shifts to keep an eye on the house. The evening was full of food, wine and merriment, Tony and Mel both immediately feeling at ease with Bella's family and Frank to Bella's surprise spoke fluent Italian better than Mel. Bella once again regretted not learning the language of her parents properly as she struggled to make sense of the conversations that went on around her. Lucia skited about having given Bella the advice to go after a more mature man and was very pleased with her choice, she whispered conspiratorially to Mel with a wink making Bella blush. Self-consciously Bella followed Mel to their room at the end of the evening. It was in a way like taking a boy to her room at home she thought and she worried what her family would think about her being not only sexually active but involved in the acts her Master enjoyed. The door closed behind her and Mel gathered her into his arms and kissed her deeply. "Do not worry, little one," Mel murmured and smiled as she looked up into his face. "I would never make you endure screaming pleasures I love to give you in such an atmosphere of old fashioned family values." He felt Bella relax in his arms, leaning into his body and wrapping her arms about him to match his own and again he kissed her before growling in her ear, "There will be penalties for my understanding." Bella gasped and looked up at his smirk wondering exactly what sort of penalties would be involved but trusting that it would enjoyable for them both. She whispered, "As you wish, Master." Mel untangled himself from his amazing girl and stepped back. He took their bags and handed her a small case of toiletries and a soft white cotton night gown, making her smile and bite her tongue from commenting that it was like something her mother would have bought her. "It is one of the gowns your mother brought you when you were in hospital," Mel laughed at her expression reading her mind again. "It is not something I would have ever wanted to imagine you in let alone buy for you. Now this..." he said picking a small piece of diaphanous material from the case, "...is what I would have you wear, though nothing matches the beauty of your skin. Go and prepare for bed before I change my mind about the screaming pleasures." He smacked her lightly on the ass as she hurried out of the room. Bella slept soundly cradled in Mel's arms. The holiday had been full of adventure and continual use and pleasure and she let exhaustion take her into a dreamless deep sleep. Mel on the other hand was restless and without his computer and phone to catch up with what was happening back at the office and club his mind played over conversations he had had that morning, including the scene created by Vince. Dozing briefly Mel came awake instantly as the door to their room cracked open and Tony stepped in silently. Mel got up slowly careful not to disturb the sleeping Bella and sat on the end of the bed. "Have you heard from anyone? Rob seems to be giving me the silent treatment since our call yesterday." Mel rubbed at his stubble before looking up at Tony. "Leon's coming," Tony said simply. Mel raised an eyebrow but said nothing waiting for more information. "Rob thinks he has a lead that is more easily tracked from over here. He left a few hours ago so he wont land in Venice until later today." Mel checked his watch seeing that it was almost four and nodded. "It must be a decent lead if he is coming to Italy. Did Rob give you anything specific?" Mel spoke softly. "Nah, just to stay close." He turned his head to look at the sleeping Bella, "Not that it is too much of a hardship I'll admit, being paid for a holiday in Italy with such delightful company." Tony let the smile widen as he looked back at Mel. "What's the plan for tomorrow? I need to let the boys know so they have some clue how to stalk you." The quiet conversation went on to the usual matters that took up the early morning hours for Mel. He outlined the plan to explore Bobbio with Lucia and Mo, allowing them to show Bella her parent's childhood haunts. Tony quietly left the room and Mel returned to the bed wrapping his arms about the woman he loved. Bella stirred and turned to face him mumbling softly into his neck, "Good morning, Master." Mel groaned as she pressed against him and needing relief from the self-imposed celibacy of the night they had spent in her family home, he rolled to his back and guided her head down his body. Moving between Mel's legs, Bella let her ward breath travel over his semi-erect cock watching as it stiffened further. Bending her head she brushed her lips over the tip of the cock she worshipped in a soft kiss. She let her fingers trails lightly up his thighs and over the rounded sacs of his balls and she watched and kissed the shaft of his cock from tip to root. Holding the now hard shaft lightly and cupping his balls with her other hand she planted a firmer kiss to the tip parting her lips and letting her tongue slide out and around the spongy head of his cock before dipping into the small hole making him groan softly once more. She felt his fingers twine into her hair as her lips parted more and she began to suck him into her mouth. Bella drew her knees up beneath her body arching over them to suck and flutter her tongue beneath the head of the cock she knew so well, sitting back heavily on her heels and pushing them against her cunt the pressure exciting her all the more as Mel's hand tangled and twisted her hair around his fists. She filled her mouth with his cock gagging slightly and swallowing about the tip preparing her throat for what she believed was to come with a thrust of his hips but Mel held back. Mel gritted his teeth. He wanted nothing more than to slam his cock into her waiting and willing throat but he knew in the dawn first light the noise would carry through the silence of the house and he held back with great difficulty as Bella wrapped her lips around his cock and sucked hard fluttering her delightful tongue along the underside of his cock. He allowed himself to enjoy the feel of his little slut pleasuring him and let his mind wander to what he would make her enduring when they were next alone together. Vivid images flashed through his mind as her delicate hands and talented mouth worked upon him and a gasping groan escaped him as he unloaded his cum into her eager mouth. Bella continued to lavish tender attention on her Master's cock as it softened until