21 comments/  34808 views/  56 favorites

Possessing Bella

By: xelliebabex



Authors note: Happy New Year Bella lovers and welcome to a new series in her story for 2014. Thank you for coming back to see where the story went after the tragic death of her love and Master, Mel. I hope you enjoy this introductory chapter to what I hope will be an equally popular series to the previous two. If you are new to Bella's journey. I hope there is enough information contained in this opening chapter so that you do not feel as if the background is incomplete. As always feedback and comments are not only welcome but enjoyed both good and bad. ~ellie

Pieces of Bella...

Bella lay like a starfish as the heaving body above her grunted with each thrust. Yet another failed attempt to find some pleasure in her empty world, "Dam you Mel!" She yelled in her own mind as the man finally groaned and rolled off her. She turned her head to look at him. She had thought this time would be different; she had carefully chosen to flirt with an older man this time reasoning that if nothing else he would be experienced as a lover and able to get her at least half way to the climatic heights she lived in for such a short time. All she felt now was revulsion at the cum that trickled down her thigh, and she once again wondered what the hell she was doing. She got up and dressed quickly.

"Hey baby, where you are going? That was just a warm-up," the dud fuck said, and she turned to face him with an innocent smile. 

"I don't think I could handle having my world rocked in quite the same way a second time. Sorry, I have to go," she purred and grabbed her bag leaving the room before he could say any more.

She picked up her phone and texted, "What a mistake that was, picking up coffee at the Night owl." Twenty minutes later Bella sat at a small table near the counter when an immaculately dressed Dorothea walked in and smiled taking the seat opposite her.

"How do you always manage to look so amazing?" Bella smiled in return. "It's three in the morning for goodness sakes and look at you." She gestured up and down.

Dorothea laughed self-deprecatingly, "So it didn't go well then?"

"No," Bella groaned putting her head in her hands. "Mel has ruined me for anyone else."

"Now baby, you know that's not true. You're not looking in the right places, and you know that. You have been hiding from your friends for almost six months now in one way, or another. It's time to go back, don't you think?" Dorothea reached across the table and held her hand. "The vanilla world is not for the likes of you and me.."

"I just can't face them all without Mel. All their pity and kindness, blah" she pulled a face.

"Of course you can! You are stronger than anyone ever gives you credit for including yourself. No weak little pipsqueak could have so enraptured Mel... and others by the sounds of it. Let's talk realistically about what it is you're looking for in these one night stands you invariably regret."

Dorothea had been her companion and the unofficial babysitter for the last month when she took Rob's offer of the use of his beach shack. The shack as he called it was more in the style of a high class beach house, and Dorothea had for the most part stayed a silent companion only hinting now and then about her displeasure with Bella's behaviour. Bella was a little surprised that Dorothea had taken this moment to talk of her return not only to the city, but the lifestyle Mel had shared with her.

"Oh, don't look at me like that young lady," Dorothea clicked. "You know as well as I do that you are never going to find what you need hiding out here. It's time to admit some truths at least to yourself if not to me. Mel may have given it a name, but you were submissive and enjoyed the ideas of domination before you became his, didn't you?"

Bella nodded remembering her doomed attempts to spice up sex with her boyfriend, Jim, before Mel claimed her for his own. She remembered Jim's demanding ways and arrogance and how she catered to his whims. It was a dreadful relationship, but she didn't know any better back then, she did now. That was what Dorothea was trying to tell her, men like Jim and one night stands, were never going to give her what she needed. She craved the control and harsh use of a dominant like Mel. Her eyes misted, and she looked up at Dorothea again, "Damn him, Dorothea! What am I supposed to do now?"

"Well you are a very wealthy young woman now and with some shrewd investments you could buy a few cats and hide out forever if you want. I am hoping though that you will realise life is for the living and re-join the world Mel made you a part of. A world might I add that misses you dearly and waits to welcome you home," Dorothea said in a soft, sympathetic voice. "Mel was your world, as he should have been, but now he should be just the first of one hundred different flavours of kink that you will try. Trust me, trying some other flavours won't make the love you felt for him any less, it will just become more of a memory as it should be."

"Life is for living, huh?" Bella gave a sad half laugh.

"You don't see me hiding away after the loss of my husband and Master of forty years, do you?" Dorothea pressed her point. 

"Do you still..." Bella whispered in an awed voice.

"Of course, dear one, I am old not dead!" She laughed whole-heartedly.

They continued talking until the sun crested the watery horizon of the east coast before making their way home and their beds. The late sleep-in Bella had planned was disturbed by a thudding and then the squeak of her own door as Dorothea roused her fully to explain that they had visitors and rather than explain the late night she had said Bella was reading.

"Get up and dress quickly, we have guests" Dorothea smiled.

Realising it was probably Rob, Stephen or Jake for the weekly check-up, Bella got up and dressed in a short clinging cotton dress and washed her face before fixing her hair in a messy semblance of a ponytail. She hurried out slowing to a walk just before the living room. Before she could take in who the guests were, she was bowled over in a hug that had her lying on her back on the floor with a laughing Dusty nuzzling her neck.

"Dusty!" Bella squealed in delighted shock, "How? When? Wow!"

"Whoa, Dusty, don't hurt the girl with your greeting," Jack suddenly stood above them helping them to their feet. "She has been pining for you since you went away again. It was all I could do to stop her biting Rob and Stephen until they agreed to let us surprise you this weekend."

Bella looked past Jack as he spoke seeing Stephen hovering in the background watching the exuberant greeting.

"How wonderful to see you, Master Jack and Sir Stephen, thank you so much for bringing Dusty down to see me I have missed her greatly," Bella said somewhat formally falling back into the pattern of address Mel had instilled in her when greeting other dominants.

"No need to stand on ceremony here, little filly," Jack picked Bella up in a huge bear hug making her squeak in pleasure.

"Well Dorothea tells me it's time to return to the land of the living so I really should brush up my skills a little," Bella grinned and gave Dorothea a lop-sided smile.

"That's great news," Dusty said softly in her deep throaty voice.

"Indeed it is," Stephen smiled and took her from Jack's embrace hugging her and gently placing her on her feet, "You look tired Bella, still having trouble sleeping?" There was concern in his voice. 

"No, I just stayed up way too late last night. I don't know how Dorothea always looks so fresh and beautiful after a late night," Bella artfully took the spotlight off herself and shone it on the older woman, feeling like she should have taken more time to dress and prepare for greeting these guests.

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Dorothea grinned as the men murmured their assent. "Go on out to the deck, and I will bring some drinks," she continued and bustled off to the kitchen.

"I will help," Stephen offered and wouldn't be deterred as Dorothea attempted to shoo him away. Once they were in the kitchen, she asked, "How did you get her to consider returning home?"

"Patience dear boy, she had some things to work out first, but I think she is ready to re-enter the world from which she fled." She poured coffee and gathered juice from the refrigerator.

"It's good news; she has been missed," Stephen said picking up the tray Dorothea had assembled.

"So it seems. You and Mel were close weren't you?" Dorothea asked conversationally her curiosity sensing there was something more that Stephen was not saying.

"He was my mentor, and one of my closest friends," Stephen nodded. "I just want to know she is being looked after properly."

"For such an arrogant bastard Mel certainly inspired loyalty amongst his friends," Dorothea chuckled and Stephen broke into a smile. 

"You're still a brat at heart, aren't you? You are right though he could be an arrogant bastard at times; it was part of his charm." He smirked, "If you were fishing for a rebuke look elsewhere, I won't not be the one to give you the spanking you deserve though," Stephen chided her.

"Oh poo," she put on a mock pout, "Can't blame an old girl for trying." Stephen laughed and walked back out to the deck with her.

Stephen could hear Bella talking as they got close, "... I am not sure. I mean it is a wonderful gesture, but I just don't know and I guess as Rob is my guardian I would have to ask him. Oh gosh, that makes me sound like a child or a kept woman," Bella laughed at her own words.

Dusty nickered, her amusement evident as Stephen and Dorothea took a seat with the small party. Stephen raised an eyebrow, "What are you not so sure about?"

"Before... well you know," Bella's voice faltered slightly before brightening artificially, "Mel had organised a training schedule for me with some of his friends. He wanted me to experience some of the different facets of his lifestyle. He told me they each had qualities inherent to their training that I could benefit from." Stephen and Dorothea both looked at her nodding their agreement with her statement.

"Master Jack just offered to keep the agreement he made with Mel and invited me out to the ranch for some intensive training with Dusty," Bella explained further.

"Is that something you feel ready for?" Again concern touched Stephen voice making Dorothea look at him and study him once more.

"I don't know. Like I said, I am not sure, and I feel like I would need to talk to Master Rob about it, or Kurt..." she bit her lip in thought, "I mean Master Kurt, I am not quite used to that yet; Mel shared my guardianship between them." Bella explained unnecessarily.

"As I understand it, one is for business, the other for pleasure," Dorothea laughed. "Both very handsome Masters a lot of girls would kill to be in your shoes." She teased Bella and grinned.

"Why don't you two girls go for a walk on the beach and catch up? That was the whole point of coming down here. That and saving Stephen from any more bite marks," Jack rumbled a laugh. Without being asked twice, Dusty grabbed Bella's hand and started down the deck stairs and lead the way out onto the beach.

"No one blames you for needing some time. The way it all happened, it was just awful," Dusty didn't want to dredge up the memory and stopped from saying more about it by putting an arm around Bella's shoulder. "Everyone misses you but we understand, you know."

Bella nodded gratefully, eager to change the topic she asked, "So any juicy gossip around?"

"You're it I am afraid. You ran off with a Middle Eastern prince last I heard," Dusty said with a perfectly straight face and Bella burst out laughing.

"Seriously though, consider the training Master offered. We would love to have you stay with us. And if you find our thing is not your thing then I am sure the other Masters would honour the deal they made with Mel if you were interested," Dusty encouraged her. "You can always stop if you need to but it would be a good way to meet other people in the lifestyle without actually putting yourself out into the meat market so to speak. You would have Rob and Kurt's protection so in effect you would be beholden to only the Master trainer you went to for the agreed period of time and you could word the agreement to make sure there was an opt out clause."

"You think Mel's friends would do that for me? They barely knew me," Bella was actually considering the idea if, as Dusty said ,she could opt out at any time she did not feel safe or happy with the situation. Best of all it would give her a chance to experience some of the mind-numbing pleasure she had with Mel maybe. Well more of a chance than she had out here in the vanilla world. 

"I think you would be surprised how much desirability being the only girl to wear Mel's collar gives you," Dusty smiled, "not to mention you're a hot piece of slave flesh. If you were to put yourself on the auction block, the bidding would be fast and furious."

"Stop teasing," Bella laughed.

"Okay, I will prove it," Dusty put on a superior tone, "When you're ready get Master to call a club stakeholders meeting which you are entitled to go to and you'll see how fast they agree."

"Don't you think I should run it past Rob and Kurt first?" Bella was aghast at the idea of addressing the stakeholders by herself.

"Rob may try to talk you out of it. He has become like a wall between you and your friends in the lifestyle. You have no idea the amount of times I had to bite both him and Stephen to find out where you were hiding," she blushed despite her grin. "If you decide you want to do it, Master will speak for you, though I expect Stephen will tell Rob anyway. He came to baby sit us and make sure we didn't upset you in any way."

Bella mulled it over as they walked along the beach in silence. Dusty was usually a silent woman, Bella thought that this was the most she had ever heard the other girl say. Grinning Bella stopped and looked up at Dusty, "Did you use up your daily quota of words trying to convince me."

"Pretty much, promise to think about it, you will love the ranch and I want to see you more often," Dusty hugged her and they turned back towards the house. "Master has been whistling for us to return for a few minutes now, we better head back." Bella heard nothing but Dusty's hearing was legendary. They walked back in comfortable silence.

Bella knew she needed to talk to Rob and Kurt about the idea of resuming the training schedule Mel had put in place for her, or at least changing it slightly. She held a position in the company, and she had abandoned it in her grief. She needed to know she would be able to return to the company if she had even more time away from her job to train with the various Masters and their girls who agreed to honour the deal they made with Mel.

The idea had taken hold of her thoughts though, and she admitted to herself it seemed far better and safer than what she was currently doing, hiding out here at this small beach front town in an isolated house, picking up one night stands in an effort to feel something other than the vast emptiness that threatened to engulf her whenever she thought about that horrible day in Italy.

Dorothea's words from the night before echoed around her brain, "You're not looking in the right places... You have been hiding... it's time to go back... the vanilla world is not for the likes of you and me.."

By the time they reached the house, Bella had made up her mind and after six months of inaction she felt energised with a new sense of purpose. Training and becoming the slave Mel wanted may be the thing that could save her from the grief and nightmares she still suffered. Dorothea was right; it was time to re-enter the real world and make the choice to continue to live the life she was just starting to explore with the man she had loved. He had wanted this for her before she lost him, he would want it for her still; she reasoned against the sense of guilt she felt at beginning to move on. "Mel would want this," she told herself firmly.

When they arrived back on the deck Dorothea had lunch ready, and the men were already eating having waited for them for some time. Putting a small plate of food in front of Bella before she once again said that she wasn't hungry Dorothea took a plate for herself and sat down.

Bella ate quietly and without thought her mind still arguing with herself having made the decision, shedding the guilt that came from her grief was a difficult process, and she wondered how Rob and Kurt would react when she told them. Without realising, she sat and chewed on her lip for some time, and Stephen asked her a question twice before touching her arm pulling her from the thoughts that kept her occupied.

"Still not eating I see," he said, "No wonder you have trouble paying attention to questions at the table."

"I am so sorry, Sir Stephen," Bella murmured and pushed a mouthful of food past her lips.

"As you should be," he smiled, "You and Dusty were gone a while, all caught up?"

"Oh yes, apparently Dorothea is a Middle Eastern prince and I never knew it!" she said seriously, and Dusty nickered with amusement.

Dorothea spluttered and looked up, "I'm a what?"

"According to the latest gossip I have run away with a Middle Eastern prince. It's sort of a shame to go back and prove that rumour false. It sounds so exciting," Bella finally grinned.

"So you are coming back to the city?" Stephen asked, "Or are you going back to your parents?"

"I would like very much to talk to Master Rob and Master Kurt about the idea Master Jack had... continuing the training Mel wanted for me," she said tentatively. Even though she had made the decision she was still not entirely sure of exactly how she wanted to approach it. "I should probably go home first and see my family; I know they have been worried," she chewed her lip thoughtfully.

"Seems like your visit came at just the right time," Dorothy spoke to Jack. "We were just saying this morning that it was time to re-join the land of the living. Weren't we, Bella."

"We were, it's true," Bella smiled.

"Let's seize the moment then, Dusty will help you pack after lunch and Stephen can drive you to your parents' house and you can spend the night with them so they can see your better than ever, albeit too skinny," Bella opened her mouth and made noise a few times but Dorothea overrode her attempts to interrupt with the efficient organisation of her life, "You can do that can't you Stephen you brought your own car didn't you?"

Stephen sat back in his chair eyeing the woman that held the respect of submissive and dominant alike before nodding silently. His mind working over the logistics of the trainee managers holding the fort at the club and decided to call Jake and make sure he would be there.

"Bella give your mother a call I am sure she will be delighted, Dusty and I will clean up the kitchen and get your packing started. You men," she turned to consider them, "I believe there is some sort of game of football on that complicated TV in there, or go for a swim, just don't get underfoot."

Swept up in the whirlwind that was Dorothea on a mission, Bella found herself packed and ready to leave within the space of two hours. She stood out next to the cars farewelling Jack and Dusty, "I am sorry we didn't get to spend any real time together, today."

"We just came to make sure you were safe and happy," Dusty said softly hugging her.

"I came to stop her biting anyone else, she is getting a truly bad reputation," Jack rumbled and smacked Dusty's ass. "I am hoping this little visit will settle her down until you come see us on the ranch." He picked her up in one of his bear hugs and squeezed her until she squeaked loudly. "I love that sound you make when I squeeze you just enough." He put her down and Dusty nuzzled her cheek in farewell.


Possessing Bella Ch. 02



Authors Note: I hope you enjoy this new chapter of Bella's story. Please feel free to leave comments. They mean a lot to me as an amateur writer. Thank you to Mrs Wolf for her proofreading skills.




Bella woke curled in a ball on a small bed in the corner of the large open-plan warehouse apartment. She could see Sire lounging on a leather sofa nearby tapping at an iPad, and she got up gingerly stretching long unused muscles that had been given a work out the night before. She looked around the sunlit space and marvelled at how well it had been designed. It had all but been cast in shadows last night so she had not truly been able to take in the vastness of a home without walls. Unsure if she should ask permission to move she sat quietly waiting to be noticed.

Eventually, desperate to go to the bathroom, she quietly spoke up, "Good morning, Sire. May I use the bathroom please?"

"Good you're awake, get over here and suck my cock first, it's been missing the attention of your cock-sucking little mouth for over an hour this morning," Sire replied,, "and these pictures I took of you last night have not helped my patience while you slept." He held the iPad toward her so she could see her own teary eyes above widely stretched lips as she sucked his cock the night before. 

Bella crawled to him, trying to remember the few rules he had imposed on her the night before and knelt up before him. He had remained as naked as she from their exertions the night before, and she lowered her head unimpeded to his cock and kissed it almost reverently before running her tongue up and down it length. Kneeling up in a better position, she wrapped a small hand around his cock and rolled her tongue around the head.

"No hands," he murmured, and she obediently pulled her hands behind her back widening her mouth to stretch her lips over the wideness of his cock. Her tongue fluttered and rolled as her mouth adjusted to the size, she felt his hands tangle in her hair as she began to bob her head slowly up and down taking more of him into her mouth.



His hands tightened more as he guided her to the tempo he liked, for even though his cock was wide it was not overly long, and she took him all without fully choking. Her gagging and gurgling seemed to spur him on, and he began to thrust up with his hips as he pushed her mouth down. He did not last long and after only a few more minutes he came noisily, grunting as he thrust up into her jerkily. She gurgled and swallowed lifting her head slowly as he released her hair making sure she left no cum on him.

"Oh yeah, that was worth the wait, you may go to the bathroom now," Sire smiled and stood leading the way and she crawled after him. He sat her on the toilet toward the back of the seat leaving a small amount of room between her wide spread legs and the front of the seat. He stared down at her, "Well piss if you need to so badly," he growled.

Bella closed her eyes and willed her bladder to relax, she had just started peeing when she squeaked in surprise, her eyes flaring open to find that Sire too was peeing at the same time splashing his yellow stream all over her cunt as he did so. When he was done he held his cock to her mouth, "Clean my cock," he commanded.

Unbelieving of the request and her own willingness to obey she parted her lips slowly and took the now spongy head between her lips sucking and jerking in shock as he gave her one last squirt of hot piss across her tongue. "Swallow it, piss is sterile, it will do you no harm," he chuckled as he could see her waiver between obedience and revulsion, but she swallowed. "Good girl," he petted her hair, "Now shower, you smell like a ten dollar hooker on a busy night," he continued to chuckle at her deep blushes of humiliation. 

"Yes, Sire," she replied automatically.

He left her then, and she dove into the shower scrubbing her body and gargling with the hot steamy water to rid her mouth of the taste of urine. She emerged from the bathroom feeling fresh and relaxed, the hot water having worked wonders on her aching muscles. He called out from a section of the space about halfway down and smiled as she approached. 

"Sit and eat. You are too skinny as everyone says, and I am under strict instructions to feed you well," he laughed and took a seat himself. He had made pancakes and bacon and eggs and a mountain of toast. "Luckily I always do a big shop when I arrive home from a trip," he laughed.

Bella found that just like the dinner of the night before, she was hungry and ate happily. She wasn't sure if it was the workout he had given her the night before or just the new sense of direction she had in her life, but she didn't question it and ate knowing she was being watched.

"Is there any reason this meeting has to happen at the club?" Sire asked.

"I think Master Rob just wanted me there to change before going into the company; it is a business meeting," she answered truthfully. 

"Okay, I guess I should let you get dressed for the meeting," he chuckled, "We can pick up a few other things from your place. I take it you have an apartment there?"

"Yes Sire," she smiled caught up by his humour.

"Keep eating, I am gonna give Kurt a call. See if we can't change the venue slightly," he grinned. 

Bella continued to eat, but she could hear the loud conversation as Sire's temper flared and she cringed a little. He came back frowning at her and sat heavily lost in thought for a moment. Coming back suddenly from his thoughts, he looked at her, "Over-protective fuckers aren't they? No wonder you needed to escape." He reached out and took her hand in an act of tenderness and understanding. "I will be here when you get back from this business meeting of yours. Go get dressed now, little one," he prompted her.

"Yes, Sire," she said softly, confused by what had occurred.

He cleaned up the debris from the big breakfast, watching her from his vantage point of being tall enough to see over or past any furniture between them. She was a beautiful young woman, submissive and obedient despite her lack of training. There was more to her than met the eye though, and he decided he needed to find out the full details of Mel's death and her part in it. The way Kurt and Rob were reacting to her request it would seem as if they did not trust her judgment as to what she wanted or needed in her life, and he knew just who could give him the answers he wanted, if he could find her. 

Sire pulled on his old worn leathers and his jacket, took out a smaller one he had for occasions such as this and offered it to Bella who looked as sexy as she had the night before, more so even as he now knew of the delights of using the small delicious body. The jacket, though small, was still several sizes too big, but she rolled the cuffs up, and they left to return to her apartment. On the ride, he asked her about her job in the company and the people she worked with. He was pleased to hear Dorothea was her PA and asked if she would be at the meeting today. He smiled to himself as Bella explained exactly where he could find Dorothea.

Parking outside the main doors again Sire escorted her up to her apartment. He immediately and with a sense of urgency went through her wardrobe throwing several outfits onto her bed. "Those you will pack along with any personal things you might want to have for the remainder of the week. Anything else we need we will get along the way, you won't be coming back here until we are done with your training," he looked at her as she stood tilting her head and chewing her lip in thought. He walked to her and lifted her chin so that their eyes met.

"They will ask you again if this training is what you want," he said seriously, "Be very sure before answering because I will not treat you as a fragile china doll. I will enjoy every moment of your submission, my way, no compromises or special treatment, hard and rough and demanding just like me." He saw a hint of a smile and knew that was what she needed to hear. Now he just had to find out what the hell had been going on for the last six months.

Bella felt a sense of relief. She had worried at his change of mood after the call to Kurt and thought perhaps that he had not wanted to train her any further. She was anxious that she would be bundled away again to endure the agonising half-life of pity and loss she had been living. There were similarities to Mel in the man holding her gaze, but there were also a lot of differences and that made it exciting in its own way. He had been chosen because Rob trusted him with her submission, and strangely after all that Mel went through to win her trust, Rob's endorsement was enough for Bella for now. 

"Yes, Sire," She replied finally, "I would very much like to stay with you for another week." He chuckled and bent to kiss her deeply smacking her ass as he did so eliciting a squeak which made him chuckle more.

"Good, now this meeting," he turned back to her wardrobe, "You will need something sexy. Something that says you are a confident young business woman, who knows her own mind." He began holding up her suits and discarding them one by one. "Finally," he breathed. He held up a short fitted tunic style dress in navy blue. He went to her underwear drawer, "As much as it pains me," he held out a pair of sheer lace panties and a pair of flesh-coloured thigh high stockings with elasticated lace cuff on the top. He watched her as she dressed, passing her high heeled blue pumps to match. 

"Hair up and just a hint of make-up," he ordered and began to pack the things he had thrown to the bed into a bag. "Personal things?" Sire asked as the went to zip up the bag, and she went into the bathroom to grab her toothbrush remembering this morning's new taste. She also packed some of her make-up and hair ties along with one photograph. A happy looking family photo of herself and her parents taken at their anniversary party. Mel was not in it, but Bella remembered who had held the camera and smiled as she looked at it before handing it him to pack.

"Tinkerbelle, huh? It suits you," Sire chuckled. He picked up the bag and the jacket she had worn earlier for the bike ride. "Best get you to Rob then."

They traveled down the lifts to the club and walked through the foyer ignoring all of the greetings as he guided her into the den. Sire wasted no time on pleasantries in what he saw as a pretentious club.

"I don't know what you are playing at here, Rob. It's her life, her submission, her gift and to borrow the words of our brother Jack, if you hold her reigns too tight she is gonna bite you and bolt," he turned and handed Bella her phone, "My number is there when this over, I will come get you anytime you wish, just call and tell me where."

"If, for some inexplicable reason, you do not call tonight," he levelled a steely gaze at Rob, "I will return your bag to the foyer here tomorrow." He walked to the door turning back for one last parting shot, "Don't make her bite you Rob, because you will never get her back."

"You should have told him," Stephen said from the other end of the room making Bella jump, "Just like you should tell the stake-holders." Stephen seemed angry and Bella realised she had been a part of an argument without even knowing it. She stood stock still trying to work out what had just happened.

Rob went to Bella and swooped her up, noticing her mind working over the problems at hand, by the way she chewed so thoroughly on her bottom lip. He sat in a large comfortable chair and held her in his lap before kissing her forehead and smiling.

"Don't look so worried little one, it's not so bad," Rob said softly. "You looked great, happy even when you came in. Did you have a fun night?"

"Yes, Master Rob," Bella grinned.

"Good," Rob relaxed visibly seeing her smile, and Stephen moved closer and took a seat nearby. "I have to get you to the meeting with Kurt; he's too busy to leave the office right now so we will head over there soon but first," he hedged, "Jack's called a meeting of stakeholder's for tonight and I don't think it will be pleasant. You don't have to attend if you don't want to."

"It's about me?" Bella had begun gnawing on her lip again as she considered his words.

"Yes," Rob was surprised by her question, "Jack claims he has prior surety that he would be allowed to train you and that, through Mel, you had agreed and accepted the arrangement. As your guardian, the stakeholder's wish to entreaty me to revive the original agreement."

"I see," Bella nodded, "Could you take me to see Master Charles, please, before the meeting with Kurt, I am sure he won't mind if I am a little late," she asked hopefully. 

"I could, but I would like to know why first," Rob frowned, this was not the response he had expected.

"Please Master Rob, it's very important to me, and you can stay with me the whole time. I have an idea but I am not sure it will work, and I need to think it through properly and talk to Master Charles before I say it out loud," she explained without explaining.

In truth, there was very little Bella could ask of him that he would not do, and he could see no harm in her simple request. "Stephen, can you call Kurt and see if we can push back the meeting an hour? Tell him its 'important'," he stressed the word and grinned. He nodded to the phone in Bella's hand, "You can call Charles as I have no idea why you want to see him."

Bella laughed and called the number in her phone. She had all of the numbers of Mel's closest friends in case she ever needed them. Charles was overjoyed to hear from her and welcomed the impromptu visit. Stephen confirmed that Kurt was happy to push back the meeting as he could make time for Bella whenever she arrived this afternoon.

Within half an hour, Bella was sitting in Charles' study with Rob after elongated greeting and sighs from Sara, who claimed never to be allowed into her Daddy's study. Finally, she had pouted and gone to watch cartoons so they could talk about grown up stuff even though Bella was only little like her.

"Come little one. Tell Uncle Charles how he can help you," the elderly man patted his lap inviting her to sit. Charles had a way of making her feel like a small child and obediently she sat in his lap and let him cuddle her close and reassuringly.

"Are you coming to the stakeholder's meeting, Uncle Charles?" Bella asked softly. 

"Of course, little one," Jack was most adamant about it.

"Well here's the thing," Bella sat up and tried to be more grown up than his presence ever allowed her to be. "I know the training schedule my Master put in place better than anyone. He always told me what he wanted and gave me choices, and I think some people forget that is part of who I am." Charles nodded but stayed silent until she worked her way through to what she wanted to say. 

"The thing is," she frowned trying to put what she wanted to say in words. "It's like, you were first on the list that Master made from the agreement he had with his friends and..." she paused gnawing on her lip, "if I had come to you like I am now, and you agreed that someone you had mentored should train me in your stead because of your close connection to Master..."

"Then you could spend a week with Billy," Charles finished for her, chuckling with genuine mirth. "Mel always bragged about how smart and thoughtful you were! It's genius!" His chuckles made his belly roll jostle Bella, who couldn't help but giggle with him.

"Perhaps you could encourage the other masters also to use a second, someone they had mentored and trusted, so that Bella would have that degree of separation from Mel," Rob, who had stayed silent finally suggested.

"Excellent!" Charles enthused, "I could make a good heart-felt speech on her behalf. The question is, does Billy want her back?"

"He took my bag with him that he packed himself and told me to call him as soon as I was ready," Bella grinned.

"Good girl," Charles was enjoying himself immensely. Retirement and the quiet life with Sara, who really was a good little girl did not excite him as it once had. "But, you will bring Uncle Billy for a play date with Sara on an afternoon of his choosing so you and I can chat some more." Bella nodded chewing her lip and wondering how she would tell Sire that he needed to attend a tea party with Sara when Charles spoke again. "Don't fret so, little one, I will tell him if you like. I think he would get a kick out of what you have said this afternoon." He burst into full blown laughter. "I don't think we have seen the likes of this one since Kitty left us, hey, Bobby?"

Rob nodded but didn't voice his feelings, they were still too raw. Kitty had died a decade ago, but he had only recently truly said goodbye to her along with his closest friend and business partner, Mel.

"I am sorry Uncle Charles but I have another meeting to go to. I am sure if you explain it to Sire, umm Billy then he will bring me over for a play date soon," she smiled. "I will see you tonight though and you will help me, with the other Masters?"

"Of course, dear child. In fact I am quite looking forward to it," Charles was chuckling again.

"So am I," Rob couldn't help but join in the jovial atmosphere.

Bella kissed Charles' cheek and stood up returning to Rob's side as he in turn stood up and took her hand. "Tell Sara I will ask her Uncles to send her a surprise for being such a good girl," Bella grinned and they walked to the door and quietly let themselves out.

Bella traveled quietly in the car beside Rob as they made their way into the company lost in her own thoughts. "It seemed we all underestimated you, little one," Rob finally broke the silence. "How did you know Charles carried so much weight in the lifestyle?"

"I didn't really. It was a gamble of sorts, but Master always showed him deference, he was always first," Bella waved away the assumption that she had some inner way of knowing.

"There have been three times to my knowledge that someone has crossed Charles. In two of those instances the men wound up bankrupt and alone, their reputations in tatters," Rob grinned. "Even if you don't realise it, what you just did was a Master stroke. I hope you enjoyed your night with Sire, for there will be more to come now."

"I can live with that," she grinned. 

Rob laughed with her then and looked at her closely. He had seen her solely as Mel's slave, while he was alive, someone to command and toy with. In his death, he had seen her as a child to be protected, spoilt and catered to. Now as she emerged from the dark cloud that had swamped her after his death he realised just how capable she was to manage her own life but at the same time willing to bend to the rules and wills of the people who mattered to her in the club, the company and the lifestyle that they shared as she had learned to do with Mel.

Bella was surprised by the warm greeting she got from the receptionists on the ground floor, she wondered if they had always been this friendly or if it was just that she was with Rob. They rode the lift up to Kurt's office in silence and walked through the foyer and down the hall to the suite greeting fellow workers as they went.

Dianne had risen and greeting Rob swiftly then hugged Bella to her, "Oh, my god it's so good to see you and you look amazing!" She walked with them into Kurt's office. Bella had a lot she wanted from this meeting, and she stilled the butterflies in her stomach as she looked at her friend and guardian Kurt whose face almost split in half by his smile at seeing her. He swooped her up in a big hug and kissed her soundly.

"So your back and you have a proposition for me," Kurt put her back down on her feet. 

"Not so much a proposition but something I would like to do," Bella said hopefully putting on a confident voice even though her insides felt like jelly. She readied herself to give her ultimatum but was hoping it would not sound like it was one. She finally drew a deep breath and said to Kurt exactly what she had said to Rob only twenty-four hours earlier. "Can we speak as friends, please, friends who care about each other?" Rob sat back and watched wondering if his face was filled with chagrin and confusion, when she said the same words to him, as Kurt's was now.




Possessing Bella Ch. 02



"Of course," Kurt said magnanimously, recovering his business composure quickly.

Bella glossed over her time at Rob's 'shack' and her recklessness in seeking out one-night-stands just to feel something again. She explained that the one-night-stands were a waste of time and how Dorothea had said it was a lesson she had to learn. That vanilla no longer held any real enjoyment for her.

Taking her time she then explained about the visit from Jack and Dusty and their proposition about the training Mel had put in place. Finally, she spoke of her own feelings about how it could work now and if he would help Charles at the meeting tonight, she could be happy. In amongst all of the information she gave him she spoke of how she had felt like a leper, untouchable and fragile, like a broken toy on a high shelf that people reach out for but then remember it's broken and walk away.

"There is more," Bella took a breath. "The business side of my life, which is why I am here," she said quietly. 

"By all means continue then," Kurt enthused and leaned back in his chair enjoying just listening to her talk with a clear direction. Bella outlined her idea for a new business that she could own and manage under the company's banner and her idea of travelling to inspect like-minded businesses and manufacturers. 

"This was all Mel's, not truly mine and while I am grateful for my position here in his company, if I am ever to find some peace from the nightmares and guilt that plague me I can't be here or in that office. I would like to travel and see how these businesses operate and the manufacturers that supply them, build relationships so to speak," Bella finally stopped to breathe and look up at Kurt.

"So to recap as I understand it," Kurt looked at her seriously, "You want me to support Charles and whatever he says about your training at the stakeholder's meeting tonight," he waited as she nodded blushing gently, "and you want me to approve your gallivanting around the country inspecting small businesses in between this training." Again Bella nodded. 

"As the main partner's in this business, aside of you and Vince, though that is still to be decided, I have to ask," Kurt looked at her steadily, "What's in it for us." 

Rob was surprised by the question. He hadn't even considered saying no to Bella, but rather the logistics of keeping her safe as she travelled. He watched as Bella straightened her back and took a deep breath. 

"I can't come back here full time and be happy," Bella said sadly. "I talked to my lawyer, and the idea is sound, and I could do it on my own if I needed and survive off the dividends from my shares in the company. I would much rather do this with your guidance though." She appealed to his ego, "Mel told me while we were in Italy that you could run this company, as well as him, if not better while he was away, it was why he could just up and leave for such a large amount of time; he had you and Rob to look after everything... including me." She threw in the last two words without thinking, but she knew it was true.

"Such flattery is beneath you Bella although my ego enjoyed the stroking. Here it is about business, what type of business are we talking about?" Kurt sat forward in his chair ready to grill her and poke holes in her business plans if she had one at all.

Rob sat back watching the exchange, this was why he had left the running of the company to Kurt only coming in on the big decisions. Small or large Kurt revelled in machinations of the business world and could spot possible pitfalls before others.

"I am interested in jewellery, a small shop to start with but eventually expanding to franchise. While it would carry the usual sort of things found in a jewellery shop, I would like it to be more a boutique specialising in hand blown glass as well as fetish wear like the collars Master Rob makes. They are beautiful and from what I can tell a largely untapped market aside of what is available online," Bella paused for breath. In truth, believing herself a young widow of sorts, she had been researching similar types of businesses online for the last month or two.

"I see," Kurt murmured, "You have a plan with you?"

"If I could log onto a computer somewhere I could print it out for you," Bella smiled noting the surprise in Kurt face with satisfaction. She had purposefully walked in with nothing in her hands. Inwardly Bella grinned but kept her face serious, she had emailed the plan to herself in case such an occasion should ever arise. 

"Of course, Dianne will let you use hers," Kurt chuckled realising he had underestimated the young woman. Mel had so overshadowed her that he had never given much credence to the business degree she held and why she had come to work for him. He watched Bella leave his office closing the door behind her. 

"Interesting," Kurt murmured to Rob, "I think I underestimated that girl."

"You and me both," Rob chuckled, "I got that 'can we talk as friends who care about each other' deal yesterday, with more weight on the personal stuff and training. I think despite the amount of times Mel told us about her intelligence and strength most of us have totally underestimated that little girl."

"I see that," Kurt nodded admitting he felt the same.

"I was given some advice from Wildman earlier today," Rob began to laugh realising how true it was after Bella's talk with Kurt about going it alone if he wouldn't support her, even though she had said it in a tactful way it amounted to the same thing.

"I can imagine," Kurt laughed out loud.

"Surprisingly he quoted Jack of all people and I think it will be needed tonight if the opportunity arises. After the conversation, you just had with Bella I think it might be appropriate to use his own words back on him." Rob paused, and Kurt looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"He could see she was finding her own way on her own terms, and she was scared, like a Brumby being brought in to the yards, in Jacks words, 'if you hold her reins too tight she will bite you and bolt,' and if she does I don't know that we could ever get her back," Rob rubbed his jaw. "With the one night stands and all, I worry..."

"Yeah, I can see that but I am not going to approve a bad business plan," Kurt too looked thoughtful. "If it needs work, as they all do at first, we can do it together, at the club if she doesn't want to be here," he amended in deferring to her words and Rob's well-founded worries.

Bella came back in munching on a macaroon and handed the printed sheets of her plan to Kurt. "Please give me your honest opinion," Bella said softly as she let the document go.

Watching Kurt begin to leaf through the document, she turned to Rob and spoke quietly, "Do you think we could have an early dinner before the meeting tonight, please, Master Rob?" She looked up and saw Dianne close the office door after hearing her speak, once again Dianne had suggested strongly she do something and had stayed around to make sure she did. "I am starving lately."

"Of course," Rob said with a frown realising they had skipped lunch entirely. 

"There's a great little Asian restaurant on the way to the club if you want to eat somewhere different. I was going to take Dianne on the way if you want to join us, just don't tell Jake, he can be a bit overbearing about us eating elsewhere," Kurt grinned.

Rob shrugged, and Bella nodded with a smile. It seemed someone was finally listening to her. Mel had always said not to be scared to ask for what she wanted, he would then choose if it were appropriate or not. Perhaps it was the calm well thought out way she had approached the two men he had entrusted her future to, rather than railing at them about wanting to escape and be left alone, which she realised now was never an option open to her. Both Rob and Kurt took their responsibilities seriously, and it was their way of honouring Mel. 

"Thank you both for listening to my requests seriously and taking the time to think about them. I can't have been easy to be around recently, and I am sorry for that," Bella looked at them both "I am a lucky girl to have you both looking out for me and still caring for my welfare and I love you for that. Mel as always knew what I would need before I ever did." She chewed her lip as she let herself dwell on his control over her life, her eyes becoming glassy with unshed tears. "I realise my change of attitude to work and well, everything seems rather sudden, but I have thought about it a lot recently, and I really want to do this, all of it."

"I haven't really looked at this plan yet, and I won't let you make a bad investment just because you ask nicely," Kurt said firmly.

"Oh, I know," Bella smiled lopsidedly, "It's why Mel trusted you to advise me and help me. It's why he trusted Rob to ensure that I wouldn't just be swept up by a Master who was undeserving of my submission. I finally get that." She gave an embarrassed laugh, "I would just like to... I don't know... have a choice in what my future holds, and start living again, you know?" "I was never brave enough to talk to you about what I really wanted to do." She looked at both of them, "I guess Dusty's visit and Jack's invitation was the catalyst, add my drunken confession to Stephen about what I had been doing at the shack and everything sort of came together at one time so that finally I had to speak up."

Kurt looked again at the plan in his hands. He had liked her little speech. It showed forethought of a decision he thought rash and hastily put together. "Get Dianne to show you around the couple of offices we would be able to move you to and pick out your own colour schemes and such, while Rob and I have a chat about this plan of yours and what it is you want me to support Charles with at the meeting tonight," Kurt was very businesslike rather than the relaxed goofball Bella knew was within that company man persona. 

"Yes, Master Kurt," Bella smiled slightly. She didn't want to push her luck by asking any further questions about when Rob had told him of her wish for an office change or why he had agreed so fast, instead she nodded and quietly left the room leaving the men to talk.

Dianne was thrilled to have Bella all to herself for the time being and happily chatted as they walked along the corridor to have a look at offices. Approaching the first she recognised it and turned to Dianne her eyes wide, "I don't want to kick anyone out of their own office!"

"Oh, sweet thing," Dianne grinned, "You're not. They're volunteering. In fact, I bet they try and get you to commit to take their office."

"Why would they do that?" Bella was confused yet again.

"Each of the men is a top performing executive who has done well to keep their portfolio's from collapsing after the news of... well you know. Whoever's office you choose gets to move into Kurt's office, and he will move to the suite you will be vacating. It's win-win all around, if you think about it." Dianne explained.

"Why didn't Kurt just swap with me himself?" Bella was amused by Dianne's explanation.

"Because you're being a spoilt brat lately, and he wanted you to choose for yourself so that you couldn't change your mind in another few months," Dianne shrugged and stifled a smile at the look of horror on Bella's face at her barbed words.

"I have been pretty awful to you all haven't I," Bella acknowledged. "It was just..."

"We understand honey. Still it's good to see a glimpse of the Bella we knew coming back. Maybe you will remember who your friends really are now," Dianne was being acerbic but she couldn't help herself, she was hurt that Bella had reappeared in the last two days without even a call to let her know and maybe arrange to see her.

Bella didn't know how to apologise for the mean and hurtful things she had said to all her friends who had only wanted to help her in her grief. Instead, she said nothing grateful for their understanding and forgiveness. She had avoided seeing them again knowing apologies were necessary, but it seemed it was too late for Dianne judging by the way she now spoke to Bella.

As predicted each of the executives gushed over Bella and sold the best points of their individual offices but it was one of the assistants that helped her make some sort of decision. The executive himself was fairly typical of the alpha male types found in this company. Rhys Muldoon was tall, handsome and muscular, and he spoke with confidence when greeting the two women, welcoming them into his office in the absence of his assistant.

Having been given a cursory tour of the well-appointed office they had prepared to leave when an immaculately dressed young man hurried in. "Dianne! Am I too late?" he presented coffee and some petite little pastries to them encouraging everyone to sit in the comfortable chairs and enjoy the snack. "Darling if I know Kurt and Rob they have been running you ragged all day, how are you holding up, girlfriend?" He squeezed Bella's hand before offering the plate of goodies to her. 

Dianne burst into peals of laughter as the young man barely let them get a word in as he continued asking question after question of Bella. Rhys interrupted the flow with a gruff rebuke. "Perhaps if you took a breath now and then they would answer your questions," he said with a low dangerous whisper. Suitably chastised, the young man sat back on his chair and looked at the girls eagerly.

"No, you're not too late and Bella is doing great, aren't you, honey?" Dianne answered him.

"This is wonderful, thank you," Bella indicated the perfect little pastries, "I am starving, it couldn't have come at a better time." 

"Excuse me please, Miss Biancotti, I have some work that is pressing," Rhys said standing from the comfortable chair.

"Oh, I am so sorry," Bella immediately stood up as if to leave.

"Please stay, Patrick will pout, if you don't let him show you the details he added to the office himself and get all of the gossip from you both." The man laughed at the appalled look Patrick gave him and continued, "Take your time; I am sure there is no hurry, if I know Rob and Kurt they will be arguing over some minor detail in whatever they are talking about." The man nodded and left the room. 

"And that's why I love him," Patrick gushed as he turned back to the women. "Well as you haven't run away with a Middle Eastern prince after all, I need all the gossip," he grinned at Bella.

"Are you kidding?" Dianne exclaimed, not letting Bella speak for herself, "She has waltzed back in here demanding a new office, probably a new PA and is auditioning new Masters as if she has the choice of anyone she wants. This little girl grew a set of balls while she was away. " She threw back her head laughing as she teased Bella. The truth was that she was feeling betrayed that Bella had shared none of her plans with her. Mel had put her in the position of confidante to his slave, and Dianne had thought herself Bella's closest friend in this world. Bella should have sought her advice or at least talked to her about her plans but instead had obviously spoken to others.

"Oh, my god it's not like that at all!" Bella gasped, "Do I seem that bad? I just wanted to start the training Mel planned for me again and come back to work in a way that I wouldn't constantly be reminded of him and the guilt I feel that he saved me while both he and Tony..."

"Died," Patrick finished for her giving Dianne a hard look. "Geez Dianne, that was a bit bitchy even for you."

"Oh Darlin', lighten up, it was a joke," Dianne put an arm around Bella's shoulder. "You've gotta be tougher than that, people will say much worse, just like they did when you took Mel's collar remember? We talked about everything back then."

Bella nodded and smiled crookedly, she just hadn't expected to hear such things from Dianne's lips, they were friends after all. She chewed her lip thoughtfully and took another small pastry.

"She's also one of those girls who can eat anything and never gain weight can you believe it?" Dianne added with a smirk making Bella pause in her chewing. Dianne was laughing, but Bella could tell there was anger below the surface of her barbed remarks, and she wondered why.

"You know what they say Dianne, if you can't say anything nice then shut the fuck up. Come on Bella, let me show you around this place properly," Patrick said lightly taking her arm and guiding her around the large room. "I'm really not keen on leaving our little love nest," Patrick winked making her smile, "Well, not for an office the same size with a view that's only marginally better, it's taken me ages to get it just right here. If you were to offer us your suite, on the other hand," He grinned leaving it open, "What other offices have you looked at?"

Bella listed off the names of the other executives she had visited and Dianne added the name of the final one they had yet to see from just behind them.

"So you did all this yourself?" Bella asked indicating the furnishings that made the large office feel cozy and warm. 

"Of course, just like Dianne remodelled Kurt's fabulous space. Most of the assistants who know their Master's well tend to take charge of that side of things," Patrick was obviously enjoying the unspoken praise that came from Bella.

"Thank you so much for showing me all your wonderful secrets in here, I particularly like the hidden panels in the walls, it feels so warm and cozy," Bella enthused, "But I think my time was up long ago and we still have one more to look at so we should be going."

"Mel put you in a hard place making you a minor partner here. Dianne is right, people will talk and say mean things, just keep on doing what you're doing. It will all work out, and people will get used to it, eventually," he smiled genuinely at her.

They walked out into the office's small reception area where Patrick's desk sat opening out onto the wide open corridor. The trio started in surprise as Rhys, who had left the room earlier rose from the chair at Patrick's desk and frowned at the three of them. Without any preamble he spoke firmly to them, "Patrick show Miss Biancotti through the next office on her list and then return her to Rob and Kurt, I believe I would like a word with the lovely Dianne."

"Yes Master," Patrick said and guided Bella from the scene that he was sure was brewing. Bella looked worried and chewed her lip, but Patrick was his usual chatty self, reassuring her, "That girl is so popular. You know she was a Domme before coming to work here. Everyone still respects her opinion; she has a real good mind for business even though hers went belly up a while back, and she needed Mel and Rob to save her so to speak. Well that's old news, here we are," he said smiling and pausing in his constant chatter.

Bella walked into an office that held what could only be described as a Spartan decor. There seemed to be no decoration at all, and the furnishings consisted of a large hard edged desk and several uncomfortable looking chairs.

"Well it's a blank canvas," Patrick said cheerily, "I don't think the owner likes clutter, do you?" Bella shook her head with a soft laugh.

They made their way back to Kurt's office slowly chatting about general things within the company; Bella decided she really liked Patrick. He did not ignore the death of Mel and her subsequent disappearance but neither did he harp on it. He was strong enough to say what he felt without sounding churlish, and he was genuinely good company.

They entered an office full of tension and Bella wasn't sure what happening, so she stayed silent looking at the group of people. 

"Well that all sounds fair and I will deal with it in more detail tomorrow," Kurt finally said into the silence. "Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I have been a little distracted lately," he admitted. "Let's go eat and we can talk about outcomes over a long dinner before the stakeholders meeting. Did you bring your car or bike?" he asked Rob.




Possessing Bella Ch. 02



Bella looked at Dianne during the exchange. She seemed subdued and wouldn't return her gaze as the men made plans for their evening and Rhys left the room with Patrick issuing friendly farewells and best wishes with her plans. As they left to drive to the restaurant Kurt suggested, Bella noticed Dianne wasn't with them and frowned looking back over her shoulder as Dianne took a seat at her desk while they stood waiting for the elevator.

"Dianne has some important things to attend to," Kurt explained seeing her expression and the look she gave Dianne. Bella nodded but once again her lip got caught between her teeth. They stepped into the elevator and rode down in silence. 

As Kurt went to check in with reception, Bella turned to Rob and said softly, "I am sorry if I have been acting like a spoilt brat coming back and demanding everyone change their schedules around me." 

"You haven't demanded anything. You came to me with a proposition and asked if it could be done. Then you compromised on everything, when we discussed it. Demanding people don't ask and discuss things and a spoilt brat would have stamped her foot and not compromised," Rhys had told them what Dianne had said, and Rob knew how much the barbed words of her friend would have impacted on the fragile bravado Bella had mustered to come back to the world that both he and Kurt had been concerned she would forsake after the murder of her Master.

"You need to tell us what it is you need right now," he continued softly pulling her close to him. "What you have been through was traumatic to say the least and I believe you are being very brave in the face of other people's judgment. You can't take every snide comment on board, sometimes there are other reasons why people say the things they say." 

"I don't feel very brave, right now," Bella whispered.

"Dianne was a little upset that you didn't call her and tell her what you were planning and let her give you her advice, like she used to," Rob admitted. "Like the rest of us she grieved for Mel with you and didn't know what to say or do. We all hoped you would come to us when you were ready. Kurt and I, as your guardians, are in a unique position where you must come to us if you want to remain part of the world Mel gave you, but Dianne was hoping you would still seek her out in friendship. She shouldn't have said what she said, and she will be punished by not attending tonight but try and understand that she just misses your close friendship."

"I am such a horrible person," Bella almost cried. "I keep being so cruel to the people I care about and this time I was so focused on what I needed..." her voice trailed off.

"It will get easier, and there is nothing there that can't be repaired in time," Rob reassured her but let her own the blame and guilt for her actions.

"I expect there are quite a few people who deserve apologies and explanations from me after the last six months," Bella admitted. She considered how she would do this as they walked to the car and drove to the restaurant. 

During the meal, Kurt gave her his views on her business plan. It was raw and had holes in it, but he thought the kinks could be worked out and improved to make it a sound proposition. He suggested a two week cycle of business and training so that each month progress could be made on both her personal and her business plan. The first two weeks of the business side would be spent with himself or another company executive working out the kinks in her proposal. This would mean she would require an office sooner rather than later and a personal assistant at the company.

"May I please just retain Dorothea?" Bella asked a little confused.

"Of course," Kurt said magnanimously, "But Dorothea is well past retirement age and you really do need to consider other options, as well. She may not wish to come back or only stay for a short time."

"I also have an idea about the offices," Bella chewed her lip, "It will probably sound like I am being bratty and demanding again, though."

"After tonight, when both your personal and business plans have been laid out and agreed to, I doubt there will be another opportunity for you to be bratty or demanding so let's have it," Kurt laughed.

"Well..." she hesitated and took a deep breath before saying what she thought. "Rob admitted he leaves the running of the company up to you and he is just there for the really big decisions." Rob raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Wouldn't it be better if Kurt and whoever ran things in his absence, if there ever is one, had the suites to entertain clients and such. I mean you two could switch offices, whoever the person is that is best to step up when needed, can have my office and I will take theirs."

"Makes sense," Rob agreed acknowledging that he was barely there to make use of the suite of rooms he occupied.

"I think it might be too soon to change the structure from what Mel had in place. There have been several men who have been invaluable over the last six months and are part of the reason the company is still earning large profits for us all." Kurt hedged. 

"She right though," Rob said seriously. "Mel would never have left the business solely in my hands. He was always the one who drove the company and with recent events being what they are we, meaning you, should probably look at who could steer the ship if anything untoward happened." Kurt nodded but seemed anxious about the discussion.

"Did you enjoy your night with Wildman?" Kurt asked changing the conversation rapidly, needing time to think over what Bella and Rob had said wondering if being the new CEO of such a large and profitable company made him a target.

"Yes thank you," Bella blushed deeply before adding, "Very much."

"Good, then tonight will be a no-brainer. Charles will tell everyone what to do, and we will back him up. It should be over quickly," Kurt smirked at Bella. "That was a very clever little manoeuvre you pulled there, little one." She returned his smile still blushing, and they talked about the training and the various Masters Mel had approached to add to her training. Eventually, Kurt looked at his watch and declared they should leave.

Arriving at the club Bella worried that she should change, but Kurt and Rob took her straight down to the meeting. As she entered the large den, she looked around noting the people she knew. She smiled at them all and went to kneel awkwardly in her dress between Kurt and Rob. The twins had arrived with their girls; Charles had not brought Sara; Leon too was alone and sat in conversation with Josie and her girl Gian. Jack and Dusty stood slight apart with Jake and Stephen close by. It seemed everyone had arrived early, and Bella felt butterflies flip her stomach over as she endured the looks everyone gave her.

"Good, we are all here. Jack you called this meeting so let's get on with it," Rob said seriously.

"We should get rid of the slave flesh first," Mike Millar stated, looking around. 

"Send yours if you wish, but the rest can stay as it concerns them," Jack said abruptly. He stated his case that Mel had approached at least five of the Masters present to assist in the training of his girl, Bella. He thought it still appropriate that she receive the training he had planned for her to help her make safe, sane and consensual choices within their lifestyle. He continued on, reminding the dominants of girls they all knew who had been in a similar position of being partially trained and making less than favourable matches with Masters that were new to lifestyle themselves. He spoke of making an offer to Bella recently and her subsequent return, and Rob's choice to deviate from Mel's original plan. He felt it only right that Bella attend his ranch first to take up the training he had offered. Finally, he sat and opened his arms as if inviting others to speak up.

"It seems to me," Charles said slowly and deliberately, "That if you are going to hold up Mel's plan for training this little girl as the reason to interrupt what has happened in the last twenty-four hours that you are entirely mistaken about Bella attending your ranch first." He looked at all the dominants in the room commanding their attention.

"You see," he picked up Bella's work diary from the desk before him, "In the true schedule set out in Mel's own hand it was my Sara who was first, followed by Tali, Nyx and then Dusty and Dianne. There is one girls name written on each of the five days of her working week." Charles placed the open diary back on the table for others to view.

"This book was here in the den. Rob had, of course, sought out information about the training Mel had set up. After seeing this, he contacted me in regards to Bella's request to resume her training after your unannounced visit to Bella at her retreat," Charles said making the Jack's motives seem underhanded. There was a murmur among the other Masters that he allowed to continue for a minute before raising his hand. "I am an old man and Sara is more than enough for me to handle so I asked a man that I had mentored and whom I would trust with Sara's life to train little Bella in my stead."

"I see no problem with that; Rob is her guardian, along with Kurt," Leon shrugged voicing his opinion. "It really shouldn't have anything to do with the stakeholders, she is not property of the club nor does she influence the running of it. Surely it is best to leave this matter in the hands of her guardians." Leon had still not come to terms with what had happened in Italy. He believed that the loss of his friends and the trauma Bella had gone through could have been avoided if he had just been faster at putting the pieces of Lucifer's identity together. Guilt racked him, and he found it hard to be in the same room as Bella and discuss her future without Mel.

"My thoughts exactly," Charles agreed. "I believe this rushed meeting has done nothing but distress a little girl who was bravely trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life." He looked meaningfully at Jack.

"That was not my intention at all," Jack said with some anger in his voice. "There was nothing underhanded in my call for this meeting merely to gain a clear knowledge of Rob's actions and intent. I want only for Bella to be safe and happy."

"It is what we all want," Charles agreed, "Or none of us would have come to see what it was all about. As we are all here though, I would like to put forward a new idea to those Masters that Mel did approach and give those he didn't the opportunity to offer their guidance to Bella through Rob." Once again he paused for the murmuring and nods of assent. "I would suggest that if any of you are still willing to offer training to the little one, consider choosing a man you trust and have preferably mentored yourself. They could undertake that training, with your close supervision, if you wish, but none-the-less someone who may be able to become her Master in the future should a strong bond form during the training."

"Agreed," Mike Millar surprisingly spoke up. "What time frame are we talking about? Training for a girl who comes to me would take longer I would think than most others as it is an exacting practise including dance and movement styles."

"She also requires a return to the company she is now a minor partner in so we will stagger the training between work commitments," Kurt added to the conversation. "We were considering two week intervals. If that is not enough time, we can negotiate with you Mike." Mike nodded and sat back to survey the small girl that had created this fuss wondering if she was strong enough to be treated as a slave of Gor.

"I'm in," said Mark, "Just call me to set up the timing, and I will see if my man can be available. 

"You could add me to the list of you like," Josie waved a hand, "Mel didn't ask me but she may as well have the experience of a fully rounded training." Rob nodded, and Bella's eyes widened a little as Gian smiled shyly at her.

"Come here little one," Charles said softly to Bella. She unfurled unsteadily and walked to his feet allowing him to pull her into his lap. "You have heard what we all said but as always you have a choice. I know Mel well enough to know he always gave you the choice in big life decisions. Your ability to choose this life or not is your greatest asset," he smiled at her. "So here is your chance to be heard, you are safe here and we will listen to you."

"May I stand, please, Master Charles," Bella said quietly. Charles smiled and helped her to her feet.

"Firstly I would like to thank you all for coming tonight, many of you barely know me and yet you have all listened and agreed with what has been said. I have acted badly in my grief, shutting out my friends and the friends of my Master, and I apologise sincerely for that," she looked pointedly at Dusty before turning her gaze on the other girls who smiled encouragingly.

"In truth, I had not considered resuming the training my Master had put in place until Master Jack and Dusty came to see me, but the idea was one that appealed to me greatly which is why I returned and spoke with Master Rob. I will happily abide by what is decided for me and did not expect things to be put into place so quickly. I am a little overwhelmed and would like to thank each of you for your offer to continue my training. I respect and trust both Master Rob and Master Kurt and would hope that, with their help, I can make my Master, Mel, proud of the way I have chosen to continue to live in the way he wanted, even when he is gone." Her voice caught, and she drew her shoulders back willing herself not to cry.

"I understand that you all have busy lives and that fitting in the training of a girl that is not your own can be hard and should you changed your schedules or that of others for me I will do my very best to prove I am worthy of it. I would very much like to return to William Wilder tonight, and allow you, the Masters I respect so much, and Mistress," Bella inclined her head to Josie, "to put in place what happens next." 

"So will I send her back to Wildman tonight, Jack?" Charles inquired.

"What you have said, and what Bella herself has said, have moved me to withdraw my earlier statement. I will, however, be checking on her situation each week to ensure her safety and happiness," he said seriously. 

"Perhaps an impartial arbitrator would be best," Charles suggested, "Maybe Stephen, who looks after the girls here so well, could report for you on a weekly basis. He has a second here at the club now, I believe and may enjoy taking on new tasks."

"He is a busy man already..." Jack began trying to hold onto the thread that would connect him to Bella until she came to him for training.

"It would be an interesting change of pace," Stephen cut across his words. There had been tension between Rob and Jack since Mel's death and he could see this brewing as another point of contention when in truth he welcomed the opportunity to ensure Bella's safety as he had been quietly doing for the last six months.

"Well if that's over, I have to get going," Leon stood unable to bear the sadness of the small girl's voice any longer. There was a murmur of assent and with a wave of his arm he walked from the room. At his suggestion, several of the other stakeholders left after him sensing the tension between Rob and Jack that would be better dealt with without their presence. Within fifteen minutes, it was Jack, Charles, Rob and Kurt who remained with Stephen who hovered close to Bella.

"I will escort Bella and Dusty up to her apartment so she can change, if there is more on this topic to be said," Stephen offered intuitively realising that Charles was probably the best man to intervene in the tension between Rob and Jack over Bella's welfare before it blew out to be a larger issue.

As Stephen closed the door, he heard Charles say, "If you could have put your ego aside long enough to call Rob and ask you could have avoided all of this and putting that little girl under even more pressure."

The girls were silent as they rode the elevator up, and Stephen let Bella into her apartment. He took a seat in a comfortable chair as they went into Bella's room. 

"Dusty I am sorry, I had to tell Rob, he's the closest thing I have to Master right now. I needed to tell him, I haven't been making the best decisions on my own lately," Bella began.

"You still could have talked to me, Dianne, any of the girls..." Dusty said with hurt stinging her voice.

"And then what? Just run away to the ranch? Have Rob or Stephen come and drag me back to explain myself?" Bella said in frustration. "I don't how it is for you or the other girls, but I have so many people watching every little thing I do. If I fart too often I am raced to the doctor!" She sat on the edge of the bed her head in her hands. "Seems no matter what I do it's the wrong thing and has been since Mel's death. Maybe I just should have stayed in hiding instead of coming back, but it's too late now, so I have to make the best of it."

Dusty sat beside her on the bed and put an arm around her shoulder. "You have always been the little innocent seeming one, Dianne and I just want to help you, look after you, in our own way. You don't talk to us about what's going on with you since..." Dusty sighed. "She called me, before you arrived, in tears. She said some mean things, but you have to know she really didn't mean any of them. We're your friends, we just want to help, and you seem to be shutting us out."

"I'm sorry but until last night I wasn't even really sure I wanted this," Bella tried to explain. "I don't know who I am without Mel but it felt good to have a Master that didn't feel the need to treat me like a broken toy or like I might shatter at any moment. It felt good not to have to think, just obey. It's what I need right now, and it's the only thing I am sure about. I don't want to talk about what happened in Italy anymore. I don't want to talk about how I am feeling or that I am okay for now. I don't want to help everyone else deal with their grief by reliving those details. I have nightmares, I jump at loud noises, I don't want to talk to all those people down there about Mel and how I feel, I need to move on or go insane."

Dusty nodded, she hadn't realised how the good intentions of wanting Bella close so she could look after her and talk to her would have a negative effect. She stood up and walked into the wardrobe rifling through the clothes as she thought about Bella's words. "Well if you're determined to go you better wear something suitable," she said in her deep rich voice.

"He'll be on his bike, so boots would be handy," Bella said quietly frowning at the change of mood. 

"If I remember right, he is a fan of the slutty school girl sort of look," Dusty pulled out a tartan pleated skirt and a sheer white blouse. Bella gave a sad half laugh and nodded, taking the clothes from Dusty's hands.

An hour later, Wildman strode into the den of the club, picked Bella up in a fireman's hold and grunted to Rob, "I'll return her Sunday night." Then he left without acknowledgement of any of the other people in the room. Dumping her onto the back of his bike, he gave her a jacket and helmet before he climbed on, and the bike roared to life beneath them.

They arrived at his warehouse apartment and drove into the garage. Before the rolling door had shut Bella found herself stripped of the helmet and jacket and once again bundled over a broad shoulder in a fireman's hold as he took the stairs two at a time. Striding through the vast warehouse space he finally stopped in the far dark corner of the dimly lit room. He sat her on the small half sized bed she had slept on the night before and began lighting candles in the small area. It seemed to Bella he had taken some time to prepare for her return.




Possessing Bella Ch. 02



"It's late," he finally growled at her, "You made me wait far too long for your call."

"I am very sorry, Sire," Bella said contritely, knowing very well she could not have contacted him any earlier than she had.

"You will be," he said with a smirk. "Stand," he commanded. Bella stood, and he ran a hand up her leg to feel her cunt. "I had a rule about these," his voice dropped lower and his fingers curled around the flimsy fabric ripping them forcefully from her body making her stumble toward him. He grasped her between his hands, lifting her and hanging her over the back of the leather chair; she found she had to brace her hands on the cushions as the high back left her dangling precariously. She heard rather than saw the belt whistle through his belt loops as he took it off, and she tensed waiting the first blow. 

Bella felt his hand rather than the belt against her ass as he caressed the rounded cheeks and lifted the skirt she still wore high. The soft tender touches confused her, it wasn't what she had expected from him after last night and this morning. She had expected to be treated as a sex toy and used hard not caressed and treated with care.

"You were late, and you wore underwear, you realise that I cannot let such a purposeful breaking of the rules go unpunished," Sire crooned in a soft voice as his hand moved gently over her skin. Seeing her relax under his gentle touch, he raised the belt he had doubled in his other hand and brought it down against her ass twice moving in a figure eight pattern and marking each cheek of the perfectly rounded ass. Satisfied with her squeals he struck out at her again before demanding, "You remember your safe word?"

"Yes, Sire," She whimpered, "Fruitloops, Sire." 

"And do you wish to use it?" his arm swung in a figure eight arc again colouring her ass further.

"No, Sire," Bella cried out.

Dropping the belt he picked her up and moved her to stand before the chair as he sat and proceeded to cuff and collar her. His hand drifted up her leg and played wither cunt as he cuffed her ankles. "Fucking hot little pain slut," he groaned as his fingers pushed into her and pumped in and out of the dripping wetness, making her pant in her need. "You love it don't you, nasty girl, panting like a little bitch in heat," he withdrew his fingers and forced them into her mouth deeply making her gag as he watched her tear streaked face colour softly.

"Strip," he commanded pulling his fingers from her mouth. He marvelled once again at the perfectly formed petite young girl, her breasts high and perky but still rounded despite the small size, her hips angular but he imagined with a little bit of weight, they would curve beautifully to the heart shaped ass that that bore the marks of her punishment. He felt his cock harden in appreciation. He noted the small fine-lined tattoo that marked her as having been owned by one who had wanted to keep her forever as his property, but ignored it for now, knowing it's value to the girl who bore it.

Sire pulled Bella forward and wrapped his lips around one nipple feeling the hard bud roll under his tongue before biting it and pulling back stretching the flesh of her breast. Bella gasped and bit at her lip, stifling a cry as he let it go only to feel an alligator clamp bite into her nipple but as his mouth worked on the second nipple she whimpered as his teeth bit unto the flesh stretching it from her body. She cried out and trembled as the second clamp was attached.

"Cry-baby," he teased, "We haven't even got to the fun part yet," he chuckled holding up a third clamp on a long chain attached to the one on her breasts. Bella sucked her lip between her teeth and blinked tears from her glassy eyes feeling his free hand begin to fondle her cunt, his fingers quickly finding and rolling her clit. She was a panting mess when after what seemed an age she felt the tell-tale signs of impending orgasm, she felt the clamp on the tiny nub that was the whole centre of her being at that point in time. She cried out, her body shaking in need and pain. The white hot light of exquisite pain burned into her brain, and his hands picked her up as her legs started to refuse to take her weight.

Forcing her to straddle the arms of the chair he sat in he leaned her back guiding her to lie almost upside down along the length of his outstretched legs. Forcing three fingers one at a time into her tight little hole, he fucked her with them, stretching her wide and listening to her hysterical sobs of pleasure and pain. "Cum you nasty little fuck," he roared at her and she arched up howling out the orgasm that wracked her body making her jerk and spasm as she floated into a high she hadn't felt for such a long time. 

Barely aware of anything but the rivers of electric butterflies that fluttered up and down her body melting her thought processes, she found as she came slowly back to reality that she now lay over his legs on her stomach, and she had his lubed fingers in her tight asshole stretching it wide with a scissor action.

Panting heavily her eyes fluttered, and she moaned and whimpered at his continued use of her body after such a mind blowing orgasm. Seeing her begin to come around Sire lifted her to a sitting position poised above his now rock hard cock, her legs still straddling the arms of the chair keeping her suspended in place. He wrapped one arm around her waist and forced her to lower her now stretched ass down onto his cock as he held it pointed to the hole he had prepared. Groaning loudly as the head entered the portal, and the tiny hole gripped him tightly he reveled in the feeling of her and the sounds of her submission to his dark desires.

Placing both hands on her hips, he forced her heavily down onto his cock, burying himself within her and growling deeply at the pleasure of it. Digging his fingers into her hips, he began to move her up and down his cock, growling into her ear and playing with the chain still connecting her nipples to her clit. Feeling his own orgasm approaching far too quickly he forced her down onto his cock hard making her cry out once again and pulling her back against his body. Reaching around her, he carefully undid the clamp on her clit feeling her shake and scream in pain. Her body arched hard pressing it harder down onto his cock.

Sire began spanking her cunt without much force but enough to keep the pain she felt flowing into her little body as the muscles worked around his cock. "Cum, show me what a pain whore you really are," he groaned into her ear and continued to slap wetly at her cunt. The clamps on her nipple bounced with each slap and her movement on his cock and Bella howled into the large space, her brain bending to his will with the pain and pleasure he gave her. 

It was more than Sire could handle, and he picked her up easily and pushed her to the floor at his feet as she shook in her orgasm. Taking a handful of her hair her fed her his cock and began to fuck her face, her mouth wide and gasping for air, her eyes all but rolling in her head as tears rolling down her cheeks. He pulled the clamps from her nipples drowning her screams with his cock as her orgasm continued to shake her, and he came spraying his heavy load over her tongue and face. 

Letting go of her hair, he let her finally fall to the floor and gazed down at the small girl. He had pushed her hard wanting her to safe-word. In truth, he couldn't believe that she hadn't, but Dorothea had warned him that she would take whatever was given, trusting the dominant to know her limits, even if he was unknown to her. Her innocence and naivety within the lifestyle was something Mel had treasured, and he had built up her endurance for the pain he inflicted on her and made her crave it. As she was now though, she was dangerous, she needed to realise her own limits of endurance.

It concerned him greatly that she had no sense of self preservation, watching her small body still mildly twitching even in her partially comatose state; he realised what the priority must be and why he had been chosen as her first trainer upon her return to their lifestyle. Picking her up he took her to his large bed and collecting a basin and wash cloth cleaned her carefully and gently. Slipping into bed with her, he held her close and remembered what Dorothea had told him about Mel's death. He had died protecting her, and she had been trapped under his body, coated with his blood until the driver of the car they had been able to pull her free, then the man had driven even as he was dying from his own wounds to get her to safety.

She needed training in so many ways, but most of all she needed healing. Holding her in his arms, he stared at the ceiling trying to work out how he would teach her that self-preservation was far more desirable than obedience and blind trust in a dominant.



Possessing Bella Ch. 03



Authors Note: This story contains many of the harsher elements of the BDSM lifestyle. If that disturbs you at all please stop reading now and find something more to your liking, there are many great authors on this site. To regular readers of the Bella series, I hope it lives up to your expectations, I am sorry it is late this month. Enjoy, ~ellie.




"Fruitloops!" Bella screamed, and she heard the metallic sound of the knife dropping to the floor through the panicked fog in her brain. Sire immediately began undoing the tight restraints that held her at his mercy and gathered the sobbing girl in his arms. He picked her up and went to sit in an oversized leather armchair cradling her like a child as she calmed down.

They had spent the last few days together pushing her boundaries and listing her limits both hard and soft. Bella had begun to accept that no other dominant would know her as well as Mel, who had known her almost her entire life. She had also come to realise that despite her love and trust for the two men who acted as her guardians when she accepted a contract even a short term one as with Sire this week she needed to know and be able to express her limits. While Mel had given her the choice to stay with him or not he had pretty much just controlled everything else in her life, and she had never considered disobeying him, especially as he had made it clear that it wasn't really an option.

Sire had been pushing her hard and Bella was exhausted both mentally and physically from her first three days in Sire's care. She found in her exhaustion that even though she felt safe in his arms as they sat, and she had lost the rush of adrenaline that her fear had caused to flow through her veins that she could not stop crying. 

Sire had remained silent as he held her realising he had finally broken through the wall of Mel's ownership. He had been harsh and cruel in the last few days in his effort to make her realise that there would never be another Mel, who knew her so well and loved her so much that he did not have to explore her kinks and aversions as others would have to. Once again he silently cursed Mel for not truly explaining this facet of the lifestyle to the beautiful young woman. In truth, many of the things he had made her endure were not his particular flavour of kink either but she had to know just how far some men would go down the darker paths of excess and violation.

Finally when no more tears would come she looked up at Sire with glistening eyes and said quietly, "No one would truly damage me beyond repair would they? I mean," she swallowed, "Why would someone ..."

"For many dominants," Sire said equally gently, "The thrill is all wrapped up in that power-exchange; the more you give, the more they want. If you are not brave enough to set limits and use a safe-word, you could find yourself with permanent damage not only to your body, but your mind as well." He lifted her face to his as he explained yet again why he pushed her so hard to know her own limits of endurance. "There will never be another Mel, who had time and the will to know you so well before you became his. The other dominants you will meet on this journey you have insisted upon taking will not know anything about you except what they are told in brief discussions and their knowledge of what Mel was like." He grinned as he saw her lip become caught between her teeth while she mulled over what he was saying. "Everyone in the club and even the outer circles of our lifestyle knew he was a sadistic controlling bastard and would assume that you would have to be something special to capture his collar, not just the run of the mill masochistic slave girl..."

"I wasn't a very good slave to him," Bella looked up at the hulking man who held her so carefully in his arms with teary eyes. "I made so many mistakes and ran away and..." her voice caught in her throat as guilt once again rose up within her. If she hadn't been so childish, Mel would never have taken her to Italy in the first place. "I just wasn't very good at being what he wanted," she finished sadly as Sire remained silent. "I just needed more time, I could have been better, I wanted to be better, he would have taught me all the things I needed to know, now it's just..." she shrugged, and the tears came again.

Sire continued to hold her quietly, her guilt and the anger that had preceded it when he first met her were within the final stages of grieving before she found acceptance and hope for the future though he could see that hope peeking through from time to time as she talked of her plans after her week in his company. He had been surprised to find that despite knowing Mel most of her life; they had been together as a couple only a month or so. It amazed him that she felt so much love and devotion towards Mel and he had wondered at her eagerness to begin a path back into the lifestyle without him. Having delved deeply into the young woman's motivations in the last three days, however, he now understood the still grieving girl's wish to feel again and try to block out the empty dark void his absence created in her life.

"I can still do the things he wanted," she said quietly once again, "I can learn more and do more like he planned," she took a deep breath and sat up straighter, "I can still be the girl he wanted me to be, with your help and the others," she smiled crookedly, "I still have the chance to make him proud of me."

"Mel's gone Bella, you need to do this because you want it, not because Mel wanted it," Sire had not liked the way she had said that as if he might somehow come back and claim her if she made him proud.

"I know, and I do want to do it for me, truly. I want it so very much, but I would like to think that he is still watching over me somehow and would be happy I am still doing what he wanted me to do. It is Master Rob now," she added, "That will show that pride in me I realise, but he was as close to Mel as I if not closer and it feels somehow right," she said with an odd tone in her voice.

Sire nodded still unsure about her state of mind and deciding a long talk with Rob was in order to ensure the girl's safety. He admitted that for the first time in a very long time he considered that taking a girl such as Bella as his own, would not be a hardship at all, in fact; it could be very enjoyable indeed.