he finally pulled her away and back into his arms. He kissed her then long and passionately. "Do not get used to this my little slut, my need to use you properly will not be restrained very long." His hands gripped the cheeks of her ass forcefully making her gasp. "Yes, Master," she whispered and put her face to his neck breathing in his scent and enjoying the small freedom she had this morning. Mel disengaged himself from her arms and pulled the blanket back, "There is a small book in the side of my carry on, go get it for me, slave girl." The eternal smirk was back but Bella dutifully swung her legs from the bed and padded across the thick carpet to get the book for him. They lay in bed looking through a tourist book on the Emila Romagna region of which Bobbio and Castell'Arquato were a part. "There are so many castles and palaces," Bella exclaimed as she looked at yet another beautiful medieval fortress. "You keep reading. I can hear movement in the house. I am going to have a quick shower and shave before breakfast." He climbed from the bed and leaned down to kiss her forehead before grabbing his bag and leaving the room. Bella spent the next fifteen minutes dreamily looking through the book before Mel returned and the morning went by in a blur. She had quickly showered and dressed in the clothes Mel had chosen for her. Breakfast was a happy jovial time with lots of talk about the sights they would see during the day and before Bella knew they we off to investigate the small castle and hunchback bridge. Bella was enjoying the feeling of being a regular couple. She had been alone with Mel in Venice while they shopped and did the usual touristy things but he had always been in control and their relationship never wavered. It was strange to Bella to see him acquiesce to his Aunts itinerary and whims so easily. Bella tried to imagine her parents as young and carefree growing up in and around the small town as they explored all day and was fascinated by the stories her Aunt and Uncle told her but she missed the intimate closeness that she and Mel had shared over the last two days in Venice that the men in black never intruded upon and by mid-afternoon she was worn out by the constant movement and chatter of their explorations. It was within the San Columbo Abbey that Bella finally took a seat and closed her eyes for a moment letting the history of a place originally built in 614AD flow around that she felt Mel's familiar presence beside her and his hand come to rest on her thigh. Opening her eyes she placed her hand over his and smiled up at him before resting her head on his shoulder seeking the intimacy of their bond. "Lucia enjoys the sound of her own voice it seems," Mel said softly making Bella smile. "She is just happy to have you here and play tour guide. Let's play along for a little longer then we can go for a walk and explore on our own for a little while," Mel spoke softly and Bella was surprised once again at how accurately he could read her mind. The party stopped for tea in a small café and relaxed. Tony received a call and Bella realised she had not seen Mel with his phone since leaving the yacht and wondered slightly about that. Until Tony came back to the table handing the phone to Mel with an apology for interrupting and that his secretarial skills left something to be desired when it came to sweet talking business associates into revealing the urgency of their calls. As Mel stood to take the calls Tony took his seat beside Bella and suggested she give him so tips on being a personal assistant as he had heard how wonderfully she had done the job before being promoted. Lucia looked shocked by the innuendo of his words so he hastened to reassure her, "Did Bella tell you that she is a junior business associate now?" "It's just a couple of small companies in the portfolio but it's a start," Bella smiled, "Nothing to brag about really." Lucia fussed over Bella proudly lamenting that she had never had a career herself . Owning Bella Ch. 09 "I was reading a tourist guide to the region this morning; it seems every family in the region built a castle at some time. There must be at least twenty within a day's drive from here. You will have to tell us which the best to visit are," Bella steered the conversation onto something her Aunt was knowledgeable about. Her Aunt laughed and launched into a history lesson on the romantics trysts and affairs of the Pelligrini and Rossi families of the region. The Bardi Castle which was remote as the town of Bobbio was originally built as a military fortress and has a dungeon and torture chamber still intact. Some of the lesser known palaces and fortresses were still in private hands and lived in by families clinging to their lost nobility. Eventually she laughed and nodded, "I think you are right; most families in this region have ties to one castle town or another, ours is Bobbio. Your father though was tied to one of those ostentatious moated castles Fontanella I think. We could ring him and ask if you like." "Sure," Bella agreed, "I have been remiss about calling them as often as I should, since coming to Italy." Mo who rarely said anything interrupted with a detailed account of where Bella's father had ties to within the province and grinned at his wife's shock. "You forget my love, Jo and I have known each other a lot longer than I have known you. Do you remember who set us up for the Venetian Ball at Castell'Arquato," Lucia smiled at Mo and held his hand, "How could I ever forget that night." Mel returned to the table pulling up an extra chair. "A friend of mine has just arrived back in Italy, he owns a small fortress close to Parma, and he has invited us up there for the weekend. I hope you don't mind," he said with regret to Lucia and Mo, "If we only stay another day or so, there is just so much to explore in the limited time we have here and we still haven't thought about heading south to Florence and Rome." "Oh of course," Lucia said surprising Bella, "It is like when we travel to see Rosie and Joe, there is just never enough time to see all that we would like once we have visited and caught up with them. But let's make the most of the time we have together." Lucia and Mo discussed plans for the evening ahead and what they could do with the day tomorrow to show them the best of their town and the surrounding area. Bella sighed louder than she had meant to as the planning went on around her, making Mel look at her with disapproving eyes and Lucia stop her chatter midsentence. Bella immediately regretted it and apologised to everyone, "I am so sorry I didn't mean that to come out the way it did." She chewed her lip as she always did when unsure of herself or thoughtful. "I don't mean to seem ungrateful," she said further, "I just ..." she peeked up at Mel before continuing, "I have been doing so much running around and sight-seeing and I think the jet lag is catching up with me finally. I was hoping to maybe just go for a quiet walk or convince Mel to take me for a small drive to see the country side or maybe the nation park I read about this morning." Mo clapped his hands and leaned forward talking to Bella conspiratorially, "Lucia has all these plans for cooking if I don't get her home and into that kitchen soon we will be eating at midnight. She is determined to prove she is a better cook than your mama." He winked at her as Lucia gasped and slapped his shoulder. "Go take a drive. The sunset is beautiful over the national park on the way to Genoa." Bella smiled at him gratefully feeling the disapproving eyes of Mel follow her movements as she chewed her lip again. With uncharacteristic decisiveness Mo ushered them all out of the small café and back towards home. Mel gave Frank the night off to go and visit the towns bars and taverns before climbing into the car and pulling Bella roughly in beside him. Caught off guard Bella squeaked as Tony closed her door and took the driver's seat gunning the engine and driving with speed out of the small town and south into the country side. "Sighing Bella really? You have more manners and class than that," Mel said darkly. "You can say what you wish without all the theatrics." "I am sorry, Master," Bella said softly looking down at her hands as they twisted in her lap. "I had told you we would find some time this afternoon to be alone, had I not?" His voice held menace and she wilted more, "Instead you made your Aunt feel disappointed that you were not as excited as she was about your visit." "Oh gosh, no! That's not what I meant at all!" Bella was horrified by her own actions, most of all that she had disappointed Mel and let him down not trusting hi to take care of her needs. She knew she would be punished and in a way she welcomed it, she had not enjoyed the chasteness of their last day and a half together. ***** During the long flight Leon had kept up constant communication with his team. Vincenzo Merino had been tracked leaving Venice and had been tracked down to the resort town of San Marino of the east coast. Noting the southbound movement of all of the parties involved he redirected his flight to Genoa. He had bought a small ruined fortress there several summers ago less than an hour's drive from the city and had started the reconstruction and restoration repairs almost immediately. As with most of his small projects he had lost the initial enthusiasm he had started it and it had been completed overseen by a local historical group who would keep it to the period in the hopes he would open it to the public for apart of the year. Calling ahead Leon had told the caretaker to close the fortress to visitors for at least a week , claim an unsteady wall or broken plumbing or something just to close it to the public. Upon arrival Leon had been impressed with the final touches and works of art that had been included and finally understood the astronomical invoices he had received in the final weeks of the restoration. He had renamed the crumbling ruins Domatore Di Leoni, much to the disappointment of the historical society that kept its original name on most of the inscriptions and local tourist information. Calling it the Den of the Lion, was something that would be expected from his playboy persona. He had called Rob and Mel as he drove with his crew from Genoa to the fortress, inviting Mel to stay with him for the weekend, tempting him with the delights of a fully equipped medieval dungeon. The caretaker and his wife had been waiting their arrival and had given them an abridged tour ending in the kitchen with a dinner fit for nobility. Leon considered if he was paying them too much for the upkeep of the house when he remembered it was the tourists that funded the ongoing repairs and maintenance as well as these people's wages. So few of the privately held estates were opened to the public that this was a chance for the public to look into the life of someone they believed to be descended from old Italian nobility. The crew set up their operations in the library a vast room lined with bookshelves over two stories high and cluttered with comfortable sitting chairs and dark timber antique desks and tables. Leon looked at his three man crew. All experts in surveillance and data analysis, he was confident that if Rob's hunch was correct they could find some evidence to prove it. He just wasn't sure that it was. Like Rob Leon knew and understood that Vince was far too young to have had anything to do with the initial trouble the club had had from the phantom Lucifer but the circumstantial evidence that he was a main player if not the actual mastermind behind the recent threats to Mel and Rob's business dealings and personal life. He had briefed these men on everything he knew, given them access to both Mel and Rob's records of each of the events and the intervening time. Each one was new to the case and he hoped the new impartial outlook on the situation would aide them when after years of searching they had never been able to find the shadow figure that stalked them. It seemed that Jim knew less that he actually realised as his interrogations had increased and breaking could offer than nothing more than Vince was often the one asking for favours from the VM Club at University and that they did his bidding and that she seemed overly fond of Bella. Other than that he was just an arrogant little punk full of his own self-importance made greater by the types of friends he rolled with. The had taken him out and dumped him back near the house of Josie Collins where he had been picked up from and where the police found him as they did a cursory search of known haunts once he had been listed as missing by an anonymous friend. This was the first decent lead they had though over the past decade since the death of the girl in the club and Rob's love, Kitty. It was for Rob that Leon was determined to find the phantom this time. It was time he moved on from the ghosts that haunted him in the past but Leon also knew that while this remained unsolved he couldn't. The final members of his crew would arrive in the morning. One a local aristocrat who knew everybody there was to know had detoured to San Marino to see what she could dig up about Vincenzo Marino and who he was seeing there. He looked forward to seeing Carlotta and her friends, while extremely professional, like himself the bored heiress generally brought a party with her where-ever she went. Leon wasn't inclined to take the hugely ornate main bedroom of the fort to rest for an hour or so in while the men set up the equipment. He opted for a comfortable couch in the room they worked in. Letting the jet lag and exhaustion of the past few days he had spent with Rob sharing his anxieties take him into a deep slumber. It took sometime before one of the men could shake hi awake properly enough to hand him the phone, "Leon Darlink," the deep throaty voice purred, "Are you there?" Leon grunted and shook his head, "Yeah, I'm here." "Good. Your boy isn't here anymore; he met a man on a large yacht and then left again," she paused while he digested that. "The yacht had an interesting name, Lucipher, spelled L U C Y F O R. Interesting, no?" "Yes," Leon said. "Circumstantial but interesting." "I will be delayed a little. I am still seeing if I can find the owner and if they know where the boy might have gone," Carlotta purred into the phone. "I shall look forward to renewing our acquaintance," Leon felt himself aroused by the deep sultry voice as his brain began to wake up fully. "Of course Darlink, as am I." Carlotta ended the call leaving Leon half awake and half aroused. He decided to go shower, it was still early evening and there was a lot to do. ***** "Strip," Mel commanded as he got back into the car. Tony had pulled over to answer a call and Mel had gone to the boot to retrieve a bag that had not been taken into the home they were staying in. Bella had been startled but taking the hem of her short summery dress pulled it over her head. Mel stopped before she pulled it clear keeping her face covered and her arms bound high by the fabric of the dress as he held it tightly in place. His free hand lashed out slapping at the soft flesh of her breast and she whimpered feeling the heat of his palm print sink into her. "Don't move your arms," he growled as he released his grip on the dress fabric. Again the hand lashed out stinging her several times before his fingers found both her nipples and pinched hard pulling them out from her body making her arch before twisting them cruelly. Her soft whimpers turned to squeals and she trembled struggling to keep her hands crossed above her head. Bella heard the metallic clink of the chain and braced herself. The clamp crushed her nipple cruelly and she cried out as each was applied and the chain was pulled several times to ensure they were secure. Mel pulled the dress from her head and looked into her teary eyes mesmerised as always but the sheer beauty that was his to command. Bella dropped her eyes to the open bag of her Master's toys and the wooden box that held her training collar and cuffs. Excitement rose within her that surprised even her as she looked down it, she knew she needed and wanted what he gave her just as much as he did and she looked up at him with bright eyes despite the tear tracks on her cheeks. Tony, unable to concentrate fully on the road, had pulled the car discreetly over into a thick stand of trees and parked adjusting his mirror to watch the back seat as he gently palmed his cock. "You acted like an ungrateful brat sighing the way you did. Did the respect and manners I spent so much time instilling in you fly out of your head?" His voice was harsh and his voice commanding an answer but she had none instead she chewed her lip nervously, she had not meant it the way it seemed but that was no excuse she knew. Her life was now about obedience and submission to the will of her Master and those he chose for her. He wrapped her training collar about her neck and buckled it in place. "It would seem, little brat, that your training is far from complete." He had picked up her wrists as he continued to talk and encasing them in the same soft leather of her collar lifted them and attached them with the D rings to her collar and pulling her elbows back making her arch and push her clamped nipples out to him. His hand lashed out slapping at them again. Mel picked up a crop and opened his door before taking a fistful of her hair and practically dragging her from the car around to the hood. Bending her over the warm engine he raised her head so looked directly at Tony and raised his voice. "A new hood ornament for you, Tony," Mel laughed and Tony nodded a wide smile on his face. Mel leaned down close to Bella's ear and warned, "You will not move. You will keep your eyes on Tony at all times and be grateful that he follows you around making sure you are safe when he would rather be fucking a hot little slut like you rather than just watching." He straightened and stepped back the crop in his hand landing several times in quick succession. Tears had formed in her eyes again as he pulled her upright growling, "Can't have you scratching the paint on a rental car, little slut," with lightning speed he grabbed the clamps and ripped them from her nipples making her cry out in pain and her cunt clench spasmodically as the tendril's reached the fluttering in her belly. She was panting heavily and her legs trembled under her while she tried to stand still under his commanding gaze. "Do you need to cum, little slut," Mel dropped his hand to her cunt and delved into the wetness that showed her obvious need for his use. "Yes, Master," Bella whimpered softly. The crop came down on her ass again he his fingers entered her and she felt herself sliding toward oblivion. The crop landed twice more and he held a hand in the small of her back as his thumb pressed on her clit and his fingers curled within her driving her over the edge. Bella gasped and mewled raggedly as her body shook with mind blowing orgasm only his hand in her cunt and the small of her back kept her upright until he laid her over the hood of the car once more. Mel began to spank her with his hand, the red lined of the crop increasing in colour as he painted her ass pink while