"Go shower and get ready, we are going out," he smacked her ass lightly and grinned. The constant pushing and finding her limits needed to be continued, but he could see the small changes in her and was content with her progress, despite his misgivings about her last words. Sire watched her walk into the bathroom area and went to where her clothes hung on a rack in his photographic studio. There hadn't been any need for clothes in the last few days and as he picked several pieces out for her to wear he glanced at some of the photo's he had taken and printed of Bella in the last few days. She was an adorable masochistic little slut, and he embraced the opportunity to take hre out and show her off as his if only for a little while.

The rest of the week, he decided, would be a busy one as he considered how to incorporate what he wanted her to learn with a few social outings. First though, this afternoon as promised, they would attend a tea party with Sarah and Charles.

*****

Bella had sat quietly on the bed writing in the journal Sire had asked her to keep as he showered and changed into comfortable looking black jeans and a button up shirt. She looked at him curiously thinking that she had never seen him out of his leathers and black T shirts. She had been given a light baby doll dress to wear and once again she wondered at the change of pace and where they were going.

Dressing her once again in the boots and oversized jacket she wore when on his bike they left and rode the short distance to Charles' house. Bella grinned when she saw where they were and was glad that Sire had not forgotten the promise she had made about coming for tea with Sara and Charles.

Sarah ran from the house and flung herself at Bella before her feet had even touched the ground as Sire lifted her from his bike. "I've been waiting and waiting all day! Where have you been, Uncle Billy?" Sara finally let go of Bella and turned a scowl on Sire.

Sire raised an eyebrow at Sara and checked his watch dramatically. Chastened Sara put her hands behind her back and in a quieter voice said, "It's just I am so excited 'cause like, well, I just love her," Sara tried to explain why she had been bratty.

"That, I understand, Bella is easy to love," Sire bent, kissed Sara's forehead and smiled, "Lead on little one, I hope you have those cookies I like!" Sara giggled mischievously and snatching Bella's hand dragged her at a run into the house.

"First you must kiss Daddy and say hello, then I have a surprise for you!" Sara gushed excitedly. Bella looked over her shoulder and grinned having been caught up in the child-like excitement of Sara and followed her through to the study where Charles waited looking relaxed and chatting with Stephen. Bella was not really surprised; Stephen seemed to be a constant figure in her life since the death of Mel, he seemed to be constantly watching over her as he did for the girls at the club, Bella assumed it was just an extension of his duties that he performed for Rob and the stakeholders.

"But Daddy!" Sara whined seeing Charles pat his lap for Bella to come and sit with him.

"Sara, we talked about this," Charles said in a slow, measured tone.

"Yes Daddy, but I have been waiting and waiting," she whined but turned to leave the room pouting.

"Watch out you're going to trip over that bottom lip if it gets any lower," Sire chuckled scooping up Sara and cuddling her. "Come get me a cookie while Bella says hello properly," he walked away from the study with her.

Bella allowed herself to be pulled into Charles lap and cuddled before turning to greet Stephen. 

"Hello Sir Stephen this is a nice surprise," she smiled and he returned her smile with a barely discernible tilt of his lips as he inclined his head toward her.

"Hello, little one. There were a few things decided at that meeting of the stakeholders after you left, one of them being that I would come and check on you from time to time and make sure you were happy and healthy with your work and exploration," he explained.

"I am happy," Bella smiled at both the men, "Thank you for supporting me during that meeting, it meant so much."

"You asked for help, it would be ungentlemanly to ignore the request of a damsel in distress, wouldn't you say Stephen?" Charles chuckled.

"Indeed," he readily agreed, "But at the end of the day it's your life and your decision, Rob and Kurt are your guardians and they are there to advise you or step in if you put yourself in danger, but you have the final say in your life, and I am not sure you fully understand that." Stephen's brow creased with worry.

"Oh, good your back," Charles greeted Sire, who had come in munching on a cookie and taken a seat. "This concerns you too."

"Look I am not into all that club politics and you know it, it's why I avoid that pretentious place most of the time," Sire said with a tone that indicated he was already bored with the conversation.

"Fine but all the other Dominants who will take up the invitation to work with Bella will be given a two week time frame we just thought..." Charles smirked.

"All right I am listening now," Sire cut across his words, "I had concerns about sending her back so soon."

"There is more," Charles held up his hand so that Sire would listen rather than talk.

Charles outlined what had happened after the meeting and Stephen's role in Bella's life now. If they both agreed, the arrangement could extend a further week and that Bella would require her phone to be on or close to her person at all times so that Stephen could check in randomly as well as visit at least once during the next week.

"You know my work?" Sire addressed Stephen who nodded. In fact there was very little about William Wilder that Stephen did not know now, he had done his homework on who currently possessed Bella.

"I'd like to do a short road trip now that we have the time, to some of the better spots and take photos of Bella. You can ring and find out where we are at any given moment and decide when to visit from there okay?" He phrased it in such a way it was not really a question at all.

"We can negotiate that I believe," Stephen said also with a tone as a man who would not be the one to bend to the whims of another. "The most important issue here though is not what you want though. Bella has not agreed to the extension as yet, and I need to hear it from her." The two men turned to gaze upon Bella, who was sitting chewing her lip contemplating what was said.

Stephen was a stern, uncompromising man who had high expectations of those around him, he both frightened her and made her feel safe in his presence. She felt similarly about Sire, but she also had seen his tender side during the last three days as he cared for her after some particularly gruelling scenes. She looked up at Charles who always seemed so warm and soft and loving but remembered what Rob had said about his ruthlessness with people who crossed him. They each cared for her in different ways, and she knew they could and would protect her when needed, but they were not Mel and not going to make these decisions for her. She realised then that this was what she had asked for, the right to choose and make her own decisions and they were just doing what she wanted.

"As long as Stephen is able to reach me if I need to use a safe word," she smiled at Sire, "I think a road trip could be fun."

"Good," Charles said, "Now Sara has been dancing back and forth in front of that doorway the whole time so go and let her show you the surprise, and we will work out the logistics between Billy and Stephen." He helped her to her feet and patted her bottom sending her on her way.

"About time," Sara said dramatically and snatched Bella's hand as she exited the room.

She dragged her along behind her and finally pulled her into a small dining room off the kitchen. Bella was surprised, to say the least, as she stood frozen looking at the women she thought of as friends. She closed her jaw and began the greetings as she embraced each of them. Dusty nuzzled her cheek and drew her further into the room where she was hugged by both Nyx and Tali before Gian stepped forward and introduced herself properly. Dianne had hung back and seeing this Bella moved toward her and hugged her tightly.

"I am so sorry, Dianne, I have been so totally awful I don't know what else to say," Bella said softly, "I miss you terribly."

"It's me who should be sorry, silly, I didn't realise..." she let what she was going to say drop. Each of the girls present had solemnly promised not to mention Mel unless Bella did after Dusty had explained that Bella had felt like everyone needed to heal themselves through her by asking her to relive the moment over and over again. Instead, she put on a smile and released her turning Bella back toward the table. It was only as she was about to sit down that she saw Dorothea sitting at the other end of the table and delighted to see her she ran around and hugged her tightly.

"It's so good to see you!" Bella exclaimed. "All of you, she amended looking around the table. I can't believe you're all here when I have been such a bitch lately."

"We weren't exactly the most understanding of friends," Dianne said softly.

"Come sit next to me first," Tali said enthusiastically, "I always have the best bits of gossip."

"Tell me about that girl who ran away with the Middle Eastern prince, did they ever find her? I heard she became a biker's moll," Bella asked seriously nodding her head and the other women burst out laughing.

Sara was the perfect hostess; she had catered to each girl's favourite treats and drinks and though it wasn't necessary within this group inserted new topics of conversation whenever it lagged slightly. Each girl was excited at the prospect of seeing more of Bella and Dorothea put forth the suggestion of a monthly get together at each girl's home and offering to host the next one.

After months of self-imposed isolation, it felt so good just to be part of a friendship group that knew how to relax and laugh at life. She felt better than she had for a long time, and she knew she had Dusty to thank so as the party started to disband she went to Dusty and embraced her.

"I know this was you, thank you so much I didn't know how to face everyone after being so self-absorbed for so long," Bella said quietly.

"I wasn't me, sweetie," Dusty said in her rich, deep voice, "Rob and Kurt organised it. Apparently you had promised Sara that her Uncles would send her a surprise, and we are it." She laughed, "Though I think it was Dianne's suggestion to start with."

"Really!" Bella was stunned and turned to find Dianne. "Thank you," she gushed, "This was just what I needed." 

Dianne grinned back at Bella, "The least I could do after, the last time I saw you." Guilt clouded her face for a moment before she smiled again, "I am just glad we have you back."

The small party began to disband, and Bella started to help Sara with the clearing away but Sara shooed her away, "Go talk to Daddy, or he will be cranky that I had you all to myself."

"But you didn't really," Bella started to protest picking up another plate. Sara took the plate from her hands and looked at her seriously.

"I don't often act like a grown up but just this once I will make an exception because I think you need to hear this," she swallowed and took a deep breath. "We all loved Mel very much before you came along. He helped each of us and our Masters greatly, most of us several times, in different ways and sometimes out of disastrous situations, like Dianne. He could always be counted on to look after those he cared about. It is that bond he had with us that drew you into our circle so fast." Bella had begun to chew her lip her face clouding over.

"It is why we all care so much about what you do and why we constantly want to see that you are coping." She saw Bella's face fall further but didn't relent. "What I am trying to say not very well is you are one of us now, like it or not, and each of us girls and our Masters feel a certain responsibility toward you, because if it was us, and it has been in the past, he would do it without hesitating and you have to let us, for his sake and to help everyone else heal just as you're trying to. He really was a compassionate man beneath that sadistic bastard exterior; you know this, just as well as I do." Bella nodded her eyes glistening.

"So now that you have made up your mind what it is you need to help you finally heal, you have to let the rest of us in and let us heal in our own way by keeping you close and remembering the man who loved you above all others." Sara finally finished her lecture and hugged Bella to her. 

"Now we have had our turn to make sure you are healing, go and reassure Daddy and Stephen, they worry too much," she grinned, "Any monkey with half a brain can see you are starting to live again; we just need to get you your own happily ever after." She released Bella, "In time, not just yet, you still have a lot of frogs to kiss on the way to finding prince charming. Though Uncle Billy is a very good start," she giggled.

*****

The next morning as he sat receiving a well-executed cock sucking, Sire considered the girl that was, for all intents and purposes, his for the next week. Her limits had far exceeded what he expected from a girl of her stature. The first night and following day he had subjected her to a myriad of restraints, utensils, toys and tools of which the bullwhip seemed to be the only one that she had almost safe worded with.




Possessing Bella Ch. 03



The second day he had pushed her to endure water sports and almost forced her to scat, but she saved herself and him by safe wording much to his relief. He did, however, introduce her to the soapy water enema and the idea of bukkake though, not the reality and all through this he had proceeded to infantilise her to various stages and ages making her safe word twice more. The younger he made her, the more limits he found and by the end of the second day he was happy that she would use her safe word if needed. 

The third day had been about practises that if not treated with the appropriate respect could damage her mind and body permanently. Wax Play seemed to be within her limits although it bordered on soft, so he had amped it up a notch. The morning had been mostly taken up with piercing needles and hooks, tattoo guns and weapons, but she had safe worded each of them much to his delight.

He smiled as he watched her, exhibitionism and humiliation on a bigger scale, perhaps with multiple partners would be an interesting test of her limits as well as the cultural and social expectations of her dominants. He smiled knowing where they would head to on their road trip and in his mind plotted the journey and the number of days it would take. He would let Stephen know before they left. Despite the initial bristling of alpha personalities, he quite liked the austere man and could see he only held the best interests of the girl and his friends at heart. In many ways, Stephen reminded him of Mel but without the towering reputation to go along with the persona.

He groaned as she took him deeply, swallowing around the head of his cock and revelling in how easily she had picked up his preferred style of cock sucking. The door at the other end of the loft opened and closed making Bella freeze in her movements.

"Keep sucking," Sire growled putting his hand heavily on her head before calling out, "About time you got here, make yourself at home I am just feeding the new baby breakfast." Sire chuckled, and Bella heard a second voice call out.

"Fuck, old man, do you ever stop," the masculine voice said and Bella heard the heavy fall of boots and the squelch of his body sinking into the leather of a nearby chair.

"Not when it's this good," Sire continued to chuckle before groaning again as she took him to the balls sucking hard and deeply. "Oh yeah," he pressed her head down hard, holding her for long seconds before pulling her back up and cumming loudly, spurting ribbons of cum onto her tongue which she obediently swallowed. Allowing her a few moments to drain and clean him as he regained his control he finally pulled her up to the couch with him and turned her to meet the voice.

"Bella this is Pete, my son," Sire introduced her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Bella said masking her surprise. She knew that Sire was much older than her, but she hadn't expected him to have a son that looked middle aged. Pete like his father was tall and burly, with greying hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. He too wore biker leathers and Bella smiled as he greeted her in turn.

"Nice to meet you too, little one," he turned back to his father, "I don't know how you always manage to get the cute slutty ones!"

"Just lucky I guess. Did you bring it?" Sire seemed in good humour as he jostled Bella on his lap.

"Why else would I be here," he pointed to the box beside him. "This is for you little one, have a peek while I negotiate my bonus with the old man," he smirked at her. With an encouraging push, Sire helped her from his lap, and she stepped over to the box. 

"Wow! This is amazing," she exclaimed pulling the leather jacket from the box and holding it up. An embroidered image of Tinkerbelle sat on the back of the jacket causing her excitement. It was not quite Tinkerbelle though, the fairy had dark wavy hair much like Bella's instead of blonde. The name Tink curved slightly over the top of the image, and the name Bella hung in an equally slight curve around the bottom. It was exquisitely detailed, and she stared at it in awe.

"Can't send you on a road trip without your own jacket can we now," Pete grinned and turned back to Sire, "Now about my bonus."

"What do you want," Sire asked dubiously.

"A head job like the one I was just witnessed sounds about right," he smirked.

"Sure why not," he shrugged looking at Bella, whom he half expected to use her safe word. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised when she calmly handed Sire the Jacket to inspect and sank to her knees before Pete.

Pete stood eagerly and lowered his jeans kicking them off. Bella felt her mouth tilt up at the corners in a half-smile as she took note that the son was as well-endowed as his father if not more so, and she parted her lips slightly leaning forward to kiss the tip expecting him to sit again. Instead, he remained standing and gathered her hair into one hand holding it up from her face and tilting her head back slightly.

"Keep your eyes on mine the whole time understand?" he said brusquely. 

She nodded slightly within the firm hold he had on her hair and quietly murmured, "Yes, Sir."

"Good girl," he placed the tip of his cock between her lips and began moving in and out slowly filling her mouth as she gazed up at him. Bella realised this was a man who liked complete control and willingly gave herself over to his desires as she closed her lips into a tight ring around his cock. He bucked his hips pushing further and making her gag slightly, she noted a slight smile touching his eyes as she looked up at him. "Open," he commanded and she let her jaw drop opening her mouth wide for him as he drove deeply into her throat making her gag once again.

"Obedient little slut you have this time," he said to Sire.

"I'm a lucky man," Sire grinned back enjoying watching Bella take someone else's cock and feeling his own arousal begin to grow again.

Bella began to drool as she relaxed and gulped around the thick cock that buffeted at her throat. Her eyes began to mist and water, but she did not strain against the position he held her in as he fucked her face; instead she fixed her eyes on his as she blinked a tear to her cheek. This seemed to arouse him even more, and he yanked her head back further by the hair and stepping forward slightly lowered his ball sac into her wide open mouth.

Fluttering her tongue and sucking at the pebbled skin as best, she could in her position she took deep breaths through her nose knowing this was only a small respite. She could feel her own arousal build and the wetness of her cunt start to flow to her thighs. The ball sac was eventually pulled away, and the cock was returned to her mouth with more force, Pete held her head by her ears almost and began fucking in earnest uncaring, it seemed, of her lack of breath but making sure now and then not penetrate her throat as she sucked in air through her nose.

Pete was lost in Bella's teary eyes as he fucked her impressed by the slut at his feet and her willingness to be used in such a way. He gave himself over to the power she gave him and felt of the pleasure she afforded his cock groaning deeply before pulling out and spurting cum across her lips and tongue and then driving back into her warm wet mouth again. Finally satiated he collapsed back onto the chair.

Bella was so hot and needy for her own release as she was dropped from Pete's hands; she looked up at him with teary eyes and quietly said, "Thank you, Sir." Waiting for him to acknowledge her with a curt nod she turned and crawled back to Sire kneeling up before him. He looked down on her silently hoping she would ask for what she needed. "Please, Sire," she whispered, "Fuck me, Sire, I need to cum, please."

"I don't need to fuck you to make you cum," he growled and leaned forward pinching a nipple in each hand and twisting them until she whimpered loudly. "But seeing as you asked so nicely," he flipped open the chest beside him and wanting to show Pete just what she could endure he withdrew the tri-clamp set watching as Bella noted it and immediately spread her legs and laced her fingers behind her head in a display pose.

He glanced up, and Pete nodded appreciatively. Bella was panting heavily and whimpering loudly as finally satisfied by the positioning of the clamps he picked her up and placed her on her hands and knees on the low coffee table. Standing behind her, he entered her roughly making the clamps swing and Bella cry out both in pain and pleasure. He slowly withdrew from her and then slammed in again growling, "Is this what you need, little slut," he rammed into her with force.

"Yes. Oh yes please, fuck me Sire," she cried out knowing it would push him to use her harder. Sire enjoyed her begging; her neediness, and Bella knew that begging for what she wanted with dirty talk would get her what she needed and more on top of it. "I need to be fucked by a big cock like yours; I am such a cock hungry cum slut." She grimaced at the pain of the clamps as well as the words that fell from her mouth. 

"Fucking cock hungry whore, suck Pete's cock again make him hard so he can fuck you too, fucking slut," Sire's voice was filled with growling contempt as he slammed into her. The words barely penetrated her mind before Pete was standing before her with a half hard cock. He grabbed her hair and guided her mouth to his cock as Sire continued to slam into her. Her whimpers turned to gurgles as his cock rapidly grew in her mouth, her head and body moving by the pounding of Sire as Pete stood still looking into the girls face.

"Prepare yourself, slut," Sire growled as he leant over her body and tugged on the chain making her squeal around the cock in her mouth. As the clamp came loose from her clit she screamed, and Pete drove into her throat savouring the vibrations her pain gave her voice. Bella eyes rolled in her head, and she jerked spasmodically as she came hard between the two men. The men continued to fuck her hard as she continued to cum giving her little respite as Sire pulled the clamps from her nipples making her scream around the cock in her throat again.

Bella floated on a cloud of pain and pleasure losing track of herself and time until she finally found herself laying curled on the lounge still panting heavily as Sire stroked her hair and offering her water. He kissed her forehead, "Stay here until you feel up to a shower, you did very well, little one." Bella closed her eyes and stretched feeling her muscles loosen, and she turned to watch Sire as he spoke quietly to Pete.

*****

They travelled south through the mountainous hinterland and as the turned off the highway onto a route Bella knew all too well she stiffened on the back of the bike her muscles tense as she tightened her grip on Sire. She heard his voice through the headset in her helmet.

"What's wrong?" Sire's voice held concern.

"This is the route to my parent's home, and Mel's," she said back slowly and deliberately.

"I don't think you have to worry, where we are headed is off the main roads," he chuckled and felt her relax slightly. Bella said nothing, her mind on the last time she had seen her parents with Stephen and all that had occurred since then.

"Had it only been a week?" She wondered. It seemed so much longer since she had made the decision to return to Mel's world and had created a whirlwind in her life that found her now sitting on the back of a motorcycle cruising through the mountain roads that she knew could take her home if she chose. There was some small comfort in that despite her initial fears, should she need to escape, run away... Bella bit her lip she knew she wouldn't runaway and in fact felt like she couldn't, this was exactly what she had asked for. Mel had taken her and put her in situations and in the places he wanted her to be, this was completely different and she had to stop and remind herself that this was all her choice, she could say no; she could use her safe word; she could opt out at any time, without the need of escape or running away.

Mel had loved her and would always follow her she knew, though not consciously at the time, that he would not let her go. This man, on the other hand, had no such feeling toward her. He cared for her she knew, but it was nothing like the all-encompassing bond Mel had pressed upon her. She wondered if it was true that there was only ever one soul mate for another and that hers was now lost to this world. She felt the sadness of that thought engulf her and leaned her head against Sire's back as they rode, lost in her own thoughts.

True to his word, they had stayed off the main roads, visiting some glorious natural wonders and staying overnight in small bed and breakfast accommodation. He treated each location of as an opportunity for a photo shoot, dressing her or undressing her most often before binding her into various poses with rough rope and ragged strips of worn material. At first she had been self-conscious and worried that they may be discovered but as time when by and he used her body exquisitely for pleasure as well as modelling she relaxed and enjoyed the creative process with him.

Twice, in the time they had been on the road, a jogger or bush walker spied them and watched from a distance. On those occasions, Sire was not as sadistic as he might have other been allowing the voyeur to hear her begging for more as he used her harshly.

After a long ride several days into the journey, they pulled up in front of a seedy looking bar, loud music sang from the open windows along with loud voices and laughter. Bella curiosity was aroused as Sire dismounted from the bike allowing her to look properly at the bar. It was a freestanding weatherboard house that looked like it had been converted some time ago into a type of club rather than a bar. Sire picked her up off the bike and stood her on her feet before helping her take the helmet and jacket off. Looking around, she was amazed at the amount of bikes parked around the club.

She shivered as the night air curled around the sheer white top and flirted with the wide pleats of the leather skirt she wore. Her were nipples already held erect by the cuffs that adorned them but seemed to pucker more and press against the fabric of her blouse as he inspected her hair that had been pulled into two braids that hung over her shoulders. 

His hand slid over her breasts and then around and down her back eventually curling under her skirt to fondle her ass making her breathing speed up as she stood and accepted his caresses with a small smile. He leant down to kiss her forehead and smiled back.

"You look so adorably sexy tonight I could fuck you right here and now," he murmured low in her ear before straightening, taking her hand and moving towards the entrance of the building. "Stay beside me at all times do you understand?" Sire asked abruptly.

"Yes, Sire," Bella replied quickly knowing that he didn't have to ask. Her eyes widened at the two huge bikers standing at the entrance. 

"Fuck, Wildman, you don't bring a slut in for ages and when you do, she is jailbait. She got ID?" one of the huge men eyed Bella closely. "She doesn't look like she's out of diapers yet! Let alone able to handle this place."

"She older than your brat," he took Bella's ID from his own pocket and flashed it at them.

"Well fuck me," he laughed and leaned forward bumping shoulders with Wildman.

"Now would be a good time to use your safe word and decline his request," Sire chuckled to Bella.

"Fruitloops!" She squeaked as she giggled, and the stoic second man who hadn't moved or said anything roared with laughter.

"That's fuckin' priceless, Wildman. You'll have a hard time keeping her to yourself in there if everything she says is that cute," his deep rumbling laughter continued. 

"You think telling them her name is TinkaBella is too much then?" Sire said with a smirk making the man laugh more as he nodded.

"You know the rules Wildman, no tattoo no entry and I can't even see a fake one drawn on her hot little body," The first man continued to eye Bella closely making her uncomfortable.

Before she knew what was happening, Sire had grabbed her around the waist and picked her up, easily turning her upside down so that her skirt fell up and exposed her cunt to their view. "See that gentlemen? No need for fakery it's very real," Sire spoke with pride and Bella could feel someone's fingers trace the intricate pattern of the MM that had been Mel's moniker realising in a burst of clarity that upside down it could easily be mistaken for WW, William Wilder, aka Wildman. "Now get out of my way bozo before I give you a big red clown nose to match your attitude."

The second man erupted into loud laughter once again, and Sire carried Bella into the bar. The front room surprised her; she felt like she had walked into club med. A tropical feel permeated the place; a few men and women were standing or sitting around drinking and playing pool, the bar was staffed by topless women wearing lei's and flowers in their hair, though they could have been nude for all Bella knew as she couldn't see past their waists.

"I am just gonna grab a beer then I'll show you around," Sire rumbled into her ear and led her to the bar helping her up onto a tall bar stool. Calls of his name and the people who approached made Bella more than aware that Sire was a popular and well respected man amongst these people. She lost track of the names she was told as she was introduced to them and prayed she could get away with calling them Sir or Ma'am if their names did not spring to her mind when needed again.

"This," Sire said as he helped her down from the stool and took her hand, "Is the front bar." He led her toward the back of the room and through another door, "And this is the back bar," he smiled as she looked around. There were several TV screens set into the walls around which couches and low tables were laid out in circular patterns. A topless woman stood near the door offering towels to those who wanted them. Pulling her further into the room he made sure she had a good view of the action that was happening in several areas of the room. 

On one couch, a skinny blonde was on her knees resting her head on the armrest as she watched a porn video of a girl being fucked by two men simultaneously. As she knelt there another woman lay on her back between her legs eating her cunt as she in turn was being fucked by a man with a beard that stretched down to his chest. They seemed oblivious to the rest of the room or the watchers.

In another area of the room, a man and a woman sat dressed casually as if on a date and watched an action movie but each held the heavy chain leash of a young man and woman who sat on the floor in front of them stroking each other towards climax slowly, their eyes on their dominants as the movie played behind them. As Bella continued to look around the room, she felt her own arousal build at the sights and sounds. One other group looked to be resting after their exertions as they lay over each other breathing heavily. 

While the sexual themes of Mel's club were equal to this, aside of the spotlighted stages most play happened in the private rooms there. Bella tried to imagine what this room would look like on a busy weekend and if the groups intermingled to become just one big orgy. She jumped as she felt Sire's hand dip under her skirt and fondle her cunt lightly. 

"I knew you would enjoy it here, you're such a needy little slut," he said louder than Bella would have liked as he stroked her clit making her blush deeply even though no one else in the room seemed to acknowledge their presence. He pulled his hand away as her breathing increased to a pant and clicked his tongue at her, "Not yet, greedy girl." He offered her his finger to clean and smiled down on her as she sucked it softly.




Possessing Bella Ch. 03



Sire drew her forward again toward the other end of the room and through a large door again onto a covered deck. It was decorated like a beach resort with a large bubbling spa as it central feature and a small bar to the side. "This is what we call the nudist colony; nudity is not only expected out here but often enforced," he grinned down at her and ran a hand over her covered breasts. "We still need to find Ruth, so you can keep your clothes," he paused for emphasis, "For now."

Once again girls with towels stood near the door and almost every space around the spa was taken with thin mattresses like those used on chairs around pools but without the chair structure. Two couples lounged around, naked and seemingly unconcerned as she and Sire looked around and went back into the room from which they had come. She noted the lockers along the wall that led back into the club and tilted her head as understanding dawned. 

Bella was anxious and excited all at once. She didn't know if she dreaded being exposed here or wanted it. She had been practically exposed in Mel's club more than once but the scraps of fabric he had dressed her in had been some protection from out and out nudity. He had also used her in front of others more than once, but those occasions had only included one other person mostly. The only real exception had been the club in Singapore, but she had been hidden under the table as she had sucked his cock, being fucked in such an open space with as many voyeurs as cared to watch was something else entirely.

Holding his hand tightly so he could not abandon her here, she walked back through what she thought of as the orgy room with him her eyes scanning the small groups once more. She was so taken by the rearrangement of the trio watching the porn video that she hadn't noticed the man coming towards them smiling until he spoke.

"Wildman! About bloody time you got here." A man who was as tall as Sire and even wider embraced him in a bear hug before he turned to Bella and picked her up in a similarly crushing hug that made her squeak. "So this is the little fairy that has captured your attention lately."

The two men towered above her when he put her back on her feet. Both were well over a foot taller than her, and while Sire was muscular and thick set; Ruth was a mammoth man who obviously enjoyed the excesses his success allowed him.

"Come," he encouraged them, "I have a prize if she passes initiation."

Bella froze at the word initiation, and Sire saw her stiffen. He smiled, maybe she did have some real sense of self-preservation when not entirely sure of her surroundings and the people in them, he had not told her she could trust Ruth, as Rob had with himself, so he understood and was pleasantly surprised by her momentary reluctance. This should be an interesting evening, and he grinned as she looked up at him chewing her lip and taking his hand once again.

Bella walked with the men back through the front bar and to the side where a staircase led upwards. At the top of the staircase was a long hallway with doors leading off it at regular intervals.

"You planning on staying tonight I take it?" Ruth said to Sire as they walked along the corridor. 

"Yeah, I am thinking so. I doubt this little slut will fail your test," he chuckled, and Ruth smiled slyly.

"You know why they call me Ruth?" The big man had turned to address Bella.

"No, Sir," Bella said with a steadier voice than her nervousness would have let her in the past.

"It's short for Ruthless," he gave her a hard look before letting his smile quirk at the corners of his mouth. "He," he jerked his head in Sire's direction, "Knows me well and trusts me with your hot little body," he paused to watch her face for signs of fear or reluctance but she gazed steadily at him the only clue that she even considered his words threatening was the lip that suddenly caught between her teeth as she gazed up at him with those brilliant green eyes that captured his attention. 

"You can take three tonight," he nodded at Sire and Bella looked at the door they had stopped in front of. 

Sire let go of her hand and leaned down to kiss her forehead, "Trust and obedience little one," he murmured, and louder he said to Ruth, "Her safe word is Fruitloops, should she use it, we leave." There was a tone in his voice that indicated that he believed if she did use the word it would not be her that would bear the brunt of his disappointment.

Ruth turned and moved up the hallway expecting the girl to follow him. Bella took one last look at Sire and resolutely followed the giant, Ruth, up the hallway. He opened the door at the end of the hallway and held it open as she entered and looked around. The click of the door when it closed made her jump. She turned around and looked up at the big man as he towered above her, unsure what to do.

"So how do you like my club?" He smiled down on her and moved toward a low couch where he sat heavily indicating she should take a seat on the mat opposite him. Between them stood what Bella had originally mistaken for a small side table but the surface was more like a shallow bowl balanced on the four legs.

"It is very different to the clubs I know Sir," Bella said softly not exactly sure how she should answer. This club lacked the richness of the decor or the darkened mood of most clubs she had ever been in regardless of whether they catered to the lifestyle or not.

"Of course it is," Ruth chuckled, "No pretentious pricks would come here to drink kava and bask in island life with me." He watched as Bella tilted her head not quite understanding his words and jumped as a woman appeared beside her. The woman had beautiful shiny raven hair that hung straight down her back curling under her ass as she knelt and smiled at Bella. Bella took in her caramel coloured skin almost jealously as she smiled in return and noted the tattooed tribal armbands that adorned her biceps.

"This is my woman, Mata'Mo'Ana, you will call her Ana. She will prepare you for the ceremony," Ruth announced and heaved his bulk from the low seat to tower over the women. He looked down on them for several minutes before turning and leaving the room without another word. Bella let go of the breath she had not realised she had been holding as the door clicked closed once again.

"Do not look so worried, he likes to act all intimidating but he is a soft heart in truth," Ana said with a rich accent.

"It is more that I don't really understand what is going on or what I am doing here that worries me," Bella admitted. "They said something about an initiation and after seeing down stairs when I arrived," her voice trailed off and she looked down at her hands which lay in her lap. Ana could see the tension in the girl and began to do her best to ease her mind.

"Tui created this place as a kalapu or kava club with his father when he was younger. In Tonga, Samoa and a range of pacific islands kava is a drink that the men share during big ceremonies as well as informally on occasion," she paused to let Bella take in the explanation and information about the club.

"Who is Tui?" She tilted her head as the woman smiled at her.

"Tui is also known as Ruthless or Ruth to his friends," she explained. "Now you must learn what to do at the kava ceremony we do not have as much time as I would like so I will explain as we go. Are you ready?" Ana looked at Bella seriously.

Bella nodded but in truth she was not sure what she was ready for at all. They walked to another room, and as Ana assembled equipment she explained the traditions of the Kava drink and the various ceremonies found on a variety of pacific islands and laughed with Bella as she explained the diluted form called grog. Tui was originally from Tonga and as his name suggested he was a relative of the king, albeit a distant one. Because of this the drinking of kava and its ritual held strong meaning for him.

"In Tonga, kava is drunk nightly at kalapu which is the Tongan word for club. Only men are allowed to drink the kava, although women who serve it may be present. The female server was traditionally a young virgin woman called the touʻa. These days, it is imperative that the touʻa not be related to anyone in the kalapu because it would be impossible to judge her honestly. Foreign girls are often invited to be a touʻa for a night for this reason, and so if there were men who felt so inclined to judge her fully they could make her an indecent offer without retribution from the family. The kava is served in rounds from coconut cups and has a euphoric effect on the drinkers who will often sing traditional love songs accompanied by guitar, and talk of the tou'a talents." Ana finally finished her explanation.

All through her talking Ana patiently taught Bella how to prepare the drink using Fu'u a powdered form of the Kava usually reserved for the Tongan royal family that Tui had imported at regular intervals through the year. The process of adding liquid and kneading the powdered root into fibrous dough before creating the drink in the large ornamental wooden kettle was quite daunting, but Bella persevered until it neared perfection.

Ana then took her to dress appropriately for the ceremony and Bella worried that the night grew too late, but the other woman seemed in no rush as she helped Bella undress and modelled how to position the floral lei's over her shoulders and around her hips finishing by placing several flowers in her hair. Before they left the isolation of the rooms and made their way, downstairs Ana stopped Bella and turned her, so they faced each other. 

"Though the men believe this ceremony to be all about them, and their dominance over women, it is not that way at all," she began. "Watch carefully those whom you serve tonight because once in the relaxed state kava induces, you will see the true nature of the man emerge as he drops his guard." As always Bella remained silent when given new information and chewed her lip as she thought over what Ana had said. "If a young woman is being courted she will see the true nature of the man when she acts as Tou'a for him, if he holds to his words and beliefs or if he has bad thoughts in his mind and his deeds."

Bella nodded her understanding and followed Ana downstairs wearing nothing but the flower lei's with her head held high knowing she would hold a position of importance in the ceremony tonight and needed to act appropriately. They went out to the back deck area, where nudity was insisted upon and walked toward the place where a group of several men sat in a circle on the same low cushions, including the giant, Ruth and Sire. Each sat with crossed legs exposing their nudity seemingly unconcerned and a quick glance around told Bella none had anything to be shy about in the group.

Anna hung back from the circle standing some distance behind Ruth smiling encouragingly as Bella took her place before the wooden stand holding the kettle of water. She took her pouch of Fu'u and emptied it into a small shallow dish that was set before the kettle and as the men began to talk around her once again she began the intricate ceremony of preparation. As Ana had taught her, she remained unhurried and went through all of the stages slowly and carefully as the men around her commented on her technique. Eventually, she strained the first ladleful into a coconut up and unfurled from her kneeling position to present it to Ruth with her head bowed. 

He in turn took it with an equal ritual and toasted his culture, his friends and the tou'a. Each man followed suit as she served him and by the time she had finished serving the final man in the group she found that the original cup given to Ruth was empty, and she immediately began the second round. During that second round, the comments on her technique ceased, and she found herself blushing as they commented on her body from the curls in her hair to her bald cunt and the colour of her labia.

The second round was taken slower, and she found she had time to sit and stir the drink before she was called to refill and cups again. The brew becoming more potent with each round and a guitar was pulled up by one of the men and singing began. She was stunned by the beautiful harmonies these men created as they sang 

The small half shelled coconut cups barely held more than three mouthfuls of the drink, but Sire declined a third as the other men drank on. Bella could see the men visibly relax under the influence of the kava, and their talk became lewder in reference to her physique and how the little fairy girl could not possibly handle taking any of the well-hung men present into her tiny cunt. 

"She is not the naïve little girl you take her for," Sire chuckled, "her last lover's cock would make you all look like young boys in comparison" there was a ripple of laughter amongst the men.

"Is that so," the man Bella recognised and Bozo, who had questioned them when they had entered earlier, "Well she ain't with him now, maybe he gave up trying to get into that tight little box." Bella felt her heart stop as the man spoke about Mel as if he were still alive and lowered her head so no one would see the pain that crossed her face. 

"He died knowing just how good it was something I doubt you'll ever know now," Sire rumbled watching Bella's reaction. He could see the rise and fall of her shoulders as she took a deep breath in practised calming of her emotions. 

"He probably kil..." Boza began with a malicious tone in his voice.

"I think I will make your Tou'a an offer she can't refuse," Sire said cutting off the nasty words falling from Bozo's mouth, "If that's okay with you Ruth?"

"If you waited any longer I would have myself," Ruth grinned and beckoned Bella to him before pulling her into a strong embrace. "You have done well little fairy, you have earned your prize." He smiled, "Help Ana with the food before you hear this offer you cannot refuse, please."

The two women carried platters of what looked to Bella to be cabbage rolls and some sort of dumplings around to the men who ate with their fingers. As she went to Bozo, he grabbed her hand almost toppling the tray and held her in place murmuring, "So what happened, old sugar Daddy had a heart attack before you could take him for all his money, little slut?" Bella tried to pull her arm free without causing a scene, but it was impossible. "I know your type; I should teach you a lesson, but you would probably like that, wouldn't you? Fucking whore," he sneered.

"Fruitloops," whispered from her mouth but she didn't have to say it any louder as seeing what was happening Sire was already on his feet but having been stopped by Ruth he stood in his place as Ruth walked over and slammed his fist into Bozo's jaw sending him toppling backwards pulling Bella with him and spilling the tray of food.

It all happened so fast that the next thing she knew she was over Sire's shoulder in his typical fireman's hold and he was taking the stairs two at a time. Sire dumped her on the bed and stood over her looking around briefly. "Good your clothes are here."

"I am so sorry, Sire," Bella whispered sadly, "I never meant..."

"You have nothing to be sorry for," He said gently as he squatted down in front of her coming to her level for a change. "This was my fault entirely. I stupidly brought up your last Master. I was not thinking, forgive me." Sire looked at her seriously. "I apologise for putting you in a situation like that." He took her face between his hands and kissed her softly. "In truth I am proud of you, for recognising you were at a limit and could not take any more."

"I was just shocked. I mean I have been kept away from any media or innuendo about the age difference between Mel and I. I never really thought about how it must have looked to people who didn't know us." Tears glistened in her eyes as she spoke. "I really am sorry I ruined your evening, kava is supposed to be relaxing, and euphoric, and I made it all wrong."

"You did not such thing," Ruth boomed from the doorway making Bella jump. "You will stay tonight, we will talk over breakfast, and you will receive your prize," he commanded and then jerked his head at Sire.

"I'll be right back," Sire kissed Bella's forehead and followed Ruth from the room at the doorway figures crowded and Bella feeling guilt and shame hung her head.

Ana entered after he had left with a smile. "We women see the true face of Kava, and it is not always handsome." The quietly spoken woman smiled slyly; speaking of handsome there is another who wishes to see that you are unharmed by the incident." She stood aside, and another tall form filled the doorway.

"Jake!" Bella exclaimed. "I mean, Sir Jake," Bella immediately corrected herself making him chuckle.

"Hello Bella," he said laconically, "Stephen asked me to check on you this time, he was not very impressed that you were going to be here. I, on the other hand, am loving it, the food is amazing." He said trying to put her at ease over his sudden unannounced presence.

"I haven't had time to try anything," Bella said softly but with a smile, "It looked really good though." Jake raised an eyebrow at her words. And she quickly amended what she had said. "I mean I have just been so busy so far tonight, I have been eating everything I can get my hands on lately, I can't wait to come back to the club and pick from your menu again." Jake laughed loudly. 

"Good, I will expect you as soon as you return. I will make you something special, Sunday night," he winked, "Come lets go grab a drink." He extended his hand to her and frowned when she didn't immediately take it.

"I am under the protection and guidance of Sire, Wildman, so I really should wait for him to come back before going anywhere," Bella chewed her lip and looked up at Jake.

"I had forgotten what a good girl you were," Jake sat on the bed beside her, "We wait then and you can tell me how happy you have been since I saw you last. Could you get order some fabulous food for when we make it downstairs?" Jake addressed Ana.

"Of course," she said and left the room. Jake had an easy going attitude to life just like Rob. Much the same way Rob had balanced out the severe controlling ways of Mel, so Jake seemed to balance out Stephen. As they chatted she could understand why each man had chosen the other to work with as Mentor, and she smiled at the similarity between them, Bella could have almost been having a conversation with Rob as she sat talking about her time with Sire.

Jake was pleased that she had come to know some of her own limits and would use a safe word when pushed too far. He had been unsure about this whole scheme to train the girl with a variety of masters pulled from the stakeholders group but clearly this time with Sire had been beneficial on a number of levels.

Sire returned a much calmer man and happily shook hands with Jake relieved that it was not Stephen who had come to meet them at the kava club. In his own mind, he had planned for it to be Jake who met them, but he could never be quite sure, Stephen seemed to take his duties so seriously where Bella was concerned, the meeting with him at Charles and Sarah's home had been eye-opening to say the least.

They made their way back downstairs together, walking through the front bar Bella was aware that she remained clad only in the flower lei's she had worn while serving the kava. The orgy room had filled further since she had come in during the afternoon, and there was action all over the place to accompany the porn that streamed through the screens above the small sets of furniture. Making their way out to the back bar Bella stood as the men disrobed and looked around. The action from the orgy room had spilled out slightly to this area so that a couple lay twisted together around the spa.




Possessing Bella Ch. 03



Moving up beside the bar, Sire easily lifted Bella onto a tall bar stool. By invitation they took the food that awaited them and returned to the men who still sat around the kava circle singing and drinking. Rather than returning to the centre of the circle Bella sat between Sire and Jake and felt as if she was cocooned within a safe bubble. Ruth joined them after a while and blocked her view of the rest of the room with his enormous size, so she took to studying the sleeve of tattoo's that covered Jakes left arm and the left side of his upper chest. She became mesmerised by the design, and her eyes grew heavy as she listened half-heartedly to the conversation around her until the conversation turned fully onto her and her attributes once more.

"I was hoping to have her experience the feeling of being shared here tonight, I don't believe she has ever been taken by multiple partner before and I believe she is a slut who would very much enjoy it," Sire looked down on her, "Not to mention how much I would enjoy watching it." Bella felt her chest tighten in anxiousness but the muscles in her cunt flexed in excitement at the thought of being used in the orgy room.

It was with surprise that Sire picked her up announcing, "But it seems it's past the little one's bed time, if you will excuse us gentlemen." There were murmurs of disappointment from the circle but none moved to stop them from leaving.

"I am not so tired," Bella whispered into Sires ear as he moved toward where he and Jake had placed their clothes in a locker. He held her away from him and looked into her eyes jusging her words through her eyes.

"Each of those men have expressed some desire are you sure this is what you want?" He had turned back toward the group so she could see them men that sat watching them. "It has been a long eventful day and I will not push you to this unless it is something you want to do."

Bella gnawed on her lip anxiously but seeing the excitement mirrored in Sire's eyes she nodded, "You will stay and make sure I am safe and looked after, so I have nothing to fear," she gave her thoughts voice.

"Trust me, little slut," Sire grinned and nodded to Tui who heaved his bulk from the low seat and lead the men into the orgy room. He lead the way to a small circular setting beside the small bar area that seemed to be reserved for his use. Bella looked at the action that happened all around the room as they walked through, her eyes wide as she tried to make out the intricate daisy chains. It seemed that no genital or breast was left uncovered by hand, mouth or groin and she marvelled at the air of abandon and the volume of noise that surrounded her.

Sire put her down on the low round table in the middle of the of the space and she looked around nervously. Tua passed Sire a blindfold explaining the tradition that she not see who it is who takes up the option to test out the tou's attributed before making a formal offer to her family to take her into his home. "As with many of the old traditions it does not really fit in this setting as such but I enjoy the ritual of it and would like her to wear it," Tui smiled down on her and she nodded her acceptance.

Sire bent to place the blindfold on her murmuring, "The first cock you suck will be mine, then I will stay close, you will be safe."

"I know," Bella said equally quietly letting her statement convey her trust in him as she lost the use of her sight. She felt Sires hands lifting her from where she had sat back in her heels to position her on her hands and knees. She breathed deeply and felt a thrill run up her spine as she parted her lips slightly accepting the cock she had grown to know so well over the last few weeks. She could hear the appreciative comments murmured about her technique and how deeply she took the cock in her into her throat as she gurgled and drooled. 

Jake watched on, unlike Stephen he had no qualms when it came to group sex and was pleasantly surprised when a bowl of condoms was passed amongst the group on men. He had been told as he sat that the object of this scene was to cum on the girl not in her, coating her with the proof of their arousal and desire, with no risk of impregnation, much like the Japanese did in the bukkake ceremony. He watched as a young man stepped behind her and rolled a condom over his cock.

Sire pulled from Bella mouth with a growl and sprayed his load over her face as she whimpered and panted, bucking back into the fucking she was receiving from the young man who seemed equally enthusiastic. Sire fell back into a chair breathing heavily as a new cock took his place at her mouth. Though dominant in their own culture few of these men were dominant in the sense of bondage and sire could see Bella heated body quiver without any of the real enjoyment that pleasure mixed with pain gave her. The man behind Bella pulled out and tearing at the condom pumped his cock as he walked to her head pulling her face up from the cock she was sucking and spraying his load over her tits as she squealed and gasped for breath. 

Letting go of her Bella dropped to the table heavily and found hand rolled her to her back. She felt the cock sliding past her lips again as a new cock entered her cunt. Hands grabbed at her breasts teasing at the nipples and she gurgled in pleasure as they were pinched hard. If she could have begged for more she would have as the small tingling sensation the pinch gave her died quickly and her arousal ebbed rather than built to the bigger highs that would see her explode in orgasm.

"These tits are hardly worth fucking, but if I remember correctly, they colour nicely," Jake smirked at Sire and lashed a hand out to slap the side of one breast, quickly following it with the same to the other. Jake had not finished with her though, knowing exactly what Mel was like he pinched her nipples and twisted them as he leaned down near her ear, "You're loving this are you little slut, all this fucking and sucking but I know what her need. He released her nipples and slapped at her tits again enjoying the muffled cries and watching her body buck as if begging for more.

Bella froze momentarily; she had forgotten Jake was there until she heard his voice. The pain ignited in her brain and she bucked into the man who was fucking her who groaned appreciatively feeling her muscles tighten around his cock. She blushed at the thought of Jake reporting back the events of this night and could feel the cum drying on her face and tits. Blocking his voice from her now fevered brain Bella let herself enjoy the sensations of the cocks and cum as she lay in the centre of a group of men like a prized fuck toy.

Jake steeped back as the two men withdrew from her and simultaneously sprayed their cum over her belly, tits and face. Taking control, Jake pulled her back up to her hands and feet entering her roughly and curling his hand around her thigh the pinch and twist her swollen clit. She cried out in pain and pleasure until she was silenced again by the big man Tui who rammed his cock into her throat.

Bella let her jaw go slack, not knowing whose cock she sucked or who fucked her but she guessed it was Jake who tortured her clit as she his free hand slap her ass. She was close to coming and her body trembled, her knees wobbling on the table surface. The slap continued and Bella came hard her cunt pulsing around the cock as she cried out around the cock in her throat making the man before her groan loudly and pull from her mouth sprating her yeat again with his cum. Her face felt like it dripped with slime as the cock pulled from her cunt and angled itself at the tiny dark star or her ass.

Another cock forced its way past her gasping lips as Jake pushed forward passed the tight ring of her anus. Bella howled around the cock her mouth tears falling freely mixing with the cum and drool that already covered her face as she continued to cum the waves rolling through her body. Though she knew no one could see her eyes rolled in her head with the painful pleasure the unseen men gave her and she lost herself in the high she floated on losing track of how long she remained there.

Sire watched as Bella's body twitched and jerked between the two men, he could see that she was now floating on a high that would see her pass out if the waves continued to roll through her body, he stood and placed his hand on her waist to support her. The men seeing his move allowed themselves to finish quicker than they may have otherwise stepping away as Sire softly lowered her to the table in a twitching sticky puddle of cum before adding their own to her body and face.

Bella panted and whimpered as she slowly came back down to earth, her eyes fluttering as the blindfold was removed. Sire helped her to sip at water before moving back to his own chair and resuming the conversation as she lay on the table in the middle of the circle recovering. 

Fluttering her eyes open at the touch of a tender hand Bella smiled softly seeing Ana beside her with a wooden bowl and cloth. Her heavy eyelids closed again though and she let herself be moved by the soft touches of Ana until she was lifted into Sires arms and carried upstairs.

Once her breathing had returned to normal, Sire bid his friend Goodnight and picked her up. Bella snuggled close as Sire uncharacteristically held her close as he walked up to the room they would share. It was very late and seeing that she was exhausted Sire took her flowers off and lay her carefully in bed, sliding in beside her and pulling her to him.

"Sleep now, little one," he murmured softly.

*****

In the morning, they ate breakfast in the big suite that Ruth occupied with Ana, having the two women serve the men from platters of tropical fruit and small platters of toasted thick chunks of bread, as well as ham and eggs. Bella was presented, with great ceremony, a kava making and serving complete with a kettle and small shallow bowl on legs. As their journey would be ongoing for a few more days yet, Jake offered to take it to her apartment for her, and she gratefully accepted after promising Ruth she would practise and renew her skills whenever she could.

They were leaving the club through the front bar when she was stopped by a hand on her arm. Startled she turned and looked up into the bruised face of the man who had accosted her the night before.

"I apologise for the way I treated you, as tou'a you deserved respect, and I am shamed," he said softly. 

"May I have a moment, please," Bella had quickly turned to look up at Sire and Jake feeling them bristle behind her. Sire nodded curtly but did not move from her side.

"I realise now, that you must have been hurting yourself to have said the things you did to me. My Master died protecting me from a hail of bullets; I knew even when we weren't together he was protecting me; he loves and protects me even now," she looked up at Jake and Sire. "He made sure I knew just how precious I was to him. He followed me every time I fled from a challenge, he compromised and forgave me for being foolish. If your heart is so broken that it messes with your head then find her and forgive her for whatever she has done because there are never enough hours in the day to waste them on jealousy and hurt."

The man stood stunned as Bella reached up a hand and placed it over his heart before turning away and leaving the building. It took Sire and Jake a moment to follow her out. "That was very well said little one," Sire said with a smile, "Perhaps I underestimated you once again."

"I think everyone underestimates this girl," Jake hugged her, "Call if you need me, I will see you back at the club in a few days." Bella watched him move to his own bike as they made their way to Sire's and found herself grateful that Stephen had not been there to witness the scene of the night before or all her plans might have vetoed immediately.

They travelled through the wild bushlands for several more days, discovering rocky outcroppings and beautiful hidden waterfalls, before finally heading back to civilization and the end of their time together.



Possessing Bella Ch. 04



Bella woke in her own bed to the cheerful tunes of morning radio and felt an odd aloneness engulf her. She blinked her eyes to full wakefulness and looked around her room. She knew she had to move and contemplated the vast warehouse space that Sire lived in. That was not really what she wanted either. Truth be told; she didn't know what she wanted except that she didn't want to be here surrounded by all the things that were Mel.

She rolled out of bed and stretched her aching body. Sire had used her well over the last few days and as she walked to the bathroom, past the mirror, she noted some bruising that would take a day or two to heal. Going through her morning ritual of a full body shave in a steamy shower she considered what her priorities would be for the following weeks in the business world. She looked forward to the challenge of working with Kurt, and she smiled as she dried her hair and did her makeup.

Still clad only in her underwear she went to the kitchen in search of something for breakfast. She had made Sire some promises before he finally left her last night and one of them was to continue eating properly. She found as always that her kitchen was fully stocked and silently thanking Rob, who watched over her, agreed that living here did have its perks despite her feeling trapped by the memory of Mel. She ate cereal and toasted fruit loaf before going to get dressed.

She planned to go into the company early but realised she had no idea if there had been office changes or even how she would get there. She assumed Kurt would be in early and decided to head down to the front desk and get them to call her a cab or a company car. Leaving her apartment, she noticed the door to Rob's apartment open and poked her head in. 

"Good morning, sweet thing," Rob greeted her from the comfortable lounge where he sat with a stocky looking man. "I have been waiting for you to emerge."

"Good morning Master Rob," Bella said cheerily. "Good morning," she added greeting the other man whom she did not know.

"This is Lincoln," Rob said by way of introduction, "He will be your driver while you're in town."

"Oh, I am sure I don't need a driver all of my own I was just thinking about buying a small car that I could just drive to work every day and maybe home on the weekends," she was startled by the announcement. "My old one seemed to have died, when I saw it at my parents place a few weeks ago."

"With traffic and parking and all it's just better this way," Rob reassured her while imposing what he wanted. "Stephen or I can take you home if you want to go on the weekend," he smiled. "It is always good to see Jenny when I am down there.

"Oh, okay, I guess," Bella acquiesced. "I just didn't want to put anyone to any trouble when I am happy to drive myself."

"No trouble at all," Lincoln said standing up, "I'd be out of a job otherwise. I am guessing you are ready to go then?"

"Yes, please," Bella grinned before turning back to Rob, "Do you know if they have changed the offices yet?"

"They have, but stop in and see Dianne and Kurt when you arrive they will be expecting you," Rob suggested. "It's good to have you back, Bella. Have dinner with me tonight."

"I sort of promised Jake I would have dinner with him at the club tonight and let him show me a new dish he was trying out," she said thoughtfully.

"Ah, good we can catch up there," he smiled, and she chewed her lip wondering if Jake would mind but she guessed not and returned his smile. He stood up with them and prepared to leave, "I might come in for the morning and see the shenanigans that go on with your return," he gave a small laugh at the look of horror on her face. "Rumour has it that your about to mount a hostile takeover," he laughed more fully, "and I have decided I want to see that."

"Well, you know, with the backing of a Middle Eastern prince and all," she said flippantly, but inwardly she groaned. She had just hoped to slide in undetected and start on her business plan that would begin a new career for her, one she had been really looking forward to getting off the ground.

She had just spent two weeks without the constant reminder of Mel and the pitying looks of her friends and now faced with the reality of it again her enthusiasm to return to the company waned. Taking a deep breath she resolutely took up the small briefcase that held her phone and wallet and a lot of empty space. Then she walked with the men down to the car park beneath the building.

Rob asked about her time with Sire on the short drive making her promise to tell him more when they saw each other that evening. Bella wasn't sure if she wanted to share very much of what had occurred during the two weeks with Sire. She was still working through all she had learned in her own mind, but she loved Rob and knew that he cared about her and only asked out of concern for her so she had agreed.

They entered the building through the foyer and as usual Bella was greeted warmly as if she had always belonged here in the world of big business and so she smiled and greeted everyone in turn. The lift was crowded, and small soft voices welcomed her back and said they were glad to see her looking so well. She did her best to make polite conversation and thank each person, but she was grateful as each of them exited on various floors before she reached the top.

Walking through to the executive suites, Bella endured another round of greeting and small talk until finally she stood in the anteroom hugging Dianne, who held her away and looked at her critically. "Had to run the gauntlet on the way up, didn't you honey?" She asked hugging Bella to her a second time.

"Yeah, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised, it will take a while for people to get used to seeing me every day again. I am really looking forward to starting this business plan though," she said her enthusiasm lightening her voice.

"I'm going to check in with Kurt," Rob said moving toward the door to the office, "You two girls take a minute, come in when you're ready."

Bella watched as the door to Kurt's office opened and closed. It felt strange knowing this was now Kurt's office, when it had always been Mel's. She had not been back in here since shortly after his death; when she had had a total emotional meltdown and her space here at the company had been changed. She looked with new eyes around the ante room that was now Dianne's office and had once been hers.

It had been redecorated and if she hadn't had the time to think about it she probably would not have even known it was the same office; it had been altered so dramatically. "I love what you've done out here," She said overly brightly.

"I am so glad you approve," Dianne again gave her an appraising look. "Oh Honey, we are all just trying to move on, in our own ways, it's okay to feel..."

"I know," Bella said softly reassuring her quickly, "It's all amazing really!" but her enthusiasm wasn't conveyed in the tone of her voice. Dianne frowned at her, and she continued quickly, "It will just take a little bit of time to get used to all the changes that's all. You really have done a great job."

"Well then brace yourself Honey," Dianne stepped behind Bella and took her by the shoulders as she propelled her towards the door to what was once Mel's office. Bella placed her hand momentarily on the closed door fighting the urge to drop to her knees before finally opening it and stepping in. 

The changes in the vast office were startling, and Bella stood just inside the door, feeling unsure of herself. Kurt beckoned her further into the room and got up from his desk to embrace her. "How was your little adventure? Are you ready to get down to some serious business?" His smile was wide, and she felt the warmth of more than just his arms as they engulfed her.

"I'm looking forward to it!" Bella squeaked as she was crushed in the embrace.

"Good, I have made some plans for this week, but first things first, your new office and you will have to start interviewing for a new assistant," he stopped speaking as she gasped.

"Dorothea's not coming back?" she asked confused.

"She will be here to help you get set up, but it is best of you have someone else, especially for the travel you will need to undertake," Kurt said in a tone that sounded as if this was not a negotiable decision and Bella chewed at her lip once again nodding slightly. Kurt became suddenly serious, "Rob and I have discussed it, and we don't want any more dangerous liaisons like those down at the beach house. Dorothea is your friend and she loves you that, those things don't necessarily make for a good assistant. Understand?"

"Yes, Master," she said quietly. She was sad thinking that the consequences of her own actions had caused this but perhaps all was not lost as an inkling of an idea formed in her brain.

"Good," he gave her one of his boyish grins, "Now I have drawn up a draft schedule for this week, it will be a tough schedule but we have a lot to do in a small amount of time before you gallivant off on another adventure," he gave her a teasing look. "If changes need to be made, Dianne is the person to speak to or Patrick in her absence.

Confusion showed on her face as she went through her brain and found Patrick and Rhys from her last trip to the company. She smiled, as he handed her the draft schedule and a several other small folders.

"This is a short list for your personal assistants, this is a list of possible decorators for your new office, this," he held up a royal blue folder, "Is your business plan with quite a considerable amount of revision notes and suggestions. Read it carefully today, we will meet and start on smoothing it out tomorrow." He was so crisp and business-like. So unlike the easy-going Kurt she had always known. She guessed that filling Mel's shoes here was a difficult task for him, or maybe it was that she had never really had to deal with him in a business sense; he had always been so relaxed and jovial around Mel when she was there. 

Wrapping her in his big arms again, his voice softened a little, "Dianne will help you with the rest, I am sure you remember enough from working with Mel to find your way around the executive floors. It's good to have you back, where I can see you more often, little one; I have missed you."

"And I have missed you," she returned his embrace whole-heartedly. "It's just as well I came in early, seems you will be a hard task Master," she gave a half laugh teasing him. "I guess I should go and find my office then," she said brightly, just wanting to get started now and thinking about all she had to do.

Kurt watched her leave. He worried about how she would handle her new position in the company. Mel had chosen her for her natural submissiveness, and there was no room for that in the business world, she would have to make some tough decisions and negotiations on her own eventually. He wondered if she realised that her training here would be just as difficult and exhausting as that in her other adventures.

He turned to Rob, "How is she really?"

"I always seem to underestimate that little girl," Rob shrugged. "She's pretty tough in her own way. Do I think she is over Mel and everything that happened? Not by a long shot, but if I had to bet on whether this plan of hers will work or not, I would put hefty sum on it."

"Let's hope you're right my friend," Kurt looked back at the door concern showing on his face.

*****

Bella followed Dianne out and down the corridor to what had been Rob's office where Patrick sat sipping an early morning coffee in the anteroom. Spotting them, he jumped up out of his seat and hurried over embracing Bella. 

"Bella! Sweetie!" she grinned and hugged him back. "I know I said I wouldn't move but Master wanted it so much and who am I to refuse," he rolled his eyes. "It's not finished yet but come look, this whole floor has been nothing but interior decorators and hunky tradesmen for the last two weeks! I've been in heaven darling!"

Bella giggled and let him show her through the anteroom and into the large office that had an identical layout to what was now Kurt's office. Rhys Muldoon greeted her from behind his desk with a smile, "Good morning Bella, did you have an enjoyable break?"

"Yes thank you," she wasn't sure what the right term of address would be but knowing he was Patricks Master opted for the term, "Sir."

"I look forward to working with you I believe we have a meeting tomorrow," he glanced at Patrick who nodded in the affirmative. "I read your plan it has some merit but I have a few questions I would like to put to you. They can wait though as I can see Patrick beginning to pout as I have taken up to much of your time already. We will be seeing quite a bit of each other while you are here," He gave Patrick a stern look that spoke volumes despite his gentle, polite words to Bella. "As always nice to see you Dianne," he inclined his head. "Bella will have plenty of time to ooh and ah over all your hard work, Patrick. Let her go and start her day, she has a lot to catch up on, don't you," he turned to address her.

"I certainly do," she nodded, "I would love to come back though when I have more time," she smiled at Rhys and then at Patrick. It began to dawn on her that she was in a precarious position. She wasn't an assistant anymore, and she really wasn't one of the executives either, she was some sort of indulgence, like the weird cousin who had a job in the family firm just because they were family. She hated the thought that any of the real executives thought of her as not deserving of her place there. She decided that she needed to get to work and prove herself worthy of being there, before she took any more tours of other peoples offices.

"I really would like to see my own office before anyone else's," she laughed lightly. "Sorry for disturbing you Sir," Bella said in the same cheerful tone. The three left the office and went back out to the anteroom. "I am sorry if I got you in trouble, Patrick," Bella said quietly.

"Are you kidding? That was barely a half-hearted grumble," Patrick grinned. "Plus he is right, off you go we will have lunch on Wednesday," he said lightly. 

"My schedule looked pretty full," Bella said, "I am not sure..."

"Who do you think made the schedule?" He winked at Dianne.

"You didn't think I would draw up that draft without adding a lunch or two with me, did you?" Dianne sounded appalled at the idea, and Bella laughed.

"Honestly, beyond wanting to find my office and sit down to look at this schedule I haven't really thought about anything!" She rolled her eyes, "It's great to see you both, truly I need my friends now more than ever, but I really just feel like I need to get started, or I will be the one in trouble." 

"Okay honey, let's go," Dianne said and Patrick wished her luck as they walked out and down the corridor. A few turns later they entered a small office suite that look like it had been newly refurbished. The newly painted walls were neutral beige as was the carpet. The only pieces of furniture were an assistant's desk and chair on which stood a computer, and in the main office the same set up but with the addition of bookshelf also painted in the same beige as the walls.

"It's a clean slate, darlin', to make yours, just the way you want it," she gestured around the practically empty space. "I have some ideas if you want to catch up later, just give me a call. Do you want me to stay a few minutes? Or until Dorothea gets here?"

"No, I think I just need a few minutes to process it all," Bella said softly walking around the desk to sit in the chair. "Thanks for everything, Dianne. I am so glad your close by, I think I am gonna need my friends over the next two weeks," she smiled lopsidedly. "You better go back before Kurt thinks I have stolen his assistant, so I don't have to interview his short list."

"Look at you, being the tough business lady," Dianne teased, "I'm glad your finally close enough to reach out to too, you know I want details from last week though, right?" she asked with a laugh making Bella blush.

"Yes, you and everyone else," Bella laughed, "Whatever happened to no kissing and telling? It was great, different but great."

"That'll do for now," Dianne winked and swung and walked out of the office leaving Bella to her thoughts.

She looked around the space and knew that, the time with interior designers would hardly be necessary, she knew what she wanted. She wasn't sure how anyone else would feel about it but to her it would be perfect. What she needed was a project manager for it, or at least a procurement officer and she wondered if she had money in her budget for that instead. Truthfully she had enough money of her own now to do as she wanted, but her life here in the company, would never be that easy while she was watched over by two Masters and struggled to prove herself.

She wouldn't make waves today; she would do as she was asked, and interview all comers. She ran through her draft schedule, then picked up each item on her desk examining it. She had a new computer, an android that was obviously linked to the company server and all the stationary she might need was piled neatly to the side. Well she thought, no time like the present, she flipped open her business proposal and gazed down into a sea of blue and red markings and comments that had been scrawled over her neatly typed document.

She had barely made it through half of the first page when Dorothea came in. "Not much of a space is it?" She said looking around; Bella squealed in delight and got up and hugged the woman.

"I am so sorry I got you in trouble, if I had known..." 

"You would have still run out every night," Dorothea laughed. "Don't you worry, trouble is what makes life interesting when you get to my age."

"Good because I think I might cause some around this stuffy place, and I need a shield," Bella laughed with her.

"It's so good to have you back. Do we have time for a quick chat?" Dorothea hugged her again. 

"We will in a little bit, if you can start right away and make some calls for me, this morning?" 

"Of course, sweet girl, I didn't think you would be ready with anything for me so soon," Dorothea was a little surprised.

"I have been thinking about this for quite a while now, so I am eager to get started," Bella grinned her excitement contagious, "and I am so glad you're here with me; I have a new job title for you once I hire a new assistant, if you want to stick around, at least pat-time."

Dorothea was a little overwhelmed; she hadn't argued the decision to remove her as Bella's assistant, in fact, she had instigated that conversation with Kurt. She had been feeling less inclined to return to full time work, but the opportunity to work with Bella on a casual basis was something she liked the idea of, and, so Kurt had agreed to take the responsibility for the change, so that Bella didn't feel one of her friends was abandoning her. She hadn't considered Bella's reaction to be quite so heartfelt.

"What do you need me to do?" She asked caught up in Bella's enthusiasm.

"Here's the list of interior designers I am supposed to meet with, check them out for me, I am after clean lines, metal and stone, sculpture maybe, if they are all cluttered cosy or wood and floral patterns then cancel. I know what I want; I just need someone who can get it for me," Bella said decisively.

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my indecisive, insecure, sweet little Bella," Dorothea laughed.

"I want this Dorothea, for me. I won't find another Mel; I realise that," she sighed, "and I need to show them... I need to show them I am serious about this project that I am more than just a sub Mel let play at being a business woman." She felt the tears that she hadn't shed for over a week well up again.




Possessing Bella Ch. 04



"Good, then let's show those arrogant bastards that they have no idea whom they are dealing with," she took the list from Bella's hand, "Let me know if you need anything else, Miss Biancotti," she winked making Bella giggle.

Bella sat and lost herself in the business proposal again until the internal messenger service on her computer beeped to life. Her first interviewee for the assistant's position had arrived and was apparently very handsome. Bella smiled as she typed back, "Well send him in!"

Bella stood as the door opened, and Dorothea ushered in a tall, muscular man. This was to be a pattern Bella soon found as every half hour another applicant who looked more like a bodyguard than an assistant walked through her door. Five of the six applicants had been male and by the time the last one left, Bella was beyond suspicious about this short list Kurt had given her. She was also starving, despite the coffee and treats Dorothea had supplied during the long morning. She looked at the draft schedule and then at her watch; lunch wasn't scheduled for over an hour so to distract herself from her rumbling belly she called Dorothea in.

"So what's your verdict, was that the PA or bodyguard list?" Bella sat back in her chair. 

"Both," Dorothea cackled, "Not very subtle were they?" Bella shook her head. Dorothea looked at her shrewdly, "Okay. Here's what I found out," she loved Bella like a daughter and was proud of the way she was handling herself. She wasn't about to let Rob and Kurt manipulate her. "The club rules now state that unless proven or spoken for by a club member any new aspiring Dominant is required to have a mentor from within the club's elite. Each of those men and the woman has all applied for consideration by the club elite recently." She let Bella take in that information.

"Now, three I believe are independent contractors, muscle for hire, professional bodyguards. One of the others come from old money and has an independent income from investments; the other is a private investigator and the woman was the only one not to trust an old lady like me with her secrets. None of them truly need this job, but it would be no hardship to them to undertake it rather than what they are currently doing in order to grease the wheels at the club."

"I see and entry to the club, with let's say Rob, the grand dragon of the underworld there as a mentor, is a prize worth babysitting me for," Bella sighed. 

"I did find out that one of the muscle bound men has been putting himself through night school to get his business degree," Dorothea added, "It's amazing what they will tell the old lady that they think is temping here."

Bella slid the CV of the business student across the desk to Dorothea, "They are going to make me choose one regardless of what I think of their short list qualifications and let's face it that woman was just plain scary," she shivered, "Call him back," she tapped the file, "See if he is still close enough to the building to come back in for a few more questions." She gave Dorothea a wicked grin.

Fifteen minutes later, Bella sat across her desk from both, Dorothea and Andrew Braithwaite. "You have heard about me before applying for this job, Mr Braithwaite?" She paused, "My accident in Italy, its aftermath and about how I came to my new position within this company?"

"Yes, and I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. Marino was a truly great man with all he accomplished in his lifetime," his words were sincere and it showed in his expression.

"So here is what I know," Bella began and recounted the details of the bargain Kurt had made with the applicants that Dorothea had informed her of, "True or false?" 

"True," Andrew looked her in the eye.

"And you would see this as an easy babysitting job while you got a mentor and instant membership the MR. Club, true or false?" Bella didn't drop her gaze.

"That is not as easy to answer with a single word," Andrew began and paused. When Bella did not speak, he elaborated. "I saw this as an opportunity on both professional and personal fronts. Yes, I would become a member and gain a mentor at MR., but I would also be helping to build a brand new business proposal from what I understand, and that in itself is an exciting prospect. As for the baby-sitting duties, I expect with so many people looking out for your welfare you hardly need me to do so." He looked at Dorothea meaningfully before turning back to Bella.

"Have they told you who would mentor you?" for some reason this was important to Bella.

"I expect that as you will be working with the big boys here, I will get only the best introduction to the world of big business," he deflected her question keeping the extra interview about the work place. 

"And at the Club?" she pressed him.

"I have asked for Stephen, though he has not agreed," Andrew finally admitted.

"I could possibly help you with that; he has been appointed my personal watcher, so I am sure he would love someone on the inside, so to speak," Bella cringed at the tone in her own voice.

"Honestly, I thought this would be a good job professionally, and while easing my pathway into the club is a huge bonus, I would just as soon keep the two separate, please," he said frustration clear in his voice.

"You realise I live in the same building as the club, and that I am seen there on occasion that could make things very uncomfortable for us both," Bella wouldn't let it go so easily. "You know I am treated as a submissive there. Could you work for a woman whom you might see willingly sitting at the feet of say, Sir Stephen?"

"In that case, we would need ground rules of course; perhaps Stephen could help us out with that as I would be the new one there as well as here," he looked at her seriously, "I can keep work and play as separate entities; I always have, and in my line of work that is not always easy."

"Do you at least have office skills?" Bella asked more tentatively finding that she liked his straight forwardness.

"You were a business major too not so long ago, you tell me," he gave her a cheeky grin as he let her know he knew more about her than she realised.

Breaking the stiff business persona, she turned to Dorothea and giggled, "Gee, he had good answers didn't he?"

"I guess I could babysit him while he settles in, I really would rather work part-time eventually," Dorothea grinned and Andrew looked between the two women as they chatted happily as if he wasn't there. "Plus he is very handsome, so it won't be too much of a hardship really."

Bella turned to Andrew grinned, "Still want the job?"

It was Andrew's turn to laugh. He had an idea he was going to enjoy working with these two women. "Yes, when would you like me to start?"

"About three hours ago really," Bella shrugged. "I guess right now is too soon? You could call the other applicants and tell them the good news for me."

"Sure, why not," Andrew grinned back at her. "I hadn't made plans beyond this interview today."

"Excellent," Bella said. That had gone better than she thought it would, and she found herself liking the man even if she didn't fully trust his motives. She did, however, trust and love the people who were trying to protect her by manipulating her choices. She wasn't mad, and she was glad that at least one of the applicants had a real interest in business and the project she was about to embark on.

Fifteen minutes later, Bella walked into the outer office to where Dorothea and Andrew sat, "I am going to this lunch thing that's on the schedule like a good girl, walk with me Andrew and I will introduce you to a few of the others, and you can get all the good gossip they don't tell me."

Andrew stood beside Bella realising just how small and petite she truly was. Sitting the behind the desk, he had not realised, but his large build and height dwarfed her as he walked beside her. She seemed unconcerned by the disparity and walked on heading towards the other end of the executive floor. Dianne looked up as she entered followed by the big man, surprise showing on her face.

"This is my new assistant, Andrew," Bella introduced him, "This is my good friend Dianne," she continued. "Could you two give me a minute with..." she took a breath, "Kurt," she had dropped the Master from his name for the first time, and it just felt wrong.

"Sure honey, go on in," Dianne smiled.

Bella walked with as much bravado as she could muster into, Kurt's office. She did a double take seeing Rob still there and realising he was here for the lunch, as well. They had looked up as she entered and beckoned her over to where they sat comfortably. She took a seat on the edge of the couch and looked at them shaking her head.

"What's wrong?" Kurt asked, his concern touching his voice.

"How am I ever supposed to fully trust you when you won't even tell me what's going on?" she asked calmly. "You didn't think I wouldn't notice that the King Kong of the bodyguards arrived to be my secretary? And then I found out you had to bribe him to be there at all," she finished sadly.

"You'll be travelling. We needed to know..." Kurt said in a soothing tone even though his temper had spiked behind the calm exterior.

"I understand really I do; I made some stupid decisions and you have every reason not to trust that I am making any better ones lately when I am on my own, but a heads up would have been nice," she sighed, "Now I just look foolish to those people, how can they do what I ask when they can't respect me because the boss thinks I need a babysitter. None of them wants to be a secretary to a little sub like me, they're all alpha type's; they own little subs like me, not the other way around."

"It's the way it is," Kurt said his impatience showing slightly, "Just choose one, I won't let you go gallivanting around the countryside dealing with people in the fetish industry by yourself."

"Like I said, I understand why you did it, Master, and I love you for it. If I choose one of these gorillas can I keep Dorothea part time as a project manager? I have an idea about keeping samples in my office and well with the renovation she could help the person I choose with any little hiccups that happen along the way, she has so much experience with all things... umm in the company."

"Part-time, no travelling," Kurt negotiated. 

"Yes Master," Bella gave him a dazzling smile. "Thank you Master," She stood up, "One moment, please, Master."

Rob had said nothing as he watched Bella manoeuvre to get her own way. He wasn't surprised at all when a large man followed her back into Kurt's office, and she introduced him as her new assistant. Rob stood to shake his hand and introduce himself before moving to stand beside Bella, whispering low in her ear, "One more stunt like that and if Kurt doesn't I will spank your cheeky little ass."