enjoying the sights and sounds of his sexy slave girl as she submitted to his will. His need to push her by asserting even more dominance over her actions and reactions rose up and he dragged her from the hood again and made her crawl around to the driver's side door opening it. "Help Tony finish, show him how grateful you are for his care and protectiveness of you. Suck him well my masochistic little whore, I want to see your appreciation shine in your eyes." Mel's voice was soft but commanding in a very intimate way. Tony swung his legs from the car presenting her with a large thick cock and she opened her mouth willingly. Mel's cock was harder than a rock as he watched her willingly obey him. His ownership and control so complete she would do anything he asked knowing he would never put her in danger or overstep her natural boundaries. She was a pain slut, not quite to masochistic level but he liked to call her that. He had discovered that the names he called her and small humiliations she endured caused her to get hotter and more needy and sucking Tony's cock while he watched was no exception. He could see the muscles of her belly and cunt working as she gagged and gurgled with the big cock wedged in her mouth. Bella felt Mel move away heard a door open and close but did not stop working to finish what Tony had started with his hand. Tony placed his hands in her head guiding her pace and depth a moment before she felt the cool drip of lube between the cheeks of her ass and lube coated fingers begin to stretch her tightest hole. Tony came explosively as her throat contracted with whimpering gurgles at the attentions of her Master, she swallowed it all and rolled her tongue over his shaft cleaning the new cock when she felt her Master move into position. "I love to see the look of painful pleasure flicker over a girl's face when her ass is taken," "Tony said breathlessly raising Bella's head from his cock and looking deeply into her eyes as without warning Mel plunged forcefully into the hole his fingers had occupied mere minutes ago making her cry out with a whoosh of breath and flaring her eyes even wider. Tony unlocked her wrists from her collar and pushed her hands back to hold her cheeks pulling them wide for her Master. The scene as she was and in her mind's eye was so lewd and sexy that without warning she stiffened and came again with such intensity that she jerked and twitched as Mel growled out his own orgasm and filled her bowels. Bella's head fell into Tony's lap her hot ragged breath drifting over his semi hard cock making it twitch in pleasure. Once he had regained his composure Mel stood and straightened his clothes picking up the naked Bella and placing her into the car upon a small towel before sliding in beside her. "You look even more delicious when you are sex stained," he murmured into her ear kissing her neck and fondling her aching breasts. They drove on, racing the sunset to the national park and stopping at a deserted look out post. Mel picked up her dress but did not offer it to her instead helping her out of the car nude and walking with her as she was to the railing that looked out over the valley. "Wow, the view is amazing," Bella said softly as the two men walked behind her. "You make it very hard to concentrate on the sunset," Tony mumbled to Mel. "Isn't it just," Mel smirked. Beginning the drive home Mel gave Bella a package of moist towel's to clean up as best she could with. The men were laughing and teasing the blushing girl and as they rounded a sharp bend Tony did not see the tree blocking the road until the last minute. Slamming on the brakes and swinging the car by pulling the handbrake they slammed into the tree side on narrowly avoiding what would have certainly been a fatal crash. Mel and Tony had been swearing loudly as Bella sat dazed by the jolt of the impact. She touched her head and the fingers came away red, she must have hit it against the door during the crash she thought absently. There was a loud crack and a breaking of glass, she felt herself smothered by the body of Mel and heard Tony get out of the car as another car sped off. The door opened and Mel's weight lifted from her. Bella looked down at the blood colouring her ribs and wondered how that got there. She turned to look at Mel, he seemed so still. Tony grabbed her and pulled her dress over her head forcing her into the front seat of the car, he lay Mel across the back seat and rushed to get in gunning the engine he headed south again to the nearest town his phone in his hand guiding his way. Bella still couldn't make sense of what had happened her head throbbed and she couldn't keep her eyes open, eventually she slumped in the seat. Tony grimaced as he followed his phone pulling up before the sliding doors of the hospital before letting himself go black. Owning Bella Ch. 09 ***** Bella woke slowly, her head feeling like it was between a vice, "Get the doctor!" She heard a familiar voice exclaim, "She's is awake! She's awake!" Lucia's face came into focus slowly as she hovered above Bella. "There you are," she smiled you had us so worried. "Where?" Bella croaked. "You're in the hospital, baby. Nasty car crash that. You were lucky Tony got you here in time," Lucia put on a cheerful voice despite the worry that lined her face. "Mel," Bella whispered hoarsely. "He is here too, now don't you worry about anyone else you just get better quick." The doctor came in after that and Bella was examined thoroughly. He explained that she had a nasty concussion and given the recent history of concussion it was not certain if she would recover as easily. She had also been grazed along the ribs by a bullet but there had been no real damage. At the news of the bullet Bella became agitated. "Mel," she croaked, "Need Mel, see Mel," she tried to sit up to get up but the doctor restrained her firmly. "Why isn't he here?" Bella began to weep uncontrollably realising that if he could be he would be he never left her alone like this. Unable to settle his patient the doctor called for a sedative and Bella cried herself back to sleep. Night mares plagued her, the darkness the loud crunching of metal and timber the weight of Mel's body and the blood, too much blood. On the second morning Bella woke in the hospital she turned her head to see Rob sitting in a chair beside her rather than her Aunt Lucia. Rob would not be there unless Mel couldn't be and that knowledge in itself made her cry harder than the day before when she had hope that he would come. "That's not a very good reaction to my arrival, I thought you would be glad to see another friendly face," like her Aunt, Bella could hear the false cheeriness sin Rob's voice that didn't match the lines of worry around his eyes. "Mel," Bella sobbed, "I want Mel. No one will tell me where he is. I need to see him please, Rob, please!" Rob could see Bella was nearing hysterics and if he had any chance of getting her to safety then she needed to see Mel no matter the condition. Making the decision, he stood and picked her up from the bed cradling her small form in his arms and holding her close. He walked from her room down the hall to the lifts and waited patiently as nurses tried to reason with the man holding their patient. "I am taking her to see the man she loves, she will not recover without knowing," Rob patiently explained. The nurses called for security and one entered the lift with him and berated him for his recklessness. Rob carried Bella into the intensive care ward and stood at the window of a sterile seeming room. Bella could see Mel amidst the equipment and tubes that filled the room along with his bed. Rob watched her face as she looked up at him for answers. "He was shot twice," Rob explained, "We believe the second bullet was meant for you but his body shielded it. He has had surgery and come through it. Now it is a waiting game but he is stronger than anyone, except me and possibly you, know. He will make it I am sure, but it will take time. You must let me do my duty as his second and look after you now until he is able," Rob swallowed, "You promised to obey me as you do him when you took his collar." "Yes, Master," she said woodenly before a heart wrenching sob came forth from deep within her. "Tony?" she asked. Rob walked to the next window where Tony lay in a bed looking grey and lifeless. "He lost a lot of blood getting you and Mel to the hospital, it doesn't look good," Rob held back nothing holding the sobbing girl close and letting her cry. "Put me down please, Master Rob," Bella said between broken sobs of grief. Taking no notice of the signs on the doors Bella pushed one open and entered the room that Mel lay in. Several hospital staff moved to stop her but Rob stood menacingly in their way, refusing to budge, knowing how much this girl needed to see for herself. There were tubes and machines that beeped everywhere but she stood beside his bed and took his hand. The constant arrogant smirk was grotesquely disfigured by a breathing tube other tubes stained bright red with blood came from under the sheet and she held his hand so tightly as she whispered, "You have to live. I love you. I need you. I won't be able to bare it if you leave me." Mel was unresponsive. Bella was lost and she threw herself on his torso uncaring of the tubes and cried, "Promise you will come to find me. Promise we will be together again." It was Rob who picked her up and cradled her in his arms again and promised her the things she needed to hear as he walked her back down to her room. Owning Bella Ch. 10 7 days after the crash of my world. My beloved Master, I have started this journal as a way to say what I can't admit out loud, not even to Master Rob who has been nothing but gentle and kind to me but there is a hole in my chest where my heart once was and I cannot cry anymore. I cannot grieve when I know you heard my voice when I asked you to promise to return to me. I know you hear my pleas in my dreams. I need you Master. Only you can fill the hole where my heart once was. Only you have ever understood me as I truly am. Only you... I haven't wanted to return to my apartment. It's been two days that I have been home and Rob took me home to my parents. He stays nearby and visits every day staying for lunch and dinner, totally charming my mother. I think Kurt would be jealous if he knew. He did offer to be her toy boy once when the topic of her becoming a cougar came up. Kurt makes me laugh and Dianne is such a good friend. Maybe I should take their calls but I am just so lost without you that I can't face them, not yet. I know you are reading this saying that I am an ungrateful brat as you did during our last afternoon together and perhaps this time you are right. I should be grateful for friends who worry about me, who worry about you over there and alone in Italy. If I see them do I have to admit I didn't fight hard enough to stay? To stay with you? It made sense at the time to obey Rob but that could have been the drugs. It could have been my need to feel safe while you lay between life and death. Did I run away when times got tough? Was I too cowardly to stay and fight the people who were in such a hurry to get me home? How can I know this is what you truly wanted? I sit here well fed, loved and cossetted from the world while you still struggle and the people that did this are still out there. Who would do this to you Master? Who? You are not a bad person, a criminal, what could you have done to earn this sort of treatment? I am lost and confused and don't know what to do, tell me what to do, please Master , what am I supposed to do now? Your, Bella ***** 10 days after the crash of my world My beloved Master, We were together such a short time Master but you managed to control every aspect of my life. My family, my friends, my work, there is nowhere I can go to escape you and your influence and breathe for just one moment without seeing you lying there close to death. They are coming this weekend; I haven't been accepting their calls. Our friends, they are coming and I can't face them alone. Dianne called and only spoke to mum; she left the room to take the call. They are coming with their cheery voices and pitiful expressions and I can't stand it. Make them go away, please make them go away. But you are not here, Rob is. Rob with his gentleness and kind consideration of everything I say. Would he stop them for me? Maybe if I asked. Do I want him to? Yes! Could I ask him? No. He is being far too nice and we never seem to be alone without one or the other of my parents hovering around. I crave some time without the watchful eyes upon me, waiting for my eventual breakdown. I have not cried since returning home. There is no need. I know you will come for me, you promised, I heard you in my heart. I will sit and wait like a good girl, be obedient and smile on cue because I know you will come for me, you have to come for me. Your, Bella. ***** 14 days after the crash of my world My beloved Master, Kurt and Dianne were here this weekend. They acted as though nothing was different. Kurt ate his way through my mother's pantry and flirted with her while Dianne talked of work and our friends. How can they not see that everything is different now? I am lost and even in a house full of people I am alone. They were here when Rob arrived with the dreadful news. The tears came again today. Tony died today. I guess you know that as you are there and I am here. He saved our lives. He deserves so much more than my tears but my watchers here will not let me return to Italy for his funeral or to see you. You have to live now Master, and get better and come home where I can see you. For Tony's sake as well as mine. He was a good man and he didn't deserve this. None of us deserved this, did we? Is this my fault? Did I offend someone at work or the club with all my mistakes? Was it the men in Singapore who didn't seem to understand when you told them no? I look back and I could have done things so differently. Why did I sigh so loudly and suggest the drive that ended in disaster? Why didn't I just accept what had been decided instead of acting like the spoilt brat I was. I am so sorry Master this is all my fault. I killed Tony and almost killed you, yet here I sit healthy and well cared for. I do not deserve it. When I ask about you Rob's eyes becomes clouded for an instant before he reassures me that you will live, that you are still fighting to come home to me. I love you, I need you but I am not sure I deserve you after causing you so much pain. Your, Bella. ***** 20 days after the crash of my world. My beloved Master, Jenny came with Rob today. Do you think it is odd that your wife and your lover could have a normal conversation, not that any of it was normal. I felt as though I was underwater barely hearing the words that came from her. She spoke of her father a great deal. A rich and powerful man within the Italian community here, his ego far outweighed his stature. He had sold his thriving business to Mel when he retired rather than letting him inherit it as his heir. Being an only child she was the love in her parent's world until Vince came along and even then she could do no wrong in their eyes. Unaccepting that she was different, not delicate but of a large build and far from beautiful they had forced her into a marriage she didn't really want. Luckily, that man was you my Master, who understood her, allowing her the freedom to explore her own kinks without imposing yours. She was happy, did you know that? She was truly happy to have you as her husband and friend. It was hard to hear how she blamed you for the lack of grandchildren when her parents pressed her for more. How she blamed you for many things. How they had come to surprise her one weekend and found her in bed with a woman. Once again her father blamed you, she had no idea what an effect that had on her father or how much his hatred of you had grown or she wouldn't have let Vince spend so much time there. You see it was her father that tried to destroy your club and business ten years ago, it was her father that had decided that Vince deserved a nice girl like me from an traditional Italian upbringing. It was her father who finally tried to kill you. Once Vince realised how far his grandfather had gone in his revenge he went to the police. He had hated you for the lies his grandfather had told him about how you treated Jenny. Don't let him win Master, come back to me. To what we have together, Jenny is flying to Italy to be by Vince's side, he was influenced by lies and the overblown ego of his grandfather, don't be too hard on him, he really had no idea what was going on. I miss you more than words can say, we are safe now, come home to me, please Master, I need you. Your, Bella. Oblivian... My beloved Master I am numb. There are no tears. Just a vast emptiness where my heart used to beat. I want to sleep now, but they are checking on me. They will not let me sleep anymore but I won't get out of bed, I won't go back to work how can I? How can I go back to my life when everything in it revolved around you, our families, our friends, our work? You had made yourself an integral part of my life before you took me as your willing slave and now I can't face it. I hate you for leaving me with nothing but an empty life, purposeless, I can't even bury myself in my work. I hate you for making me love you so deeply. I hate you for leaving me here with these people who won't let me sleep any more. If I could just close my eyes the world would disappear and I could stop hurting. I want to sleep. Make those people down stairs leave me alone and let me sleep. They gave me drugs to sleep once when I first knew, and in disbelief called them liars. They gave me more drugs to keep me calm and awake as I faced your body and saw it engulfed by flames and ashes spilled from fingers to the winds on this mountain we both once called home, in more innocent times. There are no drugs now to numb the pain, sleep which beckons me deeper into oblivion has been withdrawn by constant company and chatter that goes on around me. I do not truly hear it, or understand it as I sit and stare at the macabre forced smiles. Where are you I wonder, will you still come for me? I would go happily just now, even though the vital and living hands of so many try to hold me to this place, I would fly to you my love just to feel your embrace. I have read too much poetry of late. Perhaps I should share with you... Oblivion I hope when I am dead that I shall lie In some deserted grave--I cannot tell you why, But I should like to sleep in some neglected spot, Unknown to everyone, by everyone forgot. There lying I should taste with my dead breath The utter lack of life, the fullest sense of death; And I should never hear the note of jealousy or hate, The tribute paid by passers-by to tombs of state. To me would never penetrate the prayers and tears That futilely bring torture to dead and dying ears; There I should lie annihilate and my dead heart would bless Oblivion--the shroud and envelope of happiness. From the French of Massillon Coicou ( Haiti ) Your, Bella. ***** Beyond Oblivian. My Beloved Master, How could you do this to me? I was content at home in my room. Taking your collar was always my choice you said, I could leave you said at any time. Why did you give your collar and me within it to another? Why I don't understand. Why would you make me beholden to Rob and Kurt as managers of both your official and unofficial will? Did you truly redraft it when I ran away and still give me so much within it? Did you know how much I loved you even then, when I had fled? Guilt eats at me daily that I wasted so much time in decision and silly little girl stunts, yet you were always there to forgive and embrace me and adore me. How I must have infuriated you at times. You are not here now though to forgive me as I need forgiveness and so I live with the guilt of my actions, the guilt that you have died and I did not and the guilt that Tony died to save me. I am not worthy of such heroism I am a spoilt brat just as you said the last time we were together. The men you have given my care to are good men, they will not punish me for my deeds. They cannot take away the pain and guilt I feel especially now that you have made me a rich and powerful woman in my own right. They look after your interests now my interests which are now my interests so well. I need do nothing if I so choose but they take me into the office. I sit in what was once Rob's office and he in yours, I refused to employ a PA. I do little so there is no need. I sit and try and look normal but there is no normal for me in this building, in this company. I don't think it was every normal for me from the first day. I crave the punishment you would give me for my idleness. I crave the simplicity of obedience, unthinking, unquestioning obedience, I crave the mind shattering pain and pleasure that would stop the self-indulgence of wishing and wondering "what if..." My chest aches with heart break but there are no more tears, I walk like a zombie through my life now, missing you. Why did you leave me so lost and alone? I need you Master, come back please come back... Tell me it was all a huge mistake, that you had a doppelganger, I would believe if only given the chance. You promised to come home to me. Your, Bella. ***** Epilogue: Mel had rallied several times in the intensive care ward and it looked as though he would survive the dreadful injuries he had endured. His wife's arrival and the subsequent incarceration of her father seemed to bring him back to the world and he had more frequent moments of lucidity. Jenny had stayed by his side night and day and had talked long and deeply with him. He had felt deep regret at having put Bella in harm's way. That she was hurt at all was a direct result of being by his side. He had promised to protect her but instead he brought her only danger. Jenny spoke of her last conversation with Bella and Mel smiled, grateful that she was safe and being cared for by those he trusted most. "You were a good wife Jenny, loyal and steadfast, I loved you in many ways but," he paused taking a deep breath, "Ellie is the great love of my life, my passion, my soul mate. She sees all of me and accepts it and loves me in spite of it. Should anything happen," he glanced around at the machines, "Promise you will look out for her, be her friend, please Jenny," Mel seemed to be struggling to focus and get the words out and Jenny nodded clasping his hand tightly, unable to answer with words as the tears rolled down her face. The heart monitor flat-lined and she was pushed from the room as doctors tried to revive him once again. Leon and Jenny watched in horror as the doctors stepped away from Mel's still body and the nurses switched off machines. Jenny wilted onto a chair and Leon sat with his head in his hands wondering how he was going to deliver the news to Rob. The doctor had seen them and said the exact cause would not be known until after the autopsy, but he would hazard a guess that a blood clot had reached his brain or that an aneurysm had ruptured. Weeks after Jenny had returned home for the reading of the will, she continued to feel that she could not face Bella who was still deeply grieving. Her promise to Mel made her feel guilt and betrayal at not making sure the girl was coping with life, so eventually, she wrote her a letter. Dear Bella, I was there at the end and Mel spoke only of you, his wishes and dreams for the life you had started together. I think of all the people who loved and admired Mel only you and I knew him as he truly was and no matter where our lives take us some small part will always belong to him. Do not be afraid to move on and take risks. I promised him I would always look out for you and I will if you let me. I would like you to feel free to come and see me and talk about him, the real him, not the one his friends at the club knew or his work colleagues, the loving man who wanted nothing more than to look after us, the people he loved. I will understand if you feel you can't come to me but I wanted you to know my door and arms are wide open. Jenny. She sent it by courier so that she could be sure Bella would get it herself and that interference would not be run by Rob or Kurt or Dianne, who meant well but had their own way of dealing with things. Jenny had waited for the phone to ring, she had checked her emails and jumped as a car passed their isolated house, sadly she believed Bella had rejected her letter and the invitation it held. She had put on an old movie that she loved and was lost in the sadness of the ending when her doorbell rang. It was late and checking her watch she went and opened the door. Bella stood with Rob behind her looking forlorn and misty eyed. "I tried to stop her," Rob said softly, "But she said you had invited her. Your phones not working, did you know?" Jenny wasn't listening to Rob. She gathered Bella in her arms and lead her inside where they cried together for hours. It was the first real conversation Bella had had about her love for Mel since she left Italy and it was liberating. Of all people to find solace with and begin to mend her broken heart, it was Jenny who truly understood all the facets of Mel and what being loved by him felt like in their similar but different ways. * Authors note: Here ends the series Owning Bella, I am hoping after finishing one or two of my other series to begin the next series, Possessing Bella, but that is not likely until next year. Happy reading everyone. Thank you once again to my kind and thoughtful editor R.K. Moreland.