Bella blushed as Kurt turned his affable smiling face back to her after greeting Andrew and turned it into a frown. Checking her watch she took a deep breath and opened her mouth to speak but Kurt held up his hand growled ominously, "Be very careful what you say next, little one."

"I know what he was promised at the club and I want to be sure that some rules were put in place to forestall any umm... uncomfortable situations.." Bella rushed on regardless and blushed deeply.

"What sort of rules? You are rarely there except to eat occasionally," Rob asked curiously saving Kurt the trouble of swallowing the explosion that seem to be about to boil over.

"Even then," she touched the chain around her neck, there is a hierarchy, I am what I am there, and I need to be slightly different here, now, in my own office, with him," she said uncertainly all the bravado she had clutched at this morning having disappeared under the gaze of the two Masters she respected and needed to obey.

It was Andrew who spoke up though, seeing her wilt under their scrutiny, "I had thought, if Stephen agreed to mentor me; he might be best placed to suggest some rules surrounding time spent there. I am fairly serious about keeping my professional and personal sides quite separate from each other."

"Sounds reasonable," Kurt, though still unhappy with her approach, could see now what an awkward position he and Rob had put Bella in. Those people in the company, who lived this particular lifestyle, had jobs that matched their positions for the most part, and he could see that it may cause strain in the working relationship. He also knew that the recent copycat threats against the club and company were not directed at Bella specifically, but he still could not risk anything else happening to her. The man who had trusted him, befriended him and given him practically all that he had now, had entrusted him with his most precious possession, Bella. He felt a strong bond to her now, and he was going to ensure she was successful in business regardless of where her current journey in the lifestyle took her.

"Come to the club about six, you can join us for dinner and we can discuss it," Rob said his mind working over what had been said. Truthfully, after losing first Kitty and then Mel, he didn't care how awkward or uncomfortable it became for her; she would stay safe while he was her guardian.

Watching the two men who did not look happy with her at this moment, Bella longed again for the freedom she had felt with Sire, outside of this cage Mel had built for her with his death. She chewed her lip as she looked at them thinking about her freedom and believing she had something else to say Kurt sat back down. 

"I can see there is more to negotiate," he looked at Andrew and then back at her.

"More of a question really," she paused, "I am meeting with interior designers after lunch according to my schedule."

"Yes," Kurt said slowly raising an eyebrow.

"Well, what sort of budget do I have to play with?" she gave him a small smile and trying to lighten the mood said, "You see I have my eye on this diamond encrusted desk..."

"If it weren't for the awkwardness of having Andrew watch you being punished for being a brat you would be over my knee right now," Kurt growled, his temper simmering under his calm exterior.

"Oh, don't mind me," Andrew held up his hands, "If you think she deserves it who am I to argue. Were it anyone but the two of you esteemed gentlemen, however, I would feel it was my duty to intervene, until her guardians had been informed of course."

"Good man," Rob laughed breaking the tension. He stood and walked over picking Bella up and sitting with her in his lap protectively. He kissed her forehead. "I somehow don't think a diamond encrusted desk is quite your style."

"Oh I don't know, I could at least try it out for a week or two," she grinned up at him.

"I think your time with Sire has turned you into a brat," he chuckled, "You remember the deal we made with Stephen before you left. He will do more than just threaten you, he will discipline you if there is need and by the look on Kurt's face you may be skating on thin ice."

"Yes, Master Rob," she said quietly having been reminded of agreeing to Stephen's discipline if any of the Masters found her behaviour unacceptable. 

There was a soft knock at the door, and Dianne stepped in and waited to be acknowledged. Kurt nodded, and she spoke quietly, "Rhys, David and Jeremy are all here, Master."

"Thank you, Dianne. Take Andrew with you to whatever it is you have planned with the other assistants," Kurt said watching the young man who rose easily and left the room. He had the quiet confidence of a man who was comfortable and self-assured in any situation, to Kurt it spoke volumes and that he seemed genuinely interested in the business side of things impressed him even more.

Kurt had practically memorised the bios of the applicants who made the short lists. He was impressed that Bella had chosen Andrew. Like himself, Andrew came from a background better suited to brawling than business but had worked hard to get himself up and out of it. Once this guy hit his stride, Kurt thought, there would be no stopping him and after having met him face to face, he considered offering to mentor him himself.

*****

Lunch had flown by as Bella met with the other senior executives and passionately outlined the basic premise of her business plan. She agreed that there was a lot of work to do and that it was a long road between having an idea and making it reality but she spoke with conviction and absolute surety that she believed it was not only possible but would be profitable.

The afternoon had gone by equally quickly as she discussed her plans for the office interior and the anteroom where Andrew's desk was, with the designers and both her assistants. Her bubbling enthusiasm still brimming from the lunchtime talk she had with the executives was contagious to everyone who came into the office space. She had bookmarked the exact desk she wanted on the Jova furniture site, and though not available the winning interior designer knew where to get a similar piece custom designed for them.

An artist was contacted, and it seemed all was falling into place, so by the end of her first day back at the company she was happy. Happy to be there, happy with the decisions she had made, happy even to let her mind drift to Mel and what he might think of all she was doing. She smiled as Andrew came in, "What a day." 

"It's not over yet, and if it's okay, I would like to leave now so I have enough time to go home and change before meeting Rob for dinner tonight?" Andrew tugged at his jacket. 

"Gosh, look at the time; I am so sorry, you could have gone ages ago, I have been wrapped up in the plans and details," she burbled her apology to him and he caught her hand clasping it strongly in his.

"Hey, it's okay! You're the boss remember, and I am just as enthusiastic as you to see it all happening from the ground up," He said. "I'm just glad to be here, so I will meet you at the club for dinner and don't worry we'll work something out." He left leaving her to her thoughts. She looked down at her own suit and wondered if she should change for dinner too, she suddenly felt self-conscious about Andrew seeing her in some of the more revealing items in her wardrobe but she knew she should change and freshen up.

She called the number she had been given for Lincoln who agreed to meet her in front of the building, and she grabbed her briefcase putting the files she had worked on in it and added her android. She walked out shutting the office doors, not that there was anything in there to worry about yet but finally she had her own space and planning for it this afternoon had given her a sense of ownership of it. She stood waiting for the elevator still thinking about her plans. She felt more confident about who she was and what she was doing than she ever had in her life. It never occurred to her that it was because she was finally making decisions for herself that this was true, especially as there were so many people around her influencing the decisions she made.

"Oh, good, you haven't left yet," Dianne broke into her thoughts appearing in the small space where Bella waited. "Master, would like to see you, before you leave." Dianne seemed agitated and grabbing her hand almost ran back to her desk, and let Kurt know that Bella was there and waiting to see him.

"Go on in she said softly," not quite meeting Bella's eyes making her worry and begin chewing on her lip as she opened the door and walked into Kurt's office. He was standing leaning back on the edge of his desk with his arms folded.

"There," he pointed to a spot on the carpet about two meters in from of him, "On your knees." He voice wasn't harsh but was deadly serious.

"Today, served to prove two things to me, little one," Kurt began as she knelt before him. "The first is that you are a smart, capable young woman, and every bit as tough as Mel always said you were." He paused briefly watching her chew her lip with a worried expression. "The second is that you have been far too indulged for far too long. Mel was my idol in a way, for many years. We had our differences, it's true, but I always respected his passion and keen sense of what it was to be the best and demand the best from all those closest to him."




Possessing Bella Ch. 04



He took a step toward her, "What do you think he would have thought of your subterfuge today? I did not say at any time that Dorothea cold not stay in a part-time capacity. In fact, I said just that this morning; that she would remain to help you, just not as your full time PA." His voice had become gruff showing his anger and disappointment. He was satisfied by the blush creeping into her cheeks and the look of disappointment on her face.

"Yet you still came in here and tried to get your own way by being cute and sweet, when it was nothing more than subterfuge designed to get your own way," he stared hard at her. "The Bella I know and more importantly, the girl Mel loved and began to train would never have been such a brat. You ask for what you want; I will tell you if you can have it." His voice had risen angrily, "I will not negotiate with you, nor will I put up with another bratty stunt like today. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Master," Bella said wide-eyed at this different side of Kurt. "I am so sorry, Master, you are right." She didn't bother trying to explain her behaviour, she knew he was right, and Mel would not have liked the way she went about getting what she wanted.

"I am the managing director here; even Rhys does me the courtesy of running his plans by me, and I trust him to manage his department autonomously," he let out a long hissing breath. "Your plan has merit and I would like to help you see it to fruition but know that if you step over the line one more time and forget who I am here, it can and will be taken away." He shook his head disappointedly, "I knew Mel and what he wanted for you, which was not being a bratty little slut, using her submission, or her beauty as a weapon to get her own way and you will assist someone that I choose to take it over. You are a beautiful and strong young woman. Your submission is a gift not a bartering chip to be used as a means to an end. If you want indulgence go to Rob, he seems to enjoy your new found brattiness, but the girl I know and love, the girl who captured Mel's heart and changed all our worlds here, would never act like that." 

Kurt had almost relented in his scolding of her as the tears came and slowly ran down her face. "Remember who you truly are and were meant to be," he said in a softer tone. He walked toward her and bent down and lifted her to her feet before him. He ran a hand around the chain that encircled her neck, "You are not just any ordinary girl. You are special and important to a lot of people. You are not just an intern here; you are a partner and an executive in your own right. You need to find a balance and live up to the expectations of Mel, because of all of us, he knew your true potential best and gave you this opportunity to shine."

He wrapped her in his arms. "I have asked Rob to back off from your training in the business, and though I have concerns I will back off from your need to explore this lifestyle and its different facets. I know who you are," he pulled her away from his body and looked into her eyes, "and that is not one of Charles or Sire's little brats. So let's put that behind us." He kissed her forehead. "If you want something you come to me with a well thought out proposal. Show me the designs and costs for this office interior you are planning and I will okay the budget, but I will not just give you an open-ended budget, to play with as you so eloquently put it."

"Yes Master," Bella said in an unsteady voice. 

"Good," Kurt looked down at her, "I don't want to make you late for the dinner you have planned for this evening so you may go, but..." he let a small smile cross his face as he delivered his own, he hoped, surprising twist, as she had done earlier. "... as per your training agreement with the Masters who care for you, Stephen will discipline you for your inappropriate behaviour today." Bella gasped looking into his eyes to see if he was joking, but there was no lie in his eyes.

"He has been informed, and as Mel was his friend and mentor," Kurt's smile widened and he began walking her towards the door of his office, "He too was very disappointed in your behaviour."

"Oh no," Bella dropped her head and felt a shiver of expectation run up her spine.

"I will see you in the morning, little one. I want you to check in with me every day when you leave from now on," Kurt said as she stepped through into the anteroom. "Come in Dianne please." Kurt said, and Dianne leapt up and closed the door behind her, leaving Bella with only her own thoughts as she walked slowly to the elevators. Kurt had no intention of giving Bella a shoulder to cry on, he needed her to think about what he had just said.

"What had she been thinking?" she berated herself. Kurt was the managing director, the boss, of course she had to do things his way; she had been a brat, and now Stephen knew. Stephen with all his chivalry and sense of justice, she had disappointed both of them and worst of all, now it had been made clear, she was disappointed in herself. She admitted that everything Kurt had said was true. Mel would never have let her be a brat in any way shape or form. She blinked rapidly forcing the tears back from her eyes as she walked through the foyer and out to the waiting car.

Lincoln smiled opening the door for her and murmuring, "Everything okay, Miss Biancotti?"

""Please call me Bella, I ... I'm fine," she gave a half smile and disappeared into the car.

*****

Unnoticed a tall man had watched as Bella exited the building. He noted the distressed look on her face, as if she had been crying. He stepped onto his motorbike, pulling out into the traffic following the black car that held her, after seeing them disappear into the parking garage below the club, he roared off. It was enough that he knew she was back, and he knew where to find her. For now...

*****

Bella knelt on a cushion in the managers den her eyes on the floor She should have discussed it, gone to Kurt with a plan, realised that there was more to him than the goofy smart-alecky man that had flirted with her mother once. He was the CEO of one of the richest companies in the country and she had treated him with disrespect, thinking she was so clever with that stunt she pulled in order to keep Dorothea close by. Her mind went between being happy that Dorothea would stay and sadness at how Kurt, her friend and guardian, had looked at her with such disappointment.

Stephen sat in a chair directly in front of Bella enjoying the moment. Since the dangerous liaisons, she had encouraged while, at the beach house, he had worried that the other Masters had been indulging her whims excessively. He had been glad when she had shown some responsibility for her own life until she found another who would cherish her submission and was even happier that he would be the one to ensure her safety. Her return with this type of attitude though had not been expected, and he intended to make sure she knew it was most undesirable.

Unlike the other friends of Mel, he had no residual feeling of indulgence towards her grief. She had come to them with her plan to move on, and she had shown herself ready to do so. He had no doubt that Mel and the lessons he taught her would stay with her forever, but if she was ever to find her place again it was time to move on and explore the possibilities surrounding her. He kept the disappointed look on his face as he addressed her.

"What's next? Will you start having tantrums if the Masters do not give you your own way?" He said in a harsh voice. "Throw yourself on floor and kick your feet?"

"No, Sir Stephen," she said softly risking a peek up at him to show the sincerity she hoped shone in her eyes. "I just.." she stopped herself from making excuses.

"You just what?" Stephen growled. "Decided to work Dorothea into an early grave? Decided to ignore the fact that Kurt had said she would be there to help, but you needed another PA due to all the travel? Did it even occur to you that this was not about you, but rather something Dorothea requested?" Stephen knew Dorothea did not want to travel and hated planes; he knew that Kurt had asked her to stay as a favour to Bella. He was angry that the girl at his feet had not even considered these things but rather manipulated people who cared about her to get her own way.

"Dorothea would never deny you what you asked at this point in time," he spoke to her surprised and confused expression. "You are spoilt by the very people who love you and that, little one, has made you into a selfish self-centred brat," he shook his head.

"I just didn't... I mean.." she gulped holding back her tears, "I am so very sorry, Sir Stephen. You are right. I was acting dreadfully to the people who care about me." She felt dreadful that Dorothea had not felt she could tell her how she felt directly and that she had not heard her when she had said several times that she was much happier working part-time. The good day turned from bad to worse and now she just felt guilt.

Stephen said no more; he bent and picked her up placing her over his lap. Bella did not resist; she hung her head down over his legs and accepted the spanking she was about to get. Stephen took his time appreciating the soft skin on the perfectly rounded upturned ass that presented itself as he lifted her skirt. His hand descended in a heavy stroke, and the sound of his palm striking the flesh echoed musically around the room. 

Losing himself in the pleasurable sounds of his hand striking her flesh and her answering gasps, whimpers and panting cries, he spanked her until they both lost count, and his hardening cock could no longer be put off by sheer will power. He caressed the swollen red flesh feeling the heat emanate from it before sliding a hand between her legs feeling the wetness and listen to her whimpers of need.

Bella squirmed, the heat of the spanking had travelled into her and long gone past the point of pain into inner warmth feeding her need to be treated just like this. She rolled her hips as he caressed her hot stinging ass and whimpered in pleasure as his hand delved between her legs. She widened her thighs willingly to his gentle caresses and her breathing sped up again.

Suddenly feeling the punishment himself, he picked her up again, carrying her to a corner of the room and placing her facing the juncture of two walls. "Face the wall, do not make another sound or I will gag you. This is a punishment little brat, and not a time to satiate your need." He growled and left her kneeling there while he returned to his desk.

Bella could have cried again and begged him to use her so great was her need at that moment but she made not a sound blinking her teary eyes. She knelt for a long time as people came in and out of the office, some voices she knew, others she did not. Her humiliation warred with the fact that she knew she deserved to be punished. 

By the time she finally felt Stephens's hands pulling her upright, her knees were beyond painful and her thighs almost numb with the strain of staying in that position rather than sitting back on her heels. She did not complain as he cleaned her face and walked very carefully beside him as he guided her out of his office to the dining room, and a table populated by people she counted as friends.

"I am so sorry if I held you up," Bella said quietly looking around the table. Rob and Jake looked at her with smiles adding that they were in no hurry, the kitchen was always open late. Andrew, on the other hand, looked perplexed at the difference between the vibrant young woman he had left at work this evening and the demure, quiet young woman who joined his table for dinner.

Stephen joined them, and two pretty waitresses brought them their entrée's straight from the kitchen. Jake seemed to be watching Bella as she tasted the small wrapped parcels and saw the wonder cross over her face giving her a grin. She looked up at him, and he winked making her laugh softly and remember the night he had visited her at the kava tavern.

"They're amazing; I can't believe Anna gave you the recipe," Bella mumbled around a mouthful still uncertain of how to address Jake, he did not seem as stiff and formal as Sir Steven yet she did not view him as a Master either she wondered how long she could go without addressing him by name before someone noticed.

As the meal went on, Bella shared some of the stories she had about visiting secluded natural wonders and hoped she would be able to see some of the photo's Sire had taken there. Stephen and Andrew found they had a common interest in mediaeval history and discussed some of the events on the local calendar like the Abbey Church festival. Jake left to tend to some small crisis in the kitchen and Rob reached out to take Bella's hand.

"You look tired, little one," she smiled at her, his affection clear in his voice and touch.

"It's been a big day; I have a lot to learn and a lot to do," she returned his smile, "and a large apology to make tomorrow." She realised Stephen and Andrew had stopped talking and turned to face her. "A lot of that work I need to do tonight before my meeting tomorrow, so if it's all the same to you gentlemen, would it be all right if I went upstairs now?"

"Of course," Rob said.

Bella hesitated, "I umm... I was wondering if someone could walk me to the elevators." She swallowed, "I just feel a bit, vulnerable walking through this place alone, despite this." She touched the heavy gold chain around her neck. Since living in the building, she held the key to the lifts but she still felt uneasy about walking around alone during the evenings. She had stopped at the front desk on her way down tonight and called down so that Stephen would meet her at the elevators.

"I'll walk with you," Andrew offered, "My new boss is a woman, and I better get my beauty rest before she realising hiring me on my pretty boy good looks was not such a good idea." He winked at her and chuckled.

"There are quite a few who come and go this time of night," Stephen said in understanding, "I will take you up to your apartment."

"Come have breakfast with me tomorrow, little one," Rob kissed her forehead as he too stood. 

"Sure, Master," she smiled up at him. He was an anchor in her world right now, and she needed that more than she had realised and impulsively, uncharacteristically hugged him. "Thank you, for everything," she burst and turned walking away with Stephen and Andrew. As they walked through the salon bar Stephen reached out and wrapped a hand around the back of her neck the way, Mel used to here in this place. Unable to help herself she flinched and shivered as if his ghost had been there, startling Stephen, who looked down her with concern. 

Andrew got out at the ground floor and farewelled them, and Stephen and Bella rose up the added levels to her apartment in silence. Getting out with her and opening her door for her Stephen said softly, "Something was wrong when we left, was it something someone did?"

"It was just... I mean Mel always... or used to always wrap his hand around the back of my neck like that when we were down in the club," she said quietly. Where Stephen was concerned honesty was the only answer to his questions, he would not let her pass it off as just a shiver.

"You will get used to it," he nodded. "Sleep well little one, do not stay up too late working."

"Yes Sir Stephen," she said startled by his reply. Maybe he and Kurt were right. Maybe she had become spoilt. She had expected an apology of sorts rather than the statement that she would get used to it.

She went into her room and stripped off her clothes before settling onto her bed with her briefcase to read the amended business proposal over again, before going to sleep. Her mind still full of the feeling of Stephens hands on her, she dipped her hand down between her legs.



Possessing Bella Ch. 05



Bella slept lightly waking earlier than needed and getting up to shower change and go over her plans once again. She had stayed up late making a list so nothing could be left to chance. After letting her excitement and enthusiasm cloud her judgement yesterday, she was determined to show Kurt and everyone at the company just how she earned her degree and the love of a man like Mel.

She had a quick breakfast with Rob, who laughed at her eagerness to get to the office early, and wished her luck as she left. Andrew also arrived early and startled her by appearing before her desk with fresh orange juice and a croissant. 

"I figured you probably ate early, and would need the added energy," he smiled. 

"No coffee?" Bella raised her eyebrows.

"You, Miss Biancotti don't drink coffee or tea or hot drinks at all, so I am told," he said easily, confident in his knowledge. Bella looked at him critically. His confident stance, the way he looked her in the eyes, his seeming ease with which he spoke once again made her wonder what this would be Dominant was doing working as a personal assistant.

"Thank you for the extra sustenance," she smiled, "We are going to need it," she laughed and tapped the files on her desk. "I am glad you're here early, this is what I need first..."

An hour later when Dorothea arrived, a small table had been set up near Bella's Desk with an extra computer and phone line. For being new in the company, Andrew seemed to know which people to ask to get what he needed in a hurry. Either that or he dragged people into doing the things he needed with bull-headed stubbornness, Bella thought as he showed Dorothea through to her temporary desk.

Getting up Bella hugged the older woman and looked at her seriously, "I am sorry I didn't listen to you properly yesterday, but while you're here even in a part time capacity you will have a desk. You're an important member of this team even if you only come in once or twice a week but..." she paused as Dorothea had started to laugh softly. "I am just sorry I didn't ask what you wanted," Bella finished feeling unsure of herself.

"My sweet girl," Dorothea said happily, "I want to be here for the fun ride you are about to go on, I had planned to stay this first month to make sure your new assistant could do everything you needed." She eyed Andrew critically, "and let's face it, he needs all the help he can get," she said in a loud whisper making Bella laugh.

"Andrew and I have made a start but here is what I need, ASAP..." Bella began to fill Dorothea in on her need for a clear plan and costs for the interior and small foyer of her office and what Andrew had started on. As she finished detailing what she needed to present this plan to Kurt, the interior designer walked into her office. 

Natalie Fuller was young and cutting edge in her designs but was more used to designing store fixtures rather than business offices. Eager to expand her own fledgling business she had jumped at the chance for an early morning meeting and had come straight in.

Dividing the tasks and working as a team within three hours Bella had a complete plan for her office along with most of the costs subject to availability of certain pieces. It was presented more as a quote for the work to be done rather than a final analysis of costs and Bella felt that they had over quoted rather than under quoted. She hoped that Kurt would see the difficulty of costing certain pieces. What she wanted were not things that could easily be found in a catalogue but rather would need to be custom made.

Unless Kurt agreed to her overall vision though, she would not be able to put together the actual costs and that's all she wanted for the moment. The rest of the morning went by in a blur of activity for Bella, then she met with Rhys Muldoon for lunch. He had taken more than a passing interest in her business idea and was willing to become a business mentor to her, in addition to Kurt who had no real interest in the field of precious metals and gems. 

The company was a corporation, with their fingers in many businesses including mining which had always been Mel's special area of expertise. His demise had seen Rhys step in to take up the slack so to speak and allowed Kurt and the other executives to concentrate on their own portfolios and increased responsibility. The team of four men had, with Kurt's leadership, weathered the storm of public and private backlash after the death of the company director.

In addition to his interest in the material's she wanted to work with, the idea of fetish jewellery appealed to him greatly, and he went through her plan with a fine tooth comb poking holes in many areas of it and questioning her closely on why she had certain elements of her plan at all. By the end of a long afternoon meeting Bella had a starting point, or in actual fact several starting points and she felt a small amount of confidence moving ahead under the watchful eye of both Kurt and Rhys.

Kurt had approved her office design under the proviso that he be kept informed should the quoted budget blow out at any stage of development. Feeling good but treading warily after bottoming out so dreadfully after her high from yesterday, she went back to her office. Andrew was just finishing throwing dust sheets over the desks. She looked at him curiously.

"Natalie and I found a crew that would work through the nights so we can still be here during the day," he said, "I assumed at the very least they would be able to start the painting."

"That's wonderful," Bella enthused, "Just let me call Natalie before you shut me down for the night," she had promised the young, enthusiastic designer a phone call before the close of business. "You go Andrew I will be fine," she smiled and waved as Natalie's voice sounded in her ear. It was over an hour later after sitting back down at her desk that she finally looked up again as Kurt walked into her office chuckling.

"You haven't wasted any time," he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb at the painters who had begun removing the horrible beige paint from her walls with an undercoat.

"Andrew is good, very organised," she smiled.

"Come on, it's late, I'll buy you dinner," he said, "Dianne is visiting a friend who is town this evening."

"Oh," Bella hesitated, she had planned on taking home her interior plan and going over it one more time, with the new knowledge she had from her meeting with Rhys. Not that she would have to change much, but she just wanted to get the vision firmly in her mind before starting on something she couldn't easily undo.

"You have to eat," he said seriously, "I can see you're tired so how about take away, I will ring ahead and get Jake to make us a couple of steak sandwiches and we can eat at your place," Kurt suggested but Bella knew the tone of his voice meant that it was the best compromise she was going to get.

"That sounds great," she agreed trying to smile brightly but knowing it didn't reach her eyes. "Should I call Lincoln and let him know?"

"Sure, we can take your car, but we will meet him down in the parking garage," Kurt said in an easy way that made Bella look at him questioningly. "Grab your stuff, I am suddenly starving," he grinned.

"You're always starving," Bella giggled and put her things into her briefcase before walking with him out of her office.

Kurt refused to be drawn on work issues and giving up; Bella finally relaxed enough to enjoy his company as the friend she had always known. They ate what could only be described as gourmet steak burgers; Bella laughed as Kurt stole most of her fries, and they washed the food down with tall milkshakes. Kurt wanted to let her know in his own way that work was serious, but he was still the caring friend she could rely on outside of the company. He had thought a lot about what she had said and spoken with Dianne at length at what it was like to be caught between two worlds such as it was for Bella. By the time he left, Bella was beyond tired and leaving her briefcase sitting in the living room she flopped into bed and fell asleep.

*****

The rest of the week went just as fast, and Bella found herself with only a small amount of time before bed and again first thing in the morning to be truly alone. It was as if the Masters were playing tag team to babysit her, and as Friday dawned she knew she needed a change of scenery, maybe she should go home this weekend. Sure she would take some work to do but she was beginning to feel, well not quite smothered; her mother would do that anyway, but stifled. At least her father would treat her like an adult who could make her own decisions if she went home for the weekend, and it would be good to see Jenny. 

The more she considered it, the more she didn't like the idea. She didn't want Kurt, Rob or even Rhys for that matter thinking she was taking on too much and running away at the first chance. Maybe she could call Sire? She played with the idea thinking over the few text messages they had shared during the week. He could certainly work some of the tension out of her body if nothing else; she smiled to herself. She was thinking about this as she went into Rob's apartment to say good morning and leave for work. 

"Wait," Rob called after her, as she tried to disappear quickly. She went back into the room averting her eyes. Rob worked all night and slept in the mornings after she left for work. Invariably he was in some state of undress and this morning it was snug fitting underwear. Like Mel, for his age Rob had an impressive fit physique and was a well-endowed man who should be proud to walk around half undressed. For Bella though, who had always felt an attraction for the bad boy biker that was Mel's Best friend and partner, it was, on occasion, somewhat uncomfortable for her.

"Yes Master?" she said quietly.

"What are your plans for the weekend?" Rob threw himself into a chair and beckoned her closer.

"I hadn't made any yet; I thought it might be nice to get out of the city for a few hours, maybe go home or see Sire if I can organise it, maybe, if that is okay," Bella wasn't sure if she should be asking permission or just running plans past him. It was a whole new world for her this week.

"Okay," he said slowly, "I am going to put this to you as it was put to me." His tone was gentle as if not sure how to go about telling her what was on his mind. Bella nodded saying nothing. "Mark Miller came to see me with Tali, last night. You're supposed to go to the Master of his choosing the week after next. When we agreed to the training we asked, well Charles fairly much ordered," Rob gave a chuckle, "He cannot be that Master."

Bella looked confused but nodded not seeing the issue so far, her experience with Sire had been for the most part a good one, though not something she thought she would like on a permanent basis.

"Pet Masters are an odd breed themselves, Mel was inclined to be one more often than not," once again he chuckled as if delaying getting to his point. "Let me ask you this, if you were to get a pet what would you do?"

"Gosh well, we got a puppy when I was about ten, my dad took me to the local pound, he said it was best to give one of those dogs a home rather than a puppy from a pet shop or a breeder. He convinced me they were much better dogs anyway," Bella smiled at the memory.

"You went to the pound to see if you were compatible right? I am sure there were more than a few dogs there that you didn't feel the urge to take home," Rob continued the line of thinking. "The Pet Masters are the same, no one relishes taking on the training for a pet sight unseen."

"No one want's to train me?" Bella wasn't sure if she felt hurt or relieved or felt anything at all for that matter. 

"No, that's not what I meant at all," Rob leaned back in his chair exhaling loudly.

"Then perhaps you should just tell me what it is your trying to say," Bella frowned before adding, "Please Master."

"Mark would like you to attend a gathering of sorts at his place tomorrow night, where his friends, particularly those who are interested in training you, will be able to meet you. This is so that you and they can judge compatibility before he puts anything in place for you. Remember you have a choice in this, too."

"You would come with me?" she asked processing what he said while chewing his lip.

"I'm afraid, not, with all of the ego's involved in and around this training you asked for, Stephen or Jake as the chosen neutral observers would take you and make sure you were safely returned." He studied her face for signs that she understood why.

"I see, but as this is just a gathering, a party and not part of my training really. I can't see that it matters if you take me or they do," Bella tried and realised she sounded bratty. For some reason having Stephen keep her on a leash and at his feet unsettled her. "I am sorry, Master Rob," she whispered, "Of course I will attend and with whoever is chosen," she smiled sweetly.

"Such a brat you have become, you don't fool me at all with that sweet innocent smile," Rob grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap hugging her. "I think it is best to go with Stephen as your escort. Although Jack doesn't really subscribe to the pet masters guild, he may be there with Dusty, and I would hate for any further misunderstandings." Rob smiled sadly.

"I understand Master," Bella said softly and lowered her head to kiss his cheek. "I'll be good for Sir Stephen I promise. Now I must go to work, you have no idea how cranky my bosses can get," she gave a soft laugh, squirming over the bulge in his underwear on purpose as she slid from his lap and skipped out the door to meet Lincoln down in front of the building.

The ride to work was smooth and quick, with Lincoln taking her to the basement car park and letting her out near the elevators. She hadn't questioned why the change had occurred or why now she also met him down here after work usually accompanied by someone from upstairs. Her mind was always so full of what needed to be done but with her mind flipping between work, the gathering this weekend and the Masters she knew and loved she sudden realised that the change had happened without her even noticing.

"How come you don't drop me off out front anymore?" she asked curiously before getting out of the car.

"There's a no standing sign there now," Lincoln shrugged.

"Oh," Bella hadn't ever noticed, with so much traffic in this part of the city she guessed she had never questioned pulling up on the curb like that. "Have a good day Lincoln," she smiled and stepped from the car, thinking herself paranoid about being micromanaged. A party would do her good this weekend; she smiled as she stepped into the elevator and made her way up to the executive suites.

Natalie was waiting for her after working through the night with her team. "Okay, close your eyes," Natalie was almost bouncing as she met Bella in the small foyer. With all the work that had gone on for the past four nights and days in the office space Bella could not have been more pleased with the speed at which the changes had occurred. She had noticed furniture arriving yesterday as she left her office and knew that despite some small pieces from artists they were still awaiting it must be almost complete now. 

She stumbled through the door with Natalie's hand covering her eyes, and when she finally pulled her hand away Bella gasped. "Oh, my gosh, Natalie. It's even more amazing than I dreamed, just tell me we are still under budget, and I will be the happiest girl in the world."

"Yes!" Natalie danced around with Bella. She then started the nit picking at the temporary pieces they had put in place while waiting for the artists to complete the realistic torso's to fit in the display cubes and full mannequin-like sculptures that would sit in specific areas, Bella would use to display her samples when she got them.

Bella sat on the turquoise chaise and looked around. It was perfect. Cool, clean marble and granite surfaces, interspersed with small touches of colour in gold silver bronze and copper, and pale blue and turquoise back lighting reflecting the only soft furnishing in the room, a chaise and two antique chairs done in turquoise and gold. The opulent decadence of the room was exactly what she wanted for her clientele. She admitted in an odd way it was reminiscent of a roman bath house with all the white marble, still that in itself could be sexy. Walking over to her desk, she took in the twin silver pillars on which the marble top stood softly glowing with a pinkish backlight and projecting the delicate design that had been cut into each side of the metal. 

"Wow," Andrew exclaimed walking in a minute later, "I had my doubts from time to time, but this looks amazing."

"It does, doesn't it?" Bella grinned, and Natalie laughed and nodded.

Natalie walked towards Bella and bent to hug her, "Well, we have done all we can for now, whew what a rush job, you would have thought we were on one of those horrible renovating shows the way we hustled through this and got everything here so quickly." Again she laughed, "I will call you when the artist has completed the models," she straightened herself and waved leaving them to their work day.

"Do you want one small suggestion as a friend, before we start the workday?" Andrew asked softly.

"Yes..." Bella said suspiciously. "Friend," she raised her eyebrow but smiled as she teased him.

"Call Dianne and Patrick and invite them to share the joy before you call the Masters in," he said then added, "I get the feeling they feel you haven't been paying them enough attention. You should check your schedule before committing to anything on the weekend as well," he said with a wink and walked out to his desk.

Bella chewed her lip mulling over his words. She checked the schedule she had put on her computer and linked to both Dianne and Patrick in a folder on the company server. Grinning with delight, she noted the Sunday appointment to have a late lunch with the girls and remembered Dorothea suggesting the gathering the last time they were all together at Charles and Sara's house. She would have to send Lincoln her revised schedule and once again wondered about getting her own car for weekends. It seemed wrong to make Lincoln work on a Sunday. 

She picked up the phone and called Dianne, inviting her to be the first to see her showroom office and to ask if she could pick up Patrick on the way. Bella met them out near Andrew's desk where she grinned excitedly and hugged her friends.

"Now remember this isn't meant to be an office but more a vision of how I would like my business to look once it gets up and running," Bella said enthusiastically.

"Yes, yes, it's all we have heard you talk about now let us in," Patrick rolled his eyes. Andrew gave a discreet chuckle and stood up opening the door and letting Bella lead the pair in. "My oh my," Patrick said in a teasing voice, "I'll need my tiara and royal robe to visit you in future." He nodded his agreement as Bella explained about the torso models and mannequins and fluttered around the desk with only wonderful things to say. "It's not exactly my taste, but I know gorgeous when I see it, and girlfriend, you're it."

"Patrick, can you give us a few minutes?" Dianne who had been very quiet up until that point asked.

"Sure, I have to get back anyway, Master is always a grouch in the mornings," he waved and left shutting the door behind him.

Bella immediately launched into an apology, "I know with the first week back here I haven't been ..."

"Honey, just stop," Dianne said in a voice that stopped Bella dead in her tracks. "I of all people know how hard it is to be caught between two worlds. I owned my own business here, remember?" Dianne took a seat and patted the chaise beside her. "I am just so proud of you," Dianne said wrapping her hands around Bella's shoulders. "Doing all this on your own. Taking a stand about what you want and trying to get it. You are running yourself ragged here and then having to answer not only to Kurt and Rob but also the other Masters who now feel some sort of duty towards you because of their friendship with Mel." She sighed.




Possessing Bella Ch. 05



"Yeah, honestly I feel like I am being babysat most of the time," Bella admitted. "Like they are ready to jump in if I make a bad decision, so I need to do everything perfectly, to show them I am serious about everything." She sighed, "It's harder than I expected, and I was hoping to get away from it all this weekend but now..."

"I heard," Dianne grinned. "Seems, Hunter has dropped his current schedule to attend and appraise your worthiness." She laughed, and Bella realised she was teasing a little. "Dorothea had organised a brunch for us girls on Sunday it's been moved to a late lunch rather than cancelled. Sara threw a tantrum when we tried to cancel it," she continued to laugh lightly.

Bella laughed with her, "I do miss our lunches, Dianne. You know just you and me, but my life just, well, it's on a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment. I feel like if I stop and take a moment just for me, I may just fall off the ride completely." 

"You still might, but luckily you have friends. Together we can keep you strapped into your seat," again she smiled. "Now about the party this weekend..." Dianne proceeded to fill Bella in on what she knew of the three pet masters vying for her training and that the rumour Hunter was planning show up and what that will mean for her. As she listened her mind went back to Rob's words of that morning; the pet masters were a strange group who did things a little differently.

When Dianne finally finished her summarising of who would be at the party and what would possibly happen she stood to leave hugging Bella tightly. "I wish I could be there with you but stay close to Tali, keep her within sight and she will help you as best she can."

"I am sure I will be okay, nothing you have said frightens me now that know it's coming," she embraced her friend fiercely. "You're amazing Dianne and I don't deserve you're friendship but I am so glad to have it."

"You forget I was once a Domme, and I feel every bit as responsible for you as Kurt and Rob, possibly more so. I am every bit as protective as both of them, and I too am sorry for misunderstanding your need to grieve alone and make a new life without all of us constantly asking you to relive your nightmare." Tears came to her eyes, "I love you honey and I want you to be able to trust and lean on me, how about we do a breakfast meeting, once or twice a week while you're here," she asked hopefully. "I mean we managed some time his morning without being interrupted."

"That's a great Idea. Do you think Kurt would mind?" Bella asked. 

"He will be fine," Dianne smiled, "Now I have something for you. When I was a much different person, I designed this, and had it made by Rob," she smiled. "He really is an artist in his own right." She pulled a delicate circlet collar from the small leather wallet she had carried into the room. It had a twisting chain of rose gold woven around the polished copper of the band, giving the whole piece a pink hue. "I know it is not your first or most precious piece but I want you to have it for your collection. I am very happy with Kurt and can't imagine using this again now."

"Dianne," Bella gasped, "It's beautiful. I will take it as a loan only." She looked around. "I am having more realistic models made by an artist but until then you may choose where it belongs, any display case you like. When the real models come you can change it as you like."

Dianne laughed, "Let's see what you have then," She went along as if inspecting them carefully, finally opening a case and placing the circlet on the torso of a smallish female model painted in pale skin tone.

"Perfect," she smiled her eyes becoming glassy. She pressed the leather wallet it came in into Bella's hands then she turned and left the room without another word. Leaving Bella with the impression that giving up that last piece of who she once was more difficult than she had thought it would be. 

The day like all of the others since returning to work had gone by in a rush, and it was close to five when Rob arrived accompanied by Kurt and Rhys. Andrew looked apologetic as they barged into her office ahead of him making her laugh at the stunned expressions on their faces as they took in the showroom style of her office.

"Welcome gentlemen to what do I owe this pleasure?" Bella remained seated at her desk with a teasing smile on her face.

"I'm just a courier," Rob chuckled placing several boxes on her desk. "They," he indicated Kurt and Rhys, "Don't seem to like couriers coming to your office unescorted."

"I got tired of waiting for an invitation," Rhys shrugged sitting in of the antique chairs. 

"I don't need a reason," Kurt continued walking around touching everything and stopping before the case that held the collar Dianne had once used for her own submissive. "Security?" He turned to question her.

"Toughened shatterproof flexi-glass and each cube is individually alarmed," she chewed her lip, "That's part of the reason it cost you so much but we had to know it would work before we did it for real in a shop space." She had risen to go and stand beside him as they spoke. 

He nodded and continued his inspection. Bella turned and focused on Rob, "Thank you so much for lending these to me until I find some designers and get some samples ready. I was sort of hoping you might do some special designs for me too, please, Master." 

"I'm pretty busy but it might be good to keep my tools sharp," he winked at her knowing he would help her to the best of his ability. "These are a few things I had lying around you can use for now."

She spent some time inspecting and placing each piece into a display cube as the men asked questions and commented on her décor and design choices. Rhys chuckled as he explained that Patrick had come to him with an idea about putting a sunken roman style bath in their own home after seeing this earlier.

Once the pieces had been locked away and alarmed, Bella locked her office for the weekend feeling a sense of achievement. She declined invitations to dinner claiming she just wanted to curl up on the couch with some soup and a movie. For once no one argued with her and Rob took her home and walked her to her apartment, kissing her forehead as he said goodnight. 

*****

Bella had a relaxed morning getting out of bed late for the first time in weeks because she had nowhere else to be and no one else to please but herself. She spent time in her kitchen actually cooking for a change and smiled; she loved to cook, and her mother had taught her well. It was such a shame she never got to cook for anyone anymore. Maybe Rob would let her cook for him one night, or if she felt brave enough one weekend Jake might even like to have someone cook for him for a change.

Having cleaned up the kitchen and still in her comfortable robe she sat and went through her plans for next week, adding idea's and fine tuning the things she wanted to put in place before leaving for two weeks of training again. It felt good to know that Andrew and maybe Dorothea would be there to keep the momentum up during that time. She realised that, by the time she was ready to make her plan a reality it would be as much Andrews work as hers that would make it a reality.

There was a tap at her door, and Bella got up to answer it thinking it was Rob as she checked her watch and realised it was early afternoon. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Stephen stand there with a woman she knew but couldn't name. Pulling her robe closer around her and regretting not getting dressed she opened the door wider silently inviting them in. Bella took in, a large box in Stephen's arms and the makeup cases the woman carried and a similar scene played in her mind. 

"Belinda?" she whispered. The woman turned and nodded with a smile.

"It's good to see you again Bella," she said cheerily, "and in another costume!"

Bella was confused and looked at Stephen with the question poised on her lips when he put the box down and sat in a comfortable chair throwing a cushion on the floor beside him. "You can set up over on the table there Belinda," Stephen said and smiled as Bella took her place on the cushion without being told and looked up at him with those big green eyes.

Stephen dealt with a lot of young and beautiful women on a daily basis in the club, but the sight, sound and feel of this girl yesterday had stayed vividly in his mind last night. He had found himself considering carefully just what sort of pet she should be for him as he escorted her to this gathering of the pet master's guild. Given the limited time he had to organise this he had woken Belinda early and demanded she come into the club. Since Marie's death Belinda now managed the wardrobe and makeup areas of the club and would be best placed to assist him.

Belinda had given him the usual options that seemed far too commonplace but before discarding the whole notion and leaving with just a body stocking and some ears, he gave Belinda an hour to come up with a unique costume before he returned. At the end, given a chance to be creative, Belinda came up with a three interesting ideas and after selecting one, the smiling Stephen promised her a bonus day off for all her help.

He hadn't truly considered beyond the usual puppies and kittens himself and he marvelled once again at Belinda's creativity as the woman set up her kit at the table, and he turned to Bella, "I am assuming Rob explained about the gathering tonight, and you would require some sort of costuming," he said slowly watching her expression. She had never truly word anything but the collar and tail for Mel, but she nodded not wanting to appear naïve.

"Good then, do as Belinda asks. I will return for you," he leaned forward and stroked her cheek. "I am sure you will make us all proud tonight." He wanted to say that he would be proud to be the one holding her leash but he also knew that she was not ready to hear that from him yet. 

"I will try, Sir Stephen," she said with a smile, watching him leave.

"Okay, we don't have much time," Belinda approached her as she got up. "First, we apply this temporary tint to your hair, then shower full body shave and use this soap, no moisturisers so that you skin will hold the tint I am mixing." She dragged Bella into the bathroom and bent her head over the sink.

Bella didn't question anything she was asked to do, all she knew about pets and pet masters was what she had seen of Tali and the enjoyment Mel had with a collar, leash tail and the basket she slept in when on the yacht. She patiently stood as what appeared to be a bronzer was applied to her back, sides, arms and legs. A pale colour was then applied to her belly, chest and neck. She sat as her face was painted and then held her breath as a setting agent was applied over the top to ensure its longevity. Belinda assured her it would come off when she showered tomorrow or at least in a day or two. 

"Don't look so worried," Belinda laughed, "It will be okay I promise. Now that the hard bit is done let's get you dressed." She went to the large box on the table and extracted what looked to be a small faux fur stole, then another. Realising they were joined together Bella looked curious as Belinda came closer. Realising as Belinda worked that the thin strings holding them together worked as a G string of sorts she stepped carefully into it and held the impossibly soft white fur against her torso as the darker fur was run up her back to her neckline where it was tucked into her collar temporarily to hold it in place. As Belinda worked quickly the two tones of fur surrounded her neck and clipped into place against each other.

Next came a leather body harness that blended in with the back while hugging to and enhancing her curves at the front. Stepping back to the box and retrieving the tail Bella had been expecting. "I will just attach this to the harness for the moment; you won't be able to travel with it. Sir Stephen will have to put it in when you get there," she gave Bella an apologetic look as she saw the blush creep in behind the heavy makeup. She stood back and inspected the look quite pleased with herself. "oh, I almost forgot," she went back to her make up kit and pulled out two small round discs and two larger fluffier disc's. 

With the small fur ears in place with hair clips and rosy pink pasties covering her nipples, Belinda finally relented and took Bella to the full length mirrors in her wardrobe. Bella turned this way and that admiring the sexiness of the look she had been given but she was totally confused as to what sort of puppy had small rounded ears like a bear. "Are you sure about these ears?" she asked tentatively not wanting to insult Belinda. 

"I know the pale inners and pale belly look more like a weasel than a mink but with a rhinestone choker," she held out her hand in which she held some costume jewellery, "You will look so expensive no one will be in doubt as to how valuable you are."

"Oh," Bella laughed at herself more than anything, "I thoughts the pets would all be like Tali, you know puppies ,kinda, sorta."

"Well I don't really know myself, because I would have thought sex kitten, if someone had had asked me before today, or playboy bunny," she mused. "Well it doesn't really matter what we think does it," she laughed, "This is what Sir Stephen wanted." Pulling the rhinestone choker in place and helping with the earrings, she smiled into the mirror with Bella. "A quick lesson how to fix any makeup glitches, and then we'll try on the paws."

Bella had never realised there was so much involved in this fetish. She wondered if this much preparation was necessary for everyday appearance or if it was only at special gatherings that this much costuming was expected. She had always known by Tali's dress that she identified as a pet puppy, but it was never as over the top as this.

There was a soft knock on the door and Belinda positioned Bella in the Middle of the room, before she went to answer it. Stephen smiled as he eyes lighted on Bella. "Great job, Belinda," he moved into the room circling Bella several times before stopping. "Do you feel comfortable," he finally asked her.

"Yes Sir Stephen," she said quietly.

"You will have to put this in on arrival unless you wold like it attached to the other skin," Belinda held up the tail. 

"I expect they would want it done properly," Stephen murmured watching Bella's face. "You are fine that that?" he asked noting the patches of her face not painted become pink with a half hidden blush.

"Yes Sir Stephen," she said quietly looking up at him. The tall, well-built man wore his usual dark suit, but rather than his suit jacket he had opted for a leather jacket that hung loosely from his broad shoulders. Bella could breathe in its soft well-conditioned scent, and she almost purred, her love of leather remaining with her and reminding her strongly of Mel.

"Do you think I could have a photo please?" Belinda asked almost shyly, "I would love it for my album. I still have my one of you as Tinkerbelle with Hook and your parents as the King and Queen of Hearts." Stephen nodded his assent and Belinda pulled a leash encrusted in rhinestones out of a small leather tote bag and handed it to Stephen before taking up her camera.

"Down," he said as he attached the leash, and she dropped to her hands and knees. Belinda took several shots and put her camera away.

Belinda untied and placed the tail in a small leather back before zipping it up, "There is makeup for quick repairs, lube for the tail, and she can keep her paws in here until you get there if you prefer." She handed the small bag to Stephen, "One other small thing," she said seemingly unsure of herself. "I am not sure how these sort of parties go, I have never been myself but should she need to go to the bathroom the harness can be unclipped, here or here to give her some small freedom the res should be able to be held aside," she finished her voice trailing off as her hands made the movements.

Stephen nodded his understanding, "Paws," he held out his hand to Bella. She immediately took them off revealing cuffs made of the same faux fur as the paws surrounding her ankles and wrists and small white slippers that she wore on her feet. He counted backwards from ten forcing his arousal to the back of his mind and once again reminding himself that she did not belong to him, nor was she a club girl open to his use. "You have a coat?" he asked as she continued to look up at him.

"Yes, of course," she murmured and disappeared into her room returning with a white coat that hung to her mid-thigh. 

"Let's go then it is quite a drive out to Woodford," Stephen said gruffly keeping a tight rein on his own feelings about escorting this desirable girl to meet a prospective Master. 

*****

"Try not to fidget so much," Stephen said gently, "Belinda put a lot of work into that body paint," he smiled at her and returned his eyes to the road. Bella was nervous as they drove out of the city heading north and had not realised she had been fidgeting. 

"Rob said this was about compatibility, what if no one likes me enough to want to train me," she said quietly, feeling like she would be letting Mel down in some way if she didn't impress the men she went to meet.

"I do not think you have to worry about that happening, making the choice yourself should be a greater worry. You do have choices in all this you know, the training and all that it entails," he said with concern. Like Kurt, he held misgivings about the path she was taking back into the lifestyle and was pleased he could be there to protect her from herself for the most part.

"Do I?" she asked wistfully. "I don't know what it is that this lifestyle entails to know if it's right for me or not. I knew nothing before Mel, and I think that is why he started this whole thing off and gave me such wonderful and diverse friends, so I could know, you know?" She stopped talking knowing that she wasn't making sense, but knowing also that it was something she needed to do. When she had begged for Mel's collar she had asked for more, asked him to show her everything, she still wanted that and knew he did too even though he was no longer here. 

"So what did you learn from your time with Sire?" Stephen probed into the silence that filled the car.

"My limits and the difference between soft and hard limits," she smiled at the memory of him being grateful at times when she safe worded so he too could stop something he did not enjoy very much. "And that it is okay to use a safe word when I need to." 

"Those are important things," he nodded, "You did not learn that with Mel?" he was a little shocked at her response.

"I trusted Mel completely, he knew me so well. He pushed me past some initial limits without even realising it I am sure, or knowing that I could be pushed; I guess we never truly had the time to explore as much as we would have liked," she shrugged feeling his loss again.

"Is Sire a Master you would consider returning to?" Stephen pushed her. 

"I enjoyed my time with him immensely; he helped me in so many ways, but I'm not sure. I don't know if I would want his lifestyle fulltime. Maybe not, but I will always count him as a friend and be indebted to him for the lessons he taught me."

Once again Stephen was struck by how thoughtful Bella was. She seemed to consider how she spoke about others; another girl might have just said no, it wasn't for me, but not this girl, she praised Sire while saying no in such a way you didn't notice it was there in her words. They spoke about her time with Sire and her limits as she knew them. He was impressed and more than a little surprised with the comprehensive list she was able to speak about with ease. He quickly revised his opinion of the loud and uncouth William Wilder, whom he had doubt would benefit Bella's training at all.




Possessing Bella Ch. 05



They went on to talk about this evening's gathering of the Pet Master's Guild, and if she understood the etiquette she would require. She had laughed good-naturedly and explained how lucky she was to have such good friends like Tali and Dianne, to help her with the behaviour required tonight. 

"You must realise that Mel had a particular liking for this facet of the lifestyle," she smiled shyly. "I think I will be fine and you will have the end of my leash to keep me safe, right?"

"Yes, I will," Stephen agreed. 

They had been driving for well over an hour when Stephen pulled off the main road and down a dark laneway where the trees were slightly overgrown and shrouded the car. Turning off the headlights but leaving the accessory lights on the interior was bathed in a dull blue glow. He reached into the back for the small leather bag and realising what happening Bella shifted around to kneel on the seat, flipping up the long coat and presenting him with her ass.

Counting backwards from ten Stephen smoothed his hand over the firm globes before parting the two lengths of soft leather that ran between her legs to the O-ring that joined the strip of fur running down her back to the harness's multiple leather straps. Taking his time despite his own arousal he used the lube first on her and then on the plug. He heard her breathing change and her stifled whimpers as the tail found its place within her. The plug was not so big as to cause her great discomfort throughout the night but enough to ensure she would feel its weight and pull should she misplace her limbs or ass during the night.

"Keep your feet beneath you when you turn back around you will find it more comfortable than sitting directly on the tail," he smacked her ass to savour the sound and flipped her coat back down over her ass. He handed her the small bag and encouraged her to put on the paws and reseal it. 

Stephen drew a deep breath as he restarted the car and reversed out of the laneway back onto the highway travelling back the way they had come for several minutes before turning up a side road. He followed this to their destination, a large manor house on the top of the hill. It was Bella's turn to take a deep breath as she nervously got out of the car at the end of the leash Stephen now held. She stood uncertainly and looked up at Stephen for guidance.

"Out here you walk, stay on your toes, go to your hands and knees up on the veranda," he said softly leading her toward the manor house. They walked up the four steps to the wide wrap around veranda and with a gentle tug down on the leash Stephen guided her to her hands and knees. She had barely moved again when in a blur of red and black she was suddenly on her back having her neck licked and nuzzled by a yelping Tali. She squealed and giggled as they rolled about together happily for a few moments until Mark Millar appeared clapping Stephen on the shoulder and laughing jovially.

"Heel," Mark barked and Tali got up and crawled to him winding around his legs and panting happily. Bella too got to her hands and knees cursing the coat and rubbed against Stephens legs. "Come on in I will show you were to put your coats on the way through." Mark let Tali lead the way through into the front room which appeared to be a formal lounge room. Bella remembered that this was Mark's home not a club or in this case a guild house. 

"Five minutes, Tali, just to check her makeup," Mark said sternly.

She nodded and yelped softly standing and helping Bella take off her coat, before grabbing her hand and scooting across the hall to the bathroom, leaving Stephen staring after them. 

"You look amazing, spin around for me?" Tali said inspecting her and her makeup. She ran her hand into the faux fur and grinned, "So soft, and fancy, let me guess you're a minx?" she had touched the rhinestone collar and leash as she spoke.

"Mink, yes" Bella laughed.

"Hunter is here, if he wants you the others will back down immediately; he is the alpha of the guild," Tali warned. "Remember you have choices, you can say no to him, he can be a bit scary, but that means you won't be trained by anyone in the guild."

"And if he doesn't want me?" Bella asked feeling a shiver run up her spine.

"Then you have the choice of anyone you want practically, though I am pretty sure it's mainly Samuel Beckett, Master's best friend, and Bitang Tuan who said he met you when you flew to Malaysia with Mel." Tali explained, "Who will put themselves forward. Okay pee quickly we only have another minute, and you're not gonna want to pee out there," she grinned.

Bella shifted her costume uncomfortable and sat quickly feeling relief for this brief moment with Tali. There was a high pitched whistle and Tali's head went up and to the door, "We gotta go; I will try and stay close okay?" She poked her head out of the door and held up two fingers as Bella readjusted her costume and Tali gave her a quick once over claiming that whoever did her body work was a genius.

The whistle sounded again and hugging Bella she squeaked, "Here we go!" and flinging the door open scampered across the hall to her Master's side while Bella took her place beside Stephen. She froze her eyes widening, Stephen aware of her looked down and murmured, "Problem?"

"Will they all be Master's or Sirs?" she whispered nervously.

"I will help you, little one, but I doubt you will need to worry; pets are not expected to speak here," he chuckled and they walked down the hallway and out onto the large back deck where everyone was gathered. The people looked up as the entered the space with a few walking over to greet Stephen and pat her hair. She listened carefully for names and tried to find something to connect the name to the person.

Stephen seemed in no hurry to sit down as he walked her first to the bar and then to see another friend, each time she wold crawl beside him and then sit back on her feet as he stopped to talk. She looked over Samuel Beckett carefully as he and Stephen spoke, considering him as a prospective Master. He seemed quite short in comparison to Stephen but then everyone did in some way, but she guessed he was about five ten, give or take a little. He was stocky though, and his muscles could be seen bulging behind his jeans and shirt.

"Hello Bella, I'm Sam," he had bent down to her level, extending his hand he smiled, "Shake?" It was said as it might have been to a dog, so she lifted her paw covered hand and placed it in his returning his smile. "Aren't you a cute little ball of fur," he ran his hand up the soft strip of fur between her breasts to her neck and she purred playfully at him, making him grin before standing up again to address Stephen. 

"A minx was a perfect selection for her, well done Stephen," he clapped him on the shoulder. "I'll be throwing my name in the hat so to speak." 

"Good," Stephen's baritone rumbled. He like Samuel and thought he would be good for Bella, he was caring but firm from what he knew, and would show her a softer side of the lifestyle then what she knew now. They sat, and an older Asian gentleman appeared beside them taking a seat beside Stephen. "Tuan," he nodded at the man.

"Stephen, good to see you," he said in a thick accent, "I have brought champagne for this gorgeous creature," he placed a decorative saucer in front of Bella and poured half a glass of champagne into it. Stephen watched as she bent her head to it and lapped tentatively the bubbles sprinkling over her skin making her wrinkle her little pink nose endearingly making him chuckles quietly as he turned back to Tuan.

"You have met before," Stephen said easily indicating Bella.

"Yes, once, before... the accident," Bella sat back up listening to his words and looking up at him, he reached out to scratch behind her fake ears, and she purred appreciatively. "Such a lovely pet, and to have been trained by Mel himself, I am keen for the opportunity to spend some time with her one on one," his smile was wide. "I imagine she is quite the little masochist."

"I wouldn't let your imagination rule your good sense here," Stephen rumbled protectively and Bella moved once again against his leg.

"Ah yes of course, the watcher you are," he nodded his accented broken English coming forward, "It is unusual is it not this training program, for a pet such as this, it is obvious that she is happy at a Master's feet, no?"

"Yes," Stephen looked down on her stroking her hair with affection.

"Then why not just advertise her availability, I am sure she would be offered a good home with ease," he practically licked his lips at the prospect of having this pretty little pet as one of his own.

"That is not my decision to make as you well know," Stephen said with ease though Bella heard the grumble in his tone and realised Stephen did not like the man. Tuan nodded and went onto other subjects as Bella sat quietly between them occasionally lapping at a saucer of champagne. 

Various people came to sit with them, and they too moved around the room as she was introduced to other pets. There were about a dozen or so masters present, but only about seven pets, two of which were puppies much like Tali, exuberant and playful. Two others were feline in nature, regal and with an air of condescension, big cats Bella thought; the other was like a cross between the two, feline but with a playful exuberance like a kitten, a rabbit and what she thought might be a mouse. 

Bella was being nuzzled and nipped at by the playful kitten when one of the Masters squatted down beside them looking at her intently. "I am Hunter," he said, "You have heard of me?" Bella gulped and nodded. Her nose twitched at the scent of his leather pants, and she boldly leaned slightly towards his knee breathing it in. He smiled showing perfect white teeth behind his dark lips. "You like the smell of leather, don't you?" he stated the obvious and once again she looked up and nodded.

"And how are you Keely," he stroked the playful kittens hair then stroked Bella's neck eliciting a purr and a big smile from the other pet. "This one looks precious doesn't she?" he asked the kitten indicating Bella. Keely grinned and nodded. He smiled again and turned his dark eyes on Bella. "Are you truly serious about wanting to learn about this lifestyle?" he asked tilting his head at her holding her gaze with his own. Bella caught her lip between her teeth and nodded not blinking or showing anything, but her willingness to learn more. 

"You are quite a tiny pet, but perhaps," he said as he petted the fur strip that ran up and down her front. "Did you choose this pet persona or did another choose it for you?" he asked and watched as Bella tilted her eyes up to Stephen and leaned in rubbing at his leg in appreciation of looking after her with a smile. "Loyalty and obedience are good traits for a pet to have," he nodded. "Yet he does not train you himself," Hunter mused. 

"I am not a pet Master," Stephen said easily coming down to their level, "This is the process agreed upon." 

"You have agreed to this precious pet?" Hunter lifted her chin to look deeply into her eyes as she nodded her assent, a slight surprise showed in her eyes as he used the same words to describe her that Mel often had. "So it shall be then," he leaned forward and dropped a fluttering kiss on her upturned nose, "I will let our host know of my intention." He stood with Stephen and clasped his hand. "You of course will be welcome in my home at any time of your choosing during her training."

"I will be eager to see your island home should you win the night," Stephen said easily. 

"Was there ever any doubt?" Hunter chuckled and strode away towards Mark, who was standing at the bar, to inform him the contest was over, Bella watched from her position as Hunter and Mark engaged in an animated conversation, Mark looking occasionally at Stephen and then back at Hunter.

Stephen went to sit again and pulled her to his lap where she curled contentedly still watching the bar. He lowered his head and murmured in her ear, "A much better prospect than Tuan, and possibly a stronger more demanding Master than Sam, would you like a few minutes to talk to Tali? I could arrange it." 

Bella turned purring loudly and making a show of nuzzling his neck whispered, "Oh yes, please, Sir Stephen."

It took some time, but Mark eventually interrupted a conversation Stephen was having with a small group of pet masters and asked to see him in his den. Taking Bella with him, he followed Mark into the house and to a side room away from the noise of the gathering. Tali pounced on Bella and hugged her as soon as they entered the room, giggling and dragging her off to an adjoining room that happened to be an ensuite. Grateful beyond belief, Bella, rearranged her costume and sat down as Tali began a bubbling excited conversation about how jealous the girls were and how impressed the Masters were and what did she think of this, and that.

Bella laughed as she struggled to get a word in. She realised now why Tali spoke so much and so fast, as a pet they rarely spoke instead just making noise. "Slow down, slow down," Bella said as stood up and flushed the toilet, pulling her costume back into place carefully. She had little time and really didn't want to discuss this in front of the whole group of friends tomorrow. 

"As I see it I have a choice of two maybe," Bella began, and Tali tilted her head questioningly. "Sam and Hunter," She explained.

"Tuan said..." Tali began but stopped as Bella shook her head.

"He seems a little... I dunno..." she shook her head.

"Yeah creepy," Tali nodded.

"Sam seems lovely and Hunter... well he is..." she chewed her lip trying to think of the right word, "Not intense but... not lovely either, maybe I dunno."

"He's a bit like... well it's just that he demands the best and expects the best form everyone around him. He is also the first to offer assistance if anyone needs it. He has the respect and loyalty of the whole guild, if he has declared his interest in you; no one would challenge him, not even Tuan the self-proclaimed beast master." She giggled. Bella chewed her lips thoughtfully. "Sam is a good man though and you would have a wonderful time with him I am sure," Tali grinned, "Plus I would get to see you all the time!"

"So you think Samuel?" Bella asked.

"Well that would work well for me but if I was in your shoes I would go for the dark chocolate Master. Doesn't his skin just make you wanna lick him all over to taste him! And you know what they say about black men," she waggled her eyebrows suggestively, "Come on don't tell me you haven't checked out that package he keeps hidden behind all that leather."

Bella laughed and hugged Tali, "You are absolutely zero help to me, you know that?"

"I was never good at making decisions on my own that why I have such an intelligent Master," she giggled. There was a whistle and Tali pouted, "Time to go I guess," she flung open the door and bounded out stopping in her tracks and lowering to her hands and knees quickly as she almost ran into Hunter. She rubbed against his leg before returning to Mark's side for a scratch behind the ears. 

Bella went to her hands and knees nervously after shutting the door and followed Tali's lead, rubbing against the leather clad legs of Hunter before returning to Stephen, who also bent down to pet her hair before picking her up to stand on her feet beside him. "The rules of this house don't apply for the moment, Hunter would like to hear you speak," Stephen said softly.

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she answered equally softly and turned to Hunter, who stood watching her. He waved her closer to him, and she walked softly, padding across the carpet to him. 

"The training is something you have asked for and your guardians have allowed?" he asked. 

"Yes Sir," she replied.

"I am a Master; you may address me as such," he gave her a hard look.

"Yes Master Hunter," she replied automatically to the rebuff.

"Good, I know them both by reputation at least and they are good men as is Stephen," he nodded in the big man's direction. "Were you given a choice in the pet persona you wear tonight?"

"No, Master Hunter it was provided for me by Sir Stephen and a friend of mine who did the makeup for me," she explained confused as to his question.

"Good, then you will not mind if it is changed should you come to train with me then," his face softened with a smile as he looked down on her. "I would like to discuss your expectations and limitations, would you talk with me alone for a few moments.

"I would obey Sir Stephen's wishes where that is concerned, but I would not mind if he chose to allow it," she said diplomatically accepting but still giving Stephen the authority to say no if he wanted.

"Well said," he looked up at Stephen, "It is best so that a proper training schedule could be put in place with the proper Master do you not think?" His tone was very formal as he spoke.

"I will allow it," Stephen said equally as formally, "But should another interested party ask the same their request will also be granted if she is equally willing."

"That is fair," Hunter said and looked down at Bella again and picking up her leash. "She will be returned to you shortly." He tugged at the leash and turned walking from this room back to the front room of the house. "Retrieve the bag with your make up," he said abruptly allowing her slack on the leash to locate and pick it up, handing to him. He then walked with her to another part of the large house and through a heavy door. It appeared, at first glance, to be an older style library. The walls lined with shelves and cabinets.

He took a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs and pulled her before him still standing. "You did not like being called precious pet earlier, explain," Hunter said as he inspected her. 

"My Master used to call me that, it just took me by surprise; I had not heard the expression since... he passed," she swallowed hard.

"You were his pet?" he asked genuinely interested.

"Much of the time yes, Master," she smiled, "He did not costume me aside of the tail, collar and leash though," she explained further. 

"Costumes are just that, a pet will feel her place regardless of what she wears," he nodded. "Display," he said abruptly and she automatically widened her stance and pulled her arms up behind her neck. "Limits?" he asked as his hands explored her body cupping her breasts and fingers trailing over the leather straps of her body harness down to her cunt. Her breathing quickened as she spoke.

"And you know these are limits how?" he asked his eyes searching hers. She went on to tell him about her time with Sire and that he would be the second Master she was to spend time with if they found themselves compatible.

"I knew your master, respected him, had business dealings with him, even saw him in action at the club more than once," he popped the clasp of her body harness releasing the two straps that ran between her legs replacing them with his hand. His fingers probed her sliding in and out of her wet slit teasing her clit and making her whimper softly as he spoke. "You are such a small pet to take the amount of abuse I saw his dish out to others, or did he treat you as the precious pet the name suggests and treat you as a delicate flower."

Bella gasped as one of his thick fingers pushed up into her, her mind struggling with the question. "My Master was a known sadist," she panted, "Why would he deny that side of himself to one that he owned?" she asked in turn before pulling her lip into her mouth to stifle her whimpers as they got louder. In the growing silence, she explained further, "I never saw him with another, so I do not have your advantage of being able to compare." 

Hunter was enjoying listening to the sounds of the small pet before him almost as much as he was enjoying her easily heated state. He added a second finger to her cunt pressing his thumb against her clit. "He passed on his love of leather though didn't he," Hunter smiled at the way she chewed on her lip as she nodded.




Possessing Bella Ch. 05



"Yes, Master," she heard the whine in her voice as her need filled her, and her hips rocked to his hand movements. 

"You would be a happy little bitch if soft leather encased this throat rather than faux fur and fake diamonds," his free hand reached up to encircle her throat and he smiled widely as her cunt clenched around his fingers at the feeling of his hand there. He did not need an answer to come from her lips to know it. He tightened his grip slightly and felt her thighs tremble, "Mm what a hot little bitch you are; I imagine I would like to have you at my feet licking my boots and craving my belt for a few weeks."

Bella was beside herself at the thoughts of being in that place Mel had so often put her. She remembered the earth shattering highs he had given her and her body reacted to that in addition to what Hunter was doing to her, multiplying her heat and need. Unable to help herself she begged, "Please may I cum, Master."

"Already, little bitch," asked amused by her begging and the whine his words elicited. His hand wrapped around her throat and he pulled her face down to his own and kissed her panting mouth, deeply exploring her small pink tongue with his own meatier version. Forcing a third finger into her as she humped his hand she growled into her mouth, "Cum for me then." 

He saw her eyes roll as she jerked away from his kiss and squealed her body stiffening and trembling, his hand becoming coated in the proof of the slut's heat. He held her in that position until her body weakened, and she barely stood on her legs. Pulling his fingers from her and allowing her to kneel at his feet as she recovered, he placed his fingers to her lips. He watched intently, mesmerised as the small pink tongue snaked out of her mouth to lap at them before sucking each fat finger deeply, cleaning it of any residue.

Hunter watched her eyes, glazed with heat and need as she continued long after they were clean. He pulled one of her hands up and placed it over his hard cock. She caressed the leather that encased it, and purred softly. He smiled and petted her head letting her lean it down on his thigh.

"This is what awaits you when you come to me next weekend," he said it as if the decision had been made. "I will make arrangements with Stephen. You need not pack I will have everything you require for your training," he said while still petting her head. "I will speak to Tuan and Samuel and tell them I have decided to take on this task of training you, do you agree?"

"I would not have chosen to go with Tuan, but I have not had the opportunity to know Samuel," she looked up at him. "How can I agree, to such an unknown, but I believe that you understand what it is that I desire from my training, Master Hunter."

"Then we shall find him and afford him the same opportunity that I had to speak with you," Hunter said confidently. Standing her on her feet, he cleaned her gently and inspected her body paint seeing no damage done. Then he walked her back through the house to the den before opening the French doors and whistling. 

Tali came bounding in and Hunter smiled, "Good girl," he patted her head. "Now go get Sam for me and let Stephen know that Bella remains unharmed." Tali looked over at Bella, who smiled and then bounded off again.

Samuel appeared smiling and looked between Bella and Hunter, "What's up?" he asked.

"Bella would like to afford you the opportunity to speak with her as I have just done, before she commits to a Master," Hunter said clapping him on the shoulder.

"As much as I would love that Bella, I feel it only fair to tell you that I can't offer my services after all," he said sadly, "I have just found out that the dressage event at the pony club has lost a judge, and they have asked me to stand in. It will take a good deal of my time I afraid, but I am sure you will be well taken care of." He nodded at Hunter.

"Congratulations, Master Samuel," Bella said sincerely. She wondered if this is what Tali had meant when she had said the others would withdraw if Hunter decided to take on her training. While considering that thought, Stephen also appeared having been informed by Tali that Bella had been returned to the den.

"Perhaps you could take Bella and get her a drink," Hunter said handing the leash to Samuel, "I want to have a word with Stephen."

Bella looked surprised but went with the stocky man to the bar. Once again a saucer was placed in front of her and a half glass of champagne poured into it for her to lap at. "I am sorry, Bella, I would have very much liked to get to know you better," Samuel said as he stroked the soft fur that ran down her back while she drank. "I am sure we will meet again though, perhaps at Jack's ranch, I do enjoy the pony girls as much as the pets," he winked at her. "And I have trained both in my time."

Turning her head to look up at him as he bent to talk to her she realised his boyish smile and tanned skin belied his age as she took in the deep crow's feet that appeared around his eyes when he smiled. She purred and rubbed his leg realising that she would see him once again, she was sure he would make it just as he said. She felt better knowing that after he seemed to withdraw when Hunter had declared his interest.

They stayed about another hour at the party before making their farewells. Tali had hugged her tightly and whispered that she would see her tomorrow and Hunter walked with them out to the car. He bent and kissed her deeply before turning to Stephen with a smirk, "I must say I am truly looking forward to our time together."

"Who wouldn't be?" Stephen replied tersely and seeing Hunter help Tali into the car walked to his own side getting in and revving the engine. As soon as the door was closed by Hunter, Stephen drove out of the driveway, once again silently counting backwards from ten.



Possessing Bella Ch. 06



Bella smiled as Lincoln held the door open for her. It had been a wonderful afternoon with her friends. She was so glad Dorothea had begun what she hoped would be a monthly gathering of friends at her home. They had all been so enthusiastic about her decision to start a small business venture within the company and of course had fabulous ideas about the kind of merchandise she should carry. They had also been very accepting of her choice to learn more about the lifestyle by spending time with each of their masters and their friends, though there were some reservations. 

Mostly Bella was happy that this lunch was not all about her and she enjoyed the glimpses she got into her friends lives as they talked about the things that were important to them. She had not realised how little she had known about them all.

"I am sorry I have ruined your Sunday with having to drive me around," Bella spoke into the silence of the car as the drive home began. "I'm sure you have better things to do on the weekends."

"I don't mind at all and I get the weekends off when you're out of town," he winked at her. "If I am honest, this is a pretty good gig. You're hardly demanding of my time; you don't often go out in the evenings and when you do I am hardly ever needed. You have so many men willing to escort you," Lincoln teased.

"Still, I wouldn't mind having a small car for just little shopping trips or going home on the weekends, it's such a long way for you to go and a boring place for you to stay and wait until I am ready to go back," Bella laughed. 

"Don't worry about that," he said with a soft chuckle to match hers, "I am writing my own epic novel, so I enjoy the quiet times and the opportunity to write while being paid to watch the car gather dust."

"Well in that case I think I will introduce you as an author the next time I go home," she laughed, "It just seems so pretentious to go home to my very ordinary family with my own driver."

"And it wouldn't sound pretentious to be hobnobbing with a best selling author?" His chuckle was warm and friendly, "I'm sure they would just be happy to know you are safe after..." He paused "That you are being safe."

"I guess," she admitted and they lapsed back into silence, Bella lost in her own thoughts and Lincoln feeling guilt for bringing up the worst time of her young life.

They pulled into the parking garage and Bella smiled. "Thank you," she said softly and got out of the car walking to the elevators. Lincoln took an extra thirty seconds to text Stephen that Bella had returned and got out of the car following her to the elevator doors. 

"Don't over think everything Bella," Lincoln said. "Most of us just want you to be happy and safe, there is no ulterior motivation or secret plan. It's okay to be happy you know." Bella raised an eyebrow at him, so he continued, "I enjoy driving for you. Never feel bad about calling for me. I didn't mean to make you feel bad in the car..." he said finally getting to his point and Bella understood.

"I'm sorry too. Sometimes it just hits me again, then I forget how my reactions affect everyone else," she smiled crookedly. It seemed Lincoln was about to speak again but at that moment the elevator opened revealing Stephen who looked at them questioningly.

"See you in the morning, Miss Biancotti," Lincoln said formally and turned back to his car.

She gave Lincoln a small wave and stepped onto the elevator, "Hello Sir Stephen, how nice of you to escort me up to my apartment. But it's only really the trip down to the club that makes me anxious when I am on my own." She explained, "I don't want to monopolise too much of your time."

"How was your lunch?" Stephen ignored her comment and watched as a smile changed her whole demeanour.

"It was wonderful, I love those girls like they're sisters and honestly, I really don't know them that well. They're all so..." she searched for the right word and was at a loss. "There is just no ego involved when we are all together. No judgement," she tried again. "They are all just so accepting of each other and me.." She finished lamely knowing that wasn't what she wanted to say but couldn't find the right words.

"They are," Stephen nodded seeing her struggle to explain the relationship she had with the small group of women. As the manager of the club and having Mel as his mentor meant that he knew this group of women very well, as he did their Master's. They were the best of the best and passionate about their Master's and the lifestyle they chose to lead. "Accepting is a good word to use to describe them, they are also passionate and beautiful, loyal and loving and a host of other adjectives. As are you," He let a smile tilt the corners of his mouth.

She looked up at him surprised that he had given her a compliment. He was always so stern and authoritative with her. She was saved from having to respond immediately by the elevator door opening. She didn't question that he too got off the elevator with her and walked her to the small apartment and opened the door for her. 

"Thank you for walking me up," Bella smiled at the door, "I know its part of your job now, but I do appreciate that you do so much for me."

"You're welcome little one," he said pleasantly but Bella noted that it was like a cloud had come over his features and his mouth tightened into a straight line. "Enjoy your evening, call if you wish to come down for dinner tonight," he turned to leave but added over his shoulder, "Jake would love to see you, you could eat in the kitchen or my office, with us."

Bella was confused, as she watched him step onto the elevator that had not moved from their floor. His mood had changed so quickly, she wasn't sure exactly what she had said to have caused the change. Did he not like being reminded that looking after her had become part of his job? He had no trouble reminding her of the fact when it came to disciplining her or instructing her on proper etiquette and behaviour. He was always so stern and uncompromising with her, as if holding her up to some impossibly high standard she didn't know about. 

Stephen had been quiet and moody as they had left the party last night as well. After stopping discreetly some distance away to remove the tail she had been wearing, he had allowed her to sleep as they drove in silence through the early hours of the morning. He had carried her upstairs, even after she woke fully in his arms, saying that she weighed no more than a small pet would. He was a big man and his strong arms had made her feel so safe that she had not protested, instead leaning into his broad chest and taking in his scent. She smiled at the memory of the rare tender moment with Stephen as she kicked off her shoes and went to get her laptop.

After putting in a couple of hours work, Bella called her parents and spent a long time on the phone catching up with her mother. She had begun emailing her father this week about the business and her plans and found him an easy sounding board outside of the company. Feeling guilty for not having seen them this fortnight that she had been in the city, she wondered whether she would be going to stay with Hunter on the Friday or the Saturday; she would have to ask Sir Stephen and maybe see if she could go home on Friday night or Saturday even if only for a few hours because she didn't know when she would have the chance again. It could be another month or two the way things were going and she knew her parents worried about her even more so recently with her return to work.

She picked up her phone after a few moments thought about going home and decided to called Stephen, "Hello Bella," he answered on the second ring, his moodiness of earlier seemingly vanished. 

"Hello, Sir Stephen," she greeted him in return, "I was wondering if you could spare me a few minutes tonight, I have a few questions you might be able to answer?" Bella asked hopefully.

"Sure, why don't I come and bring you down for dinner in about," he drew out the word and Bella could imagine him checking his watch, "thirty minutes." He paused and she froze momentarily. She hadn't planned on dinner; she had had such a late lunch but she couldn't expect him to just drop everything for her, so she agreed.

"Will that give you enough time to dress appropriately for the club?" He guessed at her hesitation reminding her gently of the club expectations.

"Yes Sir," she said hesitantly. "I will be ready."

"Good," he said and hung up. Bella looked at her phone; it was frustrating that she never knew if his abruptness was directed at her or it was just his natural way. She found his constant serious manner disconcerting at times but coupled with the abruptness she could never quite place if she had done something to offend him or make him angry in just a few simple words.

Bella went into her closet and ran a finger over the clothes hanging there. So many things she hadn't even tried on yet. She pulled out a corset style bodice with thin straps and matching short skirt and considered them. It was not her usual style but then none of her current wardrobe had been her style a year ago. Mel had changed her world completely but she felt as if her life before becoming his had been a lie and he had only shown her where she truly belonged. 

She smiled at the memory of him as she changed. Back in this world of her own choice had eased the pain a little, especially this week with the changes she was making in her role and place in the company. She silently thanked him once again for all he had given her which included the courage to make hard choices. She laughed to herself; the little choices didn't matter much, she still had people around her influencing those if not making them for her, at the club, at work and even here. She knew she would never find a love like his again, but she felt happy, she had the constant watchful eyes of many Masters to look after her and she still had the freedom to choose her life's path.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror and admitted the black and red ensemble looked a little severe, so she softened the look by leaving her hair loose around her shoulders. She wore it up so often that she hadn't realised just how long it had become. Satisfied she took her phone and put it in the small suede pouch attached to a garter that could sit high on her thigh under the skirt. She loved its simplicity and smiled thinking of the day she had spent with Sire when he had created the garter for her. She was waiting at the door when Stephen arrived. He smiled and inclined his head as she hurried toward the elevator not wanting to hold him up any more than necessary. 

"You look lovely, Bella," he said in a voice softer than his usual stern tone making her look at him quizzically. "I have a fondness for corsetry," he said easily, "and those colours suit you." He was pleased and surprised to see her hair left loose to curl around her face, almost changing her features as the curls caressed her cheeks and neck.

"Thank you, Sir Stephen. And you as always look very debonair," she grinned.

The lift pinged its arrival at the club entrance and Bella felt Stephen's large hand wrap around the back of her neck. She didn't shiver this time but rather let herself feel the protection of it and give her confidence as she stepped into the lobby. The girls at the desk smiled at her as they walked past, she didn't have a jacket and they were not required to sign in upon arrival.

They stepped into the salon and several faces turned toward her to appraise the new girl entering the room only to look away again after seeing her with Stephen protectively steering her towards the office rooms. "Was that Bella?" She heard a quizzical voice ask just before she stepped into the office and the door was shut.

"Bella!" Rob looked up from his desk, "Stephen said you had called to come down," he smiled as he walked over to embrace her. "Last night went well I hear, seems you made an impression on Hunter. He's not an easy man to impress at the best of times," he gave a chuckle and led her over to a chair.

"Well I don't really know how it went, I was waiting for Sir Stephen to tell me what I must do in that regard, so I was hoping he might tell me if I asked him directly over dinner," she replied honestly making Rob raise an eyebrow at Stephen. 

Stephen frowned, not realising she had been so worried about the outcome. "I wanted to speak to Rob about Hunter's demands first as your guardian it is ultimately his decision to make and I have informed Hunter as much," he said in a hard voice. "You had already given your consent at the arrangement last night." Bella watched him with her big greens eyes trained on his and chewing on her bottom lip in thought. And again Stephen found himself counting backwards from ten before continuing. "If you have questions, please ask them."

"Well life has been so busy this week and with the next week promising to be the same and then leaving to spend time with Hunter," she paused and turned to Rob. "Maybe, I mean if you approve, it will just be another month before I have the opportunity to get home to see my mother and show her how well I am doing." The men both looked at her as if they were unsure what she was saying, so she finally asked her question. 

"I was wondering if this arrangement as you put it with Hunter started on the Friday evening or if it could begin on the Sunday evening so I could make a quick trip home this weekend. Lincoln said he wouldn't mind the drive," she hastened to add to show it would not be an inconvenience to either of them.

"I don't see why you couldn't do that," Stephen said slowly, once again struck by the thoughtfulness of the girl and the consideration she gave to those she cared for. Hers would never be a life of blind obedience; Mel had taught her well in that respect. Since her return, she had asked for what she needed and while she was not given all she had asked for, she seemed to accept the reasons why with a natural deference to those given her guardianship.

"I wouldn't mind a rematch with Joe and his chess board," Stephen said after a moment's pause, "I could take her down on Saturday morning." He said predominantly to Rob before turning to Bella, "If you don't mind the company of course."

"I am sure Dad would like that," Bella tilted her head, she hadn't thought much about Stephen's last visit to her home when she had decided to return to the city and work. So much had happened since then, beginning with her drunken confession to Stephen about what she had been doing during her time at the beach shack.

"I think I should talk with Hunter before you go to him, regardless," Rob said, "I will let you know what he says as soon as I can contact him." He smiled, "You look too beautiful tonight, I like your hair down. Can I join you and Stephen for dinner?"

"I had thought to just eat with Jake in the kitchen. I had such a late lunch I was actually hoping just to sneak in one of his fabulous desserts," Bella grinned.

"I think that could be arranged but let's see if he will join us in the dining room," Rob suggested. "You are not seen here often enough."

"I will go tell Jake and get us a table," Stephen offered.

"Great that'll give us a few minutes to catch up," Rob looked at Bella and beckoned her closer.

"How is everything going really, little brat?" Rob gathered her into his arms as he had begun doing since she returned to the city. 

"A lot happened in the last week and I am a little..." Bella settled onto his lap and leaned into his chest as she spoke, "Not overwhelmed really more just..." again she sought for the right word, "I don't know it's just a lot to take in and do and..." she let out a sigh, feeling Rob's arms tighten around her protectively. "Everything is just happening so fast, but I am happy." She looked up and smiled.

"Are you taking on too much?" He asked, "It would not be hard to slow things down, take another week or two before going to stay with Hunter maybe?" He watched her face as she seemed to consider his words.

"No, I have made the commitment now and I wouldn't like to think he had changed his schedule to accommodate me and then have me not show up," she grimaced, "I don't want to be that flaky girl who wigs out all the time. I did enough of that over the last six months." She said softly.

"You don't want to burn yourself out by doing too much either" Rob frowned at her. "Mel would haunt me to me dying day if I let that happen."

"My new assistant, Andrew, is great and Dorothea is around to handle things while I am gone, so that is less stress in my world right off the bat," she said confidently.

"Ah yes, he seems like a good man, I have seen him a few times this week. Stephen has taken on mentoring him. I am glad you found someone strong and steady to help you with your business plan," Rob nodded his approval. "If things start to get too much though, you will not disappointment me in any way as long as you tell me, honesty above everything else little one."

"Yes, Master Rob," she leaned up and kissed his cheek whispering, "I love you too." Rob chuckled and held her tightly for a moment before letting her go and walking her out into the vast restaurant area.

They walked through the dining room to their table and people greeted Bella as if they knew her well but she was sure she had not ever seen let alone met them before. Jake and Stephen were at the table waiting for them.

Jake smiled as he unveiled a platter of miniature sized desserts for her and looking around the table she saw that the men all had main meals. She had to admit sometimes it was good to be looked after so well, as she picked up her spoon the conversation went on to everyday life in their worlds.

As the night wore on Bella became more aware that Jake spoke differently to Stephen and in turn Stephen dropped some of his austere composure and let forth a rare laugh that seemed to rumble with good humour. He looked different when he relaxed a little. Bella began to enjoy the banter between the men at the table as she silently ate the exquisite morsels of sweetness Jake had prepared for her.

Jake like Rob had an easy going side, unlike the serious sternness of Stephen, who was much like Mel. She could see why each of the men had chosen the other to mentor. She wondered at Andrew's choice to be mentored by Stephen; he did not seem to have that arrogant, controlling nature that she associated with Stephen, but then she did not know him very well yet either. It was odd to think of a man similar to Stephen being her assistant. She guessed in his role at the company she would not really see the dominant side of his personality as much the more human side that she was just now getting a glimpse of in Sir Stephen. It wasn't that he hadn't been caring or thoughtful toward her, but there had always been those well-defined lines between Dominant and submissive. He commanded and she obeyed.

The men took her thoughtfulness for exhaustion, though that was only partially true she didn't mind when Stephen said he would walk her up to her room so she could rest. His hand curled about the back of her neck as they walked through the club but once in the lift and alone the pressure of his hand diminished and he rubbed her neck gently in a soothing manner.

"It's been a busy week for you. Are you sure you're not taking on too much?" He asked, his voice laced with concern.

"I am enjoying it, being so busy I mean. But it would be nice to go home and let Mum look after me even if only for a few hours," she smiled. "I hope Master Hunter doesn't mind the delay."

"Your stay with Sire began and ended on a Sunday evening, so I do not believe it will be an issue," he said with an air of authority. "Would you like to go down Friday night or Saturday morning?"




Possessing Bella Ch. 06



Bella looked up in surprise as if it had already been decided that she would return home for the weekend. "I hadn't really thought past the idea of wanting to go at some time. Probably Saturday in case something comes up at work on Friday afternoon."

"I'll make the calls tomorrow and organise it for you," Stephen responded, taking control. "It will be good to talk to him again." They approached Bella's door and he opened it for her before leaning down and kissing her forehead. "Sweet dreams, Little One." He ushered her inside and closed the door before returning to the elevator. Bella wasn't sure what to think. She was tired and a little confused by the changes in Stephen's moods, so she went to change for bed.

*****

Stephen went back down to the club and went into Rob's office. He sprawled in one of the large chairs and looked up at Rob. "She's tired, and she looks it. I think she is pushing herself too hard," he said not for the first time. 

"She's asked to go home to see Rosie next weekend, I think it's a good sign that she knows she needs some down time," Rob said thoughtfully. "She asked for this. All of it, we aren't forcing it on her." Rob understood Stephen's concerns but she appeared happy, she was looking after herself again. And he admitted looking more beautiful than ever. "Having her back as more than just Mel's girl is going to take adjustment for all of us." He looked up at the portraits on the wall. "None of us really knew her at all before Mel brought her into the club. How do we know what she was like beforehand? Maybe she was always an overachiever." He shrugged.

"We had to watch her go through the worst of times, it's made you protective. We all are," Rob sighed. "Kurt and Andrew are there at work; I am here or there," he pointed above his head "at home. And you and Jake are here, there and everywhere. If cracks begin to show, we will catch her."

"Fine," Stephen grumbled. "She is intelligent and thinks about what she does most of the time, but I am not sure she is as strong as you all think she is." He paused for a moment, "When's Kurt getting here?" 

"Who knows, you know Kurt, he arrives when he does," Rob chuckled. He and Kurt had grown close over the last year and he fully endorsed Mel's decision to install him as the new managing director of the company and as part of the stakeholder council in the club. Mel's shares of course had been dispersed over a few people which had left Rob as the majority holder in both businesses.

Kurt, Bella and Vince each held a percentage of Mel's half of the company, but it was at the club where the stakes were more evenly spread across a dozen or so people. His decision to include a managed share for Bella amongst those people had appalled some of the current stakeholders but with Kurt's backing Rob had stood firm against the backlash.

"I'll go get Andrew," Stephen said into the lengthening silence, "He'll need to be in this conversation if we expect him to do his job properly." Kurt arrived shortly after and joined Rob in the office.

"I'm thinking Sunday meetings are painful," he flopped into a comfortable chair. "Can we do these on a Monday from now on?"

"Hard to drag yourself away from the lovely Dianne?" Rob smirked.

"Something like that," Kurt grinned. "All right, so, what do we know so far?" He looked up as Stephen and Andrew joined them.

"Lincoln reported a guy on a bike following them from the company back here early in the week, so we changed the drop off point to the garage just as a precaution," Rob began. "He thinks he saw him again today but couldn't be sure."

"Are we just being a little paranoid after Mel?" Kurt asked reasonably.

"Probably, but there's been the anonymous protests about her involvement in the club," Rob added, "and some of the guys here have very strong notions about the natural order of the world." 

"That was to be expected," Stephen said in his deep bass. "Honestly, I wasn't so sure about her involvement here myself. Even with being a managed stake, what if some future Master decides to manage her affairs for her?"

"Look I am new to all this, so I don't have the same degree of investment as the rest of you," he looked at each of the men. "After a week of working with her side by side though, I will say that she knows all of you are watching her so closely that she is scared to sneeze in case you rush her to the hospital. If you place any further restrictions on her, she may just runaway again to escape. It's not like she hasn't in the past." Andrew had read the detailed file he had been given by Stephen detailing her life, so he knew what to expect.

"It's hardly that extreme," Stephen stared at him. 

"I think she used the word fart rather than sneeze but I was being diplomatic. That is exactly how she feels," he sat back having said his piece. "I will defer to you all of course, but you schedule her life so much she has no time to think already. I have to ask, have there been any threats directly against her?"

"No, maybe I am being a little paranoid," Rob admitted. "I chased Lucifer for so many years that maybe I am just seeing ghosts of him now."

"I don't think so," Stephen added to the mix, "Isn't it better to err on the side of caution?"

"I think we are already doing that," Kurt said. "Let her have what little bit of freedom she has now, which isn't much. I tend to agree with Andrew; we were all pretty unsure about agreeing to what she wanted and I for one have been pleasantly surprised so far."

"That's fine while she is in town, what about these stays with other Master's," Stephen argued and once again Rob wondered about his growing attachment to Bella. There was nothing happening there he was sure, but the austere personality Stephen usually wore seemed to be developing cracks when it came to the young woman they all cared about.

"We will have to deal with each one as they appear, do we know who is next?" Kurt asked.

"Hunter." Stephen rumbled, a hint of distaste in his voice.

"Well that's perfect; no one who wasn't invited could get near his place," he laughed. "So we won't have to worry about that side of it for at least another month or so. So let's just leave things the way they are, she seems happy enough, no need to worry her over something that may just end up being nothing but our own paranoia." The other men murmured their agreement. 

"I thought I might invite Joe and Rosie up sometime to see how she is doing," Kurt changed the topic slightly. "They worry about her too and they haven't seen her since she announced she was coming back to work."

"I am taking her home for the weekend," Stephen said it as if ending the conversation. But after a moment added, "She asked to go because she knows they worry and she didn't know when she would have another chance."

"Good," Kurt was taken aback by the tone in Stephen's voice and looked at Rob, who smirked. "Well if that's everything, then would you gentlemen excuse us. I have some things to discuss with Rob of a personal nature."

"What the hell was that about?" Kurt asked Rob once Stephen and Andrew had left the room. 

"He seems to be taking on the role of her protector quite literally doesn't he," Rob chuckled. "I think she might have found a chink in his armour."

"Ice cold, unemotional, uncompromising? Yes. Protective of the girls here? Of course. But he has always been hands off and professional about it. The way he spoke just then, that was downright territorial. You better fill me in properly before I decide to assert my guardianship and take her down there myself." It wasn't often that the laid back Kurt forcefully asserted his dominance over others. But Rob quickly realised that he had taken the tone in Stephen's voice as a personal challenge. 

"I don't know much," Rob admitted, "But I think our little Bella may have found a way to thaw a little of his ice cold demeanour." He proceeded to tell Kurt about the little things he too had noticed. He finished by adding that Stephen had not wanted to see her with Sire, sending Jake instead and that he had also not been happy that Hunter had been chosen to take her next. 

"Both strong men who would not be intimidated by Stephen's towering reputation and status," Rob chuckled.

"So our knight in shining armour has a thing for the little princess. Does she know?" Kurt joined his chuckle.

"I doubt it. I doubt anyone, but those who know Stephen very well would even guess," he thought about it. "He's just like Mel in that respect. He has preferences here at the club but shows no real favouritism or affection for any of them."

"Similar tastes too, though that is hardly surprising," Kurt added.

"Bella's not really in that frame of mind. She is seeing this training as a learning experience that Mel had wanted for her. She's not looking for a new Master I don't think," Rob scratched at a non-existent beard. "It's like she is still trying to prove she was good enough for him, to herself as much to the rest of us."

"Yeah, that's Dianne's theory on the whole thing," Kurt agreed. "She could do a lot worse than Stephen," Kurt mused, "It should be interesting to watch how that plays out. Mel's a hard act to follow I would imagine and like you said, she's not ready for that sort of deep bonding again."

"Bah! We sound like two old women. I bet it never happens," Rob laughed.

"I'll take that bet, with no time limit though," Kurt added the proviso. "If I win I get first option on your company shares, should you ever decide to sell them. And if you win..."

"I'll take a 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom," Rob smirked at Kurt.

*****

Bella went in to see Rob before leaving for work in the morning. He smiled when he saw her and putting down the article he was reading, patted his lap and yawned loudly. Bella frowned at him noting the bags under his eyes. She climbed into his lap and ran her hand down his cheek.

"I feel dreadful that you wait for me before going to sleep, especially when you're so tired," she said quietly.

"This is the best part of my day," he held her close and breathed in her freshness." It's just a few minutes to catch up and you seem to be leaving earlier and earlier. Soon I will be meeting you in the lift as I come up from the club." He teased her and released her from his arms. 

"I really like having my own project to work on. It's amazing how much there is to do and I just want to get as much done as I can, before I leave for my umm, time with Master Hunter," Bella leaned up and kissed Rob's cheek, "So I better get moving."

"Slow down a moment," Rob chuckled circling his arms around her again, "Stephen mentioned that he thought you might be taking on too much with this schedule." He scratched at the five o'clock shadow on his chin absently. "Nothing is ever fully set in stone if you need extra time, or a few days away with your parents here and there. Schedules can and will be adjusted. Kurt will be in full agreement I assure you." Bella said nothing instead her teeth found her bottom lip and she began to gnaw on it.

"You have been through a great deal in the past year. I worried at times that we would lose you as well. Now that we have you back, I don't want you to overdo it. Take your time, there are no time limits on this you know," he looked down into her eyes.

"I'm busy that's for sure," she grinned, "But I like it that way. I have so much I want to do, and now I have the opportunity I just don't want to let anyone down. I promise if it starts getting too much I will come and talk to you."

"If I hear it from anyone else there will be consequences," he said it softly but in such a way she had no doubt that the softer side of their relationship which she currently enjoyed would disappear if that were to happen. She lifted her hand to stroke his cheek again feeling the stubble under her fingers and wondering briefly if that would be such a bad thing. 

"Yes Master" she said quietly, looking up into his deep blue eyes and squirming a little in his lap intentionally.

"Good. Now go to work if you must," he lifted her from his lap and placed her on her feet with an uncomfortable growl.

"As you wish Master," she said happily and leaned in to kiss his cheek again. She turned and left then with a big smile. The traffic was bad due to a burst water main and Bella let her mind wander through her first encounters with Master Rob on the night of her collaring and in the few days after that when she had hidden under Dianne's desk to escape her confusion and panic. He was strong, caring and loyal she knew, but he also had the rough edges and bad boy charm that she had always found so attractive. 

She wondered if he would ever get over the loss of Kitty and think about another relationship or if, like her, he knew the love of his life was gone forever. She wondered if he found not love but at least affection from the girls at the club. Affection just didn't seem right there, perhaps he at least got some satisfaction in the club. Yes, satisfaction was a much better word; she thought and smiled at the image she had playing in her mind of Rob on one of the small stages there with a girl, meting out punishment for some error in judgement on her behalf.

She was enjoying the small reverie until Lincoln broke through her thoughts to announce they had arrived at work. Blushing slightly as if caught doing something she shouldn't, she thanked him quickly and went to the elevators. She was looking forward to having the office to herself for a little while this morning so she could go over the plans she had made for this week. She was excited to get started on some of her own planning.

Walking into her office, she stopped and gaped. "Why are you here so early?"

"Good morning Bella," Andrew got up from his desk to open the door to her office while greeting her. "I am your assistant, where else would I be?"

"Asleep," she gave a half laugh.

"I'm an early riser," he shrugged. "I always have been."

"Well seeing as you're here would you like to have a look at this week's schedule with me? I have some ideas, and I really want to get started and bring you and Dorothea up to speed. I thought we could have a good look it after I went to the executive meeting this morning." She asked walking past him and placed the large carry-all she had brought from home beside her desk. Then she began checking the few pieces they had on display. 

"I spoke to hospitality on Friday; they have stocked the small wet bar, would you like juice or something?" Andrew asked watching her carefully.

"No thank you. I promise I had breakfast," she replied automatically, coming back to her desk. She noted the surprise on his face and blushed. "Sorry, I am just so used to... well it doesn't matter. Let's see what has been added to my schedule and see if we can find the time we need to put together a plan for while I am away."

Bella had noted the two breakfast meetings Dianne had added to the schedule and was pleased about that, but there were so many other meetings with a variety of people, some she had never heard of; that there wouldn't be too much time to work on her own ideas. She knew the whole business plan had to perfected first, but she couldn't perfect it without some market research. Even her lunches were going to be supervised it seemed. She sighed loudly.

"I know I have to play their game, but this is ridiculous," she chewed her lip speaking mostly to herself, "When am I supposed to implement any changes they suggest if I am in meetings the whole time I am here. Lots of late nights, I guess." She sighed, "Maybe it was a mistake to try and do this here instead of on my own." She looked around her beautiful office and felt the walls close in on her as her excitement and new ideas drained from her. She knew how much creating this space had cost down to the last cent and knew she couldn't in good conscience, stop the wheels she had put in motion but there had to be some sort of compromise. She just had to come up with a better plan before going to Kurt like a spoilt brat and demanding changes.

Andrew said nothing, his own thoughts hidden behind a calm exterior. What was it Rob had said about holding the reigns too tight? Kurt was very laid back about the paranoia theory last night but did not seem to be exercising the same tactics here at work. She was taking on a lot and from what he understood even her weekend had been on a schedule. They both stared at Mondays schedule wondering when a good time to see Kurt might be. And Andrew realised he would need to get there first.

"Why don't I see if Kurt is in already and if he can spare you a few moments?" Andrew finally spoke. "You should have some say in your own schedule, you are an executive not an intern after all." He saw her posture straighten as if his words lifted her spirits slightly.

"That's a good idea," Bella said softly, "But I can't go in and demand changes without a good reason and a plan of my own to replace it with. I learned that lesson already when dealing with Kurt." She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes as she thought the issue through. "I mean what does this even mean?" She pointed to an appointment on her schedule that said, "Hot or not".

"Don't ask me I have only worked here for a week. It just so happens though," Andrew smiled lightening the mood, "That the people who add things to your schedule happen to be friends of mine and if you like I will give them a call and inquire about everything on this schedule and what it means and see where we can trim a little time to be alone together," he waggled his eyebrows at her, "with Dorothea as our chaperone of course."

"Dianne and Patrick," Bella giggled. She liked Andrew and was glad he had been among the people short listed by Kurt. She still had her reservations, but they were not major issues that needed to be dealt with right now. He was smart and intuitive and seemed on the surface at least to have her best interests at heart. "I have a meeting with the executives this morning first thing, so do you think you could get together with them then and get them to interpret this for me? For us?" she amended.

"I'll send them an email and give them a call now to set it up," Andrew turned and walked back out to his desk. 

Bella gave up looking at the schedule. She would try and excuse herself from the meeting early if she could or run late for the second one and see what Andrew had come up with. The walls still felt as if they were closing in on her and she realised that the last week or so all she had done was live between this building and her apartment. The closest she had come to fresh air and sunshine was visiting with her friends, but then it had only been from the car to the door. 

She looked at her watch and realised she still had a full hour before her first meeting. Thinking that it might be a good time to see the sun, she picked up the carry-all with her few precious items in it and placed it in one of the locked cupboards below the display cases. Passing Andrew's desk as she walked out she said, "I'll be back in a little while."

"May I ask where you'll be in case something important comes up?" Andrew stood startled. 

"I have my phone on me, just transfer it through," she smiled, feeling the need to just walk and not really sure where. "I will be back for the meeting."

"I left a message for Dianne and Patrick; they weren't at their desks yet," Andrew stalled for time, the meeting with Rob and Stephen last night running through his head. 

"I'm sure you can work out something with them, no hurry. I have been so busy lately I think I just need a few moments to clear my head and think about it all clearly. Let's face it, I need all the help they are giving me, so it will be fine." There was a touch of resignation in her voice that worried Andrew but he let her go. He picked up the phone and called Kurt as soon as she was out of sight, he had no illusions as to who he really worked for within the company as much as he would have liked it to be otherwise.




Possessing Bella Ch. 06



While Kurt called down to the lobby security, Bella took the stairs to the roof. She imagined that the pedestrian traffic downstairs would make the lobby and sidewalks crowded and all she needed was a little bit of pure sunshine on her face. The tan she had amassed during her time at the beach house and then with Sire on the trip they took was fading fast here in the city. 

She found the fire escape unlocked and stepped out into the morning sunshine, wrapping her jacket more firmly around her. Of course, there was a helipad that shouldn't have surprised her. These were rich and powerful men who did business here but for some reason it did surprise her. She had hoped to find some sort of high rise garden or an atrium but as she looked around all she saw was concrete and steel. 

The view though was spectacular and she walked towards the edge to look out in the direction she thought would be east to see if she could see the bay in the far distance. She heard a sound behind her and turned to see a young man waving her away from the edge. She wasn't even that close she thought, but took a few steps back to appease him noting his scowl as he came closer.

"You can't be up here Miss," he said sternly. "Authorised staff only," he pointed to a sign near the door.

"Oh, I am sure if you called Mr. White he would say that it's okay," Bella offered with a smile.

"Look I know all the executives here and their assistants. I am not going to disturb any of them because a pretty girl fluttered her eyelashes at me. You have to go," he said adamantly, "Now."

"Maybe we should start again," Bella offered and went to hold out her hand. 

"Maybe I should just call security." He looked at her hand disdainfully. He then grabbed her arm with the intention of forcing her back through the doorway. Bella shrugged free of his grasp; he had not held her tightly thinking his threat was enough to scare a dumb secretary or whatever she was.

"I think you should call security and you should pack your things at the same time, so they don't have to wait to escort you from the building. On second thoughts let me call them for you, so you don't have to worry about me disappearing; god knows everyone needs to watch me in case I jump off the roof," she finally vented all her anger on the young man. "Of course I am just a silly little girl who can't be trusted to make any decisions on her own or even be on her own, for five fucking minutes of the day!" Bella was ranting now, letting everything out as the young man stood there, shocked into silence as she pulled her phone out of her jacket.

She paused for breath and glared at him. "What's the number for security?" She spat and he turned walking away shaking his head and muttering about 'crazy dumb ass women'. She walked slowly after him and watched as he picked up the phone within a small booth and called security. Then she returned to her spot in the sun looking out towards the bay and waiting for the drama this would cause to erupt. She had just wanted a few minutes in the sun to think and accept that this was the life she asked for, the life she wanted.

"Great view isn't it?" It wasn't security that arrived; it was Kurt himself who appeared beside her on the rooftop and looked around at the view.

"Yeah," she said quietly. "I just needed some fresh air and sun and didn't want to deal with the crowds downstairs. I didn't know I couldn't come up here." Bella began explaining herself before he had even asked the question. "I'm sorry for the fuss." She finished quietly.

"No fuss, just a little confusion on the mechanics behalf," Kurt laughed. "It's always been a men only club up here. I guess we will have to change that." He wrapped her in a hug. "Feeling better?" 

"No, I feel awful, I really yelled at that guy but he grabbed me to make me leave and I just..." She ran out of words as the expression on Kurt face changed. "He was just doing his job and I was... well in the way probably. He let me go pretty easy but by then I was ranting like a crazy woman." Her head dropped as she told Kurt what had happened. "I was just frustrated and needed five minutes in the sun and fresh air to think when I saw how full my schedule for this week was. I was working out how I could implement my own ideas and when I would have time to do the things I planned. Then suddenly I didn't even have my five minutes anymore and well... I wasn't very polite."

"Come on we will fix this," Kurt said softly leading her over to the small booth where the mechanic still stood watching them curiously. "Damien isn't it?" Kurt extended his hand to the young man.

"Yes, Sir, Mr, White," he took the offered hand and shook it.

"Enjoying the job here? You're getting some flying time with the pilots?" Kurt asked again, knowing that one of the biggest perks of this job was that the mechanic got fly time so they could act as co-pilot in an emergency.

"Yes, Sir, Mr, White. It's an amazing opportunity," he said enthusiastically.

"You have read the company memo's and all that boring stuff about what goes on downstairs?" Kurt asked knowing the answer but giving the kid the opportunity to save himself.

"Yes, Sir, Mr, White," he began to look unsure of himself.

"Good, good, so you know who this is then? Her picture was in the one that came out Friday before last," Kurt said seriously, "and if I remember rightly, in several before that over the last year. I know you haven't been here that long, but you should have seen the most recent one." The young man licked his lips nervously.

"I would hate to think you just put your hands on one of the company owners, second only to myself on the corporate ladder, without good reason," Kurt frowned at him. "Unless of course you are not reading those memo's and didn't realise who this was. If that is the case, you have just lied to me and I am afraid with people's lives in your hands that would be a serious misdemeanour."

"Company owner?" The young man stammered, "but she's..."

"Bella Biancotti. Yes. It was all outlined in the memo yet again for new people," Kurt voice had a hard edge to it now. "You see my problem here, either you just lied about following company policy or you have just tried to physically force one of your employers from a roof top which they own. Either way, it doesn't look good for you, does it?"

"I didn't realise who she was," he admitted. "I am very sorry Miss Biancotti but even still, you can't just walk out onto the pad like that," he said, "It's dangerous, especially if the boys were landing."

"It's an easy mistake to make, I don't photograph well," Bella smiled still feeling bad about the way she had yelled at him. "I will be more careful in the future, truthfully I had no idea this was here."

"At the very least there will be a performance review," Kurt said. "I will let you and the pilots know when that will be." He turned back to Bella, "You have been in this helicopter with Mel, just before your trip to Italy, when he went to find you at your parents' house. You really didn't know it was here."

She shook her head feeling all kinds of silly. She had been so busy and trying so hard to do everything right that she just felt stupid. Stupid for not knowing there was a helipad on the roof. Stupid for seemingly always being in some sort of danger she needed to be rescued from. Stupid for believing this idea of hers could ever have worked. She resigned herself to the fact that she was just not cut out for this and resolved to just tinker at the original idea if they let her while attending all their meetings and other ways of keeping her busy.

They walked back to her office in silence; Andrew appeared relieved to see her but greeted her as he always would but without the details that would normally accompany his greeting about anything that occurred in her absence. He simply gave a ten minute warning regarding the first meeting of the morning.

"Oh, yes. Of course," Bella smiled, "I'll just grab my tablet, you don't have to wait if you need to be there early," she said softly to Kurt. "I have probably taken up too much of your time already."

"I don't mind waiting a minute," Kurt said magnanimously, "I enjoy your company and I am really glad you're here with us."

She grabbed her tablet and came back out. Turning to Andrew she murmured, "If you could decipher that script for me while I am gone that would be great, but don't change anything at all until we have talked properly again, please."

He wrote a quick note and passed it to her with a smile, "Your messages while you were out."

She read the top note that suggested she may want to check her reflection before entering the meeting and paled. Nodding her thanks to Andrew with a grimace, she left with Kurt. They had gone about halfway down the corridor when she spoke, "I just need a quick stop at the ladies room before we go in," she blushed. 

"Use the one in my office," Kurt smirked, "Dianne has all her girlie stuff in there too."

"Yes Master," she almost whispered and carried on walking with him.

Bella smiled at Dianne as she walked past, but the smile didn't touch her eyes, Dianne looked questioningly but Bella just shook her head slightly and followed Kurt into his office.

"Please excuse me a moment," she whispered and disappeared into the bathroom she knew so well. It was such a small space things hadn't changed much in there. She looked at her windblown hair and marred makeup and thanked Andrew silently for his note. She released her hair from the pins that she had caught it up with that morning and began pulling it back into a severe ponytail before changing her mind and shaking it out again.

She began opening drawers and just as her own things had once lain there so now did Dianne's. She took her time fixing her makeup and restyling her hair into a loose French twist. How many times had she been in here questioning her relationship with Mel, feeling trapped as she did now by people who sought to dominate her as he had but without his love and affection. She had never just resigned herself to her fate back then; she questioned and railed against her own feelings and the sense of taboo his hidden world held.

Mel had loved her because of those things, not in spite of them. She was strong and intelligent. She didn't just buckle under and give up something she believed in. Her brain began to whirl around a small plan of action and she felt positive that she could get what she needed from this meeting if she timed it right and approached it with honesty and a reasonable argument. She returned to the office and the meeting, feeling better than she had before she walked into the room.

She continued to think about what it was she would say as the men each spoke about the big projects that were in their portfolios. Only being here a week Bella wasn't expected to present anything but Kurt turned to her and asked if she had any questions. 

"Actually, I do," Bella said clearly. "Why am I here?"

"You are part of the company executive; you should know about the running of the company." Kurt frowned at her.

"I am hardly an executive in the true sense of the word," Bella smiled at them all. "You all deal with things on such a grand scale, warehouses and factories and conglomerates. I want to open a shop, a boutique really. High end luxury, I admit, but I want a few artisans to create unique pieces not factories to mass produce. I want to source very small amounts of precious materials, gems and metals, not stock warehouses full." They were watching her and listening she realised.

"I don't possess even a little of your experience in these matters and I am so grateful to you all for taking the time to include and teach me but I feel like perhaps I am out of my depth here. I am learning as fast as I can. But there is no substitute for experience," she paused nervously. "I am finding with so many meetings in which I am not able to contribute or truly understand the intricacies of, that I have no time at all for my own project."

"I am truly honoured to be included in the executive, please do not misunderstand but, if I am honest with you all, Mel had only just given me a small company to manage, much like the one I was hoping to build here just before he... left us. I am sure there are interns here who possess as much if not more knowledge than I do. So I was wondering if perhaps Sir Rhys, who has expressed an interest in the business I planned could take me on as an intern of sorts and perhaps I could attend these beginning of the week meetings to still get an overall feel of the company without feeling so lost, rather than every meeting on my overfull schedule." 

She turned directly to Rhys to address him. "I think that is what we had begun doing last week and I would value your leadership and expertise." Turning to Kurt she smiled, "It's just a little shop, no factories or warehouses, a small staff eventually, I really want to try and it would give me the proper experience I need." There was a pleading in her voice as she asked his permission without actually asking the question she needed to.

"Mel built this company, he left you in charge. I trust you even more probably than he did; you don't need me in these meetings. I doubt you need me at all. I am just playing executive here; we all know it." She said self-deprecatingly, "I have a lot to learn, and I am not so sure I am swimming very well in the deep end and would like to go back to the shallow end for a while please."

She finally finished talking and sat back into her chair becoming worried as the silence lengthened.

"I think she has a valid point. I worked here for ten years before I ever even saw this floor for myself," Jeremy Bagley said. "There is a lot to be learned during an internship that college just can't teach, we don't have time to explain every clause in a contract to her."

"I am happy to oversee her project with you Kurt," Rhys said. "Not really an internship but more of a mentoring role. From my understanding being able to work on her own project was one of the reasons she returned to the company at all. It would be a shame if she didn't follow it through due to lack of time and attention to detail."

"I would still like you to learn about all aspects of the company," Kurt said in an even tone. "You could do that one portfolio at a time, starting with Rhys," he agreed. "You will however, be at these meetings and any other I deem necessary to keep up with what is happening within the company." He studied her a moment longer, "I know you could build your little boutique on your own, but you have a wealth of resources here and people to help you. Mel left you part of his legacy; it would be wrong to ignore it and waste that business degree you are hiding behind that simple girl facade."

"I understand," she said and looked at the three other men present. "Please do not think I am ungrateful for the time and effort you have all given me since my return. I look forward to continuing to work with you all." Once again Kurt made her feel like a sulky spoilt brat and she was disappointed in herself.

"Rhys can you stay a few minutes, we'll have a look at this overfull schedule of Bella's and see what we can do with it. We'll send you an amendment if any changes involve you gentlemen," he said to the others as they stood to leave. Bella opened the document on her tablet and placed it on the table.

Kurt gave it a quick look over and frowned before handing it to Rhys. No wonder she had made that impassioned speech, it was almost indecipherable. "I believe Dianne and Patrick may have some explaining to do, can you make sense of that?"

Bella was confused and looked between the two men as they chuckled over some of the things on her schedule. Kurt had gone briefly to his computer and within minutes their assistants entered the room. Rhys fixed them both with a steely glare as Kurt spoke. 

"You are both aware that Bella is no longer an assistant?" He asked in his own way, making people work out for themselves why he was not happy.

"Yes, Master," they replied in unison.

"I expect you are also aware that she has projects to manage while she is here?" he asked. 

"Yes, Master," Dianne said quickly, "Bella is excited about her boutique; we have talked about it." Patrick nodded his agreement having seen the look Rhys gave him he chose to stay silent though until he could recognise what he had done wrong and beg forgiveness.

"Good come and look at this if you will," he passed them the tablet with Bella's schedule on it and gave them a moment to compose what they would say. Dianne opened her mouth to speak again but Kurt held up his hand, stopping her. "I just sat through a long impassioned speech by a girl who is so overwhelmed just being here and believing that I had left her no time at all to work on her own project and said she couldn't cope and asked to become an intern again." The colour faded from Dianne's face and Patrick had a look of horror on his. 

"Imagine my confusion at this announcement? I knew nothing I had added to her schedule would be too time consuming. In an effort to understand and perhaps make life a little easier for her so that she was not so overwhelmed I had a look at her schedule, I would be overwhelmed by that monstrosity. You haven't even given her time to piss!" His voice had risen to a roar.

"Do you really think she needs to accompany you to the gym?" Rhys asked Patrick in a deadly quiet voice in counterpoint to Kurt's.

"Andrew just came to see us, we have told him everything is optional," Patrick choked out, "But he wouldn't let us change anything until he had spoken to Bella about it."

"Bella you can go and see Andrew now if you like," Kurt made the statement an order rather than a suggestion.

"Fuck Dianne, you of all people know she won't fight a decision I make; she will give up and go home. How many times did she run from Mel when she was under too much pressure. What the hell were you thinking? No wonder she bolted this morning after seeing that." Bella could hear Kurt's voice through the door she had just closed. Once again she had caused a fuss because of not understanding what was going on. She turned and walked back into the room to the surprise of the occupants.

"It's not entirely their fault," Bella said in a voice louder than she meant. "If I knew more, if I had done a proper internship I would have seen the joke there. I am sure they only did it to make me smile and brighten my day. They didn't mean any harm and I didn't exactly bolt this morning, I stayed in the building." She felt her heart pounding in her chest. "It's not their fault. It's mine. I should have asked them before coming to you, or at least waited to see what Andrew said after he spoke to them for me while I was in this meeting," she finished quietly.

Dianne reassured her that it was not her fault at all. How could she know that all of the meetings listed there were not real and admitted she had not considered the amount of time Bella would need in these early days of putting her ideas into a workable business plan. Rhys and Patrick left shortly after with him saying that he would meet with her in the scheduled time the following day and discuss her internship. 

Kurt said he understood why she had felt overwhelmed that morning and not to worry about any of the fuss as she put it. There were no problems that weren't fixable and it would be all cleared up by lunchtime. She could take a day to work on her own project and he would meet with her before she left this afternoon.

With everything seemingly smoothed over, Bella went back to her office where an agitated Andrew looked up at her again with relief. The poor man, she thought to herself, he was probably regretting taking on a position with such a drama queen. Dorothea had arrived and as her friend and confidante came from behind her small desk to hug Bella, she finally burst into tears and let her feeling of being a silly little girl wash out over the woman who said nothing as she held her and let her cry.




Possessing Bella Ch. 06



"All these tears are over nothing. It was a mistake that's all, no need to get all upset about it. You need to toughen up, stop asking and start telling. The only person you have to answer to here is Kurt, maybe Rob when he shows up. Everyone else works for you," she laughed. Bella stared at her as if she had grown two heads.

"Kurt's right you should know more about the company you are part owner of. It shouldn't come at the expense of your own plans though. At home and the club or with a Master you have agreed to obey, you can be your sweet submissive self. But here in this place, you are the boss lady, and you need to start stepping up and accepting that. Then they won't treat you like a sulking little girl and Dianne will find those boundaries she inadvertently crossed." Dorothea grinned at her, "If you tell someone to pack their things so they can be escorted from the building you shouldn't back down."

"Oh God," Bella said miserably. "Another thing I have messed up today."

"What exactly did you do wrong?" Dorothea asked.

"I misunderstood the schedule and then went up to the roof for some fresh air," Bella mumbled.

"Only two people understood that schedule, Dianne and Patrick. That was their mess let them own it. If they had half a brain between them, they would have let Andrew in on the joke before it went so far. Definitely not your mess," Dorothea dismissed the idea. "As for the roof that idiot should read the memos. It was his fault, not yours. I imagine Kurt is already interviewing for a replacement."

"How did you even know about that?" Bella suddenly realised she knew the whole story.

"I know everything," Dorothea laughed merrily.

*****

With her schedule reduced to only the meets she must attend and invitations to others she could decline if she wanted, Bella began to manage her own work day rather than accepting everything that others decided for her. With Dorothea's help, Bella began to realise she could compartmentalise her life. She had always acted on a different set of rules when she was with her parents to when she was with her friends. There was no reason why she couldn't look at her work life, her home life and the rules she obeyed when exploring the lifestyle she had chosen to pursue as separate spaces with their own rules and responsibilities.

Dorothea pointed out that Mel had blurred those lines for her, wanting to control every aspect of her life. He had known her family well. He had disregarded her friends out of hand and given her friends he approved of and could influence. He had chosen where she lived and how she lived. Now it was time to accept some of that responsibility back. Very few Masters were as all-encompassing as Mel and most of them valued independent thinking within reason.

It had taken days of discussion on Dorothea's behalf to make her see that being true to herself was entirely her choice. That she needed to question what was being asked of her in the various facets of her life now that Mel was no longer there to manage it for her and trust in her own feelings and decision making skills.

It was Dianne that appeared to have the most problems dealing with the changes in Bella and her role within the company. She was as always supportive and caring, but Bella felt a distance grow between them as she began to assert herself more at work. Dianne had always been the older wiser friend and through that, held certain dominance over Bella as well. The changing dynamics of their relationship were a minefield for both of them.

Bella became more focused on her own project and worried less about pleasing all of the executives within the company. Everything she did, she tried to do to perfection, to show her commitment to the money the company was investing in her ideas.

Andrew was quietly pleased with how the rocky start to the week had smoothed out and Bella had focused on the task at hand. She had brought in a range a beautiful hand blown glass objects and jewellery which decorated the office. Andrew could appreciate her eye for beauty in each piece she chose and was surprised when she suggested he take a working break in Venice to see the particular stores that had been a major influence in her plans. 

Dorothea declined the extra hours available as Andrew's trip was booked, a temp would be used to take messages in their absence. She instead wanted to take the time Bella would be away to attend to some personal appointments she had and Bella agreed without a second thought grateful for the fact that the older woman was able to be there while she was in the office.

By Friday afternoon, Bella felt like she had accomplished a lot in her first two weeks at the company. She sat thinking about everything she had put in place for Andrew to do in her absence and smiled knowing she was leaving her project in capable hands that shared her vision for it. Packing her briefcase with assorted notes and her tablet so she could show her father how her project was coming along, Bella set the alarms on the display cases and left her office and left to meet Kurt and go home. She was looking forward to seeing her parents and showing her father how far she had been able to take her ideas into a real business plan.

*****

After a quiet evening alone which she had requested and a restless night's sleep, Bella woke early but lay in bed with her eyes half closed feeling as if sleep had eluded her entirely. As usual she padded out of her bedroom to get some juice and make some breakfast before getting ready to leave, she was still in the kitchen when a knock sounded softly on her door and she went to answer it.

"Good morning sleepy head," Rob smiled and looked her up and down appreciatively. "Stephen will be here soon so I thought I would come to you for our good morning cuddle as I won't see you for two weeks now."

"You're just in time for cinnamon toast," she ran her fingers through her hair quickly and stood back letting him enter her apartment. "I'll make you some if you will give me a few minutes to shower," she laughed.

"How about I make you a decent breakfast while you shower," Rob said with a smile.

"But I love cinnamon toast," Bella retorted "It's a decent breakfast really."

"Mmhmm," Rob murmured doubtfully folding her into a warm embrace, "Go shower, I'll see what I can find in that little hole you call a kitchen." He let her go and smiled as she padded away towards her room. 

Bella left her hair unwashed in favour of a quicker shower, deciding instead to braid it in an attempt to hide the lifeless curls. She emerged from her room dressed in a simple sun dress to the smell of bacon and eggs. She was glad she had packed her small bag for the weekend the night before. The instructions from Hunter had remained the same, so she planned only to take the small pouch with her phone and credit card tucked into it for emergencies.

Sitting at the small table with Rob in her little apartment felt so odd, like they were playing house. She couldn't help but giggle making him look at her oddly. "It just seems strange that you would be cooking for me," she grinned.

"Actually I like to cook, who do you think taught Jake some of his better recipes," he said proudly. 

"I didn't realise you had more in common than just the club," Bella was a little surprised by the turn in the conversation. Saved from having to explain herself further there was a knock at the door and she got up to let Stephen in.

"Good morning, little one," Stephen took in the breakfast at a glance and moved to greet Rob. "I didn't expect to find you here."

"We have a chat most mornings," Rob answered getting up and removing their plates from the table, "You want some breakfast?"

"No, I wanted to get on the road before the weekend traffic. It's a bit of a drive," he shook his head. 

"I'll just clean this is up, and I will be ready," Bella said picking up the glasses from the table. 

"Leave it," Rob said, "I'll get one of the cleaners to come up. Go and have a good time, let Rosie spoil you," He put the plates back on the table and took the glasses from her hands. Wrapping her in a strong embrace, he murmured, "I'll miss you, little brat."

"I will miss you too," she murmured into his chest, "it will fly by though and I will be back same as always, like I had never even been away." She smiled up at him, as he bent to kiss her forehead.

With Stephen carrying her small overnight bag, the three left her apartment and Rob entered his own apartment only after they had stepped into the elevator. Bella rode down to the car silently with Stephen. She had noted that he didn't wear his usual dark suit and appeared more relaxed in black jeans and a loose white shirt. Still not what she would consider casual wear, but more relaxed than she was used to seeing the austere Sir Stephen.

Walking from the elevator Stephen finally spoke, "I am glad you braided your hair, I haven't had much of a chance to drive my own car on the open road, I thought this would be a good opportunity." He walked toward a convertible and tossed her bag into the boot before opening her door for her.

"It's beautiful," Bella whispered a little in awe. "Did you restore it yourself?"

"Actually it was my father's passion, I inherited all his hard work. But I do enjoy maintaining it," Stephen was impressed that she knew it was a classic car. He remembered the car her father was working on for her and realised he should not have been surprised.

"I always wanted one of the classic Mercedes like the one Grace Kelly drove in an old movie," she enthused. She was looking forward to going home for the weekend and smiled widely as the engine roared to life. There was no chance to talk during the drive between the wind and the engine noise so Bella sat back and enjoyed the ride letting her mind wander over the last two weeks including her encounter with Hunter. She was both nervous and excited to be spending time with him. 

She watched Stephen from time to time, seeing him relax more as they drove further from the city. She thought it was odd that even when he had visited her at Rob's shack he had seemed so formal. A smile lightened her face remembering she had always thought the same about Mel. It had been rare to see him in anything but a suit, although at times he would forgo the jacket.

She missed Mel greatly, but it hurt less to think of him recently. Not entirely pain free she found the tears were not just waiting behind her eyes to spring free. She knew she had Sire's careful consideration of her loss for that. His acceptance of the grief she still felt as part of her persona and his advice on how to protect herself and become more independent without him had been a turning point for her, especially as she went back to work.

She let her mind wander to everything and the trip went by faster than she realised. They drove past the turn off to her childhood home and continued on to the small town that serviced the small mountain community. Parking he turned to Bella and smiled, "I think your mother would like some fresh flowers, don't you?" 

"Yes, she loves flowers, but you don't have to do that," Bella said touched by his consideration of her mother.

"Of course I do. I am a guest in her home. I can't arrive empty handed," he laughed and once again Bella was taken aback by how relaxed he seemed this morning. Stephen helped her from the car and as they stepped onto the sidewalk she felt his hand gently rest for a moment on the back of her neck. The familiar feel seemed odd in this setting, but she relaxed as it slowly slid down to rest in the small of her back as he guided her into the florist.

Just as she had begun to compartmentalise her life she guessed so too did Stephen. She wasn't sure how to behave with this altered version of the man she knew, she found it unsettling. She found she was grateful when after the brief stop in the small town, they arrived at her parents' house and her mother began to fuss over her.

The weekend went by too fast for Bella. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen with her mother cooking and tasting the favourites she had known since childhood. Her mother fussing that she was still too skinny. 

Stephen and Joe spent an equal amount of time out in the garage fiddling with one of her father's many projects. For a lawyer, he had a strange love for getting dirty under the hood of old cars and generally had one he was rebuilding in some way out in his garage. She managed to find time to talk with her father about business on Sunday morning before the day got away from them again and by the time she was getting ready to leave she felt good about her life and the direction it was going.

Stephen's good mood seemed to evaporate when they began to say good byes. The drive out to the bay was quiet and the relaxed countenance he had shown throughout the last two days was slowly replaced by the stern glare Bella knew so well as he stared at the road ahead. Pulling up at the marina, he helped her out of the car, his hand resting on the nape of her neck once again in the protective way she was used to when they were amongst people within the lifestyle.

"You have your phone and your charger?" Stephen asked in a commanding tone.

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she answered feeling his mood feed her anxiety.

"You will ring anytime you feel uncomfortable or would like to return." He said it as a statement and she barely nodded, feeling her throat tighten wondering at his mood and words.

"Thank you for being so prompt," Hunter appeared before them. "Come, girl."

"Remember what I said," Stephen murmured and released her to walk toward Hunter. "I will be visiting next weekend. She will have her phone close by for emergencies." His deep baritone was serious as he addressed Hunter.

Hunter's arm curled around Bella's waist and he picked her up, slightly bending his head to kiss her. His tongue snaked out and she parted her lips under his allowing the kiss to deepen. He kissed her for long minutes so that when he finally lifted his head she was breathless to the point of panting. 

"Of course she will have all the things I have agreed to. I look forward to your visit Stephen. I will have some exciting entertainment planned," his teeth flashed in brilliant white against his dark lips.

"I am sure," Stephen replied with distaste clearly resonating in his voice. "Be well, little one." He turned and left the dock walking away with haste. Hunter, who had not placed her back on her feet yet chuckled as he held her against him. 

"I have been looking forward to seeing you again, precious pet," his head lowered and he kissed her deeply once again. 

*****



Possessing Bella Ch. 07



Authors Note: This is a chapter in a series primarily based in BDSM practises. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing it is much appreciated. ~ellie

*****

Bella sailed into the air as Hunter's large dark arms lifted her easily to his broad shoulder. He then turned and carried her onto the small yacht. The uneven roll of the deck brought back memories of the beginnings of her holiday with Mel. She noted that Hunter nodded at the captain before walking through the door down into the lower deck. He placed her on her feet in the middle of the well-appointed main salon and stood back. 

"You won't be needing any of that," he waved his hand indicated her clothes. "You can place them in the box on the side table there."

"Yes Master," Bella fell back into the automatic response when a Master issued commands and began to undress.

"I assume that you will do as I say, so there is no need for a verbal response. In fact, a pet of mine would not speak at all unless asked directly to have a voice. I have given you much thought this week, pretty pet," Hunter watched her intently as he spoke. "I have not had such a small pet before, and I have been looking forward to our time together, there is much for you to learn."

Bella looked at him, in her mind Tali's voice came unbidden, "His skin is like dark chocolate doesn't it make you want to lick him all over." She nodded her acknowledgement of his words quickly and continued to undress and fold her clothes neatly before placing them in the box provided to hide her blush as she considered how his beautiful dark skin would taste. Once she was naked, she took the garter with her enclosed phone and offered it up silently to him.

"Thank you. That is an interesting place that you carry your phone," he gave her a wide smile. "I would not like to damage it as I test your limits for myself. It would more than anger Stephen if he were unable to reach you when needed." His smile twisted slightly as he spoke of Stephen and the restrictions placed upon his time with Bella.

Bella smiled in response to his words and sank to her knees at his feet resisting the urge to touch his boots and the soft, supple leather that aroused her. 

"It is good that you know your place," Hunter looked down on Bella. "Such a good girl aren't you pet." He ruffled her hair and guided her head down onto his denim-clad leg. "It will be about an hour until we reach my home."

Bella looked up at him curiously, unsure of whether to speak or not she tilted her head and furrowed her brow asking the unspoken question for him to explain further.

"I own one of the smaller islands in the bay," he continued to pet her head. "I fell in love with it as a boy when my father used to go there for hunting parties and take me along. Of course, the owner imported the game for hunting at the time, a few prizes for each hunting party but he was an environmentalist at heart and never let anything have to opportunity to breed and ruin the natural habitat. It's been a fairly long held tradition now, and I took it over when I brought the island."

Bella looked up again wanting to ask him about it so she could know more about the place she was headed to. She bit at her lip as she looked at him.

"You may speak as needed until we arrive, and then you will be expected to act as a pet of mine would," he said easily taking in her thoughtful expression.

"I would like to know more," she said softly, "About your home and what you expect from a pet that is your own, even if it is only for a brief time that I will be with you."

"My home is an old hunting lodge, a timber cabin that had been renovated and added to again and again over the years and preceding owners. It's quite large now, and weekends find it full of my friends for hunting parties. Knowing your previous Master, I assume you will not be hard to train so that you understand what it means to be my pet. You will sit at my feet and worship me like any loyal hound, preen and look after your appearance like any feline goddess." He looked down on Bella as she chewed her lip thoughtfully, so he continued into the silence.

"You are cute as a little squirrel when you do that," Hunter touched her lip with a large finger. "While you might not like to hear the words, I can see that you have been treated as a precious pet," he smiled at her. 

"Hounds, cats and squirrels," she grinned. "I am all three? That should make for an interesting costume."

"Did your Master costume you when keeping you as his pet?" Hunter voice had changed to a hard brittle sound and studied her carefully.

"No," she began to chew her lip again, "He wasn't part of the pet masters guild though, was he?"

"He was, not an active member perhaps, but he spent some time here at the lodge," Hunter informed her. "This is not a game I am playing, it is not about costumes and props," he let the rebuff hang in the air for long moments. "Perhaps I misjudged your worthiness to be here with me," he mused and was satisfied by the look of horrified disappointment that crept over Bella features. 

"I am sorry," she whispered, "I didn't mean to..." she whispered.

"I obviously gave you too much credit, but you wouldn't require training if you didn't need it so we will start at the beginning," Hunter spoke over her. Bella stayed silent realising she had angered the man she had just given control of her life to, for the next two weeks. "I hadn't realised just how much of a spoilt and pampered pet you were but that will change." He stood abruptly and walked a few steps over to a cabinet. He stood with his back to her and poured himself a drink while he removed the smirk from his face before turning back to her.

"It is not what I had planned for our first meeting, but it would seem that basic explanations and expectations are necessary after all. It is more than a little disappointing but given the circumstances surrounding the loss of your previous Master and this unusual arrangement you now have with his friends and colleagues, it is not truly surprising," Hunter began.

"For the most part pet play can be put into two categories, ponies and puppies. If a submissive is loyal and playful, she will lean towards puppy or similar animal. If they enjoy being led around and high protocol training then the submissive would tend to be a pony. As you know through your friendship with Dusty and Tali the two are quite distinct types of lifestyle," he waited for her to nod her understanding and retook his seat before her.

"A pet is rarely costumed as completely as you were when we met at the guild party. Parties like that are probably the exception," he nodded as if to himself. "Collar, leash, tail and on occasion ears and or a body suit, are typically used, but it matters not, not does it matter if a Master calls his pet a fox or a pig, the rules and expectations are the similar. Kitties tend to become pampered pets and pigs are the least pampered and perhaps the most humiliated. It doesn't matter how they dress or what the owner decides to call them the expectation is bound up in the relationship between owner and pet," he explained patiently. "An owner expects loyalty and obedience, the level of dependence, discipline and humiliation may change from owner to owner but the expectation is there."

"That is why you questioned my costume at the party," Bella said quietly. 

"It showed that Steven believed you to be a very valuable commodity," he nodded as he spoke answering her question with further information. She blushed deeply and sucked her lip between her teeth again.

"But I am not," Bella said sadly, "I am not even sure of your expectations of me as a pet."

"I wouldn't say that exactly. It is true you do not have the preliminary training I had assumed, but from what I saw you have some idea, and Stephen would not have dressed you as such if he did not believe you worthy of it. He is rigid in his beliefs about honesty in his dealings with others," Hunter looked into her eyes as he spoke of Stephen wondering at their relationship, "He knows and understands our ways well enough, he was making a statement. One I am sure he regrets at this moment."

Bella cocked her head to the side not understanding what statement was being made, or what caused the tension between the two Masters. She said nothing but leaned in to lay her head on his thigh as she had done earlier to avoid having to look up into his dark penetrating eyes. Feeling instead the large muscles of his thigh flex as he shifted his position to accommodate her better. The conversation became one-sided as she listened to a long set of rules and expectations that he laid out for her upon her arrival on the island and his home.

Her movement could and would at times be restricted by bondage. Her verbal communication would be restricted to puppy or kitty noises unless directed, the exception being her safe-word. She would eat and drink out of bowls without the aid of her hands or silverware. Aside of a brief time in the morning she would use the litter box or outside for toilet needs. If she were unable to train herself for this an enema would quite happily be provided. She would be provided with a cage or kennel to sleep in depending on his whim. She was not allowed on any furniture without permission. She would be trained to beg appropriately, perform tricks, play appropriate games and perform tasks deemed appropriate for her status. 

Bella said very little during the conversation only asking a few questions to clear confusion. The time went by fast as she listened to his deep baritone. She knew this would be more challenging than she originally thought it might be. When he finally picked her up and held her in his lap, she looked up into his deep dark eyes and saw the question there before he asked it.

"Once we are off this boat there is no way back until next weekend. Do you willingly accept my ownership, now that you have a better understanding?" Hunter asked with an edge to his voice.

"I do, Master Hunter. There are things I will find challenging, but I will do the best I can to please you," she said quietly.

He heard the sincerity in her words and smiled, "That is all any Master asks of his pet." He bent his head and kissed her then long and deep taking her breath away.

*****

Once they had docked, Hunter picked Bella up and carried her from the boat up the small pier and a short distance to his home. Once again she found herself wrapped in his large muscular arms and realised that aside of the few deep passionate kisses she had received this was the closest contact she had received from her temporary Master.

The so-called lodge or cabin as he had explained it was nothing short of a rustic mansion built into the surrounding forest. Oddly for its size, it was constructed solely in the type of timber otherwise seen in the construction of small cabins, but it was nothing short of impressive.

The front door opened onto a wide entrance hallway with several expansive openings leading from it. Bella caught glimpses of leather, fur and wood furnishings as Hunter strode through the corridor and ascended a small flight of stairs leading off to the right.

"This is my private domain, at any given time the lodge can hold up to two dozen hunters and their pets. The only people who will come into this section of the lodge will be the lodge managers and one or two of his staff," Hunter's baritone rumbled as he walked through the maze of rooms dumping her unceremoniously to a fur rug. "You will not leave these rooms without me until you are the perfect pet then you may explore as you wish."

Bella softly let out a murmuring sound of assent unsure of how she should respond, and he seemed pleased. The light in the room was golden and warm but patchy as if lit by torches in the walls and a fireplace blazed behind thick glass so as to barely heat the room. She smiled knowing that the full force of the fires heat would make the room unbearable at this time of year. The warm shadowy light made Hunter seem somehow darker and more menacing as he towered above her, and she nervously pulled herself into an open kneeling position hoping that this was the correct stance for his pet.

"Heel," Hunter commanded and smiled as she crawled to his left side. "Good girl," he leaned down to ruffle her hair. He took slow steps to the other end of the large room and opened the door there. Bella followed him and took in a huge four poster bed draped in a canopy of rich purple velvet before noting the restraints and chains attached to each post at varying heights. Mesmerised it took more than a moment to notice the cage in the corner and the basket similar to the one Mel had for her both in his playroom and the yacht they had begun their trip together on. Again she noted the leather restraints and chains attached to these furnishings. Bella let a small smile lighten her face as she took in the possibilities of this room and what they meant for her. A small shiver of anticipation ran up her spine as she took in the rest of the furnishings in the room. 

"Come," Hunter turned and led her to yet another room. The room seemed generously appointed for a private bathroom. As she took a second look, she noted several oddities at her lower level; it would seem even in this room she would not be allowed to stand. "These three rooms will be accessible to you during your stay here. Your needs will be seen to by my attendant if I am not available. "Follow," he turned and walked back out to the main living area of his private domain. "Sit," he pointed to a spot on the floor close to tall back leather chair.

Bella knelt where he had pointed and looked at the room critically after having seen the unusual touches and additions made to both bedroom and bathroom. Both Mel and Sire had been quite public about their lifestyle and the kinks they enjoyed when at home or with friends. She was surprised that in this living area, within his private domain, it was hard to see any distinct signs of a sadistic nature. Perhaps he kept that sadistic side of his nature more private than the strictly dominant side she thought.

Hunter gathered some items from his desk; a large polished wood sculptured piece of furniture near a bay window, and returned to where she sat. "Hands," he commanded and she lifted her hands to him. Leather mittens slipped over her hands; her fingers were curled and tied in place with leather thongs attached to the ends with her thumb left free. The leather was soft and pliable and smelt of being treated and looked after properly. Once in place the firm leather cuffs were wrapped around her wrists to enclose the ties of the leather thongs that held her hands in their curled paw-like position. She noted the small rubber discs placed strategically across her knuckles and palm like paw-pads to stop her from slipping when she crawled beside him.

"Roll over on your back, feet up," Hunter commanded. Bella rolled to her back and lifted her feet to him obediently. His hands caressed her legs, and she blushed as his eyes and hands moved towards the apex between her legs. His large hands looked even darker against her pale skin as he wrapped padded guards around her knees and tied them in place.

"These are my own particular design," Hunter held up a pale leather bootie before turning it inside out to show her that the inner soul of the soft leather held clusters of pointed rubber spikes. "These will remind you that during your time with me you are no longer a biped. While they will not pierce the skin, they will make you suitably uncomfortable enough to remind you of your place in my world.

She lifted her head to watch as the strange soft leather booties covered her feet and were held in place by firm cuffs like those that now encased her wrists. She could feel an odd scratching sensation on the bottom of her feet as the cuffs pulled them tighter. His hands caressed her legs, and she blushed as his eyes and hands moved towards the apex between her legs teasingly. 

"You are a hot little bitch, that is always a good thing," a large finger barely touched her slit as it ran along the length with featherlight touches. "Fours," he commanded and seeing her momentary confusion explained, "Hands and knees."

Bella rolled and repositioned herself mindful of the scratchy nodes that reminded her of the perils of using her feet. She faced him and looked up noting the wide, soft leather collar he held in the same pale colour as the other pieces she now wore. It looked similar to the training collar Mel had used with her and in the same way it felt stiff and firmer than it looked as her throat was encased by it.

"You will receive your tail tomorrow after your pet wash," he informed her. He stood then and returned to his desk, picking up the phone and issuing orders to someone in the lodge. Bella listened attentively while flexing her leather encased limbs to adjust to the restraints. Within minutes, three people had entered the room and stood at the large imposing desk with Hunter.

"These three people assist in managing my lodge. In addition, they assist me in some personal matters so you will see them often and obey them as you would any Master. You will greet them appropriately should they come to attend to you in my stead. Each will have their preferred greeting which I am sure you will learn as you encounter them tomorrow," he paused and turned to the three standing beside him.

"This is Bella, she will be here as my pet for the next two weeks. She has little training so when you carry out your duties I ask you to bear this in mind for the next few days," he looked back at Bella, who was watching them wide-eyed and attentively.

"She is a very small pet," one of the men said dubiously. 

"Cute though, in a bony way, she is not the usual type of pet we are used to seeing here," another frowned at her.

"I'm always up for a challenge," the third and only female member of the group smiled at Bella, who was taken aback by the casual way the three attendants spoke to Hunter. The men of the Pet Master's Guild had all seemed to defer to him and give way when he requested it. To find him like this, having a casual conversation with his employees seemed at odds with what she knew of the man, and she began to chew her lip in thought.

"Good, because you will be overseeing her first pet wash in the morning," Hunter grinned at the woman who smiled back happily.

"So we will see a lot more of each other sweetness," The woman approached Bella and petted her hair before cupping her face and tilting it up to her. "I am Flora and it's been a while since we have had such a cute little pet here to look after, she leaned down and pressed a light kiss to Bella's nose laughing lightly as Bella wiggled it in response. "You're like a cute little bunny when you do that," she touched the tip of a long finger to the end of Bella's Nose. "Keyon, I do believe you were right for once."

"What do you mean for once," the man who had called Bella cute huffed indignantly making the others laugh. Bella suddenly remembered the jovial way Rob and Kurt had interacted with Mel. She had not seen much of that relaxed camaraderie in recent weeks. Perhaps that was her own fault for causing them to take her seriously in the business which did not allow much time for fun that she experienced when away from the company and the club. She relegated that thought to the back of her mind for another time and turned her attention back to the people who would be integral to her life in the next fourteen days.

There was a soft knock at the door, and two doe-eyed girls came in holding trays which they placed on the table. Both were blonde and buxom, their large breasts and ample asses jiggling beneath sheer animal print body stockings. The left without a word their long curling tails swishing behind them.




Possessing Bella Ch. 07



"Well, Bella bunny, I will see you in the morning," Flora beamed at her then turned to followed the two girls from the room. "It's always so much fun to have a new pet in the lodge, and we haven't had one in your domain for such a long time. Thank you, Hunter," she winked at him. "I would like her to have a voice when she is with me in the mornings, please. I am looking forward to getting to know her a little better."

"Tomorrow morning," he nodded giving his permission, "After that we shall see."

"Fine," she said a little petulantly despite her obvious middle-aged appearance. "I'll take what I can get." With that she left the room.

"She has been very excited about this new pet. It is a shame you only have her for two weeks," Keyon looked at Bella who remained very still watching the exchanges between the men. "I'll go make sure she is not getting too carried away, you should also consider not getting too carried away tonight, he looked meaningfully at the bedroom."

"I know how protective of her you are, trust me, it will all be fine and I will do nothing that Bella has not begged for," the gleaming white teeth showed large in contrast to his dark lips as he smiled. "Flora will be fine, I am sure." He slapped Keyon on the back, "Do not look so worried my friend."

The third older man had moved away as the other two spoke and approached Bella. "I am Leighton, a simple rub against my leg is greeting enough for me. While I expect that you will do as I request, I am not a Master of the kind you are used to," he smiled kindly at her. "I am the parks and wildlife ranger of this island, an environmental engineer by trade and I am quite proud of what Hunter has tried to achieve here since taking over the island. Should you wish to find out more, I will be at your disposal but I believe my dealings with you will be few and far between in reality."

Hunter came up to where Leighton stood, "That is not true because I would like you to exercise her at least once a day on the forest tracks and beaches. We will set up a schedule in the morning over breakfast."

"Of course, but she will need the use of her feet and legs, for safety reasons of course," Leighton nodded. "We can discuss it over breakfast though. I will leave you to your evening. It is a pleasure to have met you Bella bunny," he gave a small soft laugh. "Flora was right about that, but then, she usually is." Hunter joined his laugh and walked with him to the door.

"Heel," Hunter returned to the table and lifted the covers from the trays and Bella quickly crawled to his side and knelt. "You will find two water bowls in this room and one each on the other rooms. You will eat when I decided and what I decide. Did Stephen feed you earlier?"

She shook her head, and made a soft murmuring negative response. Hunter took his chair at the table and sat with her remaining beside him. He placed two empty bowls before her which she looked at curiously then back up at him. Hunter picked up his beer and took a long draft before leaning down and pouring a small amount into her bowl. He smiled his encouragement, and she bent her head to lap at it her nose twitching at the bubbles and taste.

"Flora is uncanny in her assessment of pets, I had planned to wait before naming you appropriately but it would seem she is once again correct. It matters not though; a pet is a way of being despite the type of pet with which you associate. I had originally thought piglet, cute, small and I imagine you will squeal quite delightfully whereas rabbits coo, have a purring growl and when hurt or in peril will scream. Tell me precious pet do you think you squeal or scream when you are cumming?"

Bella cocked her head and chewed her lip thoughtfully, unsure of how to answer. "It matters not, if I remember correctly, it was more of a cooing whimper on the first night we met, but I imagine you can do better given the right motivation," he grinned malevolently at her making a shiver of anticipation run up her spine.

He placed several pieces of Ravioli in her bowl and watched critically as she extended her tongue lifting the morsel slightly to her lips and sucking the pasta pillow into her mouth. He smiled; it was not her first time eating from a bowl that much was evident, her training may have been better than he thought when he spoke with her on the boat. Mel had been in his lodge several times and had attended many of the Pet Guild events over the years; he was pleased with the evidence he had seen of the minimal training she had received. 

"Do you enjoy beer?" Hunter asked as she lapped at it again wrinkling her nose. She shook her head making a small groaning purr in the back of her throat. She found she was more comfortable with these sound choices rather than having to bark loudly which somehow just seemed totally unnatural to her even in her current situation. "Finish the last drops then and I will give you something different."

Bella bent her head to the bowl once again thinking about the disparity between what she had expected and the reality of being with Hunter. It had barely been more than two mouthfuls of the brew that he had shared with her, but she wasn't a fan of beer at all. She cleaned the bowl diligently before sitting back up and smiling at him. Hunter seemed lost in thought, so she nudged his leg hopeful of some red wine or something equally as lovely.

"Hmm, a greedy little piglet is it?" Hunter smirked at her but took up a glass and poured a few mouthfuls of red wine into her bowl and added a few more pieces of ravioli to her food dish before resuming his thoughtful contemplation of her. He could indulge Flora's decree that Bella was a cute little bunny while still calling her piglet, he decided. Then smirked, perhaps except when they were alone when she could be his piglet. After all he knew her history, kinks and limits, the others did not.

Hunter admitted to himself that his reasons for choosing to train the girl were dubious at best. She certainly wasn't his type physically, though there was something lost, broken even within her that made him want to know her, help her, heal her even as he couldn't do for his own lost love. If this type of training was what she needed, then he would ensure she got it.

He watched Bella from the corner of his eye as she ate and drank but constantly looked up as if anticipating his need for attention or that he would give her further instruction, but he remained silent throughout the meal even long after he pushed his plate away.

"Did you have enough to eat?" he asked her finally. She nodded and purred her assent, a small smile of gratitude on her lips. "Yes," he said to himself, "She was a cute thing, so small and delicate. He would enjoy this time despite his reasons for bringing her to his island." He picked up her bowls and placed them on the table. Then leaving her sitting where she was, he walked to his desk again and picked up the phone. After a few muted words, he hung up the phone and barked, "Follow."

Bella watched as he disappeared into the bedroom and followed. Upon entering she turned at the noise and watched as the buxom blondes in animal prints began to clear the table of its contents, and then the door was closed. Hunter lead her to the bathroom, "Piss now as you won't have another chance for a while," the malevolent look had returned to his face, and she made her way to the litter box internally cringing at the thought of using it.

Squatting uncomfortably Bella endured his intense gaze as she emptied her bladder trying with all her might to ensure it was entirely empty before moving from the litter and staying on her hands and knees as she had done with Mel while Hunter used a cleansing cloth on her adding to her humiliation. They returned to the bedroom, and Bella followed him to the foot of the bed. Hunter turned on his stereo, and immediate heavy rock started pumping from numerous speakers.

Hunter lifted her easily to sit on the edge of the bed and smiled, "Such a small pet," he murmured under the music. He pulled her thighs wide with chains around her knees and ankles to the posts at the edge of the bed. He chained her wrists but left enough play in the chains that she could put her hands together when sitting upright. Lastly a chain with a small sling in its centre was placed behind her to support her position. During the whole process, both had remained silent, the heavy bass thumping through them from the large speakers.

Hunter stood back from her at that stage and began to disrobe. Bella stared unashamedly as the tall well-muscled body slowly appeared before her eyes. She watched avidly, her tongue snaking out over her lip excitedly as his big black cock finally came into view. All girls knew the stories and wives tales about black men and Bella was pleased that the sight before her did not disappoint although she felt somewhat intimidated by the big black cock that almost waved at her when he moved. She felt she finally understood why the others had repeatedly said that she was such a small pet.

"Come little piglet, let's see just how greedy you are," Hunter sneered and advanced on her. Taking a handful of her hair he lifted her head almost doubling her over as he pulled her mouth to his cock. He growled low as she lapped out hungrily at his cock and nudged further allowing her more access to him. The little pink tongue flicked and fluttered around the wide head of his cock before stretching her lips wide to suckle at the head of his cock.

He was impressed with her skill as the tongue alternately massaged and teased the glands under the swollen head. He pushed forward slightly knowing she would gag and possibly try to pull away but was surprised when she swallowed hard against her gag reflex and took more of him, the groan of pleasure he emitted came from deep within his belly.

Looking down on the little pet, he watched her lips stretched almost disfiguring her mouth, and he removed his hands from her hair and planted his feet giving her free reign. He growled low as she didn't back off from his earlier pushing but rather increased her pace and the amount of cock she managed to be able to take into the wet warm cavern of her mouth.

He felt his own need grow unbearably and pulled his cock from her mouth leaving long strands of spittle hanging between them to eventually land on her chest. His hand followed the trail rubbing the spit into her breasts. He always enjoyed the sight of his dark skin against the pale flesh of a pet and his large hand enclosed a small breast and squeezed until he heard her delicious whimpers. He stepped forward again lifting his cock so she could use that talented little tongue on his ball sack and growled low as she leaned in hungrily lapping at the pebbled skin.

"You may be a cute little bunny to everyone else but now I know what a greedy little piglet you are," he groaned through clenched teeth. Bending over her his hand ran down her body to her cunt, and he rammed two fingers into her hard making her squeal in shock and pain. "That's it squeal for me little piglet," he growled. He curled his fingers within her and adjusted his own awkward positioning to her side making her turn her head to once again to devour his big black cock.

Bella could feel the tremors begin in her legs as she once again stretched her lips over his cock. Surprisingly she found that being called a piglet only added to her arousal in the scene, and she worked harder at trying to take more of his big black cock than she thought possible. She enjoyed the growls and groans her sucking elicited from him and his thumb rubbing hard at her clit made her climb to the peak of orgasm with more speed than ever. She attempted to gurgle around his cock looking up at him with imploring eyes to tell him how close she was to cumming. Whether through the clutching muscles of her cunt or his own experience with pets, he had to know what her body was telling him.

Hunter could see and feel her thighs shaking near his hand as he continued to work her cunt, his second hand moving between her breasts squeezing and pinching as she gave him one of the best blow jobs he had experienced in some time. Her talented tongue fluttered along the underside of his cock despite the fullness of her mouth, and he felt his own climax approaching as fast as hers. He wouldn't give her permission even though he could see the begging in her eyes; this would be her first lesson about his ownership. She could only have what he gave her, taking for herself would mark her as the greedy piglet he called her.

Her gurgling became more desperate and higher pitched, then her eyes rolled as she began to cum. She began squealing around his cock and he withdrew from her mouth wanting to hear her squealing. Pulling his fingers from her oozing cunt he fisted his cock raining spurts of hot sticky cum over her face and shaking body. He growled low and hard, "Fucking, greedy little pig." Still breathless from his own orgasm his hand lashed out and grasped a nipple between thumb and forefinger twisting it cruelly. "I did not tell you to cum yet!"

Bella's eyes snapped open, and she squealed in pain and shame as he caught the second nipple, and she was pulled up to face him. She began to babble incoherent apologies as he sneered at her. "You are not some pampered, precious pet here. You are not some high-powered spoilt princess who can do what she likes when she likes. You are a dirty, greedy, little piglet who needs to learn that it is not all about you all of the time."

Hunter let her nipples go watching her fall back toward the bed being halted by the chains about her wrists and the slight cushioning of the sling that support her back. She squealed delightfully as she begged forgiveness, and he flashed her with his white teeth within the dark smile. Four simple clicks on D links and she was free from the chains that held her in place. Hunter dragged her to the bathroom and all but threw her to the far end of the room where a drain sat in the floor. Towering above her, Hunter held his semi soft cock and began to piss on her.

"For the next two weeks you had better get used to not being some highly valued trophy or the spoilt brat you have been acting like with your guardians. You are in my world now. Being here with me is what you asked for, to be trained by the best. You will follow my rules, not your own," he shook the last drops of piss from his cock. "You could be a cute little bunny just like Flora thinks you are but first you have to stop being the greedy little piglet who thinks that she can do as she likes with no consequences. You and your guardians have a lot to learn in that respect."

"Fours!" he commanded and in shock at his diatribe Bella got to her hands and knees. "Shake," his voice was still harsh and Bella did the best she could to shake off the droplets of urine that clung to her. "Heel," he walked back out of the room and stood waiting for her beside the cage. Bella looked at it and then back up at him before entering without a sound. The base of the cage was padded to Bella's relief, and she curled up resting her head on her arms as he closed the door and locked it.

"You have my scent now, I have become your owner this night. You must now accept it within yourself and learn that only I matter in your world right now, I choose what you may receive or don't," the sneer was back. "You are such a hot bitch, but you will learn to have some control over your orgasms, or you will remain a greedy little piglet for the entire time you are here, and trust me, that will not be less pleasant for you than me. Sleep now," he went back into the bathroom to shower leaving her alone in the filth of cum and piss.

*****

Bella spent a restless night wondering about her new, if temporary, Master. He was a strange mix of kind and cruel, and she felt as if she had no grounding here in his world. Mel had taught her obedience above all else, but he has also taught her to trust him. Hunter inspired no trust from her, she trusted because those who would protect and guide her had ensured she could. Only Stephen appeared concerned that she was coming to this place, and she could not be sure of why. By the time, the morning sun lightened the sky she had convinced herself that Stephen would not approve of any Master she went to, he had not liked Sire either and had sent Jake to check on her in his stead. She had no reason to distrust Hunter and vowed to learn how to please him better. 

She watched his large figure arise from the bed in the shadowy morning light and leave the room without even a glance in her direction. She settled back down to await his pleasure and try to hold her bladder from bursting in the hope that he would remember her before it was too late, and she truly disgraced herself.

Bella had dozed lightly before being awoken by her cage being opened. She blinked up into the light to find Flora standing above her, "Come on Bella bunny you must need the bathroom by now," she smiled and walked through the nearby doorway. "You can use the toilet if your feet can bear it," she smiled. "I always hated litter boxes myself," she smiled coyly with the admission. "You can speak while we are alone, Hunter gave his permission."

"Thank you," Bella said quietly grimacing as she put weight on her feet to lift herself to the toilet. Sighing in relief, she looked up at Flora. She hadn't been able to take in much more than her beauty last night in the dim torchlight of the living room in Hunters domain. She was a tall Nordic beauty, all soft curves with pale hair and eyes. The beauty was not as perfect in close proximity. The skin of her neck and jawline puckered slightly with pale scars that marred her beauty, and Bella's breath caught at the extensiveness of the damage there and disappeared beneath the shoulder of her shirt. 

Flora's head came up at the sharpness of Bella's breath; there was a momentary look of fear that was replaced by a smiling mask. "They are old wounds of a time long ago when I was spoilt and pampered and didn't know how good my life was until it was gone," her hand fluttered to her neck. "Enough of that maudlin thinking, let's get you cleaned up, you reek of his scent."

Flora removed the leather restraints from Bella's hands and feet as well as the training collar. "I am sorry for this, but it is necessary, I am sure you understand," Flora spoke as she set up a soap and water enema bag. Bella disliked the process but having experienced it previously, she grimaced and nodded waiting further instruction.

It seemed like hours later when Bella had endured a thorough cleansing both inside and out that Flora finally brought forth new leather paws and a training collar in supple white leather. All the while Flora had kept up a steady chatter asking about Bella's life. She had seemed genuinely upset to find that Bella had been Mel's girl and had gone through the ordeal she had. Flora, of course, knew the events of the awful time as did most people in the community and commiserated all the more for finding out that Bella was that girl.

The information seemed to cement their friendship for Flora who began to talk a little of her own life and how she had once been a highly prized pet, but adding that it seemed a lifetime ago. She spoke of her life on the island as safe and tranquil. She loved Hunter, Leighton and Keyon as family and impressed upon Bella that each of them were honourable, trust-worthy men. Having pulled on a soft latex glove Flora clinically lubed Bella's ass and the butt plug that held a large powder puff tail before sliding it into place still chattering happily about the idyllic island she lived on, with the people she considered family.

Bella in turn spoke of her love for Rob and Kurt, her guardians and how they were helping her to learn and grow both professionally and personally. Flora turned wistful as Bella spoke of Rob and asked odd leading questions to get Bella to talk further about him. Anytime Bella would laugh and ask how she knew Rob the mask would fall back into place and Flora would deflect by starting another conversation.




Possessing Bella Ch. 07



Bella worried that perhaps whatever trauma had given Flora her scars had also affected how she saw the world. She was clinically precise in her cleansing rituals yet spoke to her with the warmth born of genuine friendship. Perhaps Bella thought; it was merely that masters had always seen to her needs personally, and the only outside influences she had endured were doctors who were clinical but professional rather than overly friendly. It confused Bella, the friendship, the interest in her guardians and almost forceful assurances that Bella was safe on the island while dealing with her body in such a clinical way.

"There you go Bella Bunny, I wanted to do your hair as well, but Hunter wants it left loose," she shrugged, "Whatever, he is the boss after all." She pulled a face and began to walk back to the living room. "Come on, you want breakfast don't you?"

There were trays on the table, but no sign of Hunter as Bella entered the room, and looked around. Flora picked up the phone and made a call mumbling indistinctly before returning. "You may have the fruit," she smiled at Bella and placed the dish before her. A fruit salad, created with small bite sized pieces of tropical fruit was presented beautifully in the shallow pet dish. It was delicious Bella admitted as she hungrily ate all that was in the bowl and lapped at the water provided with it.

"Your nose it so cute when you eat it wriggles in just the right way, all delicate and ladylike," Flora smiled. She sat nearby on the floor continuing her chatter and picking from her own plate from fruit using her hands.

Hunter strolled in as the two women continued to talk making Flora jump as the door closed noisily behind him. She stood and straightened her dress as he approached. "She is a gorgeous little bunny, I am so glad you brought her here," Flora stood on tiptoes and pulled him down another few inches to kiss his cheek before exiting the room with a wink at Bella. 

Surveying Bella, Hunter gave a sardonic smile, "So piglet, have you had enough to eat?"

"Mmhmm," Bella murmured hoping it sounded like a rabbits cooing.

"Good, then I hope you remembered your lesson from last night," he swooped her up and kissed her deeply. "There is something quite delicious about you piglet, I can't say what it is exactly. You are certainly not the type of pet that would usually attract me but none the less, I am eager to see how you perform."

He walked past his desk still holding Bella and through a panel that swung easily through the wall. "I was more than pleased when I heard your list of kinks and limitations on our first meeting. For most Pet Masters, it is solely about the power exchange, total dominance and quite often the humiliation aspect. It is a rare occurrence to meet a Pet Master or pet who enjoys the sadomasochistic side of BDSM as I do. Your master was one such friend as was Rob to some degree."

Bella knelt where she was placed in a dark room as candles sprung to life illuminating the cold room. The bleak walls and furniture did not scare her but his voice as he explained his motivations made her shiver and remind herself that Rob would not have entrusted her welfare to someone he did not trust. She took a deep calming breath and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth.

"To maintain my position within the guild you understand, I do not publically expose my darkest side to everybody. A majority would find it unsettling at best," he finally turned toward her. "Your fondness for erotic pain drew me to consider taking on this task of furthering your training but I have to admit that the look of chagrin on the perfect Sir Stephen's face clinched it for me."

Bella was surprised, and it showed on her face. She knew Stephen was unhappy about her spending time with Hunter, and at least now she knew without doubt that there was an issue between the two men. She realised being used as a pawn in a personal vendetta and her memories flew to Mel and the lead up to his death. She felt a sense panic well up inside her and froze her breathing quickening.

"Do not worry," Hunter immediately bent beside her, "It is a friendly rivalry nothing more I assure you. I had assumed he had told you of it." His voice was soft and soothing, and he stroked her hair softly. "Speak what is going on in your mind," Hunter commanded.

Bella drew herself up and looked at Hunter, swallowing loudly and taking a deep breath, trying to loosen the frozen panic thatgripped her. "The last time I was caught in the middle of a personal rivalry, I was hospitalized and almost died. Mel died, Tony died trying to save us," she said in a quiet but steady voice despite her rising fear. "You had no real interest in training me. Your only interest was in scoring points against Sir Stephen, who I can assure you has no interest in me outside of a professional one. I am his job. An annoyance in his usual routine, a silly girl who he must check on and discipline when needed."

Hunter was shocked at her words. He alone was responsible for the real fear he now saw in her eyes, though her voice was calm and steady. He could not take back what he had said so instead he sat on the ground beside her and took her paws in his hand.

"Forgive me for my thoughtlessness," he said quietly, "I had not thought... I did not realise... I..."

"I think it is best of you release me. I will call Master Rob and explain that it is all my fault that I was doing too much too soon. He will enjoy that admission more than you know. You will not have to worry about your reputation or your place within the guild or the club," Bella said in the same calm voice though she could no longer hold his gaze.

"And what of you and your reputation?" Hunter asked quietly. "Surely this will look bad for you to the next person who would take up the unusual offer you and your guardians are making."

"I have survived worse," she said sadly, finally letting her eyes mist over. 

"As have some of those closest to me," Hunter gathered her in his arms feeling her stiffen at his touch rather than being the relaxing trusting little pet he had brought to the island. He cursed to himself and took her from the dark room into the daylight and sat her in the warm sunshine of the window seat behind his desk. He then took his chair and turn to face her.

"Why are you here?" He asked after a long moment's silence. The question took her by surprise, and she chewed her lip thoughtfully looking out of the window into a small walled garden trying to put an answer into words.

"I will tell you what I think, and you can tell me if I am wrong," Hunter let her off the hook. "At first I thought this was some colossal game for you. A spoilt pampered pet dictating who she would and wouldn't call Master, a masochist who wanted the enjoyment of being used without the emotional entanglements," he smiled as she turned her gaze back to him softening the blow of his words. "I believed then, and I still do, that after spending even a small time as Mel's girl there would be no need for pet training. He was one of the best and meeting you at the party I was sure of that."

"So I have to think that you have another motive. So I ask again, why are you here?" Hunter stared at her.

"Mel wanted it," she admitted. "Before we left for the trip, he had set up training afternoons for me with each of his friends and their girls. He said he wanted me to learn it all, and I had asked for it, when I took his collar, though I didn't realise it at the time. I wanted everything that he could give me and show me in this lifestyle, all of it." She lowered her eyes blushing deeply, "You are not exactly wrong about my motivations either though. Not that I did it consciously, but going in without having to commit to one person for any longer than a fortnight and being able to escape at will was very appealing I will admit." She paused, "Mel was the love of my life, there will never be another like him but I also wanted to learn and do more and I craved it, all of it, the pain, the loss of control, even the humiliation."

Hat she didn't say was that she missed his love, she missed the way he made her feel adored and beautiful and precious. She missed how much she had wanted to please him and share the smile he reserved just for her. She missed him so badly that it still hurt despite how far she had come since returning to the world he created for her to live in.

Hunter nodded, "We all have reasons for what we do. I loved deeply once, but that girl... is no longer with me. She is not dead, but she may as well be, she is untouchable in the way I need to touch her." He paused before going on. "Stephen was witness to that time in my life, and the lengths I went to, to get her back. It was not my proudest moment and I continue to atone for my mistakes."

"We can't go back though, can we? I tried to go back to my boring life, the life I had before Mel. I had one night stands of the very vanilla kind, it was awful," she grimaced. "I didn't like who I was becoming so I returned to what Mel had wanted for me. I returned to this..." she looked up at Hunter with glassy eyes.

"No," Hunter agreed, "We cannot go back. The only way is to move forward the best way we can." They lapsed into silence again both deep in their own thoughts. "We have our cards on the table now. I assure you that you will not be used as a pawn in my rivalry with Stephen. I apologise I gave you that impression. There is something very special about you, little piglet," he reached out and petted her hair. "Some indefinable allure that draws me as much as the big busty blondes I tend to prefer in looks." He laughed at the startled look she gave him.

"We are being honest, are we not? Do you find yourself attracted in the main to black men? This situation we find ourselves in is what it is. It is an opportunity for us both to sate our cravings for those darker paths in the lifestyle and walk away as friends at the end of it. Each of us is better informed now about the other's motives and needs." Onc again he gave her a malevolent grin, "And my little piglet I have a hard-on just thinking about the squeals of pleasure you will make in there," he looked at the partially open panel in the wall, "With me."

"I believe there is more to your rivalry with Sir Stephen than you are saying, but as you say, we know more about each other now. Stephen will be here on the weekend, will that create more issues?" Bella asked him bluntly her eyes constantly dropping down to his crotch and the hard-on he said he had. 

"Perhaps it would be for the best if someone else came to check on you," Hunter admitted with a smile following her eyes. "You may call Rob to make a request this evening." With that, he picked her up and carried her back into his mini dungeon. "I am going to fuck this tight little ass of yours so hard you will be grateful for that soft tail later," he murmured into her ear with a grin.

Bella shivered still unsure of exactly what this man's motives were, but as he kissed her again she gave in to her own need for what this man could give her.

*****



Possessing Bella Ch. 08



Authors Note: This is a chapter in this series primarily based in BDSM practises. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. ~ellie

*

Bella hung from a series of chains and slings in the darkened dungeon. Her eyes glistened with heat and need, and she bit down on a large black dildo crammed into her mouth as wax splashed once more over her bound breasts. The large black man towering over her revelled in the muted squeals of his little piglet, to everyone else in the lodge she was an adorable bunny, but here, in his own personal dungeon the piglet, as he had named her, squealed so delightfully for him.

Placing the candle aside, he began fucking her again, swinging her onto his cock with every thrust and marvelling at her ability to take everything he gave her. He looked down on the bound girl the thick wax drying over her small but swollen breasts. She was such a small pet but had utterly fulfilled his needs during their last few days together. He rammed into her hard and leaned forward pulling the dildo from her mouth to hear her squeals of pleasure.

Bella squealed and shook with her approaching orgasm; Hunter had come to the realisation that orgasm control was beyond this hot bitch and did not make her wait too long before he gave his permission. His thumb went to her clit and broke the wax that sealed the swollen nub rubbing it in slow, deliberate circles. 

"Come piglet, squeal for me," he commanded and began fucking her again. His free hand gripped her hip as she stiffened arching and pulling against the chains that held her as she howled out her orgasm to the eerily shadowed room.

Looking down his watched as his big black cock split open her cunt with every thrust deep into her small body, and he roared as he came filling her with the evidence of his pleasure in using her just this way. He came long and hard finally reeling back away from her, leaving Bella swinging from the chains her eyes rolling in her head from the exquisite high on which she was still floating. 

Hunter sank into the one chair in the room breathing heavily, his hood eyes watching the small form of the girl who had captured a small piece of his heart and who could begin to heal the vicious rent in it that had caused him so much pain. 

*****

Bella's days had become routine; she woke and smiled knowing Flora would soon arrive to do her morning cleansing chattering about life on the island. It was in these conversations with Flora that Bella had begun to piece together the puzzle that was Hunter. Then predictably after a morning of learning how better to be Hunter's prized pet, she would be led down to lunch in the lodge with the managers and any visiting guests. 

In the afternoons she spent time with Leighton or Keyon and Flora exploring the small island. Essentially this was her exercise time but it was more of a relaxing ritual where she could commune with nature and enjoy the small pleasures the island had to offer. She enjoyed the exploration with Flora the most as she dragged Bella to all her favourite hiding spots and showed her secret trails back to the lodge from each of them.

Her evenings were spent with Hunter. Often she dined in the lodge or with the managers first but inevitably she would be taken to his personal dungeon where she would squeal in blissful ecstasy with him before being put to bed in either the cage or the basket depending on his mood. 

Today seemed different as she watched Hunter rise from his bed and sit there staring at her for a long time. She didn't move but rather feigned sleep under hooded eyelids in the early morning darkness of the room.

Finally, he dressed and left the room, leaving her to her to wonder at why he seemed to be studying her. Flora arrived minutes later with a large smile and an excitable mood to perform the morning cleansing Bella had endured the last four mornings.

"You know I didn't think Hunter would listen to Leighton. Then last night we found out they were all coming. I'm so excited!" Flora bubbled as if she had eaten a box of sugar cereal for breakfast. "Well, Mike hasn't confirmed but I am sure he will. This weekend is going to be so much fun."

"Flora, slowdown and tell me what is going on," Bella laughed at her obvious excitement.

"Oh, but I can't it is going to be a big surprise. You'll just love it," Flora beamed like a little girl busting to tell her secret, making Bella laugh.

"Okay, well let's get ready for this big exciting surprise then," she grinned at Flora letting the woman's excitement bubble over into her own mood.

Bella was aware that through some trauma that occurred about a decade ago, Flora had suffered a complete breakdown. Her mind had reverted back to a time when she was innocent forgetting all those who loved her as an adult and who she was to those people. Through speaking to Keyon, whose main purpose here was to watch over Flora, in addition to the overseeing the public manager of the lodge, Bella realised Flora was the islands only flower amongst all the fauna.

It was during those long walks in the afternoon with one or more of Hunters personal assistants that Bella managed to piece together the whole story. At some time in the past, Flora was Hunters most prized pet, honoured above all others and loved whole heartedly. Hunter though had been arrogant and not understood that in his ambition to make his own businesses thrive he had not paid enough attention to the pet he so adored.

It was during this time that Flora fell for a would be Master. He had promised her the world and while Hunter was away on business, she had left her island home for the promise of love and adoration in the arms of a Master who had enchanted her as he spun his tales.

It wasn't an enchanted life he gave her though. Flora had found herself drugged and sold each night as a high-class whore to those who preferred the more extreme pleasures of the flesh. The man who called himself her master had not however vetted his patrons very well and in a night of true agony and despair Flora had almost died at the hands of a sadistic madman. 

As soon as she entered the hospital, Leon and Rob had arrived. Her name had been circulated by Mel with the authorities for some time as a missing person. Through their own contacts, they had her moved, as soon as she had stabilized, to a private clinic. It was at the clinic that she was treated for her wounds and drug dependence. With Rob grieving the death of his partner Kitty and Leon's role in the business over once she was safe, it fell to Mel and the man he mentored, Stephen, to ensure Flora's recovery.

Hunter had arrived immediately upon hearing of her admission to a private clinic. He had raged at both Mel and Stephen as if blaming them for her condition and amnesia. He had been scathing in his condemnation of them even after the arrest of the men responsible. He had demanded the return of his property but Stephen had pompously told him that he should have looked after his property better and not have let this occur to her in the first place.

According to Keyon, who was a nurse at the clinic at the time, the battle of wills had raged between the two as Stephen refused to release Flora until she was stable. Bella was surprised at how candid Keyon had been with her about Flora's trauma. That was until she realised that Keyon was in love with Flora and was concerned that a friendship had struck up between the two women without Bella knowing that Flora's mental scarring was far worse than the physical.

Bella had not needed to say much or even ask many questions as Leighton and Keyon spoke about Flora and Hunter. In fact, they seemed eager to make her understand that Hunter was a good man who had struggled with his conscious during a bad situation, regardless of what Stephen may have told her. Despite her denials that Stephen had said anything at all and, in fact, rarely to spoke her about anything more important than her own health, they continued to believe otherwise.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, she looked up at Flora, who was frowning at her. The frown showed the lines in her face that told of her true age rather than the young girl she seemed to believe she was, and Bella tilted her head with a small smile. "I am sorry Flora. I was just thinking about what sort of surprise there could be for me," she laughed.

Flora mimed zipping her lip and throwing away the key before giggling and starting the process that had become their morning ritual.

*****

Flora was sitting on the floor as she usually did eating breakfast with Bella when Hunter reappeared in the room. 

"Stay where you are Flora," he commanded as he took in the scene and smiled. "You haven't given our little surprise away have you?" Hunter said sternly but his face softened as she giggled and shook her head. "Good then finish your breakfast; I have some work to do." He made his way over to his desk and sat. Bella watched him curiously for a moment, but Flora's inevitable chatter brought her back to her breakfast and the excited woman who sat beside her.

"Flora, I think it's almost time. Why don't you go and see if Keyon will walk you down to the landing?" Hunter eventually interrupted the constant stream of excited chatter with a smile. Flora squealed with delight and began gathering the dishes and placing them on a tray. 

"I'll take this, so the girls don't have to return," she said and hurried from the room.

"Thank you," Hunter gave her a forced smile and stood to approach Bella as Flora closed the door behind her.

"Our week is ending, Piglet and I have made the decision to send you home at the end of the weekend," he saw her look of surprise and the bottom lip catch between her teeth. "You have done nothing wrong and I will be sure to stress that to your guardians. Quite the opposite in fact," he came to sit in one of the comfortable chairs close to her and she moved to his feet.

"You did not need this training and yet you undertook it, for reasons that were both cathartic and self-serving. I do not judge you for that," he petted her hair and smiled. "I am amazed at how well you have coped with the trauma and tragedy that befell you such a short time ago when the effects of our own tragedy here still linger in the shadows." He noted the lack of surprise on Bella's face and nodded. She knew the story. It did not surprise him that she knew; the quiet, thoughtful girl would have taken in everything around her and been an understanding ear, with her own traumatic background, for those that wished to talk. 

"There will be a gathering at the lodge this weekend for old friends and new," he smiled. "Then Flora and Keyon and I will accompany you back to the mainland. It is time to start healing the old wounds that I have sought to protect from further harm. I realise now that I never let those open wounds close properly by wrapping them in my protection before their time." He closed his eyes for a moment as if stealing himself. 

"I cannot imagine, how you felt at the time and believe you did what you thought was the best for everybody," Bella said quietly seeing the momentary pain flitter across Hunters features risking the use of her voice to speak at that moment. 

Hunters frowned at her but relaxed as he saw the worry in her face. "I think you can imagine," he said softly. "You are very brave little piglet, you could have retreated into the time before, like Flora, instead of facing the world head on and pushing yourself to re-join the ranks of the living." He pulled her head to his thigh and began petting her hair again in a soft, soothing motion. "Your bravery has pushed me to understand that this half-life we have together is not good for any of us, least of all the one I sought to protect. I have had to admit Stephen was right to condemn me and that it is time for a change."

Hunter knew this reason would sit better with Bella than tell her that she had won a small piece of his heart. That he had learned that he could enjoy and care about another girl in such a way that would fulfil his needs. He had considered letting her stay for the whole fortnight but knew it would be harder to let the girl go which inevitable he must do. She was not ready to love another as he would want and expect his pet to do. 

He would set Keyon and Flora up in a well-protected home close to the clinic. From there she could receive the help she required to heal properly, away from the memories of what brought her to this point in her life. The wounds would heal for all of them and if she returned to him one day he would welcome her with open arms. If, on the other hand, Keyon and Flora's love grew, then he would learn to accept it and not have to bear witness to it. He finally admitted that this was what was best for everyone.

One final hurdle to overcome, and like Bella, he would face the world of friendship and possible love again. Who would have thought that this small pet could have been the catalyst for such change. Those who knew him well accepted the hard taciturn persona he had adopted since the event that rocked his world, but most thought him an arrogant and cruel bastard. Bella had just accepted him warts and all and still knelt at his feet despite the rocky start they had and the revelations her week here had brought her. 

He knew that this was what he wanted once more, another chance to enjoy a loving pet, who revelled in his own vices and darkness as much as he did. The silence stretched as she purred comfortingly to his petting. He had planned this surprise for her after a long, heartfelt talk with Leighton about what he thought of Bella.

"There will be many guests this weekend," he broke the silence. "We will be busy hosts, and not all of the guests will understand my ways and I fear. I will have to share your attention outside of these rooms so I have a gift for you that you may take with you when you leave." Bella was surprised but said nothing instead moving her head slightly to rub against his cock and to purr loudly in appreciation though she did not know why guests were arriving or what it had to do with her.

"Ah, my greedy little piglet, always so hungry for cock, very well then," he said unzipping his pants as she nuzzled further into his groin. "You will bear the punishment if we are late to greet our guests though." He chuckled as she only purred louder and licked out at his rapidly swelling cock. He sat back and watched in pleasure as her pale, delicate lips stretched over his big black cock.

*****

Not long before lunch, Hunter and Bella emerged from his private domain. She walked on two legs but was led on a leash. She wore a white leather corset that pulled so tight so as to give her the illusion of an hour glass figure. It enhanced her breasts, in the way the demi cups pushed them together and up to spilling over the top. She wore white leather shorts so small as to barely cover as much as a pair of panties would that all did up like a corset in the front and rear and rather than the spiked paws on her feet she wore supple white leather boots.

Her gift had been a delicate jewelled collar layered over a soft leather base which sparkled as it caught the light. Hunter had told her she was indeed precious and a very valuable pet just as Stephen had portrayed her on the first night they had met.

Though she wore a discreet butt plug, the powder-puff tail was fixed to the lacing in the shorts. The only other concession to her pet persona were the white leather mittens she had worn all week and the leash on which she was being led. She had been told she could walk and talk as needed during this weekend but to do so with some thought about her place within the lodge, and her training uring the week she had been there. 

They made their way down to the main room, and Bella gasped in surprise as Stephen looked up from his conversation with Leighton to survey her. She became suddenly nervous and looked back up at Hunter who showed no expression at all.

"Bella," Stephen's deep baritone filled the space, "You look remarkably healthy. Island life seems to agree with you."

"Hello, Sir Stephen," Bella gathered herself together. "It is truly a little piece of paradise here. I have been very well cared for." 

"I would expect no less," Stephen gave a half smile and looked at Hunter. Bella heard an excited yelp from behind her and had barely begun to turn around when she was tackled to the floor in a heap of flying red and black limbs. 

"Bella! Bella! Bella!" Tali kissed all over her face before letting her up with a giggle.

Getting to her knees, Bella looked at her friend in absolute delight and hugged her tightly before greeting her owner. "Hello, Master Mark," Bella grinned happily.

"Hi there cutie," Mark reached down to ruffle her hair before moving to shake hands in greeting with Hunter. "Thanks for the invite, I haven't been able to get away for some R & R since," he paused and looked furtively at Bella, "Well since I don't remember when. Even Mike said he was coming."

"So I heard," Hunter chuckled at his friend's obvious delight at being there. "It's been a while since I hosted a proper hunting party as well." They slapped each other on the back in shared enjoyment. "Let's have some lunch before the day fully gets away from us and the others start arriving."

"Too late, I'm afraid," Mark gathered Bella and Tali close to him. "Brace yourself little one," he smirked. Then he led the girls towards the dining room.

Once again Bella was tackled in a flurry of arms and legs and then passed around to be cuddled against broad chests and strong arms until she came to rest in the lap of Master Charles, who refused to let her go, until Hunter insisted as the host of the weekends proceedings.

Bella sat quietly beside Hunter, who fed her from his plate. Dusty too sat beside Jack and the two women grinned at each other, eager to find some time to talk. These were her friends, and she loved them, but she was happy that the Masters had come with them and that maybe she could see the glimpses of friendship and camaraderie she had so often enjoyed watching when they were with Mel. These were the people he had entrusted her to, the friends he trusted and cared for, and she needed that touchstone in her life, to remind her of the good and loving man he was, as well as his darker controlling side.

The men seemed to take forever over lunch or maybe it just seemed that way to Bella, who was eager to hug them all again. She hadn't seen Master Jack since that night at the club when she had asked Charles to speak on her behalf and allow her to return to Sire for a time. Dusty seemed her usual friendly self, but Bella knew she would have to apologise to Master Jack at some stage. Her eyes flickered to his boots under the table nervously and then back to Dusty, who seemed to understand and smiled encouragingly.

They had exited the dining hall, and Hunter had asked his guests to excuse himself and Stephen as they had a private matter to discuss. He encouraged the group to make full use of the island and the facilities and to her disappointment, called Bella to heel as he walked back to his own domain. Picking her up to ascend the levelled staircase he murmured in her ear, "Don't look so disappointed piglet, there will be plenty of time to play with your friends later."

He once again placed her on the floor and bade her heel as he made his way to his desk offering Stephen a seat. "Flora hasn't progressed much has she," Stephen said darkly as he sat.

"No," Hunter admitted. "It seems you were right, and I couldn't help her the way I wanted." Stephen grunted but said nothing eyeing Hunter critically. "I have made arrangements for her to receive some specialised help starting next week. She and Keyon will live close to Belleview, and she can attend the outpatients there. It is the best of the clinics, dealing in this type of trauma," he held up his hand as Stephen opened his mouth to speak, "Yes, just as Mel told me it was."




Possessing Bella Ch. 08



"Why the sudden change of heart?" Stephen's voice was still hard and uncompromising.

"Bella is quite a good listener, did you know? She never actually says very much, but she has this ability to make people look at the world around them in a different way just by being in it. It is a testament to her that she lives in the moment rather than remaining stuck in a cycle of...," he smiled softly, "the past. She chose to live when so many would surrender."

"Yes," Stephen agreed. "She is a unique girl. I expect that is why Mel loved her so deeply. She has an intelligence and thoughtfulness that is unexpected for a girl as young and experienced as she is." 

"Perhaps," Hunter acknowledged hearing the pride in Stephen's voice though his face showed no emotion. It was obvious that Stephen had feelings for the girl though Hunter was not sure that he had properly acknowledged them yet, even to himself. "One thing she did say was that rivalry, no matter how friendly, can cause harm. Even unintentional harm." He paused as Stephen raised his eyebrow and looked at Bella.

"Yes, she sensed the issues between us and it caused her great concern when she first arrived. She came regardless because she had agreed to the commitment before she realised the danger. Were I another man, her worries would have been founded, and I may not have listened to her concerns and taken them on board. I am even willing to admit I was wrong, though my list of excuses for my behaviour is long. I would like it if we could be the friends we once were again."

Stephen turned directly to Bella then, "You did not tell me you had concerns about coming to Hunter. Do we need to go over the meaning of the word honesty again?" he growled at her, and she sat in shocked silence that he was angry with her.

"Speak Bella," Hunter urged.

"It was obvious that you, Sir Stephen, seemed unhappy that I was coming here, but neither were you happy that I went to Sire. I had assumed that you did not like the idea of me seeking training with various people in the way that I wanted. I did not even think about your rivalry until that day that I asked for the release because of it," she explained quietly.

"She asked to be released!" Stephen growled surging to his feet.

"Oh, sit down, what sort of bastard do you think I am," Hunter groaned and rolled his eyes. "She called Rob not you, that was her choice, because of our rivalry she didn't think you would give her the best advice. How's that for a slap in the face you arrogant prick? She wanted him to come, not you, because you hadn't been honest with her. It's a two way street and you weren't on it with her." 

Stephen sat and stared at Bella; his anger now turned on himself. He of all people had let her down and put her in a situation that scared her. He saw her drop her head and look at the floor as if unable to look him in the eye anymore.

"Rivalry causes pain even if it's unintentional," Hunter said in a calmer voice. "Stop berating yourself Bella, this is not your fault," he said softly. "For god's sake Stephen, no one can live up to those lofty standards you set, not even you. You can try but," he sighed, "We all make mistakes."

Stephen stood again and picked Bella up to her feet and tilted her face up to his to look into her eyes. He could see the concern laced with fear, and he hated himself for that. "I am sorry," he said sincerely. "It was not my intention to cause you any pain," his deep voice was flat and husky. "I will talk to Jake when we return about taking over as your watcher." 

"No," Bella said softly, "Please don't do that." She reached up and touched his cheek gently sensing his inner turmoil. "It's all worked out for the best now," she assured him. "I have very much enjoyed my time here on the island." She found it disconcerting that he would suggest such a thing over this issue.

Stephen leaned into the small hand against his cheek for a moment and then abruptly let her go. The truth was; he was torn; he hated watching her go to Hunter when he had handed her over at the pier, and he doubted he would have enjoyed it had it been another man of any description, but he felt an overarching need to look after her, care for her and protect her. In the city, it was much easier to deal with his feelings toward her. Here, with Hunter, it was becoming too difficult, and he realised he shouldn't have come to this weekend gathering. 

"Bella, Jack wanted to see you when we were done, and I think this may take a little longer than expected," Hunter said seeing the look on Stephen's face. "Why don't you go see him and comeback when you can, so we don't keep him waiting for you in the salon all afternoon."

Bella nodded sadly feeling like she had done something wrong and turned to leave the room. She stopped at the door and looked back at Stephen knowing that Hunter's words had cut him deeply but not knowing what to say or do to make it better she left closing the door behind her.

"Now can we talk about when you are going to tell that girl that she belongs to you?" Hunter smirked.

"What makes you think...," Stephen rounded on Hunter and saw the knowing smile. "When she is ready to hear it," Stephen scowled at Hunter.

"Don't look at me like that," Hunter laughed. "You put yourself in the middle of it all and just to show you what a nice guy I am I am gonna let you take her home a week early."

Stephen looked dubious and sneered, "Yeah, didn't think she was your type."

"On the contrary, that girl is addictive. I could fall in love with her if I kept her another week. That would make it that much harder to give her back. So we have an out here, because I was serious about getting the help Flora needs and making sure she and Keyon are set up in a nice little place on the mainland," Hunter sat back in his chair. "Then I plan to take a page out of that little girl's handbook, deal with my grief and start living again. So catch me up on all the club gossip, and I may just start showing my face around there again."

Stephen finally relaxed a little and sank back into his chair, "This could take a while, got anything to drink?"

Hunter was enjoying himself seeing the human side of the great white knight; he opened the sideboard bar and pulled out a bottle of Glenfiddich and poured them both a good belt. 

*****

Bella descended the stairs, the short journey was as close as she had come to being by herself since arriving on the island, so she walked slowly. She was nervous about seeing Jack on her own and felt she owed him an apology for her actions.

Jack looked up and smiled as she entered the comfortable salon and stood from his comfortable position to greet her. "Hello girl, I have missed being able to see you as often as I had been able to when you were at Rob's beach house," he said easily gathering her into his arms. "Come, let's walk for a while, the island is beautiful at this time of year."

"Have you been here before Master? Bella asked quietly.

"Yes, though not often," he admitted. "So from what I can tell, you spoke to Hunter's man, Leighton, about being so busy you had not had a chance to see us and the other friends of Mel, in a relaxed setting. So Hunter took it upon himself to organise just such an event."

It wasn't really a question, and Bella was unsure how to answer as her friends arriving today had been as much of a surprise to her as were Jack's words. She chewed her lip thoughtfully and wondered if she had overstepped her position.

"I wasn't aware Leighton had said anything to Hunter," she almost whispered unsure of herself and not wanting him to see her as spoilt or manipulative. Jack steered her along a trail that led back up into the rainforest rather than down to the wharf and beach where she could see others playing on the sand. 

"Always so worried little one," Jack murmured in his own quiet voice. "I am glad Hunter acted on your words. I believe we have all worried about you since Mel left us. First we worried that we would lose you to your grief, and then to the world you came from and now to the punishing schedule you have set for yourself. It is good that you recognise that you need time to relax and be among friends and family." 

"I am happy being busy," she said cheerily to allay his worry.

"It is better than languishing away in your grief at Rob's beach house, I would think," He nodded and they lapsed into silence as they walked toward the small waterfall.

"I had forgotten how pretty it was here. I am used to the open plains surrounding my ranch. You will like it there, when you visit. It can be very peaceful," he looked at her as if looking into her.

"I am sorry I didn't come when you first offered," Bella blurted.

"You would have, had it been decided that way, of that much I am sure. If nothing else, you are an obedient girl. You will see it soon enough. For now I wish to know you are well taken care of," Jack said gruffly. "I owe that much to Mel; he loved you like no other, and I do not want what he held most precious treated like some common slut on an auction block." His tone had turned harsh, and it took Bella by surprise, his words making her think about her actions.

"Dusty has offered her council to me on your choices and requests but I have to admit I am less than happy or convinced it is in your best interests. I am not your guardian though, and the decision is not mine to make. Stephen is a good man, at any time that you feel you are being mistreated he will bring you to me, all you have to do is ask. I will protect you from those who seek to abuse your trust," he paused and stared into her eyes, "Regardless of who it is." There was a heavy meaning behind those words, and she felt uncomfortable by the insinuation that someone close to her would abuse her trust.

"I am looked after very well thank you, Master. I do appreciate everything you have said and done for me. I'm very happy at work and with each small amount of training I learn more not only about the lifestyle Mel gave me but about myself," Bella said carefully.

"Then I will say no more for now," he nodded and lapsed back into silence again. They sat watching the waterfall both lost in their own thoughts. The sound of feet came to them long before Leighton jogged around the bend. 

"You are being missed at the lodge," he said in greeting. "Another member of the party has arrived and is asking to see Bella Bunny."

"Then we must go," Jack said pleasantly despite the gruffness in his voice. He stood back and let Bella precede him as they followed Leighton back to the lodge. 

Bella grinned widely as she walked in and saw Rob and Leon standing and talking with Keyon and Flora. She took a breath not wanting to seem as excited as she felt inside to see Rob standing there. She slowly made her way toward him but could not hide her smile of delight.

"There she is," Flora laughed happily, catching sight of her, "Our little Bella Bunny. See I told you she wouldn't be far away." 

"Ah, I have missed you little brat," Rob grinned as he took large steps toward her and enveloped her in a crushing embrace. "Jack," Rob held Bella to him with one arm and extended a hand in greeting.

"Rob," Jack said equally as stiffly and Bella frowned noticing the neither man smiled wondering if the tension between them was her fault.

"We're having a bonfire tonight down on the beach it's gonna be so much fun," Flora chattered excitedly drawing everyone's attention back to her and breaking the tension. 

"It's so good to see you," Bella returned Rob's embrace. "And you Master Leon, it seems you are always rushing off somewhere, and I have only caught glimpses of you since... well since Italy really," her voice trailed off, and she saw her own pain almost mirrored in Leon's eyes.

"You're looking as beautiful as ever Bella," he gave her a tight smile. "I am going to go check out our digs and make a quick phone call, why don't you show me the way sweet Flora." He turned not noticing the frown on Bella's face as he made his way out of the room.

"He still hasn't recovered from the events in Italy and blames himself for not getting to you and Mel earlier," Rob said quietly. "He will come around just give him some time."

It had never occurred to Bella to blame anyone other than the gunmen for Mel's death. Jenny too felt responsibility for the actions of her father, but Bella never once blamed her. "Poor Leon," she thought, if anything he saved her, he was there in the hospital at her bedside, not leaving her side until she was safely with her family. How could he still feel guilt over something he had no control over. She determined to speak with him that weekend and tell him how much she loved him for everything he had done for her. 

Hunter and Stephen appeared in the room, and Bella realised she should have gone back to them after greeting Rob rather than delaying the few minutes she had. Mindful of how she should act within the lodge Bella padded to Hunters side and stood quietly. He smiled down on her approvingly and petted her hair as he greeted Rob and asked after Leon.

The party eventually moved to the beach where a large marquee and several barbeques stood against the stone ledge that acted as a windbreak. A little further away from the stone ledge a bonfire roared to life as they each settled on comfortable loungers. It was as the evening wore on, and the small party began to relax and enjoy each other's company when Bella was suddenly swooped up from behind, and jostled around until she faced a smirking Kurt.

"Well, what do we have here, a little bunny?" Kurt smirked and kissed her forehead, making her giggle softly and blush. It was only when he had placed her back on the ground that she realised he wasn't alone, and she immediately greeted Mike Millar and smiled at her friends Dianne and Nyx.

Bella was overjoyed to have all her friends gathered in one place, and she felt her cheeks begin to ache from the amount of smiling and laughing the evening brought. Each of the men's personalities complimented each other so that despite them being alpha types they accepted a similar arrogance in their peers with good-natured ribbing and joking.

It was the wee hours of the morning when Bella and Hunter finally returned to his domain, and he placed her in a small basket beside his bed, she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. 

*****

Bella blinked her eyes open the following morning and looked into the smiling face of Flora, "Get up sleepy head today is the day of the hunt!"

"The what?" Bella shook her head and rubbed her eyes.

"The hunt, silly," Flora rolled her eyes as if speaking to a child then suddenly paled, "Maybe I wasn't supposed to tell you that," she looked vague for a moment and lines creased her brow as if she was thinking hard about what she had just said. "Well, it won't matter soon enough, let's get you ready."

Bella went through the motions of her morning ritual at the lodge enduring the constant chatter good-naturedly as Flora lamented that she would miss having such a cute little pet to look after. To her surprise Bella was dressed in a body suit and given soft flat shoes to wear. As if attuned to when they were eating breakfast Hunter arrived as he always did while they were eating. He smiled at the two women as he went to his customary seat at his desk.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Yes thank you, Master," Bella said softly, unsure of whom he spoke to.

"Did you tell her all about the hunt we have planned, Flora?" he eyed the suddenly quiet woman.

"I might have mentioned it in passing," Flora sighed. "I didn't know you hadn't told her," she whined.

"As long as you have not given much away," Hunter frowned at her but Bella could see the turned up corners of his mouth as he nodded. 

"No, never," she shook her head vehemently. Then almost immediately began packing up their breakfast dishes to leave.

"What did she tell you about today?" Hunter chuckled as Flora slipped out of the door and got up walking to where Bella knelt.

"That today there would be a hunt," she chewed her lip. "She didn't elaborate though so I am still no wiser than when I woke up," she smiled nervously.

"Treat it like a game of hide and seek, the Masters will be the hunters, and you my precious pet, and your friends will be the prey. There is a proviso though," he looked at her as if measuring her small form, "Should any girl make it back to the lodge without being caught there are rewards." Bella tilted her head inquisitively at his words, but he said no more on the subject. Instead, he leaned forward and kissed her. "I am already missing our morning training sessions," he smirked and ran his hand over the mottled body stocking she wore.

Bella purred and leaned into his kiss and caress, thinking that she too would miss the attention he gave her once she returned. She had considered his words of the last day carefully and had admitted that her motivations for taking on this training may have been that of a girl seeking a no strings attached affair with someone who she knew she could trust. It had made her consider carefully what she would do when this time with Hunter came to an end, and if she could make a commitment to another as she had to Mel. She had loved Mel so deeply in the small amount of time he had taken her as his own that she could not imagine finding a relationship like that again.

"We need to go and meet with the others before the day begins," Hunter said suddenly standing and retrieving a leash from his desk. "You may walk, today," he waited for her to stand before attaching the length of soft leather to her collar. Hunter pulled her close and kissed her deeply again taking her breath away before releasing her and leading her out with the one-word command, "Heel."

They walked down to the salon where the others had gathered and were chatting amiably, the women of the group all dressed similarly to Bella. Hunter greeted them all warmly and took his seat with Bella kneeling beside him quietly. She had found that last night and again this morning Mike Millar was watching her intently, and it made her more than a little uncomfortable. She considered finding some time to talk with Nyx and find out if she had offended him in some way.

"Ah, good everyone is here at last," Hunter said loudly gaining everyone's attention as Leighton, Keyon and Flora arrived with two of the lodge girls. "It was a bit of a late start this morning so we won't waste any time." He stood and addressed the group, "Charles will accompany the girls on a cruise around our little piece of paradise as we men talk tactics for the hunt. Keyon and Flora will accompany Charles to explain the rules of the game and drop them at their starting points." He looked around at the small group.

"The winner or winners," he inclined his head to the girls, "Of the day shall receive rewards and those that fail will face the penalties." His voice had lowered ominously as he eyed each of the girls. "Gentlemen if you will follow me," he grinned and left the room. He paused to pet Bella's head and turn his wide white grin on her.

"All right, that's our cue to depart as well," Charlies said cheerily and led their party out of the lodge and down to the pier. They sailed around the island and over to another close by where wild dolphins came close to shore to be fed by visiting fishermen. It was there that they had a light picnic lunch and Bella found time to speak to Nyx.

"Have I done something to offend your Master," Bella asked quietly as they sat on the sand with small plates of food.

"Most women offend him in some way if they do not understand the natural order of things. Why do you ask?" Nyx tilted her head and looked at Bella curiously.

"He seems to be constantly watching me and almost glowering, as if he is angry about something," Bella said nervously and chewed her lip.




Possessing Bella Ch. 08



"You will come to him next as part of this agreement you have with the Masters. He measures your worth and, I expect, trying not to let his camaraderie with Mel cloud his judgement. He does not approve of your position above men in Mel's company but I believe he values your intelligence which sounds hypocritical in some ways but in his world women are viewed in a different way. They are there for the benefit of men not for their own gain." She paused and saw Bella thinking about what she was saying carefully. 

"The tenets of Gor are much maligned because of the large online movement which has distorted the original ideas put forth in the books by John Norman. I will send you the five books that those who follow the practises of the 'Three Pillars' hold most high, though there are thirty-three in total," she smiled softly. "Do not worry so, he measures you to know who he will invite to meet you as a slave in our home."

"I know very little about Gor except how beautifully you move when you serve your Master. I am looking forward to knowing those things and more. I will read the books and try and understand more before I come to stay with you," she returned Nyx's smile and joined in the conversation of those around them before boarding the boat for their instruction on the rules of the hunt.

"The object of the hunt is simple, don't get caught as you make your way back to the lodge," Leighton chuckled as he addressed the women. "There will be eight hunters, and each will be trying to tag you with their colour through the use of this," he held up a modified paint ball gun. "They are modified so that the range available to the hunters is shorter and so they cannot sit like a sniper and shoot you from a distance."

"I don't think I like this game," Sera said petulantly, "No one is supposed to shoot you when you play hide and seek."

"It will be a great source of pride to your Master's for you to have played so well that you received no tags at all before making it back to the lodge. I imagine any girl who could manage that would get special treats," Charles addressed all of them but each knew he was talking mainly to Sera.

"Well said Sir Charles," Leighton nodded in his direction. "While we have been leisurely enjoying our morning you can be sure that the men have been laying traps and to guide you toward certain paths, beware of it seems too easy, because it probably is a trap of some sort. The time you take to make the journey back across the island will determine the winner but for every tag you receive, a penalty will be awarded against your time. I will give you all ten minutes to study our map of the island before we begin."

Flora stepped forward and unrolled a scroll upon the small table in the centre of the room as the men went down into the cabin to the bar. As soon as the men were out of sight Flora stepped forward. "This is where we will land, and you will go ashore," she pointed to the map. "There are three clear well marked trails but there are a lot of smaller tracks you can use." She kept her voice low as if secrecy was of the utmost importance.

Flora pointed out her own favourite routes and hiding spots while answering questions from the girls. It barely seemed like five minutes let alone ten when they heard the engine cutout and the cruiser glide toward the beach. Keyon and Charles helped the girls ashore and then left without another word of advice.

The two women who working in the lodge immediately ran into the trees without looking back and disappeared, leaving the six friend staring after them.

"Good luck everyone," Dusty said in her quiet low voice and loped off down the beach seemingly eager to put as much distance as she could between herself and the rest of the group.

"I'll take the opposite way," Tali grinned excitedly and scampered off up the beach a short way before cutting into the trees.

"Come on Sera," Nyx said quietly, "I'll help you find one of those tracks and one of those good hiding spots that Flora told us about."

"Really?" She grinned.

"Sure, if we get caught you will make a great shield," Nyx laughed lightly but took Sera's hand and led her into the trees telling her that she was only joking.

"I'm a city girl," Dianne said with a crooked smile watching the line of trees. "If it's all the same to you, I am going to swim around and come in from the other side. I'd rather face jellyfish than creepy crawly bugs," she grinned. "Good luck, little one," she hugged Bella and walked back into the water.

Over the last week, Bella had gotten to know the island well and took her time to orientate herself to exactly where she was. She walked a little further in the direction that Dusty had taken before walking into the cooling shade of the tree line.

Picking her way through the undergrowth while trying not to make too much noise amongst the rustling leaves and dead branches, Bella made her way slowly through the undergrowth to one of the tracks she knew was there. She hadn't gone very far when to her right she heard a loud crack and a cry followed by the heavy footfalls of the hunters running toward the sound. Knowing that whoever had cried out would be looked after she took advantage of the momentary chaos the run some ways along the track to one of the many hiding spots in the rainforest.

She sat down for a moment under the cover of a large hollow trunk and closed her eyes to listen carefully to her surroundings. She could hear the waterfall fed stream to her right, and the laughter of men against what she now knew was Sera's wail to her right. She tried to envisage the route she needed to take and where the hidden spots were along the way.

Deciding she was safe while she could hear the noise of the commotion, she rested only a few minutes before starting her careful picking through the undergrowth again. Moving from tree to tree, she was thankful that her body suit camouflaged her slightly in the mottled light of the forest. She'd been walking for some time when she heard a branch snap and dove under the heavy foliage of a tree fern to look around.

Nothing moved in the forest, and Bella relaxed slightly, staying low she knew a dead tree lay head that had been so strangled by lantana that it acted as a curtain of sorts that would conceal her better than the undergrowth in which she now hid. She had almost made it when a pair of boots dropped to the ground from the tree that she was heading toward, and the deep familiar rumble said her name.

"Well done getting this far, Bella," Stephen rumbled but his tone was pleased. "You're almost there, having caught most of the girls at least once, most of the men have fallen back to the forest near the lodge it will be hard for you to make your way past them all." He smiled as she slowly stood and stared at him like a startled rabbit as if looking for an escape.

"Most?" Bella asked softly.

"Yes, until now both you and Dianne had evaded us entirely," Stephen smirked. "Now, if you can be brave and not make a sound I may be inclined to help you make it back to the lodge without further incident." He levelled his paintball gun at her, and she braced herself for the impact. Clenching her teeth she let out a small whimper has he shot her in the chest, a large splatter of white paint clinging to the fabric of her suit. "You always look your best in white," he continued to smirk.

"Come," he held out his hand to her. "I will help you as promised." Bella's brows knitted, but she moved towards him taking his hand and walking with him beyond the huge dead tree and its concealing curtain of lantana. "Veer away from the stream a little more and loop back around to the side of the lodge and you should make it." He let go of her hand, and then and walked determinedly in the other direction. She watched him for a moment only and then began to jog in the direction he suggested.

Stephen looked over his shoulder and smiled. He knew each of the men was helping their own girl avoid the rest why shouldn't he help Bella? She was his responsibility after all. He picked up his walkie-talkie and spoke, "Bella sighted heading parallel to the stream towards the waterfall." He hadn't lied; that was exactly when he had spotted her, it just so happened that she was no longer heading that direction.

Bella exited the tree line at the side of the lodge and made a run for safety sometime later. She had almost made it to the front stars when she felt the impact of a second paintball hit her firmly in the back making her tumble forward and lay on the grass her hand stretched out touching the bottom step of the lodge hoping that was enough to save her from any more assaults.

"That was a cheap shot," Leon grumbled at Hunter, "She had made it, and you shot her in the back when you should have been admiring her, you bastard." He had rushed over and helped her to her feet with a worried look. "I saw you go down hard, are you all right?"

"Yes thank you, Master Leon," Bella smiled. "It seems like you are always there to rescue me." 

"Always just that moment too late though," a cloud had come over his features, and he couldn't look her in the eye. He let her go abruptly, scowled at Hunter and walked into the lodge.

"Did Dianne make it back okay?" Bella asked Hunter who had come to where she stood and watched Leon move back into the lodge.

"No sign of her yet, why do you ask?" His eyes narrowed as he noticed her tense up. 

"I thought she would have been back ages ago, I mean, she umm," Bella looked down toward the beach. 

"Shit, she tried to swim back rather than be caught on the beach after being warned about the rips?" Hunter asked incredulously and shouted for Leighton and Keyon as he sprinted down towards the beach.

Bella burst into tears of both exhaustion and worry and let her legs fold under her to sit on the grass. She knew Dianne would be fine; they would find her. She wasn't a brainless woman she would know what to do in a rip. Bella told herself over and over. It was Leon who found her and picked her up holding her close and commanding her to tell him why she was so distressed.

Through sobbing gulps, she told him that she was worried that something might have happened to Dianne. He placed her on the step and used the walkie-talkie to tell Rob to get back and look after Bella and that he was going out on a Jet Ski. Bella sat in a daze of confused exhaustion as Rob arrived followed by several others. Charles, who had heard the commotion and seen the men running toward the beach had also made his way back out to the lodge front deck with Sera.

"I am just very tired," Bella said finally looking up at Rob, who hadn't questioned her but had just sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. "I have just over-reacted I am so sorry, I don't know why I am crying like a lunatic."

"It's a pretty tough schedule you have set yourself. Maybe take next week to slow things down a little. Hang out and have some fun with the people who care about you," Rob smiled. "This weekend was a good start." He held her close, wrapping his arms protectively around her making her feel safe and loved. Being in Rob's arms was always where she felt most at peace since Mel's passing, as if some part of him had transferred to his best friend in those early days. She closed her eyes and let the warmth of him seep through her.

The rest of the party had emerged from the forest and were lounging around drinking and chatting lightly, when the speed boat reappeared at the dock. Bella had not said a word about why she was so worried but gathered that they all knew by the quiet of the chatter and the pacing of Kurt as he stood out on the pier with Stephen.

With relief Bella saw Dianne alight from the cruiser, and she saw Kurt embrace her tightly before kissing her for long minutes. Again Bella looked up at Rob who she loved and felt so safe with and knew it was very different from what she was witnessing on the dock. She and Rob would never have the intimacy of lovers; he had put that boundary on their relationship, and she understood why for the most part. A relationship forged from grief would always be bound to it. 

With the words of Hunter from the week she had spent with him still clearly audible in her head, she once again watched Kurt and Dianne. She knew that while there would never be another Mel, but she did want to experience the intense heat of passion that belonging wholly and solely to someone had brought her again. Perhaps not yet, but one-day and she looked around at her friends with affection. She knew these people loved her and she viewed them as a family of sorts, but now she needed to find her passion again. She wanted to experience that feeling of need and desire to please that was so strong it filled her world, as much as loving Mel had.

She knew that neither, Sire or Hunter elicited those deep feelings of passion in her, and she turned her head to study the stern Mike Millar, who she would train with next. She wondered if within the beauty and movement of Gor, she would find that deep passion and a Master to devote herself to.

Smiling as the party came up from the pier, Bella ran toward Dianne and hugged her fiercely. "I am so sorry I told, I just got so worried when I made it back here before you," she whispered.

"Oh honey, after fighting that dreadful rip back to shore I didn't have the energy to walk back I was waiting for someone to come rescue me silly," Dianne returned her embrace. "Lucky Leon did a sweep of the beaches first. Always there to rescue the damsels in distress," She looked over her shoulder and grinned at him.

"Don't I know it," Bella too grinned, "He's a full-fledged hero in my books."

Leon scowled at the girls his inner turmoil over Mel's death still eating away at his insides as it always did when he saw Bella. He felt he had let Mel and then Bella down by not being quick enough to piece the identity of Lucifer together. Had he just been a day earlier he could have saved two lives and the impact that their loss had on this group of friends. He would make it right somehow, some day. He just didn't know how yet. Until then, he would continue to watch over them all especially Bella, who had been traumatised the most by his mistake. 

*****

The rest of the weekend had been spent in relaxed fun as if they were all at a resort together. Bella found time to spend with each of her friends and they, in turn, with each other. She enjoyed getting to know Mark and Mike Millar whom, of the group, she knew the least and spent more time with Nyx asking about the lifestyle she and her Master followed. Mike was impressed by her insights and quick intelligence though he did not express it to her himself and the more Bella knew of Nyx, the more she respected her life decisions.

Most of her friends left on Sunday afternoon, except Charles and Sera, who had decided to defer their journey until the Monday when Hunter himself would take Flora to her new life. Sera had become very protective of Flora and having the same child-like way of viewing the world wanted to help her on her new adventure away from the island home she knew. Charles was more than happy to indulge his little girl, and Hunter was grateful that Flora would have a friend to confide in on the mainland, he hoped that Bella too would visit Flora from time to time.

They had retired to Hunter's domain early and as soon as the door had closed behind them, he let her know that the easy, relaxed mood of the last two days had changed.

"Fours," he barked at her in a tone that she could not refuse and she immediately sank to her hands and knees. "Heel," he barked and began to walk towards his mini dungeon hidden behind a wall panel. Bella followed quickly, feeling a shiver of anticipation and dread running up and down her spine as he continued. "It hasn't been pleasant having you so close and not being able to indulge my desires this weekend, you, my little piglet will now pay the price for the fun I allowed you and your friends." The panel swung open before her, and Bella crawled in slowly.



Possessing Bella Ch. 09



Authors Note: This is a chapter in this series primarily based in BDSM practises. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. ~ellie

*****

Under the watchful eyes of Stephen Bella carefully got into the car and smiled up at him as he closed her door. She ached all over and felt exhausted after a night of hard use and little sleep. She was glad to be heading home to her own bed. "Home," she smiled to herself, it was the first time she could remember thinking of the small apartment that adjoined Rob's rooms as her home.

Stephen said nothing as he slid into the driver's seat, but he looked at her critically before starting the engine. Happy that Stephen was watching the road now, Bella allowed herself to sink back into the soft leather of the seat and adjust the belt of the long jacket that was tied tightly around her. She stifled a small moan as her back protested at the movement and closed her eyes momentarily, snapping them back open as she felt the needed sleep close in on her.

"It is good to have you home," Stephen's deep voice sounded soft beside her. "I would suggest not going into to work for a day or two, you should take the opportunity of coming back early to relax properly and think about your plans."

"Oh gosh, I hadn't even considered going into work today," Bella gasped. "Maybe I should call and check in with Kurt and Andrew when I get home. Thank you Sir Stephen, I am just a little tired and I totally forgot that it was Monday, not Sunday."

"You have nothing to worry about they were not expecting you back at work until next week. Considering the condition you have returned in I believe Rob would command you to take care of yourself as I am about to do. Your welfare is what should be foremost in your mind I'm sure you do not want have to go over that again," Stephens's voice did not have the hard edge it usually carried when she was being chastised, and Bella turned her head to look at him.

"I am just a little tired," Bella said softly at the rebuke. 

"You have pushed yourself very hard in the last five weeks. No one will begrudge you a few days of relaxation to look after yourself so I suggest you take the time you now have and use it wisely," Stephen said the hard edge beginning to creep back into his voice. "You look more than just a little tired," he turned his gaze on her and she sat up straighter. "Close your eyes and rest," he finally said and then turned the stereo on to fill the silence.

Bella had tried to resist the twin lull of the soft music and the hum of the engine, but the drive into the city in Monday morning traffic had taken almost an hour. By the time, Stephen pulled into the parking garage Bella was deeply asleep, beside him.

Stephen gently lifted the slight young woman from his car and carried her up to her apartment. She was no longer the emaciated waif that had returned from her self-imposed exile, but she was still far too underweight he decided. Bella had murmured sleepily as he walked and awkwardly opened her door, but such was her exhaustion she remained asleep.

The disparity in their size made it easy for Stephen to remove her coat and boots before placing her in bed. He took a moment to study her lean body as she lay before him. The tell-tale soft lines of bruising and soft pink of fading welts told of Hunter's need to leave his mark on her which Stephen understood too well. A quick search of the bathroom told him that Rob had ensured that the women who maintained the owner's apartments had provided Bella a well-stocked range of skin care products. He took a tub of body butter and placed it on her bedside table.

He went next to the kitchen and found that the kitchen was stocked with fresh food that morning and satisfied, he had left the apartment quietly. Hunter's words had haunted him since he had uttered them two days earlier, "When are you going to tell her that she belongs to you?" Stephen frowned as once again the words sounded in his mind. He knew she was not ready accept another in Mel's place yet and that he needed to give her the time to heal properly. The vision of her pale marked body relaxed in sleep swam in his mind. As did the feeling of her in his arms being held close to his body when he had carried her from his car as he rode the elevator back down to the club to check in with Rob.

As the elevator doors opened he stalking through the foyer and into Rob's office to let him know that she had returned and that she was sleeping upstairs. He stopped in his tracks as he saw the look on Rob's face and took a seat looking at the man questioningly and waiting for him to speak. The two men had grown close over the last nine months since Mel's death, their opposing styles of doing things complimenting each other in the running of the club.

"Is she back?" Rob asked gruffly.

"Yeah, she's upstairs sleeping. I don't imagine she will move from bed today. She seems exhausted," Stephen nodded.

"Good," Rob sat back in his chair. "She will need the rest."

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" Stephen said gruffly frustrated by Rob's seeming reluctance to tell him why Bella needed the rest.

"Dorothea has been unwell for some time as you know," Rob began. "She put off doing anything about it to be with Bella at the shack but has followed up since being back. Test results have been coming back over the last weeks, and the specialists have come up with a primary diagnosis and course of action." Rob took a breath, "The fatigue and dizziness is bradycardia, and the doctors believe she needs a pacemaker. A relative simple procedure but given her age there are other risks involved." 

"I see," Stephen said. "When is the procedure being done?"

"She is refusing to have the procedure until we let her speak with Bella. Kurt and I have known for a while it is why we had another assistant come in for Bella. Dorothea refused to see a specialist until she was sure Bella had returned successfully to the land of the living. Now she does not trust us to be honest with Bella and wants to see her before she agrees to the surgery," Rob was angry with being given ultimatums, and he didn't think that telling Bella was wise at all.

"I think that is the best idea as well," Stephen said after a moment. "If something went wrong and we didn't tell her the trust she has in us would be damaged beyond repair. She is growing stronger all the time now, and she can handle this. Dorothea is a feisty old bird. She will come through it fine I know, and Bella will be better for the experience. Seeing someone face the risks and live through it. As usual Dorothea knows best." He gave a sad chuckle, "She knows the risks. In a way, she has taken the decision to tell Bella or not out of your hands so that you don't damage your relationship, and she can say the things she needs to just in case."

"It's not that simple," Rob stared at Stephen as if he had grown two heads.

"As far as I can see, Dorothea has just handed you a get out of jail free card. You said yourself that Bella is stronger than any of us thought," he stopped and considered the words before speaking again. "You have to do this because if it doesn't work out, we will lose her again, and I am not sure we would ever get her back," his feelings regarding that the outcome had crept into his voice. "Trust can never fully be rebuilt once broken."

Rob said nothing as he stared at Stephen. What he said made sense, but there was something else in the man's voice that Rob couldn't quite pin down. The usually stoic Stephen had seemed emotionally invested in what he said, almost as if pleading a case rather than giving dry facts. He considered the big man a few moments longer before nodding.

"I can see what you're saying though I'm not convinced. I'll talk to Kurt tonight," Rob finally bent a little in his stance.

"Where is Dorothea now?" Stephen asked.

"She is in the Prince Charles Hospital. She was taken in by ambulance on Saturday after a bad episode while we were all on the island. I found out last night when we returned, and Dianne has been there all morning talking to the specialists," Rob explained.

"I am glad someone is there for her, I expect the girls will rally around for her. Another reason you should tell Bella because they surely will and she will have been the only one not to have spent some time wither should the worst happen," Stephen said. 

Rob nodded thoughtfully. "Talk to Kurt but don't take too long," Stephen finally said after a long moment of silence. He got up and went to check the kitchens for Jake leaving Rob to his thoughts.

*****

Bella woke around lunchtime, blinking her eyes open and taking a few minutes to realise she was naked and in her own bed. Her body protested as she stretched, small tendrils of pain running through her muscles and the faint bruises she bore. Swinging her legs from the bed, she padded into the bathroom to relieve herself and shower. 

She was starving but didn't particularly feel like cooking, so she hunted in the fridge and found a container of her favourite pasta from the club restaurant and put it in the microwave to reheat. She poured herself a large glass of juice and set her laptop up on the table. Then she grabbed the pasta and sat down revelling in the first food that wasn't cut into small bite sized pieces for her that she had eaten in a week, not to mention using her hands and cutlery to eat it.

She read through her emails catching up on what was going on in the company and was about to go over her plans for her own fledgling business when she remembered Stephens words. She sat back staring at the screen as she mopped up the last of the pasta sauce with a piece of crusty bread. "Relax," Stephen had commanded her and she struggled to think of anything she wanted to do more than go over her plans for work. She needed a hobby of some kind that could take her mind away from the things that kept her busy and anxious. 

She had always been too busy studying or just hanging out with friends before she had come to work for Mel and entered into his lifestyle. Now she had work and learning more about the lifestyle to keep her busy along with hanging out wither friends when she could. It was rare to have some time to relax on her own and aside of work and the ideas of Gor that she had Nyx had spoken about she had nothing she particularly wanted to do.

She looked at the desktop icon that showed her private journal. It was filled with love for Mel and the ranting grief that overtook her following his death. It remained there, but she couldn't bear to revisit it just yet. She closed the laptop and got up to clean her dishes. Maybe a movie, she thought and thumbed through the few she had on hand before flopping onto the couch without having chosen one. 

She felt restless she didn't even have a decent book to read, she could download one online but she liked the feel and smell of a book in her hands. Maybe she could go shopping. She had a wallet full of cards she had barely used and a bank account big enough to splurge more than a little. She looked around her tiny apartment, where the furnishings had all been chosen for her and remembered that Rob had said she could do some redecorating.

She picked up the internal phone and called Rob's office number. They were all so watchful of her that she knew that to go out without announcing it would cause trouble. He answered the phone formally but smiled as Bella greeted him.

"Hello, Master Rob," she had said quietly.

"Hello, little Brat to what do I owe this pleasure?" Rob said cheerily.

"I was thinking I might go and do a little shopping this afternoon, and I just wanted to let you know I will be out for a little while," Bella said equally cheerfully.

"Who are you going with," he asked suddenly serious.

"I thought I would just walk over to the Queen Street mall and all the arcades off that, no need to disturb Lincoln or get anyone to take me," she have a half laugh.

"I'd rather if you didn't shop alone. Maybe wait and organise a day with one of your friends," he suggested, "Or better yet buy what you need online and charge it to me."

"Yes Master," she said the disappointment heavy in her voice. "I just wanted to go out, spread my wings a little. I don't have a lot of free time anymore."

The warnings about smothering and caging her too tightly he had received in the last month rang a small alarm in his head with the disappointment in her voice. Any other girl could come and go as she pleased, and he felt torn between his need to protect her from the unseen forces that seemed to impact her life and also nurture her and make her happy.

"Lincoln is away at present. We hadn't expected you to be back so soon," he said gently. "I am uncomfortable letting you go alone, and I know Dianne and Nyx are both busy today. I will allow it if, and only if, you can convince Stephen or Jake to go with you."

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I will ask them now and call you back," Bella bubbled and hung up the phone.

She went and grabbed her mobile and considered for a moment before calling Jake's number first. Stephen had been oddly moody lately, and it threw her off centre. When he was his usual gruff, stern self she knew what was expected of her but when he became softer around the edges and solicitous to her needs, she felt somehow that things weren't quite right.

Jake was in the middle of a kitchen disaster and seemed as disappointed as she was that he couldn't make it offering to take her out for a full day of shopping on Wednesday if she wanted. She had smiled and said she would call Stephen and let him know but as she had some time this week maybe they could do that as well. Jake was enthusiastic and said he would set it up with Rob.

"Is something wrong?" Stephen had been surprised when he looked at his phone and saw that it was Bella calling him and became immediately on alert.

"Not exactly," Bella said taken aback by his greeting her hope of going out shopping dwindling. "I wanted to go out this afternoon, just to pick up a few things, but Master Rob said he was not comfortable with me going shopping alone and that most people are busy and well, I was wondering if you might take me please, Sir Stephen." There was a long silence.

"I need to run a personal errand at Sanctuary Cove. Can you get the things you need at the mall there?" He asked.

"I have never been there, but I am sure I could," Bella said quickly.

"I will let Rob know and come and collect you," Stephen said and hung up the phone.

Bella ran and rummaged through her closet for something suitable to wear. She came out with a short blue swing skirt and a printed camisole style top. She quickly did her make-up and pulled her unruly curls back in a clip before slipping on a pair of high heeled pumps and grabbing her wallet and phone. The first thing she would buy is a nice leather bag for occasions like these. Sanctuary Cove was a high-end shopping strip rather than a mall, but Bella was looking forward to just being able to poke around in some shops, it seemed forever since she had been shopping, and now she had the means to splurge on some of life's luxuries.

*****

Stephen walked into Rob's office. "I am taking Bella down to Sanctuary Cove. I need to check on the rebuild down there, and she can shop there. I am thinking we might go to the Paragon for dinner on the way back," Stephen said nonchalantly. 

"Okay," Rob nodded. "Pretty ritzy place but I know she wants to pick up some trinkets and what-not so give her this," he put a wad of cash in an envelope and wrote a few words on the front. "This may work out for the best. Rumours of Dorothea's illness are beginning to circulate and until Kurt, and I decide what is best maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to stay out of the city."

"I can manage it," Stephen smiled but added, "She will find out though, and it will be better coming from the people she loves and trusts." Rob gave him a look that said he was beginning to realise that, but said nothing.

"I will call you when we get back," Stephen said starting to walk away. 

"Take your time," Rob smiled. He had a feeling that the big man would agree take her shopping. It had finally clicked into place what had been in his voice when they had spoken earlier. Stephen was so much like Mel in a lot of ways, stern and seemingly arrogant, living their lives to an unattainable set of rules that made them the best of men. Stephen had come from nothing with little education to back him. Whereas Mel had received a few early breaks early in his life that had allowed him the scope to create and run a business that he could take from strength to strength. Now that Stephen had the where-with-all to create his life as he saw it, Rob knew there would be no stopping him.

With this in mind it was not surprising to Rob that they had fallen for the same girl and that Stephen appeared to be patiently biding his time until the moment was right. Or at least that was his theory, Stephen had certainly never said anything to confirm his suspicions but actions often spoke louder than words.

Stephen was happy to find Bella ready and waiting for him when he arrived at her door. As always she looked perfect despite the condition, she had been in when he had put her into bed earlier. He smiled and waited for her to close the door.

"Thank you for this, Sir Stephen," Bella smiled and walked with him to the elevator.

"You know that all you have to do is ask and what you need will be provided," Stephen rumbled in his deep voice. "You could just shop online, you realise though."

"You sound like Master Rob," she giggled lightly. "You asked me to relax and this was one of the ways I thought to do that. If I stayed in my apartment, I would have worked or started to look at the information on Gor for when I meet with Nyx." Then she tried to explain that she wanted to go out and browse and touch and smell. "Everything I have, from where I live to what I wear, even my soap was chosen by someone else. While they are to my taste, and I like them very much," she realised that she sounded spoilt, "I think I miss being able just to poke around in shops and try new things that I might like. On this occasion though, I would be happy with a new book or movie or two, maybe a new cushion for my bed. Master Rob suggested I redecorate instead of moving to a place of my own."

"You are considering moving?" Stephen couldn't hide the surprise in his voice.

"When I first came back from the beach I wanted my own space away from all the reminders of Mel and the huge presence he had in my life," Bella admitted. "I am not as sad about that now and although I realise I am very lucky to have so many people who care about what happens to me now that Mel has... gone, it can be a little..." her voice faded out. "You didn't need to hear all that," she laughed.

"You did not look after yourself very well in the months following the shooting," Stephen reminded her. "It is only natural that those who love you want ensure that you truly are on the road to recovery," Stephens's voice was surprisingly gentle as he spoke while helping her into the car.

He had not known Bella before she became Mel's submissive. He wondered if she had been much different then. He had visited her parents' home several times with her now and had a good relationship with Joe and Rosie; he considered her home and family as he started the car. It was a very patriarchal family if one looked below the surface. Rosie catered solely to her family's needs, and Joe could stop any drama or argument with just three little words, "Now, Now Rosie." Stephen very much liked Bella's family and could see how her naturally submissive nature would have been nurtured in that household, but it showed little of her personality there. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 09



"You had your own apartment when you first moved to the city, didn't you?" Stephen asked into the silence of the car.

"Yes, Mum and Dad helped me organise it. Dad wanted to make sure it was in a nice neighbourhood and Mum used giving me some furniture to remind me of home as an excuse to redecorate," she smiled at the memory.

"So your office at work is the first place you have made your own, from scratch," Stephen mused.

"I hadn't thought about it like that, but yes, I guess so," Bella agreed.

"Did you enjoy it?" Stephen prompted, "Having final say in your surroundings at the company, your own space so to speak, must be nice."

Bella chewed her lip and thought about his words before speaking. "I think because I had dreamed of this business idea for years that I had firmly in my mind how I wanted it to look, I am not sure I consciously realised I was making my own space it was more I was building the business space, if that makes sense. While it is my dream, I share the responsibility for the business, so it is a communal space of sorts."

"You didn't answer my question," Stephen said letting an edge of sternness creep back into his voice. "Did you enjoy creating that space the way you dreamed it," he rephrased the question.

"I really did," she turned her head to face him showing a wide smile. "It's better than I dreamed though because I didn't do it alone. Dorothea and even Andrew had a hand in a lot of it. I will have to call Dorothea and let her know I am back early. I would like to spend some time with her away from work." Bella chewed her lip as Stephen looked at her briefly his brow furrowed as if the thought worried him.

"Dorothea loves you like a daughter," Stephen said, "She would do anything you asked of her, but I know she is starting to feel her age. I know it seems she has an ever-lasting energy about her but try not to put too many demands on her time," Stephen was careful with his tone keeping it neutral.

"I love her so much for all she has done for me and all the advice she gives me. She never judges or commands, she just talks and by the time she is done, everything is alright with the world again," Bella smiled.

"She is a wise woman; it is why so many men heed her advice as well. I remember a time when she really scolded Mel," he gave a chuckle. "I think that was the first time I saw him back down from the stance he had taken." Bella laughed with him. She couldn't imagine Mel is not being in total control of everything he did.

"Back to the original topic," Stephen said. "Now that you have taken steps to move on with your life it might be time to consider what you will do with the apartments you own, particularly if you are considering moving."

"I own apartments?" Bella chewed her lip and tried to remember. So much had been said about what Mel had gifted her in his will that she had forgotten the details. She knew she had a great deal of wealth along with shares in both his company and the club. She could not remember any tangible assets.

"Mel did not leave you homeless. His half of the third floor is yours, though you refused to stay there, and Rob moved your room to the one beside his apartment," Stephen explained patiently jogging her memory.

"Who is living in them now? I wouldn't want to disturb anyone," she wasn't sure she was ready to face those rooms again, but it was something that would need to be done, she guessed.

"No one lives there. They are as they were when Mel alive. Jake and I occasional sleep there if we have back to back shifts. In the last month I have been staying there more often so I can be available as one of your guardians now," Stephen explained. "If you wanted to you could gut the entire floor and start from scratch like you did with your office."

Bella chewed her lip not saying anything but rather deep in thought, dreading the time she would have to face all of those memories. She had obviously blocked out the knowledge that the apartments were hers thinking that they, as part of the building would now belong to the club. She remembered now that she thought about it that there were a gym and a spa on the top floor that she had also totally forgotten about. Maybe she wasn't doing as well at getting her life back on track as she thought she was. She needed to put more time into personal life along with the work and lifestyle balance. 

"Are you all right?" Stephen asked wondering if he had pushed her too far.

"Yes, sorry I was just thinking about juggling," Bella gave a short laugh. Stephen gave her a quizzical look but let the silence resume in the car as he took a turn off for Sanctuary Cove.

They skirted around the Marina and resort where Bella knew the shopping centre to be and continued on a little used narrow road that ran parallel to the shoreline.

"I thought we were going to Sanctuary Cove," Bella said softly.

"We are. I told you I had an errand to run here," Stephen said. "Do you know how Sanctuary Cove got its name?"

Bella saw a large stone building come into view that was reminiscent of the churches of Italy with its stone towers and spires. "Because of that church?" she pointed ahead.

"Monastery actually, but yes," Stephen nodded. "In the days of the penal colonies out on the islands in the bay, those who made the swim to shore alive would be given sanctuary here." He pulled the car up on a gravel drive. "An abbey was added at some time but no actual church, just a small chapel."

"It looks like a lot of things were added over time," Bella said as she stepped from the car looking up to survey the large building that was obviously under renovation. Stephen took her hand and guided her past the scaffolding to the side of the building where he was greeted warmly.

"Welcome home Sir Stephen, the old girl is coming along nicely. She's weather tight now, just some cosmetic touches to enhance her beauty, and we will be done." The man turned to Bella with a smile, "It is a pleasure to behold such beauty, fair Lady," he brushed his dirt encrusted hand on his pants before taking hers and kissing it.

"Sir Jarod, knight of the Cove and stone mason extraordinaire," Stephen began the introduction formally, "May I present the Lady Bella, friend to the house of Cove."

"The pleasure is all mine fair lady," Jarod said releasing her hand.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Bella smiled amused by the archaic speech of Jarod and Stephen.

"Where's Pete?" Stephen asked. "He should have been expecting me."

"Where do you think?" Jarod motioned his head skyward, and Stephen chuckled. 

"Why don't you give Bella the grand tour and I will go get him off the roof," Stephen smiled and turned to Bella. "I'll be back in a few minutes," then he began to climb the scaffolding and disappeared over the roof edge.

"Kane," Jarod called to the younger man who was standing some distance away, "Keep stirring the mix, so it doesn't dry out, we'll finish this later." Then he turned and placing a hand in the small of Bella back guided her back to the front of the building. "Bear in mind this is a work in progress my Lady," Jarod said as he open the large front door.

The initial rooms they walked through were large and cavernous, mostly due Bella thought to their unfurnished state. Cathedral ceilings loomed high above her, and enormous fireplaces filled space on the walls. As they progressed through the building, it became more liveable with furniture and warmth. The kitchen was obviously in use and a few women moved around the space preparing what appeared to be a meal for a small army.

"Do a lot of people live here?" Bella asked.

"Twenty to thirty people live here at any given time while the rebuild is on. The tradesmen oversee the work, and we hire in people who need the experience or retraining in a different field. Mostly the down on their luck or mildly disabled who need the opportunity to live independently. They get food and lodging and a small base wage while they are here. It's a good program, my off-sider out there, Kane, is a good lad. He's slow-witted, but he understands the stone and that's all I need," Jarod smiled.

"It sounds like a wonderful program, does a charity sponsor it?" Bella asked. They had walked almost the length of the ground floor to the inner courtyard and stopped momentarily as Jarod explained further.

"It's privately funded mostly, some donations and a biannual fund-raising event. There are several medieval re-enactment groups who will pay for the privilege of doing war on each other in a place like this or banquet together like old friends." He chuckled. "Of course up until year or so ago this place was a crumbling shell, the fundraising was barely enough to make the minor repairs to the structure so that it didn't come down on our heads."

"What happened a year ago?" Bella asked fascinated by the place and the story Jarod was telling.

"The wife and I made a deal with Stephen that if he kept the integrity of the sanctuary and what we were trying to do to help those people who couldn't help themselves he could buy it from us, and we would stay on as care-takers," Jarod said.

"Sir Stephen owns this place?" Bella was incredulous. "He's always in the city, how does he find time to oversee it all."

"He does his best, the wife and I take care of most things and his brother, Pete, lives here with us. Pete's a good kid just a bit quirky," Jarod seemed to think about his description but said no more. "Anyway, with the big injection of funds things have moved right along. This place is being rebuilt from the bottom up."

"It's amazing," Bella said. "I visited some castles in Italy last year, and this is on par with them."

"I think the founders were Benedictine monks, from somewhere in Europe, I have a feeling it was Germany though," he scratched at his chin. "The wife keeps all that history stuff; she will know."

Jarod pointed out the monk cells around the courtyard that had been renovated into small rooms for the workers with a shared bathroom close at hand. The two side towers belonged to the brothers and Jarod and his wife lived in the one at the rear. They ascended to the second floor which turned out to be an odd rabbit warren of a place with poky rooms and storage areas. The people seeking sanctuary stayed here in this place. Most of them needing to be nursed back to health or comforted in their final days. It seemed the monks added to the building as was needed but Bella gasped with delight as she entered a centrally located round room with a domed roof that held a library. 

It was here that Stephen finally caught up to them with his brother following along behind. "I'll get back to work then," Jarod said when he saw them, "Need to get that mortar on before it goes dry. Play nice now Pete," Jarod ruffled the young man's hair. 

"I always play nice," Pete said as if he was confused.

"So you own this wonderful place," Bella said with a smile.

"Just my tower," Pete answered her. "But it's the best one so he can have the rest." He had indicated Stephen.

"Gee thanks," Stephen rolled his eyes. "Once it's all fixed up it will be just as good as your tower."

"Pffft, you wish," Pete retorted and looked at Bella again. Bella watched the two men together. Both were tall and broad, and there was no mistaking they were brothers but where Stephen large frame was filled with well-toned muscle Pete seemed leaner and wiry in contrast.

"Hi, I'm Bella," she held out her hand to Pete.

"I know who you are, Stephen told me," he looked at her hand but didn't take it. "I'm not stupid you know." He turned to look at Stephen, "I thought you said she was a princess, I can't believe you got me down here to meet a common girl. Where is her tiara, she should have a tiara at least."

"I only wear it at important event's, I think I have a photo with my mother and father where I am wearing it," she offered picking up her phone and scrolling the images she had stored there. Finding a picture from her parents party where she could be seen from the waist up only she passed him the phone. Stephen looked on with an odd smile.

"They look like a good and kind king and queen," Pete said as he studied the photograph. "Where is your castle located?"

"In Italy," Bella replied easily. "It is open to the public these days. I was never lucky enough to have a tower of my own."

"Can I see it on the internet?" Pete handed her back her phone.

"Yes, it's only a small castle, and my aunt and uncle still live close by, I was there just last year," she began to tell him of the small town and castle and he rushed off to look it up before she had finished speaking.

"Most people are not that good with him," Stephen chuckled. "He has Asperger's. It makes him a target in the real world."

"I went to school with a girl like that; she was obsessive about maps and travelling," Bella smiled. "Super smart though, she used to help me with my classwork. She had absolutely no filter though, said the first thing that came into her mind. Got her into a lot of trouble over the years, but I guess you know that with Pete." Stephen nodded with a crooked smile.

"He's happy here though," Stephen added. "Jarod and Sophie are good to him."

"What made you decide to turn a crumbling monastery into a castle?" Bella asked.

"One of the things Mel and I had in common was a love of medieval history. I just took it that one step further and joined the brotherhood of sword here at Sanctuary Cove. Then when I finally had the means to rebuild this place I made Jarod an offer he couldn't refuse," Stephen grinned. "Now I am Lord of the castle and all those that dwell within her."

"My Lord," Bella made an attempt at a courtesy.

"That will require some practise," Stephen said watching her critically as she giggled.

"It is good to see you relaxed enough to joke with me," he said with a smile.

"I think it is the nature of our roles in each other's lives that the opportunity has not existed before," she said. "You have always been there to watch and report back. This afternoon I am not being tested or trained, I am not under scrutiny for anything except maybe my taste in books and movies when we finally go shopping."

"It is not just a role, or a job. I care about you, Bella and because of that I will always watch over you and try to keep you safe," Stephen moved closer and stroked her cheek lightly. "I am sorry if I made you think otherwise."

Bella looked up speechlessly. Stephen was the stern authoritarian who meted out discipline and punishment when she required it. He escorted her as a body guard would and was austere and stern in his dealings with her. This softer side of him confused her, it was like meeting a whole new person and for an unknown reason it frightened her a little. She was saved from responding by Pete appearing in the doorway with his laptop.

"Look she told the truth, it's all here just like she said," Pete bubbled with excitement and looked up at Stephen. "She really is a princess isn't she?" Stephen chuckled and nodded.

They stayed some time at the castle as Stephen spoke with both Jarod and Sophie about several projects that were being undertaken. It seemed that time flew past all too quickly and pulling himself away from the place he seemed to love. Stephen and Bella bid everyone farewell and returned to the car.

*****

Bella and Stephen had been shopping for about an hour and a half when the shops finally began to shut. She had been enjoying the experience of getting to know Stephen in this usual setting. The tender touch of earlier that had confused and disconcerted her faded into the background as he discussed her purchases and choices with a dry wit that made her laugh.

As they walked back to the car, Stephen stopped at a small boutique and looked in the window before motioning for her to follow him inside. After talking briefly with the sales assistant, he selected a pale coppery pink corset style dress with heavy beading in lines following the bones of the corset. 

"Try this on," Stephen held the dress out to Bella, who took it and looked at him curiously. "I thought as it is getting late I would take you to dinner before we went home." She looked down at what she was wearing and nodded moving to the change room.

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she said softly.

It fit her like a glove but was a little longer than she would usually wear with a pencil skirt falling mid-calf. Her diminutive size did not often lend itself to off the rack buying but the bodice fit perfectly. She stepped out of the changing room and spun for Stephen, who seemed to appraise her critically.

"We'll take it," Stephen said to the sales clerk, "She'll wear it now if you could place her other clothes in the box." He wrapped an arm around her waist and snapped the price tag off the garment with a jolt making Bella jump.

It was Bella's turn to stop when they had almost reached the car as she spotted a pharmacy still open that she knew carried her brand of cosmetics, or at least the brand she used to use. She bought several items and borrowed a mirror quickly to repair her make-up and her fingers through her curls.

Smiling she returned to Stephen, who had waited outside feeling more complete in the new dress now that she had done her make up. He took her hand and walked with her to the car. They drove for a while before pulling up in front of a brightly lit restaurant seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

"This restaurant survives merely on reputation alone," Stephen smiled. "It is among my favourite places to eat."

Despite it being early in the evening the restaurant was already quite crowded but Stephen was welcomed and shown to a table near the dance floor. Bella looked around at the opulence décor and was reminded of a stately ballroom in some English manor house. Bella deferred to Stephens experience and asked him to order for her, and they enjoyed the soft music and spoke quietly about her purchases and if she would like him to escort her on another shopping trip.

Bella explained that Jake, who had been unable to take her this time had offered to take her on Wednesday and was taken aback by the disappointment that showed briefly on Stephen's face. She wasn't sure if it was declining the shopping trip he proposed or if he realised that he had not been her first choice of shopping partner today. She felt a pang of guilt for not thinking before she spoke. The Stephen she had gotten to know today was very different from the one she had known for the last six months.

After the main course and before dessert Stephen took Bella's hand and led her onto the dance floor, the slow, soft music rose and fell around them as he expertly guided her across the floor. She felt weightless in his arms and allowed herself to become caught up in the moment leaning her head against his chest and hearing his heartbeat. The music slowed and came to an end, and she looked up at Stephen as he still held her close to his body. 

His head lowered, and he kissed her gently, without force or depth but rather a chaste melding of lips that sent tingles down her spine. He then let her go abruptly and led her back to the table and their waiting dessert.

They ate silently; Bella still stunned by what she had felt, and Stephen trying to gauge her reaction without asking outright. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he excused himself momentarily seeing that it was Rob who was calling him. Bella watched as he stepped a few feet away toward the wall and conversed in hush tones.

"Dorothea had another episode. You need to bring Bella back now, how soon can you been here?" Rob voice sounded strained.

"If we leave now, we can be there in an hour," Stephen said his deep voice rumbling with concern not only for Dorothea but Bella.

"Good, she is stable but they want to operate first thing in the morning. Bring Bella straight to the hospital," he gave further directions and room number.




Possessing Bella Ch. 09



"What do you want me to tell Bella?" Stephen knew she had to be told before they got there but at this point it was Rob's call.

"You were right she needs the truth, we can't protect her from everything," Rob sighed. "I want to tell her myself but you will have to tell her the basics on the way. Be as vague as you can be."

""See you in an hour or so," Stephen said and hung up his phone turning back to Bella. She looked so beautiful sitting there, awaiting his return, he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her again but he knew from her reaction to the initial kiss, that it was still too soon. Tonight could be an even greater setback in her recovery and consequent ability to accept another Master into her life, but there was nothing to be done about it now. 

"We have to go," Stephen rumbled as he approached the table.

"Is something wrong?" Bella looked up at him with worried eyes.

"I will explain in the car," he said softly. "Did you eat enough?" He asked as he pulled notes out of his wallet and threw them on the table.

"I'm so full I could burst," she let him take her hand and they exited quickly. 

Bella fidgeted with the hem of her dress after he had helped her into the car and taken his seat. They were driving at speed toward the highway when she finally broke the silence. "Can you tell me why we need to rush back?"

"Dorothea is unwell," Stephens's deep voice rumbled into the darkness. "She's been unwell for some time."

Bella chewed her lip feeling a weight drop in the pit of her stomach. "Kurt had told me as much when I was a brat during my first week back at the company," she said with a catch in her voice. "It was why she only came back part time. She said she was just fine, that she wanted more time at home to do her own things."

"That was the truth then, but it's a bit more serious now, she is in the hospital and asking to see you," Stephen kept his voice a flat monotone. Bella's hand flew up to her mouth, and she turned her large panicked eyes on Stephen.

"I am sure she will be fine but as I said earlier we all do what Dorothea commands and so I am taking you to see her," he smiled trying to lighten the mood.

"Will we make it before visiting time ends?" Bella tried to read her watch and failing she looked at the dashboard for a clock.

"They will let us in whenever we arrive, it is a private room she is in," Stephen reassured her. They lapsed into silence. Once on the highway Stephen reached over and took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Things have a way of working out as they are meant to," worry lines creased his brow and gathered at the corners of his eyes.

"I haven't been in a hospital since..." her voice broke and she let a tear roll down her face. "She won't have tubes and machines and..." her voice has risen in pitch and she gulped.

"Bella, Dorothea is asking for you. That woman has done everything you ever asked of her now it's her turn to ask. I will be there, and Rob will be there, you can lean on us but you must be brave and face this. You are a strong woman. You prove it all the time," his voice had become stern and commanding again. "You will keep it together and go and see your friend because you love her as much as she loves you."

"Yes, Sir Stephen," Bella whispered.

"Good girl. There are tissues in the glove compartment fix your makeup and walk in there looking like the dazzling creature you are. You do not want to make her feel bad for distressing you," Stephen tried to cajole Bella into calming down.

Stephen continued to hold her hand and kept the conversation flowing. His voice remaining no-nonsense and commanding as he spoke about several topics demanding answers from her to make her think of something other than the worry over their impending destination.

They eventually pulled up in the parking garage across from the hospital and giving her no time to think or react Stephen hurried her from the car and into the hospital. In the elevator, her put his arm around her to still the quivering that seem to have overtaken her body.

"It will all be fine," he murmured bending low to her ear, "Just be there for your friend."

They entered the room, and Dorothea smiled wanly. She looked a little grey and had large circles discolouring the skin below her eyes, but she held out her hand to Bella.

"Don't you look gorgeous for a Monday night. That colour suits you," she enthused.

"That will be all gentlemen we will call you when we are ready," she patted the bed for Bella to sit down. "God, look them all standing around like lost puppies. Go shoo," she cackled, "You are like a rent-a-crowd in here."

Rob and Stephen turned to leave, but Kurt stayed steadfast considering the old woman. It was the first time Bella had seen anyone stand up to Dorothea, and she smiled. "I promise if she starts getting all bossy I will scream so loudly my parents will hear me down on the mountain," Bella giggled.

"I will be just outside," Kurt warned and stepped out of the room.

"So what have they told you?" Dorothea asked.

"Just that you're sick and have been for some time and that I am a brat for making you come back to work," she chewed her lip.

"Nonsense! Do you know how good it feels at my age to be needed," she smiled and lifted her arms pulling Bella into an embrace. "Mel was like a son to my husband and I. I don't think my heart ever quite recovered from his death, and it seems the doctors agree," she admitted. "You though my lovely girl have been the closest thing to a daughter I have ever had. I have watched you grow so quickly in the last year and weather everything that came your way. You are a force to be reckoned with my girl." She patted Bella's back releasing her from the strong embrace.

"Do you need a drink or something," Bella floundered noticing how short of breath the older woman was.

"No, I will be fine. A little bit of routine surgery in the morning to give me a pacemaker and I will be giving you a run for your money again," she cackled making Bella smile. "Now tell me how things really went with Hunter before old big ears comes back." She pointed toward the door.

"He has too many issues of his own to deal with before taking on a new girl," Bella smiled lopsidedly. "I think he is starting to deal with them though as I am with mine."

"I thought as much," she nodded. "When the right Master comes along you will know."

"I had the right Master," Bella said softly. 

"Yes, you did at the time and while there will probably never be another like Mel you need to love again. You are too young and beautiful to be an old spinster like me. Trust me sharing a life with the one you are meant to love and serve is so fulfilling. I miss my husband every day but were I young enough I would jump at the chance to find that sort of love again," she said wistfully. Bella looked at her dubiously, and the old woman took her hands in her frail ones.

"Do you remember telling me about the first time Mel kissed you and how that kiss lingered more than any of the pain or pleasure he inflicted on you," she saw Bella's eyes look off as if in memory as she nodded. "That is how you will know. Just one kiss will linger and stay with you, make you tingle from your toes to the tip of your nose, and you will know love is possible again."

Bella did remember that feeling all too well but when she searched her memory for that vision it was Stephen she saw and the way he had kissed her earlier that night. Without realising it, she had sucked her lip between her teeth and was chewing on it steadily.

"Did hunter kiss you like that," Dorothea asked startling Bella.

"No, his kisses were deep and brutally possessive," Bella laughed. 

"Then who were you thinking about just then, because it seemed like you were considering something else that stunned you," Dorothea looked at her critically. 

"People are just so confusing sometimes that's all," Bella shook her head. "I knew Mel almost my whole life, as a kind and generous family friend. A little strict maybe but always gentle and encouraging, then I discover this whole other side to him, one he doesn't show in every facet of his life. When I first met Master Rob, he scared me, and now I love him more than I can say. I would have been his in an instant had he asked. I probably still would, but we have a different relationship now, more like family. Master Kurt has so many personalities in different situations he's like a chameleon, but his heart is bigger than the rest of him and his motives are always good. I am even finding Sir Stephen has a softer side," she sighed loudly. "How will I know if I meet the right person or if I am seeing all of him in just a week or two," she finally lamented.

"No one says you have to commit after one date," Dorothea laughed loudly causing her to cough breathlessly making Kurt return to the room. She waved him away once she caught her breath, "I was just getting to the juicy stuff, get away you." She turned her attention back to Bella. 

"One more ruckus like that and I will be back for good," Kurt grumbled and stepped out again.

"That big heart of his," she rolled her eyes, "You have had another toe tingling kiss though haven't you?" Bella nodded but chewed her lip not giving away any further information. "It shocked you yes?" Bella nodded again, and Dorothea patted her hand. "Sometimes love comes from the most unexpected places. You must continue your journey though, but keep your heart and mind open at the same time to a man who curls your toes."

"Dorothea, what would I do without you. You make sense out of all my silliness and put me on the right path time and time again. I will stay and be here when you go for your surgery and when you come out," Bella promised fervently.

"My darling, I am an old woman. I can put myself to sleep and wake up again if I need to, without all this fussing. It is routine surgery but at my age there are always risks and I need you to promise me," Bella felt the sting of tears prickle at the back of her eyes and a large lump form in her throat, "Promise that you will not shut down again should anything happen. I have lived a long and full life, and I have no regrets at all and while I am sure I will be sitting here talking to you tomorrow night, I need your promise now, so I can be at peace when they wheel me down there tomorrow."

"I promise," Bella whispered barely keeping her emotions in check.

"Good," Dorothea seemed to relax a little back into her pillows at that point. "Now tell me who the toe curler is, and I will rest properly," she grinned.

Bella leaned forward and whispered in Dorothea's ear, "Sir Stephen."

"Wonderful that's the second unwinnable Master you will have landed, the girls at the club will be green with envy," she choked out the last words as she began to cough loudly again caused by her laughter and shortness of breath.

"That's it," Kurt Stormed into the room, "Bella you can come and see Dorothea again tomorrow after her surgery. Worry had made his voice hard and abrupt. Understanding how he felt Bella hugged the woman one last time and kissed her cheek. 

"I will be here tomorrow; I will even bring you some of those little chocolate balls mum makes that you love so much, for when you're feeling better," Bella stood up from the bed and turned to look at Kurt. She impulsively went and hugged him. "Things will work out the way they are supposed to," she said quietly and turned walking straight into Rob's chest his big arms surrounding her.

"Everything all right?" he asked scrutinising her face.

"Yes, it's all going to be fine," she smiled. "Dorothea needs some rest I am afraid I made her laugh too much at my silliness, and wore her out." She glanced at the bed and took in the ashen face of Dorothea acknowledging how sick the woman was. "I'd like to go home now please, Master Rob," she said her voice finally failing her.

"I'll walk you out and give Stephen a chance to say goodbye properly," Rob kissed her forehead and murmured, "I'll be back in a bit," to Kurt, who nodded.

They walked slowly down toward the elevators and sat in the waiting room chair. "I will be okay. I promise. You and Kurt are barely holding it together; it would be strange if I didn't feel anxious or sad, I love her," Bella said softly. "I won't fall apart again; I promised Dorothea I wouldn't." She gave a half smile as he looked at her carefully.

"Such a brat," he shook his head and hugged her tightly. "When did you get so smart?"

"About the same time that I realised that so many people cared about me the way they all care about that woman in there," she said sadly. "Look after Kurt," she urged as Stephen approached them looking concerned. "Call me when she goes in please," Bella said as she stood. "I am sure you will both still be here." She hugged Rob and waited for the men to have a brief conversation before pressing the button to call the elevator to their floor.

They travelled down in the elevator and walked out to the car in silence. "It wasn't Mel who brought the club stakeholders together was it?" She asked into the darkness of the car as the pulled out onto the main road. "The core group I mean, the men who came to the weekend hunting party," she qualified what she meant.

"James was the catalyst I believe. It was Mel's hard work and determination, but James was a larger than life figure. He mentored many of the men at least in some way," Stephen spoke as if thinking through as he talked.

"And when he died they all gathered around to care for Dorothea much the same way, they have all shown their care and concern for me," she said rather than asked.

"Yes," Stephen nodded. "You however have a wider range of care-takers such was Mel's character and influence."

"You all seem to know and care for Flora as well, I noticed on the weekend," she mused.

"That is a different situation but yes. Is there a reason for this line of questioning?" Stephen asked.

"I just realised tonight that I am not so special after all," she laughed. "Oh dear, that sounded terrible even to me. I just realised that I am not the only girl to be watched over so completely. It's quite comforting really."

"That makes no sense at all," Stephens deep bass chuckle rumbled through his chest.

"I know," Bella continued to laugh for a few moments longer before finally saying, "Dorothea can always make sense of my silliness. I'll let you know tomorrow what it all meant after she deciphers it for me," she smiled up at him.

The short drive seemed quicker than normal as they pulled into the parking garage and unloaded her shopping from his car. Stephen gathered the bags for her and together went up to her apartment.

"I'll stay in the building tonight," Stephen said. "Call me if you need to. I am a light sleeper."

"Thank you. I appreciate everything you have done for me today. I am sure I will be okay tonight," she said softly and tilted her face up to him. Stephen bent and kissed her forehead.

"Sleep well, little one," he said gently and left her apartment. 

Bella felt disappointment he didn't kiss her again. She touched her lips and remembered the tingles his kiss had given her. Perhaps she had read more into it than there was. He was a moody man recently, and that confused her more than anything else. Perhaps he regretted the kiss. Perhaps it was only that it was the first romantic kiss she had received without the expectation of sex, in a very long time. 

The memory of that kiss lingered despite finally coming to the conclusion that it had been an impulsive gesture that held no meaning or intention for more than what it was at that moment. She would tell Dorothea how silly she had been tomorrow when she saw her, and they could laugh about it together.

*****

The following evening Bella sat once again on Dorothea's bed, regaling her with the story of how she had finally cleaned out the massive walk-in wardrobe and some of the strange things she had found in there hidden away in boxes. The procedure had been successful, and Dorothea already looked remarkable improved though they would be keeping her in the hospital for observation for a day or two to be sure.

"It's such a fuss about nothing," Dorothea confided. "I just want to go home."

"I understand that," Bella nodded. "Hospitals are... not for the living and you are going to live forever," she grinned.

"Times up, I need to examine the patient," Sera announced from the doorway. Bella turned to look at her an smiled at the nurses costume she wore and the small pretend medical bag she held. Bella had been warned that each of the girls would only be given a short time to see Dorothea this evening, and so she hugged the woman and kissed her cheek before moving from the bed.

"I'll come tomorrow, do you want me to bring anything?" Bella asked brightly.

"Look around you, there is no space for anything else," Dorothea waved her hands about. "So much fussing," she shook her head.

"We love you and this is the only time we get to fuss over you. I bet nurse Sera will agree that fussing is good medicine," Bella smiled as Sera chimed in her agreement. "I'll see you tomorrow, and we can talk about noses and toes-es," she winked and Dorothea laughed.

"Now that sounds like good medicine," The old woman watched Bella walk away.

Throughout the day Bella had continued to remind herself that it was just a spontaneous thing, a spur of the moment aberration that would never happen again. Despite her self-talk though the memory remained strong, and as it had with Mel, the kiss lingered on her lips.

The rest of the week had flown by as she spent the following day with Jake shopping, Nyx had arrived on Thursday morning with the promised books.Then had spent the better part of the day with Bella engaged in an alternative type of dance and movement study that made her somehow more aware of her femineity and body as she moved through her everyday life.

She saw Stephen most evenings as she ate in the club with Jake or Rob before visiting the Dorothea with one of the three men. The closeness she had felt to him on Monday seemed to have faded, and it became easier to remind herself that it was just one kiss and to dwell on it as she had been was silly. Only it wasn't just the kiss, it was the whole afternoon that kept playing over in her mind. His relaxed and easy manner at the castle, as she called it now and the way he had held her hand on the way to the hospital.

The man confused her in the way he was so stern and dominant the majority of the time letting only brief glimpses of his softer side come through when they were together. Dorothea had made a good recovery and had gone home Friday morning with a young nurse to monitor her despite her protests that it was not necessary. The girls had taken it upon themselves to arrange a get together at her house on the Saturday and have a little cleaning bee so ensure she didn't overdo it in the first weeks after the procedure. 

The day had been an enormous amount of fun for Bella, and she had stayed late after the others girls had left keeping Dorothea company and talking about what she had planned for the following week at work. She was putting together a light meal for dinner when her phone buzzed startling her.

"Hello," she said tentatively.

"We expected you back for dinner, why haven't you called Lincoln to pick you yet?" Stephen demanded.

"I'm so sorry I hadn't realised, Sir Stephen. I was keeping Dorothea company for a little longer," she gulped nervously. "I didn't want her to have to eat alone after such a nice day with friends," she added knowing it was an excuse of sorts.

"Next time you change your plans you will call," Stephen commanded. "Lincoln will be there to pick you up in an hour, Dorothea still requires rest," his tone was authoritative.




Possessing Bella Ch. 09



"Yes, Sir Stephen," she answered. "I should have called I'm so sorry," Bella apologised a second time but he said nothing further the line going dead in her ear. He hadn't used that tone with her for a while, and his abruptness shook her. More than ever she realised she had been mooning around after a dream that was far from the reality of the moody dominant.

She took the meals she had prepared into Dorothea and put the conversation from her mind as she sat to eat and chat for a little longer.

"So now that we finally have some time alone, tell me about this toe curling kiss," Dorothea said.

"I think I dreamed it," Bella said casually. "I think it was just one of those spontaneous situations that people regret and move on from."

"Stephen is the least spontaneous man I can think of, everything he does has forethought and purpose. You had better tell me the whole story now," Dorothea fixed Bella with a stare that would not be argued with. So Bella related the story of what had happened on Monday and his subsequent aloofness. Dorothea had stopped her every so often to ask questions before letting the story move on. Bella then related the times she had seen him this week including the phone call minutes before.

Having heard it all Dorothea sat back and smiled. "If he was to pursue you after that kiss, as Mel once had, in order to make you his, what would your response be?" She asked watching Bella's face.

"He isn't though, is he? So I don't have to think about it," Bella said without answering the question.

"Stephen is not a man to be trifled with. He is not a man that would be happy with a two-week play date to aid in your training. Like Mel, any girl he sought out as more than a body to use for a night, he would expect a commitment and collaring. Are you ready for that sort of commitment again?" Dorothea pushed her.

"I have been asking myself the same thing since seeing the mess Hunter had made pining after a love he couldn't retrieve. The thought of loving someone other than Mel just seems so wrong, but at the same time I miss that feeling of being so precious to another person, so treasured as a source of pride and pleasure, so loved. I never thought I would want or look for it again in another man's collar instead I was content to belong to Master Rob, in a way. Now I just don't know..." she sighed.

"Well for what it's worth I think your right. I think Stephen did get carried away in the moment, after spending the day so pleasantly with you in a relaxed atmosphere. That doesn't mean his feelings weren't true though," she smiled and reached out to place her hand over Bella's. "Of all of those boys Stephen is possibly the most perceptive when it comes to women. It is why he does his job so well in the club watching over the girls and helping them avoid any bad scenes. He would know that you are not ready for the sort of commitment he requires so even though his feelings may have been true and he got a little carried away he would not be pressing them on you just yet either."

"Do you think that is why he was so moody with me all the time lately and about Sire and Hunter as well?" Bella asked, and Dorothea laughed merrily.

"Moody is not a word I would use to describe Stephen," she continued to laugh. "If what you say is true though, then my speculation holds more weight. It would come down to you my lovely girl to decided when or if ever you are going to be ready and if he is a man you could love."

"I've committed to the training though. I can't just walk away from it for something that might not even be real, just something I have made up in my head," Bella knew it was a feeble excuse to not have to deal with what she felt.

"You can run and hide anywhere you like but those kisses that make your body sing for another are few and far between. Anyone can take you and use you and make your body theirs, but it is something entirely different to possess your heart," Dorothea looked over at the picture of her late husband. "Follow the path you are on and take your time to think about what it is you want. Just remember, no one will wait forever." Bella said nothing chewing on her lip thoughtfully and letting Dorothea's words roll around in her mind.

"What if we are wrong and this is all in my head?" Bella gave a lop-sided smile.

"Then we will thank him for making you consider accepting a love like Mel's back into your life again," Dorothea said seriously. "You are too young and beautiful to live a life without love."

Lincoln's soft knock on the door came all too soon for Bella and farewelling Dorothea and leaving her in the capable hands of a nurse she left. After the initial greeting, Bella sat in the back of the car lost in her thoughts barely noticing the landscape of the city as she stared sightlessly out of the window.

As usual Lincoln pulled up at the elevators and waited until it arrived. The doors opened, and Stephen stood there to escort her upstairs. He waved at Lincoln and ushered Bella in to stand beside him placing a large hand around the back of her neck.

"I am very sorry," she said quietly. "I am sure you have more important things to do than worry about me."

"You are a very important thing," his low voice rumbled. "You are right that I shouldn't have to worry though." The elevator door opened, and they stepped out at her floor walking down to her apartment with his hand still possessively on her neck. He pushed her into the room ahead of him. He took a seat and pulled her over his lap his hand landing on her ass hard and making a loud sound as she jumped and squealed in surprise.

"It was rude and inconsiderate to change your plans without asking or even notifying those people who care for you," his hand landed again. "I had thought better of you by now but perhaps Rob is right and you are becoming a spoilt brat!"

Bella bit her lip and whimpered loudly as much from his words as the hand that was descending again and again on her ass. In the midst of his tirade and her feeling of guilt, she could feel the tell-tale stirrings of his cock against her belly as she practically bounced in his lap with the strength of each smack her gave her. She felt her own heat and need rise at the thought of it and became aware of the fact that her cunt was contracting and oozing the evidence of how turned on she was at that moment.

"This is not foreplay," Stephen groaned and pushed her from his lap to sprawl on the floor at his feet. She scrambled into a kneeling position her teary eyes blinking up at him as she whispered her apology.

"I am sorry, Sir Stephen," she lowered her head expecting another rebuke. Instead, she felt his hand encircle her throat and lift her face back up to his.

"Mel trained you very well the fault is not yours," he said in a slightly softer tone as he looked into her eyes. Surprising her yet again, he leaned forward and kissed her softly before whispering, "Sleep well, little one." He then stood and let himself out of the apartment leaving her alone and even more confused by his actions.

Her hand went to her lips as if to feel the kiss that lingered there as she remained kneeling in the centre of the room wondering at what just happened.



Possessing Bella Ch. 10-11



Authors Note: This is a chapter in this series primarily based in BDSM practises. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. This chapter is considerably longer than usual but those who follow Bella's story will realise I had some bridging of events to do before her next adventure. I am grateful for everyone's patience with my writing. I hope you enjoy this extended chapter. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. ~ellie

*****

Confident that Dorothea was recovering well Bella threw herself back into work. She left home early, after a very quick greeting with Rob each morning and she stayed late pouring over her plans and the suggestions and amendments made by Rhys and in some cases Andrew.

Andrew had returned from Europe having made several contacts, as well as a number of discoveries available to them closer to home. Bella had been excited by the detail he had put into his reports on jewellers and glass makers. He tended, like her away to stay away from the mass produced stock that drew in the average tourist but rather found small out of the way boutique shops in which to make his enquiries. The photos and samples that accompanied his reports made her wistful as she remembered her own time in Venice with Mel and her exploration of the small boutique stores. 

Bella went to the display case that housed the Pandora bracelet Mel had given her and gently lifted it from the lifelike hand that held it dripping from long fingers. Her heart ached for that time and what it had brought her. She felt the tears once again sting the back of her eyes and she took a shuddering breath looking around the room in which she stood. Mel had given her the means to create this, the people and the money, he had made sure that she would want for nothing even after his death. 

She knew she still loved Mel, how could she not. Each time she thought of him now though, Stephen would crowd her thoughts confusing her. She touched her lips as she often did when she thought about Stephen, he was so like Mel but yet so different. He was confident, demanding, controlling and like Mel had a softer side that few people got to see that she had only had a small glimpse of as yet. He wasn't a commander and chief of all those around him though. Mel had been king of his domain whether at work or at play, whereas Stephen showed deference to those he respected. He worked alongside people as easily as he led from the front.

Bella checked her watch and placed the bracelet back in position. She had effectively managed to avoid Seeing Stephen over the past few days by arranging evening dates with Kurt or Rob to see Dorothea and having them take her home. Her absence from the club had been noted and commented on though and she found herself accepting a dinner invitation from Jake knowing that Stephen would be present.

In truth, she had missed his constant presence in her world and her thoughts were clouded with him all day every day despite her attempts to stop them. Dorothea's words and encouragement making her realise she needed time to assess how she felt deep within herself rather than being carried along by the decisions of others. She had committed to the training and it was important to her to continue that journey. Not just for the experience but because she knew that these friends had offered to continue her training as Mel had once wanted it to be. She needed to show that she would honour the commitments she made, not break them.

Over the last week and a half, Bella had also kept busy by meeting with Nyx and following a training and study regime to understand the lifestyle associated with Gorean beliefs. She found it fascinating that a lifestyle could be based on a series of books. Not so much the books themselves but the ideas and doctrines they held. She loved the dancing, serving and games that the women all practised. Even still, she knew before ever experiencing it, that to be given no name, no rights, no choices at all, was not the lifestyle she was destined for.

Even with Mel's need for total control over her life he had given her choices, safe words and loving praise. Choices of their own were not a part of a Gorean woman's life in the strictest sense. Nyx had worked hard over many years to have a voice that her Master listened to when it came to women's matters. Even still she knew her place and remained within the tight boundaries of her chosen lifestyle. The pure sexuality of the way Gorean women moved through life, and the way the performed even the most menial of chores, like serving food or drink drove Bella to continue and seek out more information.

Bella padded back to her desk with the practised movements that Nyx had so patiently taught her. She glided rather than stepped and by imagining a line between herself and her destination placed her feet to the centre of her balance causing a small roll in her hips. Keeping her posture perfect, she bent at the knees to retrieve her leather laptop bag and packed her things to leave for the day. Then walking slowly and deliberately she went to see Kurt and check in with him as she did at the end of each day. 

"Ah, leaving at a reasonable time today," Kurt said as she entered his office.

"I've been so busy since I have been back," Bella smiled. "Its all coming together so well, I am excited about the prospective artisans I was hoping to go and see one this weekend, with Andrew of course."

"Your weekends are your own, you could go any work day as long as you cleared it with us," Kurt frowned at her.

"This one is a bit elusive, but I have found the markets where she normally runs a stall on Sundays," Bella laughed. "I want to see the range she has on display and chat to her as a customer first." Kurt looked dubious. Bella wanted original one off pieces for her boutique style store and in theory he agreed. The reality of continually sourcing enough stock to maintain the business would be a sticking point unless she brought in full time artisans. Her insistence of looking at and courting hobbyists bothered him.

"I promise I have taken on board what you have said about looking at the big picture and long term prospects. Even with a couple of full-time artisans, it won't hurt to have contacts like this that we can go to on occasion to some unique pieces," Bella read his misgivings on his face.

"So do you have a date tonight or something you are rushing off to?" Kurt changed the subject having gotten the answer he needed without having to ask a question.

"Oh yes," she grinned, "a romantic little gathering with Stephen and Jake."

"Sarcasm is not one of your better qualities," his voice held displeasure and she immediately felt the rebuke.

"I'm sorry, Master Kurt," Bella stumbled over her words as she was reminded of her place. She began to chew her lip wondering if she would ever successfully navigate the fine line between being a small partner here at the company and being the submissive they all knew her to be.

"I have a date of my own tonight so I will walk out with you," Kurt smiled seeing the confusion on Bella's face. "Dianne has some personal business to attend to, so I am having dinner with Dorothea."

Bella held back the comment that was on her lips about a hot date like that making Dianne jealous, but let a small smile creep over her lips. As if reading her mind Kurt added, "Dianne is understandably jealous." Bella couldn't help but giggle at that and they left Kurt's office heading down to the parking garage. 

The drive to the club was short and as Bella climbed from the car in the parking garage she wondered if she should go upstairs and change into something more suitable for the club. She checked her watch as the elevator doors opened and deciding she probably didn't have time looked up to see Stephen watching her.

"Good evening Bella," Stephen smiled.

"Good evening, Sir Stephen," Bella replied equally formally and stepped into the elevator. She felt his hand come to rest on the nape of her neck and watched slightly surprised when he pressed the third-floor button. She looked up at him questioningly.

"We will wait while you change into something more appropriate," his voice rumbled in answer and she nodded silently looking down at her business suit. It was that fine line between company girl and submissive again and she knew she had to find a better way to deal with it. 

Stephen took a seat in her small living room making it seem even more crowded and she hurried to her room to change. Bella had made many wonderful discoveries once she had taken the time to go through her closet and organise it to her own liking the week before. She quickly discarded her suit and went to the bathroom wearing a corset that she liked because it made her breasts seem bigger and a G-string. She touched up her make-up and pulled her curls from the tight bun she had created that morning allowing it to fall down her back.

Smiling is pulled a translucent overlay dress from her closet. It hung from one shoulder and had a spiralling line of embroidery that wrapped around the ribs and waistline of the opposite side. It simultaneously exposed and covered her body. She pondered for a moment wondering whether to remove her stockings but decided that they added to the overall effect of the dress. She slipped her heels back on and walking through a fine mist of her perfume went back out to the living room.

Stephen surveyed her approvingly and led her back out to the elevators again. "I haven't seen this dress before," his deep voice rumbled. 

"I hadn't either before last week when I reorganised my closet for the first time since... well ever," she admitted. "Mel bought my clothes and chose what I would wear when I was with him, then I just went with what I knew. There is a lot in there and it is all crammed so tightly..." Bella's voice trailed off realising he probably did not want to hear about her wardrobe dilemmas.

"Have you given any more thought to moving your things back to the other side of this floor? It would allow you the opportunity to spread out some of clutter you have amassed in that little apartment," Stephen said gently aware that this was a touchy subject for her

"I am not sure I can face it alone, but I am not sure I want anyone there to do it for me either," Bella said softly. "I mean should I invite Jenny? She was his wife after all or Rob or Kurt, I just don't know what I am supposed to do about his belongings."

"Jenny was never part of Mel's life here," Stephen said, "So that is not an issue. They had been separated for over a decade in reality and had totally separate lives for the most part. Rob and Kurt have what they need of Mel, this is your burden now and you will have to face it sometime, the sooner you face it the better. Jake and I will be able to help you if you need us."

Bella looked up at him as the elevator doors opened and they stepped out into the club. His hand firmly circling the back of her neck as he guided her to the Rob's office making an immediate answer to him unnecessary.

"Hello, little brat," Rob opened his arms to her. Feeling a little off balance from the conversation with Stephen, she rushed into them and buried her head in his chest as his big arms wrapped around her.

"Everything alright?" Rob directed his question to Stephen rather than Bella who he held tightly.

"Bella has come to understand that the other side of the third floor is more suited to her needs, but is not quite ready to deal with the memory it holds in its current state," he said seriously. "I suggested moving there last week as an alternative to feeling like she needs to move out to a place of her own. She could gut the rooms and create a space of her own like she did at the company."

Rob nodded. The same thought had occurred to him when she had first asked about moving upon her return from the beach house several weeks ago. "It sounds like good advice," Rob said softly close to Bella's ear. "Once Dorothea is fully restored she would probably love a project like that."

She hadn't thought about Dorothea but of course, she was the perfect person to help Bella through the ordeal of saying goodbye to that part of her world. She and Mel had been together such a short time and she wasn't sure why she was clinging to those rooms now that she knew he would never return. The thought of Dorothea and her way of making sense of the world made Bella immediately feel better about considering creating her space there, a space without Mel.

Nodding Bella disentangled herself from his arms. "Are you having dinner with us?" She asked hopefully.

"I am expecting Leon for a business thing. We will grab a bite later," he smiled at her. "How about a decent breakfast tomorrow though, rather than the hasty peck on the cheek I have received the last few mornings?"

"That would be nice," she laughed.

"It's a date," Rob declared. "Enjoy your dinner little brat," he kissed her forehead and turned to Stephen. "Join us when you're done, we'll be here a while."

"Of course," Stephen rumbled and led Bella out into the restaurant. Taking their seats, within minutes Jake joined them bringing with him a small platter of Arancini balls.

"These are just like..." Bella stopped talking to swallow and Jake grinned.

"Your mothers?" Stephen finished her sentence.

"Gosh yes! Their so good," Bella helped herself to a second one. "You're going to make me fat if you keep cooking like this."

"I doubt that you've barely put on any weight since your return," Jake laughed. "I don't know that your mother would part with any other recipes, she likes having her little secrets. I wasn't even sure I got these right until just now."

"You spoke to my mother?" Bella was surprised.

"Well, Stephen did actually. He was raving about the food after the last time he took you home and managed to get one recipe out of her if he promised to make sure you ate well. He can't cook though. Burns water," Jake laughed as he made fun of his friend who seemed to take it as the good-natured jibe it was intended to be.

"Women's work," Stephen said flippantly in return.

The dinner was full of laughter and good food as Stephen allowed himself to relax around Bella, bringing back the stern austere side of his nature whenever a waitress or employee came near their table. Once again Bella marvelled at the twin personalities of the man that in this context seemed to oddly complement each other. 

"Andrew has said you are making him work Sunday morning," Stephen said during a lull in the conversation as they ate.

"Yes, but he said he did not mind," Bella chewed her lip wondering if she had interfered with some mentoring they were doing.

"I am sure he doesn't, what work do you need done on a Sunday?" He asked and Bella briefly explained about seeking out a particular artisan. "So you have become a stalker?" He smirked at her.

"I guess," she frowned not sure how to take the comment and involuntarily sucked her lip between her teeth.

"I see and how did you find out about this artisan, what was her name?" Stephen still had a strange smile on his face.

"A small package with some samples of jewellery was sent to my office. There was a small note inside saying they had heard I was looking for unique pieces for a new style of jewellery boutique. It was signed, but there was no return address or phone number just a name," Bella paused as surprise registered on Stephens face. He shook his head as if unbelieving waiting for her to go on. "The name was Louise Giles."

"She was always a dumb bitch," Jake laughed startling Bella who took long minutes to take in his words.

"You know her?" Bella asked looking directly at Jake.

"She used to work here in the kitchen, she was a bit too timid for some of the stuff that goes on in the public rooms," Jake explained. "Stephen got her a part-time gig helping out with the banquets down at the cove when he took over. She was a pretty creative girl but not very smart." Bella looked at Stephen then.

"She was making a few items for some of the lady's who belong to the men of Brotherhood at the cove. Seeing the appeal they had, I thought she you send you some to look over," Stephen said. Her stall at the markets has become quite a little money spinner for her but the items are made with polished stone and less than precious metals."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Bella asked quietly. "I would have looked at her stuff just on your say so."

"That is your business, not mine. I will not tell you how to stock it or who to employ. Had I made the recommendation and you did not like the pieces you would have had difficulty saying no to me," Stephen said. Although his words sounded arrogant she could admit the truth of them. She nodded thoughtfully rather than saying anything. 

"Does she live at the cove?" Bella asked remaining quiet and thoughtful.

"Yes, she was never suited to the work here, the reality didn't match her fantasies about submission. She is happy enough at the cove, but the opportunity to create jewellery with proper materials excited her enough to send you her samples, particularly given the client base you are aiming for," Stephen explained.

"You seem to know a lot about my business ideas," Bella tilted her head, surprise colouring her voice.

"I speak with Andrew most days. Asking how work is, is a natural conversation to have with one's friends," he said easily. "I also like to know about what it is that has kept you working such long days. We have barely seen you this week," Stephen looked at Jake who nodded but didn't interrupt the conversation.

"I'd still like to see her market stall and look at the range she has," Bella said.

"I could take you down to the cove on Monday and you could let Andrew have his weekend back," Stephen said simply but getting his point across.

"Oh, of course," Bella blushed slightly. "He has a life outside of work. He could come with me Monday then?" She asked, hopefully.

"Yes, if that is what you wanted," Stephen said his baritone rumbling deeply and a disappointed look flitting across his face.

"I will have to talk to Kurt about my plans, he is fairly regimented about my work days and likes to know where I am," she said thoughtfully. "That will give me the opportunity to organise some other stuff this weekend."

"Like what?" Stephen seemed genuinely interested.

"I thought I might invite my parents up next weekend rather than rushing down to see them like last time. There is a new show on at the Lyric Theatre I thought they my like and it will be nice to have dinner with them and show them I am doing okay. They still worry far too much," she smiled.

"That's only natural," Stephen smiled, "They love you."

"Yeah, they are wonderful," Bella smiled, "I'd like to book them in somewhere nice and send them to a show." Bella finished her dessert. "I'll talk to Kurt in the morning about Monday but I have probably kept you from that meeting Rob wanted you to go to long enough. I can walk myself up tonight," she smiled. 

"It only takes a few minutes they can wait," Stephen rumbled convinced now that she was avoiding being alone with him. Forestalling any offer from Jake, he stood and held out his hand to help her from her chair "Come."

"Thank you for dinner Jake. The Arancini made me a little homesick," she smiled though it did not touch her eyes as she stood and faced Stephen. They left the club and travelled up on the elevator in silence, Stephen unlocking her door and following her inside before he spoke again.

"Why are you being so difficult this week," he demanded. Bella stared at him panic filling her eyes. "Let's start with the truth and work from there," he said sternly reading the panic in her. He took a seat letting her know he wasn't about to leave without an answer as she looked down at her feet and seemed to consider her words. "I expected you to be grateful that I knew the girl you had been stalking, instead I get petulant questions." His tone had become the stern authoritarian one she knew well.




Possessing Bella Ch. 10-11



"I am grateful, Sir Stephen. I am sorry if I gave a different impression," she said quietly. He threw a pillow on the floor at his feet and beckoned her. Almost on automatic pilot she knelt before him but refused to meet his eyes instead keeping her eyes lowered.

"You have been avoiding me, is that why you were reticent to accompany me to the cove alone on Monday?" Stephen accused.

"I have been working and visiting with Dorothea, that is why our paths have not crossed in days," Bella almost whispered. It was the truth but not the whole truth.

"Do I need to make appointments to see you now, as Jake and I did tonight?" His voice was more than demanding and her brow furrowed at the tone making her look up momentarily into his hard eyes.

"I don't know what you want me to say or do," she admitted. "You confuse me lately," she whispered. He said nothing but reached out and gently lifted her chin so that their eyes met again and raised an eyebrow.

"Last week, at the cove, and then the kiss..." she swallowed. "Thinking about Mel's apartment and needing to deal with it on top of everything else. Dorothea being so sick and no one told me until it was an emergency. Then I thought I understood everything especially after talking with Dorothea. She seems to be able to make sense of all my crazy thoughts, but then you were there again spanking me and... the kiss." Despite him holding her chin high, she looked downward unable to meet his eyes. "I don't know what you want from me anymore." Her voice was barely a whisper, "I don't know what I want anymore. I am trying to work it all out without the confusion you make me feel recently, but it's just made it worse."

"I see," Stephen said surprisingly softly making her eyes meet his again. He was pleased that the small chaste kisses he had given her had affected her so much as to cause her to reconsider their relationship. "Did the kisses of Hunter or Sire confuse you?" He asked more for his benefit than for hers.

It was Bella's turn to consider him silently as she blushed at having blurted out her feelings. She subconsciously pulled her lip between her teeth before answering, "No, Sir Stephen, but I knew the expectations of those Masters and with you..." She stopped short of explaining the lingering effects of his kiss and chewed her lip.

"I thank you for your honesty and will give you the same courtesy to perhaps clear some of your confusion," he said keeping his voice soft and gentle. "In the last year I have seen in you all the things Mel loved about you and more, things that I value above obedience and service. You have an inner strength that blossoms in adversity. A beauty that radiates even in the darkness. A nature that is so sweet and accepting of everybody you come in contact with along with a natural submissiveness that is rare in this modern world." He could see the deep blush colouring her cheeks as she looked away from the compliments.

"You have committed to a journey Mel intended for you and I understand your motives for that. I am grateful to be the one to watch over you, but it is difficult for me," he admitted. "While I believe this journey will make you more aware of your own abilities and desires. I do not like handing you to someone who could inevitably take you away from those of us who care deeply for you and would like the same opportunity to introduce you to our lifestyles." It was as close as he could bring himself to declaring his true intentions toward her when he could barely admit to himself that he had begun falling in love with the girl before him. 

He had always believed that love was a fictional device made up for the minds of women. Since bringing her back from the beach house, however, he realised that caring deeply for others as he did for his brother, was a different sort of love than what he felt for Bella. Never had he felt the need to possess someone as completely as he did her. He wanted nothing short of her total surrender to him, but he also knew that she still needed time to be able to accept that sort of love again. This confusion meant that she was in the process of changing her perceptions about her world and that was enough for now. It gave him hope that the future he wanted may not be so far out of his reach. 

Unable to help himself, he leaned forward and kissed her once more deepening the chaste kiss slightly. "Do not limit yourself by narrowing your vision to exclude those that already adore you, for the girl you are right now. It is a long journey you have undertaken, with many highs and I expect many lows to be encountered. Don't forget to explore all of the possibilities around you whilst on the path you have set for yourself. It is only you that can take the fork in the road, we, those that care about you can only advise. The choices as always must be yours." 

"If I asked for your training be added to my journey?" She asked quietly.

"You have been gaining my training since this journey began," Stephen chuckled and stood. "You must realise that." He continued to chuckle as he stepped away from her. "I must attend this meeting now but from here on, should my actions confuse you at all, you will be honest with me. You will trust me and tell me what is going on in your pretty little head." He turned and left the apartment leaving her staring after him.

"Yes, Sir Stephen she said to the closed door.

*****

The following day at work Bella made plans with Andrew to go to the cove and meet with Louise. Then she went to let Kurt know of their change in plans and assure him that Sir Stephen would be accompanying them. 

Bella had lain awake long into the night considering Stephens words and how he had continually reinforced rules with her and disciplined her when she flouted them. He had been such a constant authoritative figure in her life even before her return from the beach house, that she had obeyed him without question. 

It was he that had forced her hand in talking to Rob about what she had done at the beach house and it was he that was enraged by her recklessness and lack of regard for her own safety. He allowed her guardians to deal with her at the time. Since he had been placed in the position of overseeing her training, however, he had dealt with her and metered out punishment as he deemed necessary. He had lectured, advised and explained things to her at various times as Mel would have once. 

It had taken her most of the night to make sense of it all, even recalling the time Jake had visited herself and Sire at the Kava Lodge. Jake had made a point of saying Stephen had not wanted to see her there in that situation. The only thing that caused her doubt now was that he hadn't tried to interfere with the training she had committed to but had rather become part of it. He had said it was difficult for him to hand her over to those Masters but that he would because it was a journey she must make for herself. He reiterated what Mel had always said about choices like that being hers to make. She had thought a lot about Mel last night too and had come to the decision that she needed to deal with the apartment and adjoining rooms.

In the end, she still did not know Stephen's exact intentions just that he wished to share some of his particular lifestyle with her. She desperately wanted to see Dorothea and talk to her, but it was so difficult to talk about personal things with so many people checking up on her at her home these days. She had the germ of an idea and still feeling a slight estrangement from Dianne decided to seek her out for her advice. She thought that maybe it would be a way to rekindle the kind of friendship they had forged when Mel was here to encourage it.

She walked through the corridors hoping to find Dianne on a lunch break but instead found her at her desk working. "Hi!" Bella said brightly.

"Hi honey," Dianne smiled. "Kurt's gone down to the club for an hour or so."

"That's good because I came to see you. Can I pull up a chair?' Bella asked tentatively. "If you're too busy. I can come back later if you like."

"Sweet thing, I am never too busy for you," Dianne stood up and got a chair for her pulling it close to her desk. "What can I help you with?" 

"I have a few..., I am having trouble wrapping my head around so many changes," Bella tried to put into words what she was feeling. "I mean work is great, the business ideas are coming along. It's slow, but that is my fault because of my absences. I am not doing so well on the personal front though. I wish I had more time for my friends," she reached out and took Dianne's hand. "To tell them what's going on with everything and get their advice and well, you were always that person before... before Mel... died."

"I miss how we used to talk more intimately too," Dianne agreed. Although they had breakfast a couple of mornings while Bella was at the company she was all too aware of the change in her role there and found it difficult to relax and open up.

"I was wondering," Bella hesitated briefly before rushing on. "I know its late notice but I was wondering if you didn't have anything special planned if Kurt would let you come over to my place tonight to help me with something." She shook her head, "I know you and Kurt are probably busy and normally I wouldn't ask and disturb your Friday night but I don't feel like I can ask Dorothea at the moment. The two of you are like family to me and I feel like I might need a little bit of hand-holding."

Dianne was intrigued by the vagueness of the reason but rather than answering immediately she picked up the phone and hit the speed-dial button. "Master, Bella needs help with a personal problem and was wondering about my availability tonight," she winked at Bella with a big smile as she spoke. Bella listened to the one-sided conversations that consisted of a lot of yeses and no responses and a final thank you, before Dianne hung up and turned to Bella. 

"We will have to get your driver to take us to run a couple of errands first, for Master, but then I will be all yours for the evening. Well, until you are ready for bed anyway," Dianne smiled. "Could we leave around four?"

"I better get back and do some work then if we are going to skip out early today," Bella smiled. "Thanks, Dianne."

The afternoon flew by and the women left work arm in arm travelling down to the basement car park. They went to Kurt and Dianne's apartment first. It was spacious and luxurious but had a cosy, lived-in feel that surprised Bella. Dianne showed her around before taking two large boxes from the bedroom and ushering Bella out of the door again.

Exiting the building they were startled to find Lincoln held a man in dark bike leathers in an arm lock as they struggled against each other. "Get in the car," Lincoln grimaced and the second man looked up, recognition showing instantly on Bella's face.

"Vince? What are you doing here? What is going on? Lincoln let go of him!" Bella was stunned. Vince stopped struggling momentarily and Bella rushed forward. "What are you doing?"

"You know this guy?" Lincoln asked through gritted teeth as he forced Vince's arms up high around his back immobilizing him as he looked up at Bella.

"Yes, that's Mel's son, Vince. Let him go!" Bella was distressed and confused as she faced the young man she had known practically her whole life. "What are you doing here?" She asked again.

"He's been following us on and off for weeks," Lincoln said refusing to unhand the man. Vince saw the fear enter Bella's eyes and she took a step back.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright," Vince sighed. "I just needed to know that you were okay." He went limp. "I am sorry Bell, I didn't have anything to do with it, you have to believe me."

"Jenny told me what happened in court," Bella said woodenly. "You may not have known exactly what the plan was, but you were part of it and I can't..." her voice broke. She was scared and distressed, but most of all she was angry. She hadn't felt angry in a long time. "He loved you and you helped his killer," she choked out.

"I didn't know. It wasn't my fault, you have to believe me," Vince begged.

"I believe you didn't plan his murder. I won't ever forgive you for your part in it though." Bella hadn't even registered the sirens of the police car as they pulled up, or Dianne's hands as they urged her back toward the building. She just stared at Vince tears coursing down her face, her voice a calm monotone. "There is nothing you could say or do to change that. Stay away from me Vince."

Bella watched as the police spoke to Lincoln and Vince, refusing to leave the scene at Dianne urgings. Rob and Stephen arrived a few minutes later closely followed by Kurt who seeing Rob and Stephen talking to the police ushered the two women back inside the building and up to his apartment.

"How long?" Bella finally looked at Kurt. "How long have you known he was following me?

"We didn't know who it was just that there seemed to be a black motorcycle tailing you to and from work occasionally," Kurt admitted. "We had never been able to prove anything or catch him doing anything until now. In all honesty, I had convinced myself that Rob was just being paranoid again."

"Isn't he supposed to be serving time or something?" She asked still unable to sort out the jumble of emotions she felt and what exactly had happened.

"His lawyers managed to have him deported from Italy to serve his time here. He's been on a good behaviour bond. He was never tied directly to the murder," Kurt explained. Jenny had told her as much, but she guessed the meaning of it hadn't really registered at the time.

"He's looking for forgiveness," Bella spoke quietly. "I can't forgive him, can I?"

"Oh, Honey," Dianne placed her arms around Bella, "What he did was the worst betrayal ever, but his grandfather brainwashed him. He didn't understand about his parent's relationship and lifestyles. Jenny has told him the whole truth and he is suffering for his stupidity. Of course, he wants forgiveness but he doesn't know how much you suffered, still suffer. You don't have to do anything until you are ready." There was a polite knock at the door and Kurt let a policeman in followed by Rob and Stephen.

"Miss Biancotti," The policeman addressed her formally and she looked up at him. "I am Sergeant Duffy. Mr Marino is in violation of his good behaviour bond and will be taken to the station to meet with his lawyer. Would you like to press any charges?"

"He wasn't here to harm me," she said softly. "I doubt he even realised how upset I would be to see him."

"You can file for a restraining order, and then we can enforce it further should he continue to bother you," Duffy said formally. "If as you say though, he meant no harm and you are not frightened that he will harm you, then it may be hard to build that case."

"I doubt he will come anywhere near you now," Rob said, "It has been made abundantly clear to him that his presence in your life is not welcome."

"What will happen if I don't?" Bella asked. 

"That would be up to the lawyers, at best a slap on the wrist at worst he will need to serve some time," Duffy explained. "It depends on the bond and what it entails and how good his lawyer is."

"I think we should talk to Stuart before making any decisions," Kurt broke into the conversation. "Like it or not, he is part of our lives, Mel provided a place for his son in the company as well."

"Maybe it's time to make him an offer on those shares then," Rob grumbled. Bella sat in quiet contemplation of the men around her, Stephen had said nothing but his eyes flickered over her often as if gauging her reactions and waiting for her to lose it. The fact was though, she wasn't even close to losing it. Once she had sat for a moment as they talked around her she knew it was just the shock of seeing him again that had brought her to tears. While he was part of the problem he was right, it wasn't his fault it was Lewis or whatever he called himself who had let his hatred of Mel take over any rational judgement.

She felt sorry for Vince and how hard it must have been to hear the truth from Jenny. To know his adolescent rebellion against what he thought his father stood for had in part contributed his death. Kurt was right too, he was a part of her life like it or not, he had been for as long as she could remember. Maybe she needed to forgive him to be able to move on. All of these people in this room would go on over-protecting her and restricting her life if she didn't prove she could handle things herself at some point. She loved them all, but she hated the lack of freedom she endured, something Mel had given her some small measure of at least. If life was all about choices, she was about it make a big one.

"Sergeant Duffy, I won't press any charges, thank you for your advice though," she had risen from her seat and walked towards him. "Could I speak with Vince before you leave, please?" She said in a calm, pleasant voice showing none of her inner turmoil.

"I'm not sure that would be in anyone's interests," Duffy frowned and looked around at the stunned faces of the others in the room.

"I promise there will be no further incidents. My friends can be a little over-protective, but I am sure he meant no harm to me personally," Bella tried to smile to show she was not crazy. "It's just that he went to a lot of trouble to try to speak to me. Maybe giving him the opportunity will prevent this happening again." She heard the rumble of disapproval around her and she turned to her friends, "It's Vince, I've known him for forever. I need to do this. Please Sergeant," she asked again.

Bella exited the building once again and noted that the boxes, dropped by Dianne in the confusion had been placed on the hood of a police car. Lincoln was still speaking with the remaining policeman as she approached, "Are you okay, Lincoln?" 

"Never better," he gave a half smile. She looked into the back of the police car and saw Vince sitting there with his head in his hands. Bella could see that he was hurting in a wholly different way to her own pain and loss. His family had helped her grieve, but she doubted they had helped him in the same way. Duffy opened the door and Vince looked up.

Uncaring of the dirt Bella sat on the curb and cleared her throat, "Tell me what you came to say," she said softly, "I am ready to listen now."

Bella let the young man pour out his story, his grief and guilt evident in every word he spoke, she never said a word, she just looked at him with sadness in her eyes. When he finally seemed out to run out of words she finally spoke.

"You said it wasn't your fault, but I am not sure who you are trying to convince, me or yourself," she paused and held up her hand as he began to speak again halting him. "Mel loved you, and I think he even understood why you had turned your back on him, but it didn't stop him from hoping you would come around. It's shame this happened before you did, because I know, had he survived, he would have forgiven you." She felt the first tear roll down her cheek but steeled herself to continue.

"He was a harsh, uncompromising man at times but as I have been finding out more and more recently, he was a good man who looked after the people he loved. He not only forgave those people but helped he them through difficult times. It's such a shame you never saw that side of him. I loved him, truly, madly, deeply and I will always resent your part in what happened and what I had to suffer because of it. I am healing, slowly but I have a lot of support and I am getting better every day. You need to let yourself heal too. If it is my forgiveness you need to do that, then I can give you that. I can see there was a lot of mistruth and misdirection in your life that was not of your making." Bella wiped her face with both hands brushing tears from her cheeks.




Possessing Bella Ch. 10-11



"Are you recovered from...?" Vince asked with a shrug unable to say the words to finish his thought.

"No, I am not sure I will ever be. I am moving on with my life though and you have to let me. Coming to me like this has just dragged me back into the nightmare I am fighting to be free of," Bella shook her head.

"You seemed so together when I saw you. You're back at work and going out with your friends," he looked at the small group standing close to where they sat. "I am sorry Bell, I'm so sorry, I just needed you to know, I never meant to hurt you."

"I know," she said softly. "I know and I forgive you, but we can't be friends, not yet. I can't do it and you have to respect that and leave me alone for now. Go and live your life, join Green Peace or one of those things you were always crusading and let yourself heal too, away from here and me." She took a deep breath. "The corporate world was never your thing. Sell your shares in the company to Kurt. He's a good man who will make sure your father's business legacy flourishes, we both know you will never want to work there, like I do." Bella stood up to leave.

"Find what you love to do, what you were meant to be. That is how I am healing, by making him proud of the woman I am because of knowing him. He changed my life, Vince. Now you can change yours, bring pride to his memory and everyone will forgive you." Vince stayed silent just staring after her as she walked away. 

"You never cease to amaze me," Rob wrapped Bella in a big bear hug not letting go until the police drove away. "I don't know about Mel, but I am very proud of the woman you have become," Rob kissed her forehead and held her tightly. "Let's get you home," He began to steer her toward his car.

"Master Rob," Bella stalled as he opened the car door, "I have plans tonight, with Dianne." She turned and smiled at Dianne who was standing close by with Kurt. She once again held the boxes and grinned in return. "I seem to let her down all the time lately when we make plans. If it's okay I would rather just carry on with what we had planned," she paused briefly before adding, "Please."

"Are you sure you're alright?" Rob questioned.

"Who better to keep me company, especially if I get a little sad later once the shock of seeing Vince wears off," she laughed. "I am fine, honestly, and no one is more surprised about that than me."

"I'll drive them over in a little while," Kurt offered, "There's just a couple of things from the office I want to run over with Dianne first."

"Sure, I'll come up and check on you later," Rob kissed her forehead and let her go.

"Thank you, Master," Bella smiled and turned to walk back towards the building where Dianne and Kurt were waiting for her. Stephen blocked her path, as usual he had not said anything during the encounter merely being a large looming presence in the scene watching everything that happened. 

He tilted her head up to his and scanned her eyes before murmuring, "You will call me if you need anything."

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she whispered and he too kissed her forehead and let her go returning to the car with Rob.

"It was not necessary to broach the subject of his shares right then," Kurt said as they entered the spacious apartment.

"I know but I am at the point where facing things, no matter how unpleasant at the time, helps to ease the way to moving forward. He needs to move on and live his life now, staying trapped in the past doesn't work I tried it remember," she pulled a face and shook her head.

"When did you become so wise?" Dianne laughed lightly.

"When I started hanging out with friends like you and Dorothea," Bella answered easily.

"Well, we will see what happens but thank you for what you said about me," Kurt said rather stiffly.

Dianne and Kurt discussed a few things quietly while Bella read a magazine in the living room. She overheard the mention of doctors and looked up briefly thinking it was something to do with Dorothea, but they had moved away again and she didn't want to seem as if she was prying.

Kurt drove them back to Bella's place and walked the women up to her apartment, "You girls be good. Not too much mischief tonight, I don't think we men could handle any more surprised today." His kissed Dianne deeply and passionately before finally leaving them to their plans.

"I almost dread to ask but what exactly are our plans?" Dianne asked.

"First Dinner, would you like me to make us something or shall we choose from the delicious menu they have downstairs and give Sir Stephen an excuse to check on us?" Bella laughed.

"Let's see what's you've you got no need to give them any extra excuses," Dianne laughed with her.

Bella and Dianne chatted and laughed as they made a simple dinner of cold roast chicken and salad. 

"Alright enough stalling," Dianne said as she put down her fork and gave Bella a serious look. "I doubt you needed hand holding just to eat dinner."

"For the last two weeks Stephen has been talking to me about something," she paused. "I thought I was ready to maybe do more than think about it but after today I am not so sure," Bella hedged at the idea she had when she invited Dianne over.

"He told you how he feels about you! Bella that's wonderful!," she took in the startled look on Bella's face and immediate back peddled, "Well it would be if he had, I mean which judging by your expression... Oh dear, let me just take my foot out of my mouth."

"He kissed me," Bella offered not sure what to say to her revelation. "But that's not what I wanted your help with, well, not directly."

"Wait, he kissed you? Everyone kisses you Bella, even me," Dianne said. "It must have been some kiss for you to say it like that."

"It was light and barely even there," Bella admitted, "Just like a brushing of lips but I felt it all the way down to my toes," she admitted.

"Wow," Dianne murmured, "So it was some kiss then. Let's start at the beginning and get to why I am here."

"Now it's just going to seem all confused, I am confusing myself," Bella said. "Sir Stephen confuses me!" She rested her face in her hands and peeked out at Dianne through her fingers.

"I can help with that," Dianne said pulling Bella's hands away from her face. "Let's clean up and I will tell you what I know." She smiled and stood gathering plates. "It was back when you went with Sire for your, holiday," Dianne grinned. "Stephen had an argument with Rob about it and then refused to go and check on you wherever you were because he didn't want to see you,'used that way.'" Dianne raised an eyebrow but stopped short of asking exactly what went on with Sire at the time.

"A Kava lodge, that was sort of a... I dunno what you would call it, but picture wall to wall mattresses and well," Bella blushed and pretended to be reorganising a cupboard where she had just put a plate.

"Okay, well Stephen wasn't impressed. Then on a few other occasions little things have happened and Master determined that his intentions toward you were more than just that of friendship," She smiled. "He is very good at reading people. Then Master Rob noticed similar things especially his reticence to hand you over to Hunter. Last week though, he tried to convince Rob to tell you about Dorothea when she first got sick. He said something about being worried you would lose your trust in them and leave for good this time."

Bella's eyes widened, "He told them to tell me?"

"He tried. In a nutshell though, it seems he is not interested in being a two-week play date like Sire or Hunter. He wants you to be ready for more of a commitment before he shows his hand, or at least that's what we think," Dianne finished and looked at Bella. "He hasn't actually said that much."

"Well, that explains the lecture he gave me last night a little better, I guess," Bella said thoughtfully. She had needed no further explanation, what she wanted was answers to the whole range of questions she had because of the lecture and she wasn't sure Dianne could help with those.

They went and sat on the couch together and Bella tried as best she could to relate what he had said the previous night. "He said that while he understood that I was only doing what Mel had intended it was difficult to hand me over to another Master. He said he worried that someone would take me away from all the people here who loved me and that some of the people who already loved me might like the opportunity to show me their lifestyles." Dianne sat back and let her continue speaking.

"I asked if he wanted to be added to the people I would train with and he laughed. He said he had been training me since it had all begun," Bella furrowed her brow.

"Oh, I have missed you Bella. You have such a sweet way of viewing the world you don't even realise your place in it most of the time," Dianne said with a soft laugh. Bella was young, beautiful, rich and although she seemed not to realise it, could be one of the most powerful women in the corporate world. That is if she went after Vince's shares herself rather than suggesting he sell them to Kurt.

"I just seemed to be permanently confused lately, it was all much simpler with Mel. He commanded and I obeyed," Bella gave a lopsided smile. "I never had to worry if I was being told the whole truth or just what people thought I wanted to hear."

"This is what Stephen has been talking to you about lately? I mean if you just invited me here for that its fine, but you hardly need to have your hand held to work out that someone loves you and is willing to wait until you are ready. He doesn't share much about his private life, he is always at the club, I wasn't even sure he had a personal life, come to think of it."

"Of course, he does," Bella laughed. "He has a brother that relies on him pretty heavily and a wonderful old castle he is restoring."

"Seriously? I never knew that," Dianne blinked. "You didn't answer my question though."

"You're right it's a totally different thing. It's just that everything seems to have together on the same day," Bella sighed. "I need you to promise me that this just between us though for now, please. I mean I will tell Master Rob tomorrow, but I need to do this just for me right now."

"Bella I can't promise anything until I know what it is. I am sorry, but there are too many people who watch everything you do," Dianne said seriously. "Why don't you just tell me and then we can talk about it first."

"I'm suffocating," Bella took a large breath and blew it out looking around the crowded apartment in which she lived. "Did you know that when I came back from the beach house I asked to move out to a place of my own and Rob said no?" Dianne shook her head a little worried at where this was going now.

"I know who and what I am, Dianne, but still need a little piece of my world that is just me. I thought that if I did my office at the company all myself and made it mine it would be enough, but I share that. I share the decisions and the plans and everything about it. I am so grateful for the support and assistance Kurt and Rhys give me. I couldn't have done it on my own and get it going so fast," she sighed, "I'm not complaining really."

"Bella, look at me," Dianne said her voice laced with the worry she felt that Bella was about to bolt as she had once before when things became too overwhelming. "Just tell me what it is you need to make things right for you again."

"I need to go to the other side of this floor and see Mel's apartment," Bella said finally. "I need you to come with me and hold my hand if I need it and not tell me what to do, just be there... with me."

"If they come up to check on you and your not here they will all freak out, you know that," Dianne shook her head. She was not sure if this was such a good idea especially after seeing Vince.

"It's okay you don't have to come with me," Bella said. She realised now that it was probably something she should do on her own. 

"I didn't say no. Do you even have keys?" Dianne asked her mind working over the problem.

"No one ever asked for them back so I still have ones Mel gave me," Bella nodded.

"Okay, but you have to let me tell one person. We can't have them coming up to check on you and not find either of us here. The punishment could be more than either of us can bear," Dianne pulled a face.

"Dianne it's not that big of a deal honestly, let's just leave it," Bella sighed thinking that she chose badly. Dorothea would have just held her hand no questions asked. "Everyone is going to have to trust me to make some decisions of my own sometimes you know, or I am going to suffocate here. Do you have any idea what it is like to have so many Masters to obey? I can't leave this room. I am a prisoner in my own life."

"Oh honey, they just care for you and want you to be safe and happy," Dianne hugged her hearing the frustration in her voice, "You're not a prisoner here."

"You just said yourself that if the wardens come and we aren't here they will freak out. Probably put the place into lock down," she shook her head. "I can't even go to the shop for a bar of chocolate."

"I was hardly that dramatic," Dianne laughed but she heard what Bella was saying. "After today though you realise they are justified in their protectiveness"

"I doubt Vince would have approached me if Lincoln hadn't accosted him. He didn't mean me any harm," Bella said, "My life is full of dramatic moments because other people create them. I was fine at the hospital with Dorothea despite everyone's concerns. I have been fine at work and in my training. I am fine! It's been almost a year and I can't move on if you and they won't let me."

"Bella I..." Dianne froze as there was a knock on the door followed by it opening to reveal Stephen. 

"I have no privacy here," Bella muttered under her breath as Dianne smiled and greeted him.

"Everything alright?" Stephen asked feeling the tension radiating from Bella.

"Just fine," Bella said giving a small smile.

"Actually, it's good that you're here. Could you let us into Mel's apartment?" Dianne asked.

"Yes," he eyed Bella seeing the look she gave Dianne, "If that is what you want."

"Yes, thank you, Sir Stephen," Bella said stiffy, rising to her feet. She had started this ball rolling and she had to see it through now, even if it wasn't going the way she had planned.

"Have you eaten, Jake had expected a call this evening," Stephen rumbled before moving from where he stood still watching her carefully.

"Bella made us something, but we might be interested in desert later," Dianne answered him. 

"Why don't you call him and let him know," Stephen said pointing to the in-house phone. He turned back to Bella, "Something's up, tell me. Is it the incident this afternoon with Vince?"

"I am just feeling a little claustrophobic," Bella said softly. "I will be fine." Stephen raised an eyebrow at her.

"You use the word 'fine' a lot lately," his voice rumbled

"I would be great if people would stop making decisions for me when I had just explained... It doesn't matter, I am sorry. I guess you're right, seeing Vince has put me out of sorts," Bella looked at Dianne and then down at her feet.

"I see," Stephen nodded. Seeing Dianne return, he announced. "Let's go then." He guided the girls out of the apartment and into the elevator placing his card in the opposite doorway and opening it. Bella stepped tentatively out. This foyer corridor looked just like the one on the other side of the third floor. 

"Jake and I use the smaller room at the end of the hall when we stay here or to rest during a long shift," Stephens's voice was oddly soft in its rumble. No one has been in the room at the other end, that I am aware of. Mel's apartment has been left until you were ready to deal with it," he opened the door and followed the two women inside.

Bella took a shuddering breath as she looked around. Memory threatened to overwhelm her, but she turned to look at her friends, "Could I have some time alone, please?"

"Of course," Dianne you can wait in the room at the end of the hall," Stephen's tone said there would be no argument and Dianne hesitated for a moment.

"You sure you don't want me to stay and hold your hand?" Dianne asked.

"No, I was wrong about that," Bella said sadly. What she needed were Dorothea's wisdom and love. Not someone who would relay her every move back to her guardians. Dianne had once been a dominant herself and she seemed to need to be dominant in their friendship. Mel she knew had placed Dianne in that position because she could help her come to understand how his world works but he was gone now and Bella realised Dianne would always take on that role with her. 

The door closed behind them as they left and Bella sighed. Mel had manipulated everything in her world to get what he wanted. He had wanted to possess her so badly that he had created an atmosphere in which she was forced to accept who and what she was, not in reality, but his fantasy of her. She walked back to the door and leant against the wall beside it closing her eyes and lost in the memory of the first time she had ever come to this place.

 Spinning her quickly he pushed her to the wall beside the door and his hand wrapped about her throat firmly without being tight. She gasped her eyes blinking in the darkness as he held her immobile, she felt him move closer pinning her with his body and she tilted her head up straining to see if he was angry with her. His mouth descended upon hers kissing her deeply, passionately taking her breath away. "So beautiful," he crooned.

He kissed her again his hands removing her coat expertly before traveling to her breasts. His fingers finding the sensitive nubs through the fabric pinching, making 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 kneaded her ass. 

Growling into her mouth, he picked her up and moved swiftly into the dark room. Turning her in his arms, he draped her over the back of a lounge chair. Her ass raised high with her head landing on a cushion. She squealed 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 into the darkness.

Holding her hip to steady her with one hand, the other travelled down to the crack of her ass pressing on the plug she wore before moving down to her cunt, "So wet already little slut. So needy for your Masters touch." She drew 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. It crumpled around her shoulders effectively holding her arms in place beside her head. Dragging his hands back over her ribs she had squirmed against him as he pressed his hard cock against her ass. Stepping back slightly, he smacked her ass again eliciting a squeal between her panting whimpers. He parted her cheeks, fingers delving for the plug. In her mind's eye, she could see her tightest hole stretching and resisting as he pulled the plug free slowly, then replacing it with his smallest finger for a moment.

The darkness of the room enveloped her heightening her other senses as he stroked, teased and smacked her increasingly heated body, the blush heating her face flowered unseen. "Oh god," she thought, "How could this man make her body sing in so much pleasure in the pain he gave her?" She remembered her hips rolling, begging for more as she panted hotly bent over a chair and at his mercy.




Possessing Bella Ch. 10-11



She had gasped her eyes flaring wide in the darkness as she felt him. Her mind raced with images of the cock she had held in her mouth and throat, it felt huge and hard and so hot against the already heated skin of her ass. Her hips rolled, she surprised herself admitting she wanted this. Her hot aroused state making her need him, she had thought of it constantly, wondering how it would feel to be controlled and fucked by her Master. 

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 what you want, 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. "Ask your Master for what you need."

She felt once again the flush of ten shades of red as she stared into the darkness making out his outline grateful he could not see her colour as she swallowed hard gulping. The darkness making her braver than she could have been seeing his face she whispered. "I want to feel you, in me."

"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 slut, tell me what you need."

Her overheated mind bent to his will as he called her slut and she let her need for him bubble forth whimpering, "Please Master." She swallowed loudly again, "Please fuck me. I want to feel you," her voice turned to a whisper, "in me." 

"How could a Master refuse a slave 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. 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 letting her taste him.

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 all night 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 seeming to drive 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 unseen between them and dropping to the chair cushion as they both panted raggedly. He freed his hands from her hair and moved back behind her, smacked her quivering ass he guided his cock into her slowly 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 reach forward grabbing her hair in a haphazard ponytail to pull her back up and against him.

She whimpered and gasped as he entered her, "He is too big, too much." Her mind railed at her as she felt herself stretched wide the mixture of painful pleasure rolling through her as he filled her more and more. She could feel him so deeply within and she groaned her head lowering only to be pulled back up sharply by her hair as he forced all of his cock deep into her body. The sharp pull of her hair sent thrills to meet those from her overstuffed cunt, her body singing with the waves of exquisite sensation rolling through her.

Feeling her hips roll, he entered her again 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 cunt contracted around his cock buried deep within her body pulsing with its own release. Freeing her hair, he collapsed over her breathing as raggedly as she, murmuring to her as the blood pumped loud in her ears. "Mine."

"Mine," She whispered to the empty room. He had made her feel so desired, so treasured, so loved with that word. He used all those words, but none of them was as strongly tied to their relationship as that one word. Sire had made her feel valuable, treasured and she felt his pride but not love or the complete possession Mel had exuded. Hunter too had made her feel his desire and passion, but she was just a plaything to him. She knew from what she had learned of Gor that once again she would be playing a role, not seeking out her own bliss but learning how to please others and bring them pleasure.

In bringing Mel pleasure, she had found her own. Those rare smiles and the love and desire in his eyes drove her to want to do more to please him. Her pleasure was solely wrapped up in his words of praise and obvious pride at possessing her totally. It was not so with Hunter, she felt nothing but the physical pleasure he allowed her. Sire was different, she could feel his caring nature but he had been clinical in the forced exploration of her limits and kinks. His praise had been like that of a teacher and a favoured pupil. 

She finally moved from the wall into the apartment. There could never be another Mel. No one who would take the time and force her to look inside herself and see that her craving for erotic pain was not only beautiful but desirable to the right man. He showed her a lifestyle where slavery was not only accepted but expected and convinced her that she was not a wrong or bad for wanting to be part of it. They had such little time to explore that together and she had wanted to know it all. She had wanted him to show her everything this lifestyle had to offer and then he was gone leaving her wanting more, more of him, more of the world he had brought her into.

She trailed a finger over a chair, the chair, where he had first taken her, and she smiled sadly. Every room held vivid memories for her even his office. She opened the door tentatively as if knowing she shouldn't be intruding on the solitude of the place where he had worked late at night when he thought she was asleep. In truth it had only happened once, they had not stayed here often. There had not been enough time for anything more than the few occasions they had here in the apartment together.

She turned on the light and went to sit at the desk. This is what she missed in her small apartment. A place to work easily, as it was she spread herself out over the dining room table or the floor of the small cosy living area. She picked up a simple double photo frame that had been hinged together by leaves of gold. Within one side sat a picture of her at her graduation from college and on the other side was a hand written letter sitting perfectly within the frame. She turned on a small desk lamp for better light and read it carefully.

"Do not mourn for me, my brother, my son, my friend. I have lived a blessed life and I go peacefully into the great beyond. I have known great joy in my life and though those who know me well would be aware, my life's joy was Dorothea. Look after her Mel she is a one in a million woman who could love an arrogant, sadistic old bastard like me with every fibre of her being. She didn't just love me because of her servitude she loved me in spite of it. Keep her close she was the brains behind all my bluster and the secret of my successes.

My wish is for you to find the one who makes your heart sing, someone who can love you as whole -heartedly as I have been lucky enough to have in my life. Share your life and dreams with that one and let her soften the edges off that hard ass persona you have. Give that one the key to your heart and all else will seem insignificant. You are more than the company and club, you are better than all of it and the small men who dwell there. You are Mel Marino my greatest prodigy and I want you to find great happiness and love.

James."

Bella felt the sting of tears and blinked to try and keep them at bay. Mel had chosen her to give his heart. He believed she could be what Dorothea had been to James. She hoped that he had been as happy as James had been even the short time they were together. Would he tell her not to mourn for him like this? She could hear Dorothea's advice to her in counterpoint to James letter, "Life is for the living. You are young and beautiful and deserve to be loved by a man who curls your toes. Serving the one you love is the best of life's experiences for women like us."

Her mind turned to Sir Stephen and his intentions towards her. She still wasn't exactly sure what he had meant to say. If Dorothea and Dianne were right, his intentions involved a serious commitment from her. He had only mentioned having the opportunity to show her his lifestyle which to her meant getting to know each other better without any further commitments attached to it. 

Shaking her head in confusion, she stood knowing that Dianne was waiting for her. It had been a mistake to think Dianne would understand her need to do this without all the fuss that went along with serving so many Master's. Dianne knew a lot about the lifestyle and had been invaluable to her when Mel was alive, she had been sweet and loving but she had also been in a position of authority in her own way. Now that things had changed their relationship needed to as well and Bella admitted that it would take time to find that balance where their friendship could flourish again as it once had.

She took the frame with her as she left the study and went into the bathroom. It had been cleaned, but most products still remained. Bella resisted the urge to open any of the bottles she knew would smell of Mel and moved through to the adjoining master bedroom. Mel had not been a sentimentalist and there was little in the way of decoration or adornment. The furniture, as in the rest of the apartment, was rich and dark. This apartment, she realised, wasn't a home though, aside of the picture she had taken from his office there was nothing but the necessities here. 

She sat on the edge of the bed and considered her surroundings. She laughed realising that his office at the company had been more personal than this place. She had spent more time with him there than here. She didn't know why she had been so worried about coming here, it was nothing more than a pit stop for his real life at the company and downstairs at the club. Feeling somehow lighter she let herself out of the apartment still clutching the frame to her chest.

Dianne looked up through the open door of the smaller apartment as Bella approached, and smiled. "Sir Stephen said to call him if you were ready before he returned and he would bring dessert."

"I'm fine," Bella gave a lop-sided smile, "But would you mind if I didn't have dessert. I'm exhausted."

"Of course Honey, that must have been hard to face. Are you sure you don't want some chocolate or yummy comfort food? I am sure Jake has something special with your name on it," Dianne cajoled, "You're still very thin. I will even tuck you in and leave right after we are finished."

"It was a mistake to ask you to come and sit here and wait for me, I am sorry to have been so inconsiderate. I won't be very good for company any more tonight... I just need to get some sleep and hopefully think more clearly about everything tomorrow. I will call you if you like, tomorrow," Bella tried to put off any further mistakes where Dianne was concerned. Bella had known that Dianne would need to tell Kurt, but the way she had told Stephen of the plan to go to Mel's apartment had upset her. It made her reticent to share her thoughts with her straight away. "Plus I have to be up early for a breakfast with Master Rob, and chocolate this late will just keep me up all night," she forced a small smile.

The lift door opened within minutes of Dianne making the call saving Bella from furthering the awkward conversation in which Dianne had asked about the frame she held. She was less than happy that Bella was unwilling to discuss it. "It's just something I wanted to look at again in the morning, I don't want to do a show and tell just yet," Bella said. Then she looked up at Stephen as he took in the situation but said nothing.

"Thank you for letting me do that, Sir Stephen," Bella smiled showing that she was not overly upset by the experience.

"You are quite welcome," His voice rumbled softly and he ushered the women out of the small apartment and to the elevator. "No dessert tonight?"

"No, thank you," Bella smiled. "I just feel exhausted now and would like an early night, please." He nodded and escorted them through the elevator to her apartment. He waited while Dianne and Bella hugged tightly in the doorway watching their body language and the tension between the two women.

"Sleep well, little one," Stephen bent and kissed her forehead and closed the door leaving her to her thoughts.

*****

Bella spent a restless night going over the same things time and again. She reread the letter from James that sat beside her picture several times. She wished she could talk to Dorothea, her advice was wise but she treated Bella with the kindness and love of real friendship. She didn't force Bella to make decisions or treat her like a naïve little girl, she merely gave her the tools to make the choices she needed to make in her own time.

Mel had chosen five women to help her and be her friends, but Dorothea had chosen her and she was beyond grateful. She had felt close to Dianne but since returning the dynamic between them had changed and it saddened her to think that Dianne couldn't see that she had changed so much over the last year.

She dressed and was ready early for breakfast with Rob and knowing that he wouldn't have slept yet called him to see if he wanted their breakfast date earlier than the usual time. Surprised that she would be awake so early on a Saturday morning, he had agreed happily, he would come up from the club as soon as he organised some coffee and food.

It was about twenty minutes later when Rob arrived and knocked on her door and invited her to his larger apartment. There were trays of pastries and fruit, a large pot of coffee and a jug of juice waiting for them.

"How are you feeling after yesterday?" Rob asked gently, "I understand you went into Mel's apartment last night." Concern was evident in his features and tone.

" I feel better than I have in a while, clearer-headed if that makes sense," Bella gave a half smile. "Mel and I only had a month together, it was intense and volatile and it ended so badly but it was just a month that I was his in very real sense of the word."

"I hadn't ever thought about it like that," Rob admitted. There was so much going on around the two of you at the time that..." he shook his head.

"It seemed much longer to me too but it is what it is. I have spent ten times the time we were together mourning him and I think I am done," she looked up at Rob's shocked face. "Oh, I didn't mean... I will always love him, but I don't want to be sad anymore. I want to live the life he gave me. Look at me, I have you and Kurt to love and protect me, I have so many friends now, people I didn't even know about. I am rich and could be seen as powerful by some because of my friends and position in the company. I have almost everything a girl could ever want or need."

Rob sat back looking at her as if she had suddenly grown to heads. He had been so sure that she would retreat back into her shell and possibly break down again after yesterday, that the confident young woman sitting across from him was startling. 

"I was mad at him for leaving me with all this and not knowing what to do with it. For showing how good love could be without ever giving me a true sense of normalcy within it. We never had the opportunity to just do the day to day things that all couples must, even in the lifestyle people have to get up and go to work and do the every days things. It was like he picked me up and plonked me in a foreign land. He mad me fall in love with it and then left me alone and lost with the inhabitants who knew I didn't fit in," she took a deep breath.

"That is not how I meant to make you feel," Rob's brow furrowed.

"You didn't," she quickly assured him. "You gave me Sire, Billy I mean, to show me what I needed to know about limits and kinks and being safe, things you couldn't show me yourself. Thank you for that, I will always be grateful for everything he did for me and it was exactly what I needed at the time, and you knew it." She stood and went to sit on his lap feeling his arms wrap around her as she hugged him tightly. "You and Kurt have become so much more to me than I ever thought possible, friends, mentors, like family and I love you both so much."

"What brought all this on?" Rob asked still holding her close.

"Vince wasn't as lucky as me. You all blame him for his part in Mel's death, even Jenny has found it all so difficult. He has no one to hold his hand and make sure he is alright. I think that's why he needed me to forgive him so badly. I realised that the Mel I knew, the kind and generous side of Mel would have understood that he was just being used by somebody so evil as to commit murder. He would have forgiven him," Bella said seriously. 

"Mel never got bogged down in sentimental emotion and living in the past. He lived life fast and passionately and he dragged those he loved along with him to bask in the glow of his bright light. I doubt he ever slept more than an hour or two a night, did you know that?" She looked up at Rob.

"I suspected as much," Rob chuckled.

"He didn't live here either, it was just a place to shower and change and move onto the next thing. I think he had more of his stuff at the company office than here," Bella smiled. 

"You're probably right about that too," he nodded. 

"I think I would like to move in there, please, unless you have changed your mind about letting me find a place of my own," she asked hopefully. "The little apartment is like a hotel room not meant to be lived in the way I do."

"I like having you close by, little brat. So I can keep up with all the mischief you cause," Rob's arms tightened around her again and she grinned. "The other apartment is close enough though if that is what you want," Rob gave into a compromise. 

"I promise I will try and stay out of trouble," she grinned. "So it's okay if I spend a little time over there this weekend. I'll keep my phone on me the whole time."

"Don't overdo it," Rob cautioned. "Is there someone you can call to give you a hand going through the Mel's things?"

"The only one I would really want there is Dorothea. I thought about asking her because she is going stir crazy being under house arrest by Kurt for the last two weeks. I am not sure if it would be too much for her either, though," Bella said thoughtfully. "It's probably something I need to do myself, to begin with anyway. I will stop if I need to and ask for help," she said.

"Okay, but let Stephen know, he gets a bit antsy if you go missing and he hasn't been told," Rob chuckled making Bella look at him curiously.

"Does everyone know he kissed me?" Bella frowned in confusion.

"I certainly didn't know that, I merely meant that he is very protective of you," Rob had grown serious. "I think you better tell me more young lady."




Possessing Bella Ch. 10-11



Bella sighed and once again relayed the story of their day at Sanctuary Cove and the dinner before going to see Dorothea in hospital. She then went on to tell him about the most recent conversation that increased her confusion rather than easing it. She had only known the stern disciplinarian then suddenly she saw this other side of him and she wasn't sure how to act with him anymore.

"I don't know what he wants. I don't know what it all means. Is this how dating works in the lifestyle? I mean how do you get to know each other enough to decide you want that sort of a relationship? It was all so different with Mel and you and Kurt. I know that Sire is wonderful but not for me long term. Hunter is more damaged than I am emotionally. How do you meet new people and get to know them?" Bella let all the questions that had plagued her about Stephen come spilling out in a jumbled mess. 

"Were you just a normal girl you would get to know masters in the club or at parties thrown by different people within the lifestyle, but you aren't a normal girl. You're 'that' girl," Rob smiled. "You're that girl who was chosen by Mel, the incurable bachelor. You're that girl who is submissive despite being rich and powerful in her own right. You're that girl who is so well connected that being your Master would give a man an automatic membership to a very elite group of people."

Bella looked up wide-eyed. "That's not who I am, not really," she chewed at her lip.

"There are many who would seek to claim you for your wealth alone. Kurt and I have been very forthcoming, however, that legal agreements have been put in place to protect you from such people," he smiled. "Mostly though you're desired for your beauty and strength by those who do not know you personally," Rob held her tightly again. "Those of us who do know you well all love you and would not fault Stephen for his desire to spend time allowing you to know him better."

"I would hazard a guess that Jake also has an interest in where you future lies and perhaps one or two others. Stephen is right, it is good that you have an interest in and commitment to this training you have undertaken but you should not discount the very people who already surround you," Rob said sadly. 

"Why did you say it like that?" Bella reached up and stroked his cheek.

"I want more than anything to see you happy and whole again, but I do not look forward to the day I give you over to another man," Rob said quietly. 

"So this getting to know you thing is like dating and you, and Kurt I guess are like the fathers standing at the door with shotguns," she laughed. "You will always be part of my life and I will always love you for being that man. No one I chose to be with could sever that connection."

Rob could hear the sincerity in her voice but knew that the dark days of her grief were over and that she was now in the process of working out how she could move on with her life. He hoped what she had said remained true and he could remain a large part of her life.

Bella spent the rest of the weekend in quiet thought as she moved between her apartment and Mel's. Stephen had made sure her keys worked and that she knew how to manage keeping the elevator on the same floor as she moved from one side to another. He also provided packing boxes which she used to carefully pack Mel's belongings, his suits and clothes, mostly. She cried on and off as she said goodbye to him again but found so little of the man she knew within the space that it became easier once the office space was complete. 

The office seemed to be the one place he had left his mark and she was surprised to find so many work related things untouched here. She had thought that Kurt would have needed this information. She boxed it up carefully without looking at it too closely and labelled it for Kurt at the company. The desk and the chair were far too big for her so she took the yellow stickers Stephen had given her to label furniture she would like removed to storage and marked all of the office furniture.

The boxes of clothes she marked to be delivered to Jenny for Vince. He probably wouldn't want or use the suits ever, but it was something of his fathers she could give him. She took her time, finding a second bedroom that appeared never to have been used. Its drawers and closets empty. There was nothing in the main living areas to say that they were inhabited by such a man as Mel, the kitchen had been cleaned of food, all the plain plates and utensils gleaming in their spaces. She found a laundry cupboard concealing a washer, dryer and sink behind sliding doors.

By Sunday evening, Bella was sitting in bed googling interior designs trying to decide if she could live with the furniture and its memories or if she should put it all in storage and begin again. She didn't want to eradicate Mel from her life or her memory, but she wasn't sure she could live with the vividness if those particular memories.

*****

Bella rose early Monday morning, she was looking forward to going to the castle and seeing Pete again and had decided during yet another restless night to dress appropriately this time. She wore a form-fitting tunic dress in royal blue and added a jacket to make her seem professional for her meeting with the artisan. The she did her hair in a classic french roll and added the tiny tiara she had worn with her Tinkerbelle costume. Satisfied that she looked about as much like a princess as she could pull off she went to say good morning to Rob.

She could hear voices as she knocked softly on the door and opened it upon hearing Rob's invitation to "Come on in, little one." She shouldn't have been surprised to see Stephen sitting there, but she was and she faltered in the doorway as she stepped into the room. Not only was Stephen there but Rob wore garish face paint making him seem ghoul like in the morning light.

"Don't you look like a princess today," Rob smiled making his face look distorted by the makeup. 

"Don't you look, umm frightening," Bella blinked at him. "Good morning Sir Stephen," she added turning to the big man who had burst out laughing.

"Halloween night at the club last night," Rob explained. "Always brings out the crazies, I was glad you were safely tucked up in bed."

"I've never been to a Halloween party," Bella said, "It's just never been a big thing with anyone I knew before. Maybe next year," she smiled.

"We better get going then," Stephen stood and Rob came forward to hug Bella.

"Master," Bella took a step back looking worried. "I don't think your makeup is a good match for my outfit this morning."

"Rob laughed but nodded, "Okay but you will owe me a little extra love tomorrow morning."

"Oh, but I do love you Master. It's just that I'm a princess today and I wouldn't want you to feel bad for ruining my costume before I made it to the castle," she giggled. 

"Ah, I see, I have been meaning to come down and see how it is coming along, since you managed to get Jarod to sell it to you," Rob said to Stephen. "I'm still not sure how you managed that, I know Mel had his eye on that place for years."

"Timing is everything," Stephen smirked. "Still a bit of work to do but we could do banquet down there for a select few if you wanted. A bit of a weekend thing like we did at Hunters place. Maybe once the silly season is over, for the New Year, it's not far off now. "

"That sounds like a good idea, the club gets too crowded and noisy for us to just enjoys each other's company," Rob scratched at his makeup covered chin and looked at his hands.

"We'll talk about it later, you go to your meeting and try and enjoy your day off," Rob said to Stephen then smiled at Bella. "You look beautiful, little princess."

"Thank you Master," she smiled, "There's some good make-up cleansing towels in my bathroom if you need them." She giggled and let Stephen guide her from the room as he mumbled under his breath that she was still a little brat.

They went down the garage and Stephen helped her into his car. "Just as well I decided not to take the roadster for a spin today," he smiled, "I am not sure your hair style would have held up."

"Probably not," she gave a light laugh as he started the engine. "Are we picking up Andrew on the way?" she asked.

"No, I have asked him to pick up something you need on his way and meet us there," Stephen said enigmatically. He refused to be drawn on exactly what Andrew was picking up except that she needed it, so Bella gave up asking.

They talked about what she had done in Mel's apartment and her indecision over the furniture in the living areas as they drove, Bella lamenting having to stop each day for her tutorial with Nyx. 

"There is so much to learn and know," she shook her head. "I am getting there I think, I don't want to disappoint or embarrass Nyx and Master Mike," she chewed her lip.

"I doubt you will, you're naturally graceful, I can help if you like," Stephen offered.

"You are Gorean?" Bella blinked at him. 

"I was for a time. Like you, Mel encouraged me to know all facets of the lifestyle so I could find my own style. I enjoyed my time with those men and their slaves, but I have my own path to walk," he explained. "There are facets of each of the easily identifiable lifestyles that I have probably included in my unique style. I can, therefore, move within each of those groups quite comfortably."

"I see," Bella continued to chew at her lip.

"I am assuming Nyx has taught you the basic language and slave positions," he saw her nod slowly from the corner of his eye as he drove. "The art of serving food and beverages in northern and southern styles and some dance techniques, or at least the stories that go with the standard dances," he added watching her continue to nod.

"Yes, Sir Stephen. I have been reading and memorising and practising whenever Nyx can come or be online, but I am afraid it won't be enough by next weekend," Bella said softly. "I really don't want to disappoint them."

"I doubt you could disappoint anyone," Stephen reached over and took her hand from her lap and held it. "The men of Gor are arrogant and sure in their belief of the natural order of things. The strong must rule and the weak serve the strong. Know your place, be pleasing to look at and the men will forgive any small lapses in protocol." 

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she looked down at the hand holding hers gently. She continued to struggle with the opposing personalities of the man holding her hand so gently. He was the demanding authoritative disciplinarian who ran the club with an iron fist, as well as the kind gentleman who owned a castle that gave so much back to the community it was a part of. 

They pulled up at the castle and seeing Andrew had not arrived yet Bella felt a pang of disappointment. She was intrigued as to what could be needed that he had to pick up before coming to meet her here. 

"Do you think I should call Andrew?" she asked. 

"They won't be far away, come help me find Jarod and Sophie," he took her hand and led her inside. They found them in the kitchen with Pete who was fussing excitedly around Sophie.

"The princess is here and we aren't ready," Pete sounded agonised and Stephen cleared his throat to announce their arrival in the kitchen.

"Good morning," Bella said brightly as they all looked up.

"Do something with him would you please, Stephen?" Sophie smiled.

"Come on Pete let's show Princess Bella what you have been working on," Stephen's deep bass chuckled. Bella felt dwarfed by the two big men as she walked between them out to the back of the building.

She hadn't been to this side of the building when she was here last and hers eyes widened as she was led into a working forge. Pieces of armour dotted the benches and mannequins stood in gleaming breastplates. Bella was overwhelmed with the beauty of each piece. It took several more minutes before Bella noticed the glass figurines that hid behind the strong steel of the armour.

Pete was fussing on the benches looking or something and moving some of the pieces around when she saw the small delicate objects and she walked toward them. Raising her hand as if to touch the items, Pete jumped and slapped her hand away, muttering about things being left as they are.

"Pete," Stephen's voice dropped dangerously low.

"It's okay, I should have asked. I wouldn't like someone just barging into my space and touching my things either," she smiled at Pete. "So what have you been working on lately?"

"I'm finding it, don't rush me," Pete answered snappily receiving another warning growl from Stephen. Bella grinned enjoying the excitable enthusiasm that Pete exuded and looked around the workshop again.

"Finally," Pete sighed and picked up a small item wrapped in a soft cloth. He began to unwrap it slowly and carefully. "I finished it last night," he said proudly to Stephen as he turned around holding a dainty glass tiara that reflected the light from the dying embers so beautifully it took Bella's breath away.

"That's exquisite," she breathed finally. "You made this? I mean here, you made this here?"

"Where else would I make it?" Pete sounded confused bringing a deep chuckle from Stephen.

"You never said anything about Pete being so talented," Bella accused. 

"We have had this conversation; I do not want to influence your decision making at work. If you see for yourself and you decide on something here, then I am more than happy to endorse it," Stephen said easily. "Pete is not someone who will follow a timetable to rush to a schedule but for the occasional one-off designs he might be able to help you out."

"This will be a productive day then won't it," Bella smiled widely at Pete who still held the tiara cradled in his hands.

"Why isn't she taking it?" Pete asked Stephen.

"She doesn't realise you made it for her," he laughed as Bella's eyes widened. 

"Really? You made this for me?" She was overwhelmed.

"She asks a lot of dumb questions. She might drive you insane, you know, if you keep her," Pete said seriously. "Dumb people can be really annoying, trust me I know!"

"You are so right, sometimes I think too hard and all the dumb questions just come out. May I try it on?" Bella asked.

"What do you think we are standing around here for? Of course, you have to try it on to see if it fits perfectly," Pete rolled his eyes looking at Stephen in despair. "Couldn't you have fallen in love with a smart princess?"

Stephen lost any pretence of being serious at that point and laughed loudly, "I like this one just the way she is." He continued to laugh as Bella blushed deeply and took the small tiara from her hair and exchanging it for the glass tiara. She placed it on top of her head holding it in place for a moment before removing it and looking at the two men chewing her lip. "Go ahead," Stephen encouraged, "He already thinks every question is a dumb one," his laughter burst forth again.

"It's so beautiful, but I can't wear it," Bella said softly a touch of sadness colouring her voice as she exchanged it for the small rhinestone tiara she had worn when she arrived. "See these teeth here," she explained pointing to the bottom band of the head piece. "They hold it in place, without them it would slide right off my head and break like that one almost did." She pointed to the glass tiara in his hands, "And it's too beautiful to accidentally break." She slid the small tiara back into her hair and shook her head gently showing that it did not move.

"It's wrong then," Pete went to throw it away making Bella squeal in fright. 

"No, not wrong entirely I have some pins at home that will keep it in place it will be perfect." She had reached up to try and take it from him to save the workmanship.

"But it's not perfect, I will make you a better one," he said without rancour.

"I know I'm just a silly girl, but I would love to have this one as well, please Pete, it's so beautiful," Bella pleaded with real feeling.

"Let her have it Pete," Stephen said mildly. Pete just shook his head and handed the tiara over.

"You can't wear it, I don't know why you would want it. I guess you're dumber than I thought," Pete said disappointedly and Bella hung her head, upset that she hadn't handled that very well.

"She said she had pins at home that would keep it in place. She is smart enough to find solutions to the mistakes other people make and not call them dumb for making a mistake in the first place," Stephen said flatly. "Bella why don't you go in and see if Andrew is here yet, I'll get Pete to wrap this up properly for the trip home."

"That's not necessary, I want to show Andrew anyway. The detail is exquisite," she smiled and looked up at Pete. "This must have taken you a very long time to make. Thank you. I am sorry I asked so many silly questions." Pete looked at Stephen but said nothing.

"Your house is like a maze. Could you walk me back please, Sir Stephen, so that I don't get lost?" She asked sweetly trying to stave off any argument between the brothers.

"Of course," he extended his arm for her to take and gave his brother one last hard stare before turning and walking back to the main building.

They walked toward the kitchen and saw Andrew coming toward them, Bella smiled, "Good morning, glad you made it."

"Just had to pick up something on the way that's all," Andrew smiled. "It's through here," he led Bella back through to the kitchen."

"Dorothea!" Bella exclaimed and rushed to hug the woman. "What are you doing here?"

"You told Rob that Kurt was keeping me prisoner in my home so he and Stephen sprung me for the day and that young cutie," she pointed at Andrew, "Completed the jailbreak." She laughed. "Thank you, my darling, I was going stir crazy with everyone underfoot."

"I'm so glad to see you," Bella grinned and hugged her again.

"I have a meeting with Louise, but then we can catch up for as long you like, I told Kurt I didn't know if I would be in today or not," Bella gushed.

"I am quite content here talking to Sophie, you go and have your meeting," Dorothea smiled.

Stephen guided them up to the small rooms in the rabbit warren that was the second floor. Bella had been there on their first visit to the cove, but the place still confused her. Stephen knocked on the door and it was opened by a pretty woman who seemed to bubble with excitement.

"Miss Biancotti! You're here," she stepped back and let Bella into the room smiling at Andrew and Stephen as they passed her. She had set out her jewellery on small tables around the room for them to inspect. 

Stephen stood back as Bella and Andrew both asked a multitude of questions and Bella became enamoured with an elven style necklace that with a few minor adjustments she could see being used as a decorative collar.

"Where do you work now?" Andrew asked, "To create the jewellery?"

"In my room mostly, its gets a bit messy but..." she shrugged.

"We are in the process of setting up a small workshop," Bella held yet another piece up before her inspecting it closely. "Would you consider coming in when it is complete for a trial with us?"

"A trial?" Louise asked.

"I like some of your designs but I want more up-market materials. I would like you to recreate this," she pointed at the elven necklace, "and maybe this," she held out her hand with another necklace. "In gold or platinum with some gemstones rather than the quartz you currently use."

"I am sure you understand that these materials would need to be monitored in a proper workshop rather than your room," Andrew added. 

"The trial would be for both of us, to see if you like working in a workshop and so we can see how creative you are with different materials," Bella smiled. "We would pay you like any employee, not just for the pieces but the time you spent working with us."




Possessing Bella Ch. 12



Authors Note: This is a chapter in this series primarily based in BDSM practises. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. ~ellie

*****

Bella had been beyond busy for the rest of the week. She and Andrew took over some space on the lower floor of the company and put together a workshop in which Louise could begin work until they decided on a location for their first store. In the evenings, she worked with Nyx or Steven on the speech and body language she would be required to have in her training with Master Mike in the following weeks. In the small amount of time, she had to herself she made decisions about the furniture in Mel's apartment and asked Stephen for his help in locating particular items and removing others.

Once she had decided on the beautiful antique bed from the storage facility, Bella found it easy to continue the theme throughout the apartment's décor. By Friday, she had labelled all the furniture to be removed and had ordered several pieces that would get delivered while she was away. Once she had made the larger decisions Stephen took control of the logistics reassuring her that he was more than happy to do so.

She had begun to accept what the others had said about Stephen's intentions toward her and enjoy the time he spent with her letting her see the softer caring side of his personality. She still found it hard to know exactly what he expected of her, but she relaxed more in his company and took on his offered tutelage to enhance her understanding of the Gorean Lifestyle. He showed her affection and his tender kisses still made her knees weak, and she found herself wishing for more. No matter how sexy her service was to him during their tutelage sessions he showed no inkling of wanting to take things further than just the occasional kiss. Every time she thought she had moved him in some way he still addressed her in his usual self-controlled manner. 

His manner both frustrated and confused her, but she kept the words of her friends in her mind. Stephen wanted more than just a playdate. He wanted her commitment, her acceptance of him as a Master, and she couldn't do that until the training schedule that had been set out was complete. Until then, they seemed to be locked in this oddly intimate dance in which they acknowledged their feelings and attraction but never truly acted on them. Stephen had been honest with her about his intentions, but Bella had not told him about her feelings yet. The truth was; he still confused her.

The fact that she had not voiced her growing feelings for him as he had done for her hit her like a slap in the face as she lay in bed on Saturday morning. She realised that she had never done more than thank him for his constant care and protectiveness. Bella was stunned that she had pushed him, because of her confusion to announce his intentions and had given nothing no indication of her thoughts regarding him in return. 

As always when she felt a pang of guilt she turned introspective and cursed herself for being a brat. She had expected him to show his hand completely while keeping hers close to her chest. Taking a deep breath, she examined her feelings carefully. He was a harsh and uncompromising man, but he was also good and kind in ways she had not expected. His expectations of her were high, but he also accepted that she did not have the skills or background to understand all of those expectations. He helped her, tutored her, corrected her, cared for her and protected her. She knew now that he didn't just do this out of obligation or duty. He did it because he cared deeply for her and held her to a higher standard than the other girls at the club that he cared for out of obligation and duty alone. 

She wondered at the amount of time he spent with her and how he was managing his role within the club. She knew that the girls relied heavily on him to protect them, and she wondered if the man who took his place when he wasn't there was as protective of them as he was. She somehow imagined that Stephen would have hand-picked a like-minded man to be a manager in his absence and she knew Jake would have taken some of the responsibility Stephen held in his absence.

Bella smiled thinking of Jake. Unlike Stephen, he was very easy to read. He was more relaxed and easy to be around. He too had made it clear that he cared about Bella but had left it at that seemingly happy to sit back and allow her the time and space she needed to get her life back together. It seemed strange to her that she knew Jake more intimately on a physical level than Stephen. He had been part of that crazy night in the Kava Lodge, yet she did not have the same feelings for him that she had for Stephen. 

She also knew Sire and Hunter more intimately than Stephen and yet for all her time with them she had not felt the intimacy that she felt from Stephen's hand holding and tender kisses. She laughed as she realised she had become a player. She had sex purely for the endorphins, the joy the twin mix that pain and pleasure gave her, not for the intimacy of being with another person. She remembered Mel and the tender aftercare he gave her that gave them both the intimacy their sex lacked. It was something Hunter lacked entirely, and Sire did not dwell upon, in his self-appointed role of teacher.

Climbing from the bed, she grabbed some clothes and headed for the shower still smiling. What she needed to do was reciprocate those small acts of intimacy and Stephen would know how she felt without her having to voice it. She laughed again as she stood under the water. It was always the women in magazine columns and talkback shows who accused men of not showing any commitment or intimacy. Here she was the one to shy away from it when Stephen showed his intentions toward her every day.

Master Mike and Nyx were spending the weekend preparing for a caravan that they wold take her on during the following week. Nyx had been very forthcoming with the things that would happen there. She had taught her several services of particular drinks and food to practise along with two dances that would highlight her needs to the potential Masters that would be present. Nervous about the many protocols expected in this lifestyle Bella had planned to practise most of the weekend with Stephen spending some time with her in the afternoon before she went to dinner with her parents.

She had almost forgotten that she had planned to invite her parents to the city this weekend to see a show. Luckily as always Stephen had put everything in place for her, including inviting himself along to a dinner at a wonderful restaurant he had chosen. He was become a key figure in every aspect of her life rather than the looming dark presence she had always known to be looking over her shoulder since Mel's death. Even in her work, though he maintained he would never influence her decision-making there, he had found her their first artisan and his brother would make some exquisite one-off pieces from them. She was looking forward to dinner. It seemed to have been forever since she had seen her parents, and she missed them, and acknowledged that her father enjoyed Stephen's company.

Bella spent the morning going over the slave positions and walked around the small apartment in the diaphanous piece of silky fabric she knew would be her only form of clothing during the two weeks ahead. Nyx had told her the once she would be required to know the protocols well, and she was determined to not embarrass her or Master Mike. Bella had committed as many as she could to memory, and while they may not all be perfectly executed, she would at least not be at a total loss if commanded to a particular position.

She had read the books and studied diligently, but it was such a strange lifestyle that she didn't feel even close to ready to join it. She knew that the reality was never going to be like the books and online forums but still she worried and went through the paces of the dances she had painstakingly prepared with Nyx. Firstly that of the new slave, a dance of submission and secondly the dance of beauty that would show her desirability to all of the Masters present.

Taking a break just before lunch she decided to go over her plans for Mel's apartment one last time. Pulling a light coat over the silk she wore she grabbed her keys and went across to the other side of the floor. She reminded herself once again that she should stop calling it Mel's apartment but in the state it was in, she couldn't help herself to remember. Maybe when there was new furniture she would feel different about it.

Leaving the door open she stepped into the now familiar space, her fingers trailing over the back of the large leather armchair as a smile came to her face. When she returned, all of these things would be gone. She would have a lot of work to do to try to put all the new furniture she had ordered into the vision of what she wanted for the space. 

She was just coming out of the bedroom when she saw Stephen standing in the middle of the living area. Bella slipped off the light-weight jacket and placed it over the back of a chair before padding softly toward him conscious of making her movements graceful.

"Greetings, Sir Stephen, I trust you slept well," she kept her eyes lowered and her hand relaxed at her side.

"Good morning, little one, I did sleep well despite the lateness of my evening," he placed a finger under her chin and tilted her face up to his. A smile touched his lips as he kissed her softly and resumed his stance. "I am glad you are here. I was hoping you could run me through your plans for this place properly before you left tomorrow evening."

"Of course," Bella began to speak about her plans for the main living area including longer term ideas for painting and artwork that she hadn't had the time to look for yet. She had definite colours and schemes in mind to match the furniture she had chosen. At various intervals, Stephen stopped her to ask questions but for the most part seemed content to listen as she gave detailed explanations of her plans for each room.

"Once my personal things from my apartment have been moved across I will be able to see better what I need or would like to make it truly my place," she said wistfully. "At the moment it is still Mel's apartment," she voiced her thoughts from earlier. Stephen murmured in acknowledgement as they re-entered the living room. 

"I have a few other concerns to talk with you about would you like to join me for lunch downstairs?" he asked. He too felt that the memory of Mel remained strong within the apartment and would rather talk with her on neutral ground.

"Yes, thank you, Sir Stephen. May I have a few moments to change first, please?" Bella looked down at the ragged piece of silky material she wore.

"You may," he went to the door and held it open for her. His hand curled around the back of her neck as they walked from one apartment to the other. Bella found the feeling of that hand reassuring now, protective even, the odd feeling it had originally given her regarding Mel having dulled over time.

She changed quickly, did her make-up and hair with the practised ease of someone who was constantly under a time constraint for such things. When she emerged, Stephen looked up from his phone where he had been checking emails and then back at the time again with satisfaction.

"Thank you for your patience," Bella said quickly misreading his look as one of being concerned at having been kept waiting.

"I had expected you to take longer, but you are most welcome," he gave a half smile. "Shall we go?" He held out his hand beckoning her to him.

That small smile had come to mean a lot to Bella. She got a small thrill every time it appeared because of something she did. She looked forward to the day she could elicit the wide happy smile he seemed to reserve for only a special few like his brother, Pete. She had seen it of course, but it had never been there just for her. The most she had managed to elicit from him was this half smile, but she basked in its warmth just as happily as if it had been a full smile. She took a breath and decided now was as good a time as any to voice the things she had been thinking about all morning.

"Sir Stephen," she said letting out a breath and watching him furrow his brows and lower his extended hand. "When I said thank you for your patience, I didn't mean for just now I meant...," the words suddenly ran out and she felt lost in what she wanted to say.

"Go on," he said in a dangerously low rumble.

"What I meant to say was... I mean... it's just that," Bella stammered. Stephen's expression became darker, and he stalked back toward her taking a seat in the one armchair threw a pillow on the floor at his feet.

"Speak, I am not a mind reader as I have told you too often already," Stephen growled. He hated not being in control of situations, and this girl had a way of making him feel as if everything he wanted was about to be pulled out of his reach. He hated that he wanted her so badly that it messed with his emotions in such a way that his frustration showed clearly even to himself.

Bella knelt carefully in front of him and for once looked up to try and read his eyes. See had handled this badly. It wasn't a good time to talk about these things. Now she had started, however, and made them both uncomfortable, she felt she needed to keep going in order to clear the air between them and maybe ease his moodiness as well as her confusion.

"I wanted to thank you properly, for your guidance, protection and especially your patience with me over the last few months. I know I have not been the easiest girl to look after. Although I am naïve and often totally out of my depth, I think I do understand what you said to me," she swallowed noisily. "I am committed to the training program and I would not want to let anyone down who stood for me when the program was put in place. I am grateful too, that you are letting me get to know you better as well." She let her voice drop and continued to search his eyes for any indication that he understood what she was saying.

"You have been so very patient with me, especially when I don't understand the motives behind the things people do. You have cared for me in ways I didn't even realise at the time, like back at the beach house. You made me take responsibility for my mistakes and face them. You have supported me through everything. Even though I may have thought you were severe and even harsh at times, you always told me the truth, even when it was unpleasant," Bella gave a half smile. "Thank you," she said simply.

Stephen was speechless. This was not what he had expected to hear when she had started stammering nervously. He had thought she was worried about her parents or her readiness to visit Mike and Nyx and needed reassurance. He stared at her silently, his heart thumping loudly in his chest as she looked up at him with those beautiful green eyes and said she understood his intentions.

"I will continue to protect and care for you as long as you need me, little one," he spoke softly his low voice full of the emotion he so rarely displayed. "I will also continue to wait patiently because I believe as you do that you should live up to the commitment you made. At least to the original five Masters," he paused and searched her eyes seeing no confusion there despite the bottom lip that had been pulled between her teeth. He bent his head to kiss her lightly before beginning to talk again in the same soft, quiet tone.

"Know that should you choose me when you are ready, there will be no others to train or test you. You will belong to me and me alone. So honour this commitment, learn about yourself and your needs as much as you can, show the world the real woman you are and be sure of what you want. In the end the choice will be yours," he kissed her again, deeply this time, taking her breath away and leaving her trembling with the force of it. 

At that moment, Bella believed she could love him as deeply as she had Mel. He had said the very words she needed to hear. If she chose him, she would be his one and only and he hers. She couldn't help the smile at split her face as she looked up at him after the kiss and was rewarded with one of the rare full smiles that she craved from him.

Stephen let out a small growl, "You are far too tempting looking up at me like that. Let's go and have lunch downstairs before I become another notch on your bedpost," he gave a crooked smile but noticed the fleeting look of disappointment on Bella's face. "When I take you, it will be because we both know you are meant to be mine, not the day before I must hand you to someone else." He helped her to her feet and kissed her tenderly softening his words, "That day is not so far away now."

Bella felt a rush of mixed emotions. The bond between them had begun to deepen with her words to him, she could feel it wrapping invisibly around her. She knew too that the training program was a journey she must take so she could be more confident in who she was both as a submissive and in her chosen career. If Stephen had have asked she would have considered deferring the time she had committed to going to Nyx and Dusty, she was sure Dianne and Kurt would not mind her deferring their portion of the program. He didn't ask though. He had said he would wait patiently while she did what she needed to do. She wasn't sure she wanted to wait though, at that moment all she wanted was more of him.

Jake had joined them for lunch and Stephen it seemed was pleased to put some space between himself and Bella sitting on the opposite side of the table. The conversation was as usual lively and full of good-natured ribbing and after her initial disappointment she relaxed and enjoyed Jake's company and the way he interacted with Stephen. The more time Bella spent with Stephen, the more she saw the side of his personality that only close friends saw. She had known him so long that the softer caring nature he had shown her recently still came as a surprise.

Towards the end of lunch, Theo, one of the trainee managers, motioned Stephen from the table and after a brief conversation with the man, Stephen came back to the table. "It seems your parents are here," Stephen said. "At the front desk," he added with a low chuckle after seeing her look around quickly, "Come, they are waiting."

"I can't! I need to change, to clean up my apartment," she sounded panicked.

"Your apartment is always spotless, so I will give you a moment to change and collect your parents for you. Shall we go?" Once again, Stephen held out his hand for Bella to take.

"Thank you so much for lunch, it was wonderful as always I am sorry I have to rush off," Bella said hastily to Jake and took Stephen's hand hurrying from the club.

"I was supposed to meet them at their hotel later," Bella whispered apologetically. 

"Did you think Rosie would forego the opportunity to check on you properly?" Stephen chuckled and shook his head.

"I guess not, but Dad usually at least warns me," Bella said plaintively.

Stephen took the elevator to the third floor letting her out and promising her only a few minutes before returning. Bella hurriedly pulled off the tight skimpy outfit on her way to the bedroom. Grateful that she had had time to organise her closet recently she grabbed one of the sweet summery dresses that her mother had brought her and pulled it over her head. Satisfied with a quick glance in the mirror, she hurried around the small apartment making sure everything was in place.

The door opened moments later to reveal her parents her mother blushing under Stephen's quiet compliments and her father good-naturedly pretending to be jealous of the mock flirting, men always showered on his wife. Bella came forward hugging them both and smiling widely.




Possessing Bella Ch. 12



"I thought we were going to meet at the hotel later!" Bella said in feigned surprise.

"How could I not come and see you when you have been so generous. You shouldn't be spending all your money on us," her mother admonished. "You should see that grand hotel where your father took me, champagne and chocolates in our room as if we were on our honeymoon or something." Rosie blushed again.

"What number honeymoon would this be?" Stephen low bass rumbled.

"Every hour of every day with my wife is a honeymoon," Joe cut in and took his wife's hand kissing it.

"Oh, stop that. I already said you could go to the car show tomorrow," Rosie scowled at Joe. "I am looking forward to spending some time with my Bella. Alone." She eyed Stephen as he was about to say something, and he quickly reassessed the situation. He would talk to Joe later and discuss the trip Bella was leaving for on Sunday afternoon. He had hoped to spend some time with her in the afternoon before she left but could see that possibility dwindling with her mother's words.

"Now, now, Rosie. We discussed this. Bella has a business trip planned and may need some time to prepare before she leaves," Joe cautioned his wife in a deep voice his arm snaking around her lower back supportively.

"I just wanted you and Dad to enjoy yourselves this weekend," Bella said slowly.

"Do you think I don't see enough of him already? You're the one I miss, Bella," Rosie complained and moved to hug her daughter to her. 

"Why don't I take Joe to the car show early and you two girls can have an hour or so together," Stephen offered. "That way we can be back early and Bella will still have time to prepare for her trip." Both Bella and Joe looked sceptical, but Rosie smiled. It was a battle she wasn't sure she could win. While Stephen's suggestion wasn't exactly what she wanted, she knew they would be away for much longer than Stephen predicted if her husband held true to form. She considered offering to help Bella prepare by packing for her and extending her time together but decided to take the small win and not push her luck.

"That sounds good to me," Joe said easily looking forward to attending the car show with a man he knew enjoyed classic cars as much as he did.

"So show me this apartment you are moving to," Rosie said as if Bella had brought up the conversation already. 

"Oh Mum, I would much rather you came after I had gotten rid of the old furniture there. I am keeping very little of what is there now. I promise as soon as I have it all ready I will invite you down for a visit," Bella wasn't sure she wanted her parents in that space yet, or at all.

"I like having the before and after effect, and I could give you some suggestions," Rosie sounded upset that Bella was so reticent. "I have some experience at decorating," she smiled.

"Come on, Elliebellie," he father said teasingly. "We just need to know everything is going well for you now. We don't see you often enough, show us this great new apartment, and it will put our minds at ease almost as much as seeing Stephen hovering over you as protectively does." He smirked and then laughed at the look Stephen gave him.

"I guess, but you have to understand that most of the furniture will be being replaced," she agreed reluctantly.

They walked through the elevator with Rosie exclaiming in surprise as the other side of the same floor opened up to reveal an identical corridor. Stephen opened the door and let them into the larger apartment as he always did for Bella without thinking but was pulled up short but Joe's subtle observation.

"So you have a key to my daughter's apartment, how convenient," Joe moved past the big man into the rooms that once belonged to Mel. "This chesterfield is beautiful Bella, why wouldn't you want to keep it?"

"This was Mel's apartment," she said quietly. "Mel left it to me with all the contents."

"Oh, all this dark furniture is way too masculine for you anyway, it's good to clear it out and start from scratch. What are you going to do with it?" Rosie was walking around the room looking at everything.

"It will go to storage I think," Bella looked at Stephen who nodded slightly. "You're always redecorating and moving your furniture around, is there anything you would like to take? We could have it moved to your place as easily as the storage facility."

"Don't encourage your father, he loves this sort of thing but it's more for show than comfort," Rosie rolled her eyes.

"I have some office furniture that is just too big and overwhelming for me maybe you would like that Dad," Bella encouraged and moved towards the study room. 

"Actually, I was thinking about making a separate office for your mother. So she can finally write that family secrets cookbook for you she is always talking about," Joe said and took a step away from Rosie as she swiped at him indignantly. "Oops, I wasn't supposed to mention that was I?" He winked at Bella.

"That book would sell like hotcakes. I can think of at least six people I know who would order multiple copies just based on that Arancini recipe you let me have," Stephen low bass voice held enthusiasm.

"Well, it was just a thought really. I am not very sure I could do it on my own. I was hoping when Bella had holidays that she might help me get started," Rosie blushed under Stephens compliments. 

"I have a friend who is a chef who made them from your recipe. Not quite as expertly as you do, but his customers were buzzing and asking for more dishes like that on his menu," Stephen continued. "Maybe next time you are in town we can set up a meeting or something, I believe he has some background in publishing recipe books."

"Really? Well, that would be something to think about don't you think Joe?" Rosie as always looked to her husband when faced with decisions. She was one to voice her opinions, but Joe had always been the decision maker in their relationship.

"Something to consider indeed," he nodded as he walked into the office space he eyes lingering over the large dark wood antique desk. Similar to his own this had an appeal in its design that set it apart. And it was indeed something he would consider looking after for his daughter or possibly purchasing from her. Joe went around behind the desk and sat in a large comfortable leather chair. It was comfortable and matched the desk perfectly. "When were you planning on moving this stuff?" he asked in a casual way.

"The movers will be here next week while she is on her business trip," Stephen replied for her, "I'll let them in and make sure it all gets done properly." 

"You and my daughter have become very close it seems," Joe raised an eyebrow.

"Dad!" Bella exclaimed mortified by her father's tone of voice.

"Just an observation, Elliebellie," Joe looked between his daughter and the big man beside her. In truth, he liked Stephen well enough but he worried that despite the last few months that Bella was not ready for the kind of relationship that seemed to be brewing between them.

"You have good eyes," Stephen chuckled easily. "Bella and I have been spending a lot of time together recently. I mean, I realise I'm quite the catch, but I like to take things slowly no matter how irresistible she can seem at times." He lowered his voice to a stage whisper, "Takes after her mother in that department I assume?" Joe joined Stephen's deep chuckle as the two women blushed.

"Oh, you two stop that," Rosie admonished with a smile, then turned to study Bella, who blushed even deeper. "You would both be lucky if we looked your way tonight, we could just as easily find ourselves some other men to us to dinner and the show. What was it Kurt called me, Bella?"

"A cougar?" Bella smiled at her mother's attempt to tease her father and Stephen.

"We can't have that can we Stephen? We might be relegated to staying at home and having to watch football or something with room service in front of the TV," Joe looked absurdly crestfallen.

"I hear there is a documentary on the history of the Alpha Romeo," Stephen offered trying to hide his conspiratorial grin.

"Don't you dare," Rosie broke in. 

"It's okay mum. We can go without them. I'll even organise a couple of frozen dinners for them so they can feel right at home," Bella finally recovered from the initial conversation and joined in the teasing. "Then you can show me your new cougar skills and find us two interesting dates for the show."

"Come show me the rest of this place, and we can plan our evening," Rosie threaded her arm around Bella's and the two women walked from the room.

"Let your father talk to him for a few minutes," Rosie whispered once they were out of earshot, "And tell me how you are truly doing."

"I am okay mum. I am getting better all the time. Look at what I am doing with this place," she gave a half smile. 

"And Stephen?" Rosie pressed.

"He kissed me," she admitted then sighed. "He says he knows I'm not ready to move on properly yet and will wait. Aside of a quick kiss he hasn't done anything but be my friend and look after me." Bella looked back toward where they had left the men with concern.

"Aw my baby," Rosie enveloped her in a warm hug. "No one ever forgets their first big love but they do move on eventually. Your father worries though he would never tell you how much. Let him be the protective lion." She grinned and held Bella away from her with a girlish grin. "Have you lost weight again?"

"No mum," Bella tried not to roll her eyes.

"Still, you need to come home so I can feed you and make sure you're eating properly," Rosie encouraged.

"I'd like that. The only problem is that now that everyone is finding out what a good cook you are my friends will want to come too," Bella laughed. "I am not sure Kurt or Stephen are willing to share the honour of eating in your dining room though."

"Well, they can all come baby. Your friends have always been welcome in my kitchen," Rosie continued to grin. "When this place is all finished, you could have a house warming, and I will come and cook and then I can meet all your little friends."

"My friends are not exactly little in case you hadn't noticed," Bella looked back towards the study again.

"He is a bit on the tall, dark and handsome side I must admit," Rosie giggled.

"You must be talking about me," Joe announced as he walked into through the living area toward them.

"Who else?" Rosie smiled and winked at Bella. "I would hardly be talking about one of Bella's little friends." She said with a perfectly straight face making Stephen stop in his tracks and raise an eyebrow.

"What on earth have you been telling your mother?" Stephen said with a wounded look that made them all laugh.

"We just came to check in with you. We'll see you at the hotel for an early dinner," Joe said. "Rosie and I have another stop to make while we are in the city."

"I'll walk you down," Stephen said. "That'll give Bella some time to herself before we go out tonight."

Bella embraced her parents and said goodbye then returned to her apartment. She spent some time going over all the plans she had put in place with both Stephen and Andrew for while she was away and then ran herself a steaming hot bath. Taking her time she pampered herself with various treatments that she had not found time to do during the last few weeks. 

She put on the dress Stephen had brought her after her first trip to the cove and twirled before the mirror. It was a beautiful outfit, and she smiled remembering the first time he had kissed her. By the time Stephen arrived to pick her up Bella was more than ready.

"You look beautiful," Stephen murmured and kissed her lightly as she opened the door. "Ready to go?"

"I'm looking forward to it," she smiled and took his arm.

Throughout the evening, Stephen was attentive and chivalrous, pulling out chairs and opening doors for her. She felt like she was on a real date and let herself enjoy the fantasy that it could be like this for her in the world outside the lifestyle. Stephen held her hand or placed his hand in the small of her back as they walked making her feel the date like quality of the evening even more so.

Even in Italy this was not something Mel did. There was always the clear definition of his role as her Master. Mel's hand would encircle the back of her neck or her upper arm rather than her hand when they walked together. She smiled and looked up at Stephen noting the subtle differences between himself and his mentor regardless of the similar lifestyles they chose to lead and relished the feel of his large hand wrapped around hers.

With Mel she knew she was his possession, treasured and adored but still, she had belonged to him just like his company had, she was never his equal or partner, not even in social situations. She knew without a doubt that he had loved her, but it had always on his terms. The man beside her, she knew wanted to one day possess her, but she wondered if it would be in the same complete way. She let herself consider a future with him. She could see that being a couple in the world outside of their circle of friends would not be strained by their roles within the lifestyle and having to keep that of that side of their relationship hidden.

She had caught herself smiling at the thought of a being a couple in the future and then remembered that there were still many obstacles between now and when that time might come. Still she thought it was an almost perfect evening as the walked hand in hand.

"You're very quiet tonight," Stephen deep voice murmured beside her as they left the hotel after saying goodbye to her parents. 

"I was just thinking about how nice it was to feel so," she searched her brain for a better word than normal. Everything was normal to her now both in and out of the lifestyle.

"So?" He questioned.

"It's hard to explain," she sighed. 

"Try," he stopped walking and turned to look at her with focused attention. A half smile softening his features, "I'd like to know what goes on in that pretty head of yours when you bite your lip like that." 

"My parents had a party, for their twenty-fifth anniversary.Mel helped put it together," her face lit up at the memory. "There were costumes and it was a fabulous night really. It was the first time I actually questioned Mel about whether we could ever go to parties like that or out to somewhere outside of his circle as a real couple. Like a normal couple.Tonight I just feel so..." She blushed as Stephen scrutinised her, "Normal."

"So tonight was normal? A double date with your parents!" Stephen chuckled.

"Mel and I never did anything that wasn't laced with elements of his lifestyle. Even in Italy it was always such a huge part of our day to day lives. I guess we never had much time to see what could have been, given the opportunity. Tonight was nice, and because I don't have a better word, it felt normal," she finished lamely.

"The word you are looking for is vanilla I believe," Stephen continued to chuckle as he walked her to his car. "Not everything has to be so clearly defined, you know. People in the lifestyle can still enjoy a night at the theatre with vanilla friends and maintain their roles within the relationship. Am I not still dominant to your submissive?"

Bella chewed her lip and tilted her head considering his words. "It just wasn't that way with Mel, perhaps because we were more umm... intimate," she blushed deeply.

"Perhaps," Stephen shrugged and opened the car door for her.

They drove the short distance back discussing the following morning and trying to find a timetable that would allow them some time over lunch to go through what she needed to prepare for her time with the Goreans.

Walking her up to her apartment Stephens hand once again curled about her neck protectively. "Sleep well, little one," he said softly after opening her door for her. She tilted her head up expecting the kiss that had accompanied that phrase recently, but instead he was gazing down on her an odd expression on his face.

"Is something wrong?" she whispered.

"Quite the contrary," Stephen pulled her to him with a strong arm around her waist and kissed her hard deepening the kiss with each heartbeat. Bella could feel his arousal as he held her tight against him, and she found herself surrendering to his kiss and his pure physicality at that moment. 

Stephen abruptly ended the kiss and frowned at her, "Goodnight," he said in a soft apologetic tone and closed her door leaving her to wonder what had happened. In truth, Stephen wasn't sure himself. He prided himself on always being in control and unemotional on the surface, but he found with each passing moment that he spent with Bella his control around her slipped a little more. He wanted her, but he knew it was still too soon for her to accept the relationship he wanted.

The following morning had gone by so quickly with Bella using her laptop to talk her mother through the plans for the new apartment's refurbishment while the men went to the car show. It seemed they had barely been gone before they returned apologising for returning later than expected.

Rosie and Joe left reluctantly, and as much as Bella loved their company now that she so rarely saw them she was glad to have the time to prepare before she saw Nyx and Master Mike that evening. She began going through the things she needed to think about in her mind as Stephen walked them down to the parking garage.

Gor was such that Bella knew she was nothing going into that lifestyle and that even her name would need to be given to her by a Master. She shivered at the thought. While she loved the beauty and grace of the movements expected of the women of Gor, she did not agree with many of the concepts it embraced. Particularly the lack of choices or even a voice in most cases, that women endured as slaves. She slipped on the soft, ragged edged piece of silk, and adjusted its Nyx has shown her with a rope belt around her waist. She then began to go through the motions of as many of the slave positions as she could remember.

Stephen returned and took a seat in the large comfortable chair watching her and waiting for her to offer him service. A small smile played across his lips as he watched the minute hand tick over on the small mantle clock she had on the coffee table. It had taken several minutes before she became aware that he was waiting for something, and she gulped loudly. Deciding that she would surprise him, she took and large breath and stood from her kneeling position to walk towards him.

Bella knelt before him knees wide and her hand open, palm up on her thighs. Stephen smiled down at her. "Greetings Master, may this girl offer you service?"

"Ale," Stephen said shortly.

"Would you like that in a tankard or a horn Master?" Bella asked sweetly a soft smile pulling at her lips.

"Tankard," again he barked a short word at her barely looking at her as he did so.

Bella unfurled from her kneel slowly stretching her sleek body before him before spinning on the balls of her feet. Gliding skilfully to the kitchen, her emerald green eyes dancing in enjoyment she sought out the perfect tankard for him from a small range she had.

Knowing he was watching her she stretched to the tip of her toes reaching the high shelf these and several other vessels meant for this type of service had been placed by Nyx. She let out a small sound of breath catching in her throat escape as she grazed her thigh against the edge of the bench top and teased the tankard from the high shelf with the tips of her fingers.

She turned slightly offering him a view of her silhouette. She knew the light would render the thin, silky fabric of her dress translucent as she brought the tankard down to her chest. Then she tested the rim for chips and cracks against the soft exposed skin of the side her neck. She breathed deeply and let it tremble from her throat as she finally lowered the tankard to the bench.




Possessing Bella Ch. 12



Taking a clean cloth she carefully wiped over the tankard and held up to glint in the bright light of the kitchen. She took a step toward the refrigerator and braced herself before opening the door as if opening the door to an ice-cold strong room. She felt her breasts begin to pucker with the eroticism of her performance as Stephen lounged in the doorway watching her closely.

Bella took a bottle from the refrigerator and twisted the cap off with a towel before tilting the tankard and pouring the beer that sufficed as ale into the large tankard filling it to just below the brim. Picking up the tankard, she held it to her breast. The thin material of her ragged camisk offering her skin no protection from the now icy surface. She felt her flesh become goose-bumped as she turned back towards where Stephen once again sat in the large chair. She noted that he moved swiftly and quietly for a large man.

Bella tossed her curly hair back over her shoulder with a flick of her head and felt her hair cascading down over her back. She walked carefully taking tender care of the tankard she carried as her hips swayed in what she hoped was a provocative manner back toward the master she served. With the utmost care, she sank to her knees in front of him, her pale thighs widening lewdly to expose more of herself to him than she had previously. 

Arching her back, she pressed her breasts forward against the edge of his tankard. She rested it close to her heart for the length of five heartbeats before lowering her head to kiss the outer edge of the glass rim. She lowered her head, her flicking tongue tracing over small pink lips as she prepared to speak to him.

"Master this girl brings you chilled ale in a tankard as you commanded. She prays that it refreshes you and that this girl's service has brought you some pleasure this day," her voice was small and breathy as she spoke. 

Stephen reached to take the tankard from her out-stretched hands and as if on cue Bella gasped as their fingers made contact briefly. She squirmed slightly on her heels as she brought her hands back to her thighs and laid them palm up in a gesture of submission.

"Very nicely done," Stephen said in a deep voice. "You may return to the slave mats now and pretend I have entered as a Jarl of the north. How would you change that exact service to suit such a man?"

She went back to the other side of the room as Stephen stood and placed the still full tankard into the freezer. When he came back in to sit down, Bella crawled to his feet and slithered up his legs and torso pressing her body against his as she moved until her face cleared his enormous chest. Purring softly, she licked a line up his neck and along his jawline to his ear.

"Jarl, may this beast get you anything this evening?" she purred into his ear softly.

"Ale," he growled low at her.

"Would you like that in a tankard or a horn, my Jarl," she purred.

"Tankard," his word came out as more of a groan.

Bella slowly unfurled from his body retracing her body's movement as it lifted from him with her hands. Standing she spun on the balls of her feet like a dancer might. She walked with a slightly exaggerated sway to her hips. Padding into the kitchen she had known that the drink lay in the freezer, so she opened the door letting out an audible gasp and small tremble as the cool air rushed out at her practically naked form. She took the heavy tankard and pulled it her breast, even a short time in the freezer had made it frostier than before, and she shivered as her skin crawled with goose-bumps. 

Taking a deep breath, she tested the cold rim of the vessel against the soft skin of her neck. Stepping back from the freezer that lay at the bottom of the refrigerator, she bumped the door closed with a saucy swing of her hip before turning back towards the living area. Looking up, she saw Stephen smiling smugly at her as she moved.

Once again, she tossed her hair sending it cascading down her back before padding silently out to where he sat once again. Bella approached him from the side and brushed her breasts against his large muscled bicep. She brought the tankard to her lips slowly, leaving a lingering kiss on the edge before turning it in her hands and pressing that edge to his lips and brushing it against them while purring into his ear.

"Your ale, my Jarl, chilled despite the heat of this beast," her voice was soft but held a sexually charged heat.

"And you are a hot little beast," his low voice rumbled. "You are more than ready to serve the Masters of Gor."

Bella couldn't help but smile at the compliment feeling the pleasure of his words roll through her. She slid to her knees in the perfect Karta before him and lowered her eyes. Stephen took several minutes to study her as she knelt there. His self-restraint was wavering, and he wished he didn't have to take her to another Master tonight. To try and distract himself, he took her through various slave positions making adjustments for her and asked her about particular styles of service and greetings.

"I have spoken with Mike and Rob. Being an uncollared girl in Gor is not advisable. Girls who enter that lifestyle uncollared can are taken by the first man who discovers her. He then keeps her as his own but more often than not she is sold," Stephen took on a lecturing tone in an effort to convey the seriousness of his words. "To that end we decided that you would be required to take a collar from one of us for your protection. As I am the one who has been given the duty of overseeing your training and have links to that community, we thought it best you wear my collar. Mike will had his token of protection to it when you serve his in his home."

"Thank you, Sir Stephen. I would be honoured to wear your collar while I am with the Goreans," Bella said softly. She knew from all she had studied and her conversations with Nyx that this would be expected, and it was not like formal collaring. It was more a necessity of this particular lifestyle and would save her from a forced collaring at the hand of someone who may not release her after the two weeks with the Goreans was over.

"You may not thank me after I explain further," Stephen considered her. "I am aware that Nyx has ensured that your training so far included a lot of information about the assassins of Gor and how to serve them appropriately."

"Yes," Bella nodded. "She was very clear about that side of things because even while they are accepted and respected for their craft they are dangerous and to be served with caution."

"As the property of an assassin, girls too can be seen as dangerous," Stephen let his words sink in. "Accepting my collar as you enter Gor will mark you as a dangerous woman and one to be watched carefully. It is not beyond some assassins to have their slaves poison another Masters drink or food." Bella's eyes became wide as the meaning of his words became clear.

"You will be there to serve every Master as they wish, with no restrictions from wearing this collar but it will protect you from being claimed and make the more unscrupulous Masters cautious around you. No one wants to cross an assassin, particularly me." Stephen let a rare grin escape and checked his watch.

"Get dressed," he said abruptly. "Lincoln will drive us to the Cove and we will leave from there to meet with Mike and Nyx. 

"Yes Sir Stephen," Bella did little to hide her surprise and leapt to her feet. She padded into her bedroom, choosing a soft flowing green dress to wear and matching heels. Doing her make-up quickly and pulling her hair up into a messy knot at the back of her head, she reappeared with the small garter pouch containing her phone and credit card.

They left the apartment and went down to the garage to meet Lincoln. Bella was surprised to find that Stephen sat in the back with her, a covered basket nestled on the seat between them. Once out on the highway, Stephen uncovered the basket displaying gourmet sandwiches and tubs of fresh fruit salad.

"I promised your mother I would make sure you ate better," Stephen chuckled. "We have little time to stop today, so we need to eat on the run or the drive if we must." 

They began to eat commenting on the food and thinking about the weeks ahead. Bella was a little confused by the revelations Stephen had made that morning. Stephen in his private thoughts considered how far to push her in his need for her to take this collar as a further indication of his intentions toward her. With both of them concerned as to how to voice their individual concerns the drive out to the Cove seemed to take no time at all.

"Thanks, Lincoln," Stephen said easily. "I'll call you when I return."

"Have fun," Lincoln said to both of them and then drove away further confusing Bella as to how they would get to Mike and Nyx's house. Stephen took her hand and walked towards his castle-like home.

"Pete went to a mediaeval fair down south with Jarod and Sophie. There are just a few of the workers still here, but we will have the main house to ourselves," Stephen explained.

"Oh," she was disappointed not to see Pete but she had a feeling it was for the best as she was still unsure why they had come here before going to meet with Master Mike. She wondered where they were headed as he led her through the main rooms and kitchen to the north-eastern corner of the building and heavy wood and iron door.

"My tower," Stephen explained, "Pete's is the southern tower." He allowed her to walk ahead of him following her up the winding staircase to the next level which opened into the living area. The furniture all seemed to mirror the castle theme and looked less than comfortable, but she suspected that Stephen spent little time here in reality, and it was more for show than everyday use.

Ascending another set of stairs Bella found herself in Stephen's bedroom and in opposition to the rest of the castle décor this was a luxurious room built for comfort. The massive bed took up almost half the room. A large old battered armchair took up another corner, and furred rugs littered the polished stone floors. Along the far wall, an open door showed a small bathroom, and she assumed the closed door hid a walk in closet of some kind. The colour and furnishings made it a wholly masculine room and she could see Stephen here, relaxing and unwinding from his life in the city.

Having felt impotent after handing her over to Hunter, Stephen had been proactive about this phase of her training. He had already begun speaking with Jack and Samuel, who would most likely be Jack's choice as her next temporary Master, about her time with them. If he was going to hand her over to another's care, he was going to influence that time as much as possible from here on out.

"You will need to wear appropriate silk becoming a slave of an assassin," He walked into his closet and returned with a piece of red silk that he handed to her. "Change and then kneel on that rug." He pointed to a soft black rug before the large armchair then disappeared into his closet again.

Rather than being ragged, this silk was cut and sewn in such a way as its raggedness was purposeful and heightened the sexuality of the wearer. Bella stood before the mirror adjusting it and even knelt in the position of a pleasure slave to see how it sat upon her. It was as if it had been made for her the way it clung to her form. Satisfied she went to kneel on the rug before his chair.

Stephen finally re-emerged into the room. He wore leather pants and thick boots. His chest and torso were partially covered with an open, sleeveless leather tunic that fell down to his thigh and was held together across his abdomen by loose shoelace type leather thongs. Bella had to stop her mouth from dropping open. He looked beyond the handsome man she knew, he was gorgeous, and she found herself openly staring at him. 

He dropped a bundle of what Bella assumed were coats on the bed and retrieved a small chest from the closet before coming to sit in front of her. Her nose twitched at the smell of well cared for leather, and she leaned forward a little toward it showing her desire.

"Such a needy slave," Stephen eyed her up and down taking in her obvious arousal. "But before we leave there needs to be an understanding between us," he said slowly and carefully. "So that you understand the position I am putting you in properly. Also, so, that should a man offer you a life that you are tempted by you will have other options to think on and relate to him."

"Less than a quarter of the women of Gor were actually slaves, if one adheres to the books of John Norman rather than the belief of an online community that have twisted the passages of his books to their own wants and needs. This makes the Gorean slave girl a very valuable commodity. Especially a display slave," Stephen began. "You are beautiful Bella, and you have an innate grace in your movements that will make your owners in Gor wish to display you. Once you accept my collar, you will belong to me. The man I give your care to, however, will protect you as if you were his own."

Bella opened her mouth to speak but remembering her place closed her mouth again and chewed her lip thoughtfully.

"Speak this will be your last chance to ask all those questions that plague you," Stephen said with humour.

"Do you know who that will be? I mean, I assumed you would give me to Mike, and he would choose a Master for me while I was there," Bella asked. "Nyx said we would be at another's home but she didn't say much aside of that, like it was a secret or something."

"Back when the idea was first floated about your training, Mike began preparations with a man who runs a Gorean retreat in his retirement. He has organised a festival of sorts which from all accounts will be well attended. I will stay two nights and watch you as well as make my presence known to the other men there. I will then return the following Sunday and Monday before picking you up at the end of the second week."

"I am not giving you my collar merely as a prop, Bella," he turned suddenly serious. "I want you to remember that while I have determined to be patient while you complete this journey you ave begun, my intentions once it is over are far more serious. There will come a time when your grief and loss are not so acute. Where Mel will always reside in a piece of your heart, but you will be ready to let someone else into your heart who can accept him being there as well. I would like to be that man, but I will not force it on you while you are still coming to terms with all that has happened."

"You are right," Bella said softly, "Mel will always hold a special place in my heart. He gave me so much and without him I am not sure where I would be," she pulled a face thinking of Jim. "Probably engaged to someone I didn't love because it was what was expected," she sighed. "I will always love Mel for opening up a whole new world to me, both privately and in the company but..." she swallowed and took a breath. "He was my Master for a month or there abouts. I mean, I knew him most of my life as a family friend, but I only knew the real him for such a short time." She tried to explain herself. "It was intense and that is what probably made my grief all the more palpable. He owned me; body and soul and I gave it all to him because I loved him and wanted more. I wanted this lifestyle, the training and understanding he could give me as I learned, and the fact is I still do."

Stephen said nothing as she looked up to him for understanding, so she continued. "This training, while giving me the chance to explore and be in this world, isn't really what I thought I wanted," her voice dropped as she admitted it out loud for the first time. "I wanted to feel again. I wanted to feel something, anything, without the risk of being hurt again, but the euphoria of the sex is not enough on its own. I realise now that I need more in my life, not just need but I want more than just a playdate as you once put it."

"I did?" Stephen finally broke his silence.

"I thought so, but maybe it was Dorothea who used that term," Bella blushed.

"It's an apt description," Stephen said with genuine humour. Then his face turned serious again. "Bella, I will admit that I have status and respect among the men or Gor, and I have used that to influence your time there rather than handing you over to another entirely. Master Kolten will take you into his home and under his protection when I leave. You will serve any Master who wishes it as befits a pleasure slave, but you will, for all intents and purposes, belong to me. I did this selfishly so that no other would be able to place their collar around your neck in my absence."

Bella was once again chewing her lip and tilted her head at his words. 

"Speak," Stephen said sensing her thoughts again. 

"I know I have a lot to learn, and I don't always understand these things but, couldn't I just say that my interest lies elsewhere or with someone else should the need arise?" Bella asked softly.

"In Gor, slaves have no real voice or choices as they do across other lifestyles. It is best this way, unless of course you do not wish to wear my collar, I would never force it on you," Stephen's voice had begun to turn hard with the last phrase.

"Oh no," Bella said aghast that he would think that, "I feel honoured that you would think I am worthy of wearing it. It's just that I would like..., have been liking, getting to know you better, and I was thinking beyond the two weeks that's all. You have told me of your intentions, and I was wondering if I should declare mine in the same regard, sort of, well at least my interest in knowing you more." Her head dropped, and a deep blush coloured her features.

"When you return, if you still feel the same way, it is something we can talk about," Stephen tilted her chin up so that she could see his pleasure at her words and kissed her lightly. He then placed the small chest beside Bella and opened it showing what it held. She noted several red silks like the one she already wore, bina, bells and silk ribbon for dancing. 

"Because you will enter as an owned slave you can have a small chest of belongings. We will place your phone pouch in here, and you will be allowed to charge and check it daily," he explained. Then he took a small flat box from the chest and opened it. "These are temporary tattoos of the dina. Stand," he encouraged her to spread her legs further apart until he was happy with the stretch of the skin and placed the small square of paper against her inner thigh, "Hold this." He then went and got a damp cloth and pressed it against the square for several minutes in which she stood in agonising silence in an uncomfortable position.

Once he was fully satisfied that the transfer tattoo had taken hold he allowed her to resume her kneel warning her to be careful until it set completely. He opened the box showing her the spare tattoos and a pen that she could make small repairs with should she need it then he threw the box back into the chest and closed it. Walking to the pile he had thrown on the bed, he picked up another slightly larger flat box and returned to sit with her.

He opened the box and exposed a simple circle of brushed copper with an amulet attached that was breathtakingly beautiful in its intricacy. A sword with a pommel of flame hung suspended between two bound angels at its very centre where the pommel met the blade was a small ruby glinting in the light. 

"To the Goreans I was known as Steelheart the assassin," he said quietly as he picked up the collar. "As my slave you will be known by the name Honey because you are so sweet and to protect your real identity. Men of Gor do not approve of women who have careers, particularly ones as high profile as yours." Once again, he became serious and tilted her chin up so she would look him in the eyes as he held up the collar before her.




Possessing Bella Ch. 12



"What are you?" he asked.

"I am a slave girl," she responded to the questions she knew by rote.

"What is a slave girl?" His voice was deep and rolling.

"A girl who is owned," she continued to look into his eyes.

"Why do you wear the dina?" His eyes glanced down at her wide spread thighs.

"To show that I am owned," she felt her lips turn up at the corners as she tired to hide her smile of pleasure.

"Why do you want this collar?" Stephen held up the circle of steel again before her face.

"So that men may know who owns me." Her smile threatened to spoil the seriousness of the moment.

"What does a slave girl want more than anything?" His eyes held hers as he waited for an answer.

"To Please men," she said made nervous by the look in his eyes.

"What are you?" he asked again clicking the collar in place around her neck.

"I am your slave girl." Again she felt the tell-tale tightening on her lips as she suppressed her smile.

"What do you want more than anything?" His voice was demanding now.

"To please you, my Master, and the men of your home," She finished with her eyes still locked to his.

"Dance to show me your pleasure at receiving my collar," he commanded and sat back in the chair.

"Yes my Master," Bella said taking on the role of a demure slave of Gor. She peeked up through her long lashes hearing the loud and strong voice of her new Master command her to dance to see his smile and felt the waves of pleasure fill her. Taking a deep breath, her heart pounding with nervousness and joy she rose up onto tiny feet, gracefully weaving her way back across the room to begin.

She mimed flicking sand with her tiny toes as her eyes sought out his, and a small soft smile played on her lips. She lifted her slender arms high in the air intertwining then and picked up a beat and melody in her mind which she hummed softly as the dance began.

Bella swayed her hips to a silent beat and her heads slowly lowered twisting gracefully like retreating serpents until her hands touched the new steel around her throat, and she lowered into a wide kneel. Releasing the collar she placed her hands on the floor and moved with grace, sensuous hips swaying from side to side like a cat on the prowl she moved towards him slowly. Then halted as if by an unseen barrier and fell to the floor just out of his reach.

She rolled to her back stilling lightly humming the melody in her mind and let her long fingers begin to trail along her tummy, lightly, teasingly. She swung her head to the side brushing her hair over her shoulder so that the ends of her curls grazed her budding aroused nipples. Breathing in slow, she felt herself yearning for his touch, not just acting out the need in the dance, but wanting it so badly. She dared to peek I his direction and found his face a mask showing no emotion except in the heat of his eyes which did not waver in their gaze upon her. 

As if those eyes commanded her, she raised her small hands cupping her breasts as they rose and fell in time with her increasingly rapid breath. With everything that had happened between them over the last three weeks, and all they had confessed to each other about their mutual interest and intentions, she did not need to act out her yearning to be held by him, possessed by him.

Her emerald eyes closed for a moment as visions of him danced through her mind. She replayed their first kiss over and over, not knowing at the time that she could ever feel this desire for someone other than Mel again. Rolling back to her belly, she looked up at him directly showing her heat and need within the dance and slowly knelt, her hands trailing up her ribs to cup her breasts momentarily again.

Her hands continued their upward motion combing through her curls and letting them fall back over her shoulders. Her hands lifted skyward, and her body followed until she stood before him, the rope belt of her camisk coming undone and falling to the carpet at her feet. With the belt gone the silk hang from one shoulder exposing her nakedness beneath to him without impediment. She twirled on the balls of her feet letting the remaining silk flutter and swirl around her.

As her spin slowed her hands reached for the collar she now wore, and a brief memory of Mel caused her face to change as she looked up into Stephen's dark gaze again. Concern clouded the heat in his eyes momentarily and she realised he knew her well. She felt the love he had for her in that look and she smiled softly once again swinging her hips to a silent beat and beginning the humming again to show her pleasure at accepting his collar. Even if it was only temporary.

Her graceful swaying dance moved further toward him and then around him. Her long fingernails trailed up and down his bare arms on over his neck as she swayed and spun around him pressing against him and making physical contact with him letting him so that he could feel her heat. With a small whispered whimper of need interrupting her soft humming, she spun away from him again dancing back across the room.

She stopped abruptly and turned to look at him her green eyes flashing as she delicately fingered the collar about her neck. She began to rotate her hips in a newly learned move as once again her hands travelled down her body slowly, her breath catching as they playfully danced over her nipples before moving on. Her deep green eyes were aflame with desire as she danced sensuously for him with an instinct she hadn't known she possessed.

Bella's rounded hips gyrated in slow, insistent circles. It was an uncontrollable reaction as if she was a wanton slut begging for his attention. She let out a soft sigh feeling the slick wetness of her own excitement growing with each passing moment. Concerned for the new tattoo, she spread her creamy thighs wider, displaying more of what she was feeling and her need for his touch. Her eyes remaining focused completely on him as she extended a small pink tongue to lick out over her dry lips.

Allowing her knees to buckle, she knelt back down on the carpet and leaned forward to crawl sensuously toward him again, her hips swinging. She knew this could end badly. She remembered that he had once said he would not take her until she was his but wasn't she showing him just that, wasn't she wearing his collar. She knew it wasn't real but instead she wore it for a purpose but at that moment dancing for him and him alone it felt very real to her. She wanted to please him. She wanted to arouse him until she broke through his self-control. She wanted Stephen to take her like she knew he could and would one day. She didn't want to wait. She wanted it now. 

Unable to hold back any longer she sat up before him grinding her hips to press her cunt against her feet below her. All of the uncontrollable sexual need she felt was so overpowering and strong at that moment that she looked up at him believing her deepest desires would be revealed in her eyes. Her movements caused long strands of her hair to bounce and cascade across the slender line of shoulders as she showed the spoils of his conquest in collaring her.

Bella gazed up into his eyes and was greeted by a hard look she didn't understand making her falter in the dance thinking she had perhaps gone too far. Or perhaps it was a mistake to show him her need and what a slut she truly was for a strong Master who could take her and make her his own. Her lip caught between her teeth as anxiety enveloped her. Still she brought herself back to the dance and drawing her hands up her body she entwined them over her head before bending forward in a position of submission to him and whispered, "La Kajira."

Stephen had seen her falter and knew it was his fault. He warred with himself internally over the effect she had on him and his resolve to wait until all this training was over before he took her as his own. He wasn't inclined to share like so many other in the lifestyle. What was his was his alone. With Bella though he had no choice, and he could see her need as clearly as he could feel his own. Half of his mind cursed himself for being a fool at not enjoying the pleasure of such a hot slave. The other half warned him of the pitfalls that would dog him over the next few months as she continued her journey through the training that had been set out.

"Fuck it!" He groaned loudly and came to his feet stomping toward her. He reached down, grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her to her feet, relishing the squeal she emitted as her face came up to meet his. "Such a fucking irresistibly hot slut," he growled and lowered his head to devour her mouth taking her breath away as he kissed her deeply and passionately still holding her hair tightly in his fist.

Bella pressed up against him feeling the hardness of his cock press into her belly and whimpered into the deep kiss. Stephen broke the kiss and looked down into her eyes has his free hand grasped one breasts and squeezed tightly his fingers sinking into the soft flesh making her whimper loudly and pant in her need for him. His fingers sought out the hard little pink bud that was her nipple. He then pinched and twisted it swallowing her cry of pleasurable pain with another soul deep kiss.

Every inch of her body was surrendering to him, and the tendrils of pain flowed from her nipple through her chest and mixed with the growing flutter of arousal that built steadily in her belly. When his hand finally lowered from tormenting her breasts she all but thrust her hips forward welcoming his touch, craving it, needing it.

Stephen broke the kiss and pulled her head back further by the fist of hair. He smirked down into her face enjoying the sensations of controlling her, taking her and making her his even if only for this moment. He watched her face as he slid a finger between the lips of her wet cunt and rolled her clit beneath his thumb. Her stance widened to accommodate his hand. He drew it back and quickly slapped her cunt hard making her squeal and her eyes flare wide.

"Mmm," he murmured deeply, "You sing so beautifully for me," he slapped her again and swallowed her cry with another kiss as the fingers of his hand explored her further. Keeping his thumb on her clit, her pushed one of his large fingers into her relishing her tightness before forcing a second in beside it, swallowing her cries of pleasure and pain. He could feel her rocking her hips to his movements and found he could barely hold back his own need. He felt her thighs begin to tremble around the hand that fucked her, and he broke the kiss pulling her head back and growling, "Cum for me little slut."

Arching against him and riding his hand Bella cried out to the room her mind obliterating everything else but the rush she felt as she floated on endorphins and adrenaline. Stephen could see her eyes cloud over has she floated on that high and released her hair supporting her back as she shook with the power of her orgasm. 

He slowly drew his fingers from her and continued to hold her close until she had come back to reality before offering her his fingers to clean. He watched his face a mask of lust as she cleaned his fingers for him. Her lips and tongue only feeding his need further. He dragged her back and all but threw her to the rug before his chair then kicked off his pants and sat as she kneeled up before him.

Taking a bunch of hair in his fist again, he drew her head to his cock and watched as she tentatively licked out at him. She then swirled her tongue around the head as he held her just at the tip allowing her no freedom to control her exploration of him. That would come at another time right now he needed to fuck that pretty little mouth.

"Open," he growled at her, "Tongue out." As soon as she complied he manoeuvred her head to where he could slide along the length of her tongue watching her lips stretch over his girth as he did so. The sight was so appealing he continued to do this for some minutes pulling her head forward and back by the air.

Bella knelt up awkwardly the fist in her hair feeling the still rolling waves of the massive orgasm he had given her moments ago. Stephen had a big cock to go along with the rest of his large physique. She wanted nothing more than to suck him deeply into her mouth, but she found herself stymied by his tight grip on her hair and his control of her every movement. She looked up at him through her lashes and received a satisfying groan as he caressed the underside of his cock with her tongue. 

"Suck," he groaned loudly and she felt the tension in her hair ease as he let her start at her own pace. Eager to please, Bella sucked hard going deeper on each thrust and swallowing around the head of his cock. ""Fuck yes," came the breathy groan from Stephen, "Its good you know how to suck a cock properly."

Buoyed up by his praise, she began to flutter and swirl her tongue as she moved her head up and drove herself down onto him trying to take as much as possible. The hand in her hair tightened again, and she was reefed up and back away from his cock. Stephen then stood above her pulling her up on her knees and commanding "Open." He then straddled her face pulling it up to rub over his balls. 

Bella immediately licked out and sucked on each one with tender care. Her tongue fluttered and swirled busily as he continued to keep an iron fist in her hair. Stephen had denied himself so long that he was unable to hold back any longer. He pulled her face away again and pulled her mouth back to the tip of his cock. She opened her mouth without the verbal command, and he drove into her deeply hearing her gag and lacing both hands into her hair.

He drew back slowly and thrust in again watching her the whole time holding back with great effort as he thrust in again past her tonsils. She turned her teary eyes up to him and looked at him through long lashes, and he lost any pretence of self-control. Giving in to his own needs, he began to fuck her pretty little mouth while holding her head firmly in place as he did so.

"You can please yourself," he groaned hoarsely seeing her squirm beneath his onslaught and was satisfied when he saw her do just that. The tears that fell from her eyes as she gurgled, gagged and spluttered around his cock only drive him harder, and Bella could feel her climax rising in her again as he used her so. After what was, in fact, was merely minutes, but seemed like much longer to Bella, Stephen barked, "Open. Tongue out." He then sawed in and out of her mouth twice before the first long ropey strand of cum covered her tongue. 

Curling her tongue slightly to hold as much cum as she could on the surface Bella held back her climax until he told her otherwise. "Swallow," he groaned and pushed his cock into her mouth with the cum he had deposited there. He collapsed back into the chair pulling her with him. Her mouth still enveloping his cock and murmured breathlessly, "Cum for your Master."

He let a smile show as on cue to his words she arched and cried out around his rapidly softening cock. The vibrations of her cry sending thrills of excruciating pleasure back through him. He watched her collapse before him her head still nestled in his lap as he petted her hair. 

"Thank you, Master," Bella said quietly as she regained her senses. 

"You are an amazing woman, Bella. I am proud that you wear my collar," Stephen said looking down as he continued to pet her hair gently.

"Come," he said with a smile, "Doing this and taking the time to shower again was not part of my original plans for this afternoon." Bella looked up at him and chewed her lip. "You are far too irresistible when you do that," he rolled his eyes at her and stood picking her up and carrying her into the bathroom. 

They showered with Stephen having the briefest of showers and groaning again about being tempted to make them late. Bella took a little longer taking care to clean the area of the new temporary tattoo carefully.

Stephen was not in the room when she reappeared, but she took the red silk looking at it carefully this time before putting it on. It was a far sight better than the Ta-Teera or slave rags she had been practising in. This slave dress was hemmed and well finished, so she tried to remember if a Camisk looked quite this way or if it was something else she hadn't learned the name of yet. Not that it mattered it was what she had been given to wear by the one who owned her in the world she was heading to. She slipped it on and found the rope-like belt where it lay on the floor, wrapping it twice around her waist and tying it at the side over her right hip.

The chest had gone and so had the coats he had left on the bed so Bella, being unsure of what she should do, left the room to seek out where Stephen might be. Passing through the living area she smiled again at how uncomfortable the furniture looked and was surprised when she sat on one of the hard wooden chairs that it wasn't at all uncomfortable. She could hear Stephen's footsteps on the stairs and quickly stood up wondering if she should have left his room at all. 

"Good you're ready, let's go," he held his hand out to her, and they descended the stairs. "I am sorry, little one," Stephen said softly as they walked into the kitchen. "I hadn't planned for us to become intimate like that just yet." Bella looked up at him wondering if he regretted what had just occurred. 

"I don't regret it at all. In fact, quite the opposite," Bella said softly unsure of why he was sorry. "Please don't be sorry for something I wanted, even begged for in my dance."

"I would have liked the time to explore each other properly. To talk about what it is we want and don't necessarily want, before we," he stopped seeing the anxiety making her cute lip chewing more pronounced. "Bella stop and look at me," Stephen tilted her face up to him. "I have wanted you for the longest time. You are an amazing woman and what happened just now what beyond my expectations but," he saw her drop her eyes and carried on regardless. "I hate to rush these things. I like taking the time to ensure you are well taken care of, I am sorry that we had to rush like this, especially this time."

"There will be other times. I am happy that we moved a little further forward even if it was not what we had planned, especially because of this," she touched the amulet at her throat. "And what it might mean for the future." Her blush coloured her face once more.

He bent his head to kiss her then and felt his heart swell. He had not expected her to be ready to welcome anyone in her life as a future Master for some time yet. Part of him worried that he would become a rebound master if he pursued this relationship with the sense of urgency he felt. The part of him that revelled in using her a short time ago, however, stilled the nagging doubts and made him fall a little bit more in love her.

At the rear door, her helped her to put on a hooded cape and then fastened his cape. Bella noted that he looked even bigger and broader with the hard, armoured shoulder armor that his cape bore. She felt dwarfed by him as they walked out to the cliffs she had been to with Dorothea on her last visit. Lost in her thoughts Bella didn't even acknowledge that a helicopter sat on the edge of the cliff until its huge rotors started to spin.

"Your chariot awaits," Stephen laughed as she looked up at him in surprise.



Possessing Bella Ch. 13



Authors Note: This is a chapter in this series primarily based in BDSM practices. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Happy holidays, and my sincere apologies for the delay in this month's chapter, real life is crazy busy. ~ellie

*****

Bella had been in a helicopter before, but she had not been in the frame of mind to enjoy it for the pure joy of flying. Stephen held her hand in a gesture that was both caring and romantic. She knew now that he could and would take her every bit as completely as Mel had once. It was different though. Where Mel's tender aftercare was born of love and concern for her state of body and mind, Stephens gestures of tenderness and care seemed to be tinged with a sense of romance as well. It was hard, she thought, to put into words the subtle differences between them. Where Mel had claimed her body and soul as his, it seemed that Stephen was trying to win her heart. 

Squeezing his hand nervously, Bella looked down on the picturesque lawn and traditional walled garden as they made their descent into a wide space of lush green grass. Helping her from the helicopter Stephen fixed a sturdy chain to her collar attaching the other end to his belt loop.

"Remember your training and all will be well," he murmured as he handed her the small chest that held the few possessions he had given her. He began to walk toward the large sandstone house, with Bella two steps behind him the chain hanging slackly between them.

"Tal, Steelheart. I had heard you were returning, but I did not believe it until this moment," a muscular man greeted Stephen loudly. Then he embraced him in an awkward looking off centre way in which their opposite shoulders bumped, and they clasped hands in a strong grip. "Come we'll put your girl in the kennels and grab a tankard together."

"She stays," Stephen said flatly. "You may greet, Honey," Stephen commanded rather than asked.

"Greetings, Master," she flashed her big green eyes momentarily in the direction of the other master before lowering them again.

"Business or pleasure?" The man ignored Bella's greeting and continued to talk to Stephen, who just inclined his head and gave a half smile.

"Get out of my way, Arek," he said in his deep baritone. "You know Kolton and Mik-Hail are awaiting my arrival. Stop posturing and move or be moved," his voice had a dangerous undertone. 

Arek seemed to consider Stephen for a few moments. Both men were tall and broad, but the well-muscled physique of Arek made him look formidable at that moment, and Bella sucked her lip between her teeth. Then suddenly he roared with laughter and slapped Stephen on the back. 

"It is good to have you back brother," he said as they entered the walled garden. "I'm pleased the past few years have not made you soft. Bella saw two young women tending the garden as she walked through, both wearing ragged house camisks. A third woman swathed in copious scarfs and drops of material supervised them from a distant chair. 

"I see you still pretend to be a free woman, Nalani," Stephen nodded in her direction.

"How unpleasant it is to see you again, Steelheart," Nalani responded with a cool look and a cold voice.

"She still hasn't forgiven you," Arak laughed loudly. "I don't like your girl's chances of surviving the week without feeling the sting of her tongue if not her brother's whip."

"Honey is no stranger to the barbs of jealous women," Stephen said offhandedly, "Nor is she a stranger to the whipping post." Arek raised an eyebrow and turned his head to look at the small slave as they walked into the cool dark foyer.

"I doesn't surprise me considering she is serving an evil bastard like you," Arak chuckled. He guided them through to the main hall where two fire pits were stacked with fresh wood but remained unlit in the centre of each side wall. Mats and roman style stools and chairs were spread out around the room, and a large sand circle with a tall post placed upright in the middle of it sat in the very centre. The room was not overly large, and Bella imagined that any girl brave enough to dance there would be on display to everyone in attendance. 

"Kolton is in his office with Mik-Hail," Arek opened the door to a slightly smaller room to the side of the feasting hall and ushered them inside. "Well, he's here at last," Arek announced as they entered the room. 

"Tal, Kolton," Stephen greeted the old man at the large desk, then nodded to Mike, "Mik-Hail." He acknowledged his long-time friend.

"You can leave your things over there," Kolton waved at a mat in the corner that sat below large steel rings that dotted the wall. Stephen unhooked the chain from his belt and walked over attaching it to a ring in the wall and dropping the rucksack he carried beside where Bella had dutifully knelt. She had known she would be treated as just part of Stephen's luggage when they arrived but being totally ignored was not an experience she liked. She would have liked to greet Master Mike and thank him for all the time he had allowed Nyx to train her.

She had been told this was the way it was. She tried not to let it bother her. It did though, and she made her face a plain mask and tried not to bite her lips as she knelt in a tower position before the men who would judge her worthiness to stay here without Stephen. She kept her eyes on the floor listening to the men talk about her as they would about a working animal, like a cow or a horse.

"I understand the circumstances, and I had great respect for Marinos, but we don't pander here, Steelheart. She works like everyone else. She lives in the kennels, and she will answer to the Kennel Master and the First Girl," Kolton was saying. None of this was news to Bella except the name Marinos which must have been Mel's name here in this world.

"That's as it should be. She doesn't ask for any special attention when I am not in attendance, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how hard the girl works," Stephen said flatly.

"Your girl did some of the initial training with her?" Kolton had turned his attention on Mike.

"Not enough but be that as it is, Nyx said she was a quick study and could cope with the basics of living in the stronghold during an enclave gathering," Mike muttered. "She is small but interesting to look at and watch. It should not be a hardship to have her serve in your stronghold."

"We will have to see about that," Kolton grunted. "What do you call her?"

"I call her Honey," Stephen answered. Kolton grunted and shook his head. "As this is her first entry into Gor, and it is your home in which we seek shelter, you, of course, have the right give her a name of your choosing." Stephen was weighing up the mood of the taciturn old man sitting across the large desk from him. If there was power in this lifestyle, Kolton held it. Mel could have matched him once, and Stephen knew that was one of the reasons Bella had been allowed in without being collared to a Master who lived the Gorean lifestyle on a daily basis.

"I would call her Panda to remind her with each calling of her name that we do not pander to a girl's wants or needs. Nor do we want any pandemonium in regards to her being here. That name is however not available to her at this time. I was given to understand her name was Bella but that it has been requested that she not use that name here?" Kolton paused in his thoughts to see Mike nod in confirmation. "She may keep the name Honey or a variation of it." His voice became hard again, "That is possibly the last boon I will afford you, Steelheart. From this point on, she obeys the rules of this home or is punished accordingly, agreed?" Kolton said with force making sure Stephen knew he was serious.

"That is as it should be," Stephen said easily. He was confident in her abilities as well as her endearing qualities. The men of Gor were mostly bluster, and this was a definite flexing of muscle from the old man to make sure Stephen knew his place in being allowed to return. He had no doubt Mike had already been given the same warnings despite the close relationship between the two men. Mike was in line to succeed the old man as ruler of this enclave. While Kolton may have agreed to this arrangement for Mike and the memory of Mel, Stephen knew he wasn't happy with the idea of a girl just playing at being a slave in his home. Stephen had no doubt he would test her thoroughly over the coming days. 

"Alright bring the slave forward, and I will begin the testing and make my final decision," Kolton said suddenly banging his fist on the table in a show of his prodigious strength despite his advancing years. Both Stephen and Mike knew this was now only a formality but as Stephen took the chain from the ring from the wall and led her forward Mike hoped Nyx had been right in her assessment of the girl.

"The slave will provide the names of six cities of Gor, two mountain ranges and two rivers," Kolton said staring at her as if to see inside her mind. If she had truly done the essential reading this would be no problem, if not he may have to reconsider his agreement.

"Ar, Thentis, Koraba," Bella licked her lips nervously, "Lara, Treve, Port Kar." She paused briefly her mind searching for what she needed. "Sadar and Voltai Mountain ranges," She took a deep breath, "The Vosk and the Thassa Rivers." She fell silent and kept her eyes downcast.

"Explain what Ka-la-na, blackwine and mead are and the best way to serve them," his voice was flat showing no emotion.

"Ka-la-na is a sweet wine and would be best served in a goblet or as the Master has requested. Meade is a sweet Ale made from honey and is best served in a tankard or horn once again depending on the Master's wishes. Black wine is like coffee and can be served in first serve or second serve in which a tray of milk, cream sugar and honey are made available. This is so the master may please himself with the taste of the brew," Bella said confidently. She enjoyed the service training and knew most drinks within reason and the majority of the food.

Kolton said nothing. He stood from behind the great desk and walked out to the middle of the floor sitting on an uncomfortable looking, wide stool with a high flat back on it. "Bara," he barked the command at her. She moved swiftly to lay face down before him her wrists crossed in the small of her back and her ankles crossed. At the last minute, she moved her head to the side resting her cheek on the cold stone floor.

"Belly," he barked again. Bella relaxed her hands to her sides and spread her legs widely while remaining on her stomach. "Karta," Kolton barked again and Bella moved slowly and awkwardly forward until her lips could touch his boots. Then she laid her head beside his boot in an act of complete submission.

Stephen could see the hint of a smile on the old man's face as he watched Bella move and obey his every command quickly and with ease. "Submission," the bark was not as harsh but she moved just as quickly to take up a new position. With as much grace as she could muster she knelt up before him and raised her arms above her head crossing them at the wrists. Then she dropped her head low between her arms and brought them down slightly toward him. 

"She knows the basics at least. Nyx has done her job as your first girl," Kolton spoke above her head to the other men. Realising she would be required to hold this position until told otherwise, Bella relaxed her shoulders slightly and concentrated on their voices closing her eyes and breathing rhythmically. "Does she dance as well?"

"She does," Stephen's voice held pleasure or something like it that Bella couldn't quite put her finger on.

"I will give her a day to become fully acquainted with our kitchen and the chores she will be given by the first girl. Tonight, however, she will dance for us," Kolton decreed. "A dance to show her submission to the men of my home," he added indicating which of the multitude of dances would be required.

"Mike, take them to the Kennels and find, Greyhawk and Thalia," Kolton issued orders. "You may keep her with you tonight but in the morning she will join the house properly," he instructed Stephen. "Stand slave and go with your Master."

"Thank you, Master," Bella said quietly and flowed gracefully to her feet turning to face Stephen. He took the chain that now hung down between her breasts and led her to the chest and his bag before taking her from the room with her arms full. 

Bella realised quickly that because of the enormity of the rooms the house would be reasonably easy to navigate. She was taken through the main hall and back to the large foyer then through the door on the same side of the house again. The large antechamber had a desk, but nobody was present. They continued through the next door, and Mike spoke to Stephen.

"I have already spoken with Greyhawk and seen to it that Bella will share with Nyx. I will be here for the two-week duration of this gathering. During that time, Nyx will mostly stay with me. Should something arise at work that Mark can't handle, and I have to return to the city I will leave Nyx here to beg her case should she find herself in trouble."

"It won't come to that my friend," Stephen said mildly.

"Things have changed a bit around here over the last few years. Some new faces with big egos have entered the ranks. Trouble may find her whether she likes it or not," Mike made it clear that he did not like some of the new faces that had joined their enclave. "Computer geeks looking for easy sex for the most part as far as I can see; most are taking the mentoring offered. "Your guy Andrew seems to be alright but he wouldn't come with Bella here." He gave a dry chuckle, "Poor guy. It's just not natural having to work for a woman." His voice held his disgust over the situation.

Bella said nothing she knew this was how it would be here. She was surprised that Mike was showing her compassion and ensuring her safety by organising her kennel as he had. Perhaps he had done it in deference to the other Masters who made up the stake holders of the club and were all friends to Mel but she appreciated it regardless.

"Leave your chest here. Take only what you will need to dance tonight and give it to me," Stephen's tone was more abrupt than it had been lately. She knew then that the stern authoritarian Stephen would be the man she would have to defer to here. She took a swathe of silk and several stings of bina and bells passing them to Stephen before closing the chest and putting it near the small pillow that rested on the sleeping mat.

Stephen looked at the handful of items and nodded before pushing them into his vest. He then turned with Mike and walked from the kennels, Bella trail behind him staying close enough so that the chain remained bowed between them with some slackness.

"Thalia will be in the kitchen," Mike said as they walked, "Best take her there first then you can keep her as close as you wish." Stephen grunted his acknowledgement with a nod.

They walked back through the foyer and the door on the far side. Bella found herself turning abruptly and following the men down a long corridor that ran the length of the building. She imagined the foyer and feasting hall on the other side of the left wall as she walked. She peered curiously at the large open doors they passed on the right to see roman style sunken baths surrounded by biers filled with steaming and sizzling rocks. Several girls lounged about the space.

Continuing down the corridor, she found herself standing at the entrance to the largest kitchen she had ever seen. It was bustling with activity and obviously ruled by a stern looking woman who stood surveying all that happened around her. As soon as she saw the two Masters standing with Bella at the door to the kitchen, her demeanour changed noticeably, and she sashayed toward them.

"Greetings Masters," she said with a small smile. "How may I serve you this evening?"

"Nyx will show Steelheart's new slave the kitchen then they will serve us on the deck," Mike stated.

"As you wish, Master," Thalia said without any emotion still holding the small smile on her face.

"Honey, this is Mistress Thalia, First Girl of this home. You will obey her as you obey any Master here," Stephen said seriously and unhooked the chain from her collar and his belt loop.

"Yes, Master," Bella said softly.

"Better come with me then," Thalia said, "Thank you, Masters, I will send the girls to you shortly." The men walked away, and Thalia took Bella by the arm and led her into the vast kitchen space. To Bella's surprise the kitchen seemed to be missing one complete wall, opening out onto the deck as if it were all one space. She could see the Masters as they sat talking and joking with each other a small distance away. Girls moved between the two spaces as others remained at the benches and open wood fire ovens. Bella walked to the rear of the room guided by Thalia.

"You must always look busy when you are in the kitchen," Thalia said in a soft voice. "Take this cloth and polish these goblets," she indicated the bench before her and stack them up into the shelf above as you do each one. While you're doing that you can begin to memorise the kitchen floor plan," she smiled then as if letting Bella in on a secret. "It's a cheat sheet for the new girls and strictly women's business," then she surreptitiously slid a wooden board across the bench revealing a well laid out floor plan. "I'll find Nyx for you," she turned and left Bella to the chore.

Minutes later Nyx appeared beside her taking up a second cloth and helping with the chore of polishing goblets. "I am so glad you are here," Nyx said in her usual subdued way. "The place is buzzing with rumours about Steelheart's slave," she grinned. Only Master Kolton knows your true identity, aside of Master of course, so expect that the other Masters will test you to see your worth."

"Oh, gosh, really?" Bella suddenly felt the butterflies in her tummy turn into rabid flesh-eating moths. "Master Kolton said I must dance tonight but I can barely think straight I am so nervous. I don't want to let you down. All that training you gave me," she shook her head, "What if I mess it up really badly." Her voice had become high pitched with anxiety.

"Sweet girl," Nyx laughed lightly. "You knew more in your first few days with me than some of these girls have learned over months. You could go out there waddling like a duck, and you would have more grace than some of the girls here for the gathering. Don't look so worried, I will be on hand and Thalia is like a little mother with girls like you who show such promise. Everyone will love you; I promise."

"What if I forget my dance?" Bella whispered.

"Which one did he ask for?" Nyx became concerned it was one of the most obscure dances they hadn't had time to touch on yet.

"Submission, I think," Bella chewed her lip remembering the conversation.

"You practised that so much even I know it by heart now," Nyx grinned. "Now have you looked at this long enough to remember most of it?" She indicated the floor plan. 

"I am so nervous I am not sure any of it is sinking in," Bella said sadly.

"Well, here is how we cover and reveal it," she slid the board into place and uncovered it again twice to show Bella how to see it. "The first thing is to come to these shelves for the right vessel, tankards, horns, goblets. She pointed down the rows of shelving against the wall indicating the platters for various foods. "Then you clean it with one of these cloths while you check where the food or drink you need is kept. It's going to be fine sweet girl."




Possessing Bella Ch. 13



"I am so lucky to have you here with me," Bella summoned a smile to her features.

"Just remember it's all about the attitude here, we are demure and submissive but we are sex on legs, and it's our job to make everyone out there envious our Master. Now the kitchen is set up simply with ease of movement in mind. Thalia worked in a restaurant for years as a chef and is an organisational whiz," she spoke softly. She took Bella on a brief tour of the vast room making sure she knew the basics and introduced her to several girls who were friends.

Bella smiled politely as she greeted with nods and a few embraces, but she knew she would be hard pressed to remember names. 

"It's time girls," Thalia approached them, "Go serve your Masters. Have fun tonight, Honey. We will talk in the morning about your chores and abilities."

"Thank you, Mistress Thalia. I am looking forward to it," Bella raised her smile to the woman.

"Now it's all about attitude. Remember you are the slave of one of the most power men in Gor, you need to own that and live up to it, make all of the other want to own you. For the benefit of all the Master's watching the new girl, start with the southern serve style for your Master. Then watch and listen for the men who Identify themselves as Jarl's, they will expect the northern style of service. Most importantly don't forget to relax and have some fun," Nyx grinned and gave her a small push toward the deck.

Bella took a deep breath and pulled her shoulders back. She glided out onto the deck with perfect posture. She blotted out the noise around her and made her way unhurriedly to Stephen, who sat with a group of four men. Melting to the wide kneel of the nadu before him, she waited to be acknowledged before speaking.

"Ah, here she is," Stephen's deep voice seemed loud to her ears and she looked up momentarily. 

"May your girl be of service, Master?" Bella said softly.

"You may," he lifted her chin to look into her face seeing her nervousness being held at bay. He placed his free hand down into the bag that sat on the ground beside his chair and brought out an ornate goblet of steel and glass. "Take care of my goblet and bring me a bottle of Ka-la-na to share with my friends."

"You're not still carrying hat old thing around with you are you? Where is your trust among fellow warriors," The man who had met them when they arrive mocked Stephen, Bella recalled his name was Arek.

"As you wish, Master," Bella delicately took the goblet from his hand and held it to her chest as she gracefully stood and sashayed back toward the kitchen. Standing at the bench, she knew where the wine racks were, so she quickly dipped the goblet into the steaming soapy water to clean it. As she began to dry it carefully, she noted the etching in the glass of the sun setting on some unknown lake. It was a truly beautiful piece. Finally, happy with its shine she rolled the rim of the goblet around the soft flesh of her neckline to ensure no miniscule chips were there and found only perfection.

Smiling she turned toward the wine racks and saw to her delight that Nyx hovered close by watching in case she needed help but not interfering. Smoothing on hand down over her hip, she glided swiftly to where the wines were stored away from the heat of the ovens. She inspected the racks seeking out a brand that she knew. "Penfold's Kalimna," came a whisper from Nyx. Smiling as if discovering the perfect bottle herself Bella picked up the Kalimna with a small nod to the woman who had helped her and tucked it under her arm. Once again holding his goblet with two hands she turned in a dainty pirouette.

Returning to the bench, she worked the mechanical corkscrew to remove the cork then took it and placed it firmly back in at a distance where she could reopen it with only a little force. Taking up the bottle and tucking under her arm making sure there was no leakage, she grasped the goblet and spun on the balls of her feet to look back out over the deck. She could now not only feel the eyes on her but also see them and she swallowed noisily stilling her nerves and summoning a small, she hoped sexy smile.

Walking carefully, placing one foot after another directly in the centre of her being she rolled her hips wantonly as she made her way back to her Master. She tossed her head once sending her curls back to bounce over her shoulders and cascade down her back as concentrated on Stephen and not the attention she was receiving from the other men on the deck. She knew she was a novelty being new here and that it shouldn't bother her, so she did her best to block it out.

Sinking into the now familiar wide kneel, she rocked back on her heels and settled the goblet between her thighs feeling her heat and arousal with the look he gave her. Lifting the bottle carefully from the arm where she had tucked it, she licked her lips making them glisten. Lowering her eyes to his boots, she lifted the bottle parting her lips and placing the cork between her sharp white teeth. Pulling her hands downward, the bottle gave a loud pop as it was uncorked. She inhaled the rich aroma of the wine before lowering the bottle to pour it into his goblet filling it to the last ring.

She could feel her thighs trembling as she lifted the bottle back to her mouth to cork it again, with some difficulty. Her tongue tingled with the taste of the wine as she slowly placed the bottle back on the ground to the side of his chair.

Lifting the goblet and almost caressing her body with it as she raised it up over her belly and chest once more, she brought it to her lips kissing the side just below the rim. Turning it in her hands, she lifted it to him raising both arms slightly and lifting her eyes to him briefly. 

"Master, your girl offers the fruitfully delicious wine of the Ka-la-na and hope that this service was pleasing for you to watch," she said sweetly keep her voice even and clear.

"As always you are beautiful to behold," Stephen said taking the glass from her hands and taking a deep swallow. "Come kneel beside me," he indicated the left side of his chair and Bella hastened to comply.

"A lot of fuss about nothing. There's not much heat to the tiny thing," Another of the Masters close by muttered, "Perhaps she has been spoilt and no longer feels the heat of her slavery."

"You Jarl's just don't appreciate grace and poise. If you're looking for someone to bump and grind all over you call Mariposa over. She has no finesse at all," Arek laughingly came to Bella's defence surprising her. Feeling like she had let her Master down and wanting to prove herself worthy Bella almost forgot her place and considered offering the man service. She felt Stephens fingers slowly twine in her hair softly and slide through the curls as if petting her.

"It's a shame you feel that way, Celeron, old boy," Stephen said laconically. "I was going to have her offer to bring you some of that god awful mead you insist on drinking at these gatherings."

"Fuck, I'll be a Jarl if it means getting some of Honey's sexy service," Arek guffawed. 

"Honey offer, Jarl Arek service," Stephen smirked. He knew Bella would take this as a challenge, and he was looking forward to wiping the smug expression from Celeron's face. 

Bella took a moment to think and rose steadily to her feet. She gave Arek a smouldering look and moving closer slid between his open legs as he sat staring at her bemused by the change in attitude. Leaning one hand on the back of his chair, she snaked her way up his body brushing her breasts over his bare chest with a small smile touching her lips as she held his eyes. Lowering her head she let her lips lightly travel over his shoulder and neck before grasping his earlobe gently and purring, "May this girl be of service to you Jarl Arek?"

"Hell yes!" He slid his hands up her thighs to her hips holding her gently. "I'll have Paga."

"How would you like that served Jarl," she murmured softly into his ear as she continued to nibble at the ear lobe. 

"Over ice in a heavy-bottomed glass," his voice held an edge to it. Stephen smirked at Celeron and shrugged shaking his head.

"As you wish Jarl," Bella let her hands glide down over Arek's neck and chest as she slowly stood and took two steps back from him while maintaining eye contact. She then spun and swishing her hands behind her flipped up the bottom of her camisk up revealing the cheeks of her ass.

"Scotch on the rocks," she told herself lightly as she stood before the shelves seeking out a suitable glass. Stretching to her tiptoes she reached up to tease a tumbler from a too high shelf remembering what Nyx had told her about the way silhouettes were highlighted by the wood fire stoves. She hurriedly went through the process of cleaning the glass and walked toward the cold room.

She wasn't prepared for the chill of the floor on her bare feet and she shivered as the cold wrapped around her. It seemed to sink into her making her nipples pucker to arrow points beneath the sheer silk of her dress. Dropping three pieces of ice into the glass with a loud clink, she hurried from the room bumping the door closed with a swing of her hip. She shivered again and tossed her hair back to cover the movement. 

Pouring a generous two fingers of scotch from the crystal decanter she took a deep breath to regain her poise and heat. Then moving with the hip swaying, rolling gait of a wanton slut who could be any mans she made her way back toward Master Arek. Holding his gaze as she drew closer to him, she climbed deftly into his lap straddling his thighs. Lifting the glass to her chest and then to her lips, she pressed a soft lingering kiss the rim. Turning it and pressing it to his lips so that he might both receive the imagined kiss and taste the liquor she purred softly holding his gaze.

"Jarl, your paga, may it warm you like the embrace of a heated slave," she purred in a low voice.

"Your service was most pleasing. I would keep you right here except that your Master does not seem to appreciate the merits of the idea," he laughed. Arek picked her up from his lap placing her between the chairs of himself and Stephen. "A man could get quite carried away with that one."

"I'll admit that was unexpected," Celeron said. 

Arek laughed loudly, "Now he will spend the rest of the night trying to find fault. Tell me she is dancing tonight that will make it all the better."

"She is too small to be a dancer," Celeron huffed. "Now Nyx, there's a dancer." He smiled obsequiously at the silent Mike.

"Kolton has requested she dance tonight so we shall see if she can dance despite her height impediment," Mike said dryly without a trace of a smile, making Arek laugh even more. 

The night wore on, and Bella was grateful that Stephen had seen to it that she had eaten earlier during their journey to this place. He gave her small sips of his wine and allowed her a small bathroom break in which she got herself a glass of water.

Finally, Master Kolton called her to him. With great anxiety, she approached and knelt before him. 

"Dance to show me your pleasure at joining my home and submission to the Masters of Gor," he commanded and sat back in the chair.

"Yes Master," Bella said, and keeping to the role of a demure slave of Gor, she peeked up through her long lashes. Taking a deep breath, her heart pounding with nervousness she rose up onto tiny feet, gracefully weaving her way back across the room to the pit of sand.

She stepped carefully flicking the sand with her toes as her eyes sought out Stephens in the gathering, and a small, soft smile played on her lips. She lifted her slender arms high in the air intertwining them and picked up a beat and melody in her mind which she hummed softly as the dance began. To her surprise a drum began to accompany her, and a lone acoustic guitar picked up the melody that she hummed helping her to mark the timing of her dance.

Bella swayed her hips to the beat, and her hands slowly lowered twisting gracefully like retreating serpents until her hands touched the new steel around her throat, and she lowered into a wide kneel. Releasing the collar she placed her hands on the floor and moved with grace, sensuous hips swaying from side to side like a cat on the prowl she moved towards Master Kolton slowly. Then halted as if by an unseen barrier and fell to the floor just out of his reach.

She rolled to her back still lightly humming along with the melody in her mind and let her fingers begin to trail along her tummy, lightly, teasingly. She swung her head to the side brushing her hair over her shoulder so that the ends of her curls grazed her budding aroused nipples. Breathing in slowly, she felt herself yearning once again for Stephen's touch, not just acting out the need in the dance, but wanting it so badly. She dared to peek in his direction and found his face a mask showing no emotion except in the heat of his eyes which did not waver in their gaze upon her. 

As if those eyes commanded her, she raised her small hands cupping her breasts as they rose and fell in time with her increasingly rapid breath. Her emerald eyes closed for a moment as visions of him danced through her mind. She replayed their afternoon together over in her mind, not knowing at the time that she could ever feel this desire for someone other than Mel again and letting it settle into its own place within her being. Rolling back to her belly, she looked up at him directly showing her heat and need within the dance and slowly knelt, her hands trailing up her ribs to cup her breasts momentarily once again.

Bella let her gaze roam around to the other Masters watching her before settling on Master Kolton. After all, Stephen had been an audience of one for this exact dance earlier that day. Her hands continued their upward motion combing through her curls and letting them fall back over her shoulders. Her hands lifted skyward, and her body followed until she stood, the rope belt of her camisk coming undone and falling to the sand at her feet. With the belt gone the silk hung from one shoulder exposing her nakedness beneath to all. She twirled on the balls of her feet letting the remaining silk flutter and swirl around her.

As her spin slowed her hands reached for the collar she now wore, and the memory caused her to look up into Stephen's dark gaze again. Concern clouded the heat in his eyes momentarily, and she realised he knew her well. She felt the love he had for her in that look, and she smiled softly once again swinging her hips to the beat and beginning to humming aloud again to show her pleasure at wearing his collar. Even if it was only for her time here with these people.

Her graceful swaying dance moved further toward Master Kolton for whom she danced this time, and then around him. Her long fingernails trailed up and down his bare arms on over his neck as she swayed and spun around him pressing against him and making physical contact with him so that he could feel her heat. She saw the dark expression on Stephen's face and with a small whispered whimper interrupting her soft humming; she spun away from Kolton again dancing back across the room.

She stopped abruptly and turned to scan the faces of the men her green eyes flashing as she delicately fingered the collar about her neck. She began to rotate her hips in a newly learned move as once again her hands travelled down her body slowly, her breath catching as they playfully danced over her nipples before moving on. Her deep green eyes were aflame with desire as she danced sensuously with an instinct she had only discovered she possessed earlier that day.

Bella's rounded hips gyrated in slow, insistent circles. It was an uncontrollable reaction as if she was a wanton slut begging for attention. She let out a soft sigh feeling the slick wetness of her excitement growing with each passing moment. Concerned for the temporary tattoo, she spread her creamy thighs wider, displaying more of what she was feeling. Her eyes were constantly seeking out Stephen as she gazed over the watching faces, and she extended a small pink tongue to lick out over her dry lips.

Allowing her knees to buckle, she knelt back down on the sand and leaned forward to crawl sensuously toward Master Kolton again, her hips swinging. She knew this could end badly. She remembered that Nyx had warned her of the moodiness of the old man who ruled this enclave. She wanted to please him and in turn make Stephen proud of her.

She sat up before him grinding her hips to press her cunt against her feet below her. All of the uncontrollable sexual need she felt for Stephen could be seen in her eyes even as she looked up at the old leader. Her movements caused the long strands of her hair to bounce and cascade across the slender line of her shoulders as she brought the dance to its conclusion.

Bella gazed up into his eyes and was greeted by a hard look she didn't understand making her falter in the dance thinking she had perhaps gone too far. Her lip caught between her teeth as anxiety enveloped her. Still she brought herself back to the dance and drawing her hands up her body she entwined them over her head before bending forward in a position of submission to him and whispered, "La Kajira."

"You have my protection while you are in my home and lands," Kolton said loudly. The men around her stomped their foot or slapped their thigh by way of some applause, and the noise startled her as they cheered. "Return to your Master," he finally said after long minutes in which she did not dare move from her position at his feet.

Bella rose slowly her breathing remaining slightly ragged and glided to Stephen's side. She did n't interrupt the conversation he was having with the four men he sat with, but rather knelt at his side quietly. Almost immediately she felt his large fingers begin to twine and pull through her curls, and she smiled. 

"Alright, Arek," Celeron's voice reeked of frustration, "I will admit she was mildly entertaining, but she is not the quality of Nyx or Elena." He nodded at Mike in acknowledgment of his coveted slave.

"Maybe not, but the girl can dance, and she can serve better than most," Arek gave a wide smile. "And if I am not mistaken about the smug look on Stephen's face, I would hazard a guess that she has some skill as a pleasure slave as well." Arek laughed his enjoyment at the look of chagrin on the other man's face. "So pay up, a bet is a bet." Celeron stood and walked away with Arek still laughing. "That was a shrewd move there brother; Nalani will not be happy about the outcome."

Bella could see Celeron talking to an animated woman on the other side of the room and remembered the conversation from when they had arrived about Nalani and her brother. She glanced up at Stephen wondering exactly what had gone on and noted the small smile curling his lips as the pair looked over toward him before resuming their conversation.

"Well Brothers, it's been a long day," Stephen stood and stretched. "I will be glad to catch up with you again tomorrow."

"Sure, I'll bring up a couple of carts of gold just in case you change your mind about selling her," Arek grinned and took his wrist in an odd clasping handing shake. 

"Not much chance of that my friend, but the offer is appreciated," Stephen chuckled I his low bass.

Bella walked behind hind Stephen as he made his way across the room and stood close to Celeron and Nalani. "Do we all understand each other," he said in a dangerous tone.

"We do," Celeron nodded but the eyes of Nalani, the only part of her visible from beneath the swathes of material, looked at him coldly as she said nothing. They went to Kolton, and bade him good night thanking him again for his hospitality and left the large deck heading back inside the grand house. Stephen lead her through the long corridor and up a flight of stairs saying nothing and not looking back at her at all. His symbol, the same one that hung around her neck was on the door that he eventually opened on the upper floor, and she followed him into the room.




Possessing Bella Ch. 13



Bella had barely taken in the fur strewn bed and floor lit by an open fireplace when Stephen pinned her to the wall. Taking both her hands and pulling them up above her head in one large fist he ran his other hand down her body and lowered his head to kiss her. He had not planned to move their relationship to a sexual level so soon, but after the afternoon's events he saw no reason to deny himself now. He would find a way to deal with having to share her until she was truly his and his alone, but for now he would take her as and when he could.

His free hand found her breast and nipple pinching a twisting to hear the delightful squeals of pleasure and pain she made into his kisses and groaned in response. He lowered his zipper and undid the button pulling his cock free and roughly entered her as he picked her up and pushed her back into the wall with force. It was hard and fast and passionate as he lost himself in the feel and sound of the woman he had begun to fall in love with. The moment was all about him, and he pounded into her needing her and wanting more with every thrust.

He came hard after only a short time releasing the pent up emotions he had held at bay all night as he had struggled to treat her as a slave of Gor. He growled loudly as he reached his climax, throwing back his head and feeling her thighs shake as they wrapped around his hips knowing she had come mere seconds before him. She panted heavily her breath warm on his neck as they both came down from their endorphin fuelled high. 

After long moments, he settled her back to her shaky legs and stepped back from her, "You may undress me now," he said in a husky voice. 

Bella stepped forward quickly, her nimble fingers working over the leather vest revelling in the feel and smell not only of the material but the man within it. Her mouth followed her fingers as she kissed licked and nibbled at each newly revealed inch of skin as she slowly and carefully undressed him. She folded each garment as it came loose from his body and once naked she knelt before him and began to clean his cock of their mutual come.

Stephen groaned low and deep as her fluttering tongue teased him back into full rigidity, and he picked her up practically throwing her onto the fur covered bed. 

*****

Bella woke slowly the following morning sore but not bruised or welt ridden like she had woken in the past. Stephen had dominated her purely with his formidable size and strength, moving and bending her to his wants and needs as he wished. She smiled, she had never imagined it could be this good without all the props that came along with the lifestyle she had chosen to remain in. She rolled to look at him finding him awake and watching her.

"Good morning, Master," she said softly and smiled. 

"I have never particularly liked being addressed as Master until this particular moment," he took her in his arms and kissed her pulling her up to straddle his hips and lay over his superior form. His hand support her hips as she sat up impaling herself on his large cock. He helped her set a pace he was content with before he lifted his hands to her breasts slapping and teasing the soft flesh with his fingers.

Compared to the night before the morning was very subdued and could wear the term love making rather than fucking. Each admitting to themselves that what they felt for each other was deepening with each passing moment. Stephen knew he shouldn't get carried away. She was still committed to this training regime, and he would not interfere with it as it was. He knew it would be difficult to bear giving her over to another even for a short time, but he was becoming more confident that she was finding room within her heart for himself alongside the memory of Mel.

Despite spending a significant amount of time in bed and then in the heated sunken baths with Stephen before he took her to dress for the day, Bella felt a pang of loss as he left her with Thalia at the kitchen doorway to learn more about her role in this household over the coming weeks.

"Now," Thalia smiled, as she took a seat at the small table in a small room just off the kitchen. There were three women in the room beside her and Bella chewed her lip nervously as she looked up at Thalia. "Last night was a success for you my dear, congratulations." Bella was startled to speechlessness. Luckily Thalia continued to talk. "That sort of success on your first night here comes with some pitfalls though, mainly that you will have to work hard to live up to expectations the men now have of you." Bella furrowed her brow in confusion.

"You did well, Honey," Nyx smiled, "Even my Master had to admit grudgingly that you seemed to have taken this lifestyle seriously. He was very generous to me last night in his praise of my hand in your training." She grinned happily.

"What this means is now you will have to work doubly hard," Thalia said in a matronly way. "Nyx says that you don't have the amount of dances you will need if called on most nights. We will have to factor some training in with your schedule as a priority," she looked down at a piece of paper she held before her. "Now, Master Steelheart leaves us tomorrow morning, so that will give you more time for study," she said as if to herself. "So today will not be easy but tomorrow we will begin in earnest." 

"Sorry, sorry. That silly duck caught her camisk on the stove again," another woman rushed into the room. She held a tray of toasted sandwiches and jugs of juice hefting it to one arm as she quickly placed the items on the table and took a seat. "She's in the infirmary again." She rolled her eyes.

"Heaven's above that girl is a walking disaster," Thalia clucked. "Eat, Honey, it's a long time until you will get a chance at lunch." Bella took up a sandwich as the other woman pushed a glass of juice in front of her.

"I am Talibah," she smiled. "It's so good to have you here. You served beautifully last night."

"Thank you," Bella said covering her mouth while she spoke with a mouth full of food.

"And I am Elena," the woman Bella had not met before said quietly from the other side of the table. She had heard that name referred to last night when the men were talking about dancers.

"It very nice to meet you both," Bella swallowed and returned their smiles.

"Now," Thalia began again, "You will spend the mornings in the kitchen preparing food with Talibah and me. We will show you the correct way to serve whatever is being cooked that day and any of the less widely known beverages. The afternoons will be spent with Nyx or Elena or both working on the dances you will need to perfect." She considered the page before her. "Maybe take her out into the grounds down by the stream. There is always someone in the feasting hall or the deck at the moment."

"They'll need an escort if they go that far," Talibah said thoughtfully.

"I'll talk to Arek and GreyHawk, and see if we can work something out," Thalia nodded. "In between all this you must study each Master and learn their preferences. Not only food and drink but the service and positions of the girls that attend them, I do not want to see you punished unduly like most of the new girls here. You have started well, and now the expectation will be high and some will be watching your performance just to see you fail."

Bella knew that Greyhawk was the kennel Master and that Arek held a position of authority here at the house. She was sill coming down from the endorphins of spending the night with Stephen, but she took as much as she could in of what they were saying. Mornings spent in the kitchen and afternoons dancing practise. The evenings would be spent where she wondered? Serving the Masters out on the deck? She wasn't sure how to go about that without Stephen there to guide her actions.

"Now, I will go and speak to Arek and Greyhawk about taking you out to the river starting tomorrow, do you have a dance for tonight, just in case?" Thalia asked.

"Yes, Mistress," Bella said quietly using the formal title of the First Girl. In fact, she had three or four she felt confident enough with to at least be able to get up if summoned. 

"Good, then take you time here and eat with the girls while the men have breakfast. Arek will be keeping them entertained I am sure," she gave a half laugh and rolled her eyes, "That man could drive a woman to drink," she laughed and rolled her eyes heavenward but it was obvious that she adored him in a maternal way, like one would a cheeky but good-hearted rascal.

"You must have some questions now you have seen and served the men here. My descriptions can't have been that good," Nyx said as Thalia left the room.

"It's all so much to take in," Bella said softly. "The only thing I can think of to ask or at least confirm is that with my day being organised as it is, am I to assume that I will be serving out on the deck during the evening and if so where do I sit when I am not required, I mean once Master Steelheart leaves tomorrow." 

"I don't think you will have to worry about that. I am sure there will be more than a few men who would have you kneel close to them but just in case there is a slave mat near the left side of the entrance to the kitchen where you can kneel if you were not required," Nyx said lightly.

"I love the food here," Elena broke into the conversation. "I could get fat if we stayed here longer than a two-week period. I would have to take up real exercise or something," she pulled a face and bit into another bacon sandwich.

They talked about life in the household for maybe another half an hour before returning to the kitchen. Both Nyx and Elena went to find their respective Masters and Talibah began some instruction on the food they generally served during the evening meals. Bella felt as if she had barely done much in the way of her chores when Stephen appeared to collect her.

After accepting a bag from Thalia, which he slung over his shoulder, he led Bella out through the foyer to the front gardens. Stephen picked her up and placed her in the saddle of a horse he had draped with a quilted blanket and stepped up into place behind her. Taking the reins in one hand, he wrapped the other arm around her and urged the horse forward. They remained silent as the horse walked across the vast expanse of well-manicured lawn that they had arrived on the evening before.

Stephen knew he was in danger of being hurt by the young woman he held. He had not wanted to be the rebound guy, the first man she opened her heart to after Mel, he had been content at the beginning to watch over her and protect her. He had not realised that in accepting the position the shareholders had offered that he would get to know her so intimately and fall in love with her even more deeply than he had suspected he might when given the time and opportunity once this training regime was over.

He had cared about other girls and even considered more than one possible candidate for his collar, but they paled in comparison to how he now felt for Bella. The last two days had taken away any self-delusions that he would willingly give her up to another if she found a lifestyle she wanted during her journey. There had not been time before they left his home nor the opportunity once they were here to show her the darkness of his true sexual nature, but today he would remedy that. Gorean men used the whip and other such devices as punishment for wayward slaves. To have her screaming in pain albeit tempered by pleasure while in the house would not have gone down well with the majority of Masters and not at all with the women.

He smiled and kicked the horse into a trot and then a gallop as he headed toward the surrounding forest lands. He had formulated this plan last night as he had watched her sleep and had discussed taking her out with him to tour the grounds with Kolton over breakfast. Kolton had grumbled but agreed because, for all intents and purposes, the girl did belong to him, but she would be expected to serve and dance on the deck again tonight.

Stephen moved the horse deeper into the forest carefully picking his way between trees and undergrowth as he followed the line of the stream that ran through the property. Stephen found a suitable spot a small distance from the stream, and any thoroughfare so as to be reasonably discreet and stopped. Stepping from the horse he tethered it to a tree and lifted Bella from the saddle. 

He bent his head to kiss her deeply while holding her off the ground then spun her and lay her over the saddle. Using a generous amount of lube Stephen took his time filling her with a butt plug until the dark star of her anus was covered with a flat glittering gem. He smiled at the sight and slapped her ass leaving a pink handprint. Taking an egg he eased it inside her already wet cunt and clicked the remote to ensure it was working leaving it on a low hum.

Taking a length of soft nylon rope from his saddle bag he threaded it beneath her and wrapped it around her waist leaving the long end between her and the saddle. He took a butterfly and parting the moist folds of her cunt placed it over her clit setting it at a low hum to mirror the egg. He then pulled the length of rope between her legs tying it off at the back. The considerable remaining length was then used to secure her hands to the small of her back.

Stephen took her from the saddle, the small young woman so light in his arms he kissed her relishing her breathlessness and obvious heat. Placing her on her feet gently, he took the remaining rope and pulled it over her shoulder and began to bind her breasts. While not overly large they were still sizable enough to bind tightly and he stood back once he had completed the rope work and secured the end back over the opposite shoulder to her waist and surveyed his handiwork. He felt his cock jump in excitement as she gazed back at him with eyes full of need and desire. She panted open mouthed and let out whimpering mewls that were music to his ears.

Bella could feel the tell-tale butterflies building in her tummy. He had totally overwhelmed her with his need the evening before and now she could feel all of his dominance and control rising to the surface in a way she hadn't known before. It was as if he had held back a core part of himself from her. She could see the pleasure in his eyes and face and it made her excited that she could cause the usually stoic Sir Stephen to drop the veneer of control he held tightly over his own emotions at work and home. The only person she had seen him drop the façade for previously had been Pete but that moment had only been brief glimpses before the façade was firmly put back into place.

Stephen would have enjoyed using a flogger or a crop on the gorgeously bound girl who stood before him and once again cursed the timing of their deepening relationship. He could not leave her with welts to explain to a group of men who would see them as marks of a wicked slave who required punishment. The soft rope was tied loosely enough so as not to mark her badly, and he had brought the aloe to ease her skin once he had sated his need. It was only after her words in his home the previous day that he had quickly packed these few toys in case he found the time and opportunity to use her as he desired. After last night, he had determined to make it happen.

Returning to the horse he took the quilted rug and placed it on the ground uttering the first words he had spoken to her since they had left the house, "Kneel, little one."

Caught between calling him Master or Sir Bella panted as she knelt before him and looked up as the toys began to vibrate harder making her body tremble in need before he had even touched her. Stephen squatted down before her and took her rapid swelling nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.

"I want you under no illusions about what becoming mine will mean for you," his voice was low and husky. She grimaced keening in a high pitched squeal as he twisted the pinched nipples making her eyes water and her body quiver. "I will not share you as openly as this training regime you have undertaken permits. Nor will I hold back in my use of the tools you became accustomed to with Mel. I am required to here in this place, because they have laws and rules within this enclave that I will not break," he leaned forward kissing her open mouth swallowing the cry she emitted as once again he twisted her nipples cruelly. "Nor will I give another man the idea that you require punishment."

Bella blinked tears away from her eyes. Her body betrayed how aroused his sadistic side had made her as he released one of her nipples to slap her stuffed and buzzing cunt a smile playing at his lips when he lifted the evidence of her arousal to his nose and breathed in her scent. Bella took a deep breath trying to slow down the building need she felt to cum then and there. 

"You may cum as you need," Stephen gave her a rare grin hearing her sucking in deep breaths. "I have never been one to deny a girl pleasure when she receives all that I give her so happily." Once again he slapped her cunt, and she arched up thrusting her hips out toward his hand as if welcoming the contact. Preparing to stand back up he took bother her nipples between his fingers pinching hard before twisting them again causing her to cry out and more tears to flow. He leaned forward and licked a tear from her cheek then stood before her freeing his cock from the confines of his pants.

He didn't even have to ask, as she watched him avidly while he kicked off his pants, she eagerly held her mouth open, wanting and even needing to taste him on her tongue. Stephen stepped forward, he tried to hold back his own desires letting her taste and tease him with a fluttering tongue. He stood still letting her set the pace and get used to the size of his cock in her mouth, but she was beyond thinking and drove her head forward swallowing as muchof him as she could with each movement. His hands twined roughly into her hair pulling it away from her face, and when she tilted her head up to him looking up at him with teary eyes, he let his need take over.

Her jaw hung slackly as he sawed in and out of her willing mouth and throat. He felt her arch up against his legs and the vibrations of her throat as she howled around his cock, her climax slamming into her as he took his own pleasure. She continued to shake and squeal around his cock as he gritted his teeth and continued the fuck her mouth. 

Unable to hold back more than a few minutes longer he pulled back slightly and came all over her lips and tongue revelling in the sight of her wet tear stained face as the spittle and cum dripped down her chin to her swollen breasts. Bella swayed unsteadily held up only by the grip Stephen had on her hair. Her eyes fluttered and he slowly lowered her down onto the quilted rug coming to sit beside her and pull her into his arms. Kissing her forehead, he held her while she shook and came down from her high, turning of the buzzing toys to give her some small respite.

A noise behind them made him turn around as he enjoyed the feeling of Bella's relaxed body against his own. He was startled to see Arek riding away from where he had obviously witnessed Stephen's use of his slave. Arek was a lot of things, but he would not judge them harshly after witnessing this. He would need to speak to him later but for now he was unconcerned. He looked down at the beautiful girl who rested with her eyes closed in his arms and gently began to untie her bindings. He had chosen a secluded space close to the stream so they could refresh in the cool clean water. Once they were both sufficiently recovered he carried her to the stream to ease away the marks left by the rope.

They ate the lunch that Stephen had picked up from the kitchen when they had departed that morning and lay contentedly together on the rug in the solitude of the forest. They spoke of his departure in the morning and what that would mean for her within the household but mostly they were comfortable with the long silences that had begun from the time they left the house.




Possessing Bella Ch. 13



Eventually, after inspecting her skin one last time Stephen stood and pulled on his clothes. He held his hand out to her to help her to her feet and pulled the camisk over her head. Placing her in the saddle, he climbed up behind her and turned the horse back toward the home of Kolton. Neither of them had spoken of love or commitment to each other out loud since leaving Stephen's home, and it seemed to hang in the air around them unsettling Bella.

"Thank you, Sir Stephen. For not pressuring me to give up on this training while we are getting to know each other in a deeper sense of the words," Bella said quietly and feeling him stiffen as he rode behind her she continued. "I will miss you greatly when you are not here but rest assured that my focus will be on the service, and day to day living of this lifestyle over the coming weeks." It was as close as she could come to declaring her commitment to wanting to belong to him while still maintaining the small freedoms she had to explore the world Mel had tried to give her.

"I am possessive of what is mine, as you will find out in time," Stephen said in his deep rumbling bass. "But know that I would not interfere with your choices in this training or your career back in our own world. Though I would expect you to discuss decisions influencing your whereabouts and safety with me. Nor would I seek to sway you from commitments you have made to others who have made arangements to welcome you into their homes and lifestyles. I would be disappointed in you if you were such a girl that would break commitments or promises so lightly." 

It pained him to say the words because there was nothing he wanted more than to take her home and make her his alone. He knew though, after spending the last few months with her, that she would feel trapped by such a move. She needed to come to him on her own. He had faith now that she would at some point in the not too distant future, and he looked forward to the day when she knelt before him and begged for his collar. Stephen's arms tightened around her, and she purred happily as he took her back to the Masters of Gor.

*****

"Quite the contrary," Arek said in his loud laugh to Stephen. "I am prepared to double my offer for the girl and if she dances the whip dance tonight as I have so graciously suggested to Kolton my offer my triple." He continued to laugh at the stunned look on Stephen's face. "Don't look so stunned my friend. We all have our joys in life. It just happens that yours and mine take a similar path."

"I am unsure if her training, thus far, has included the dance of the whip," Stephen said showing where his concern lay. Bella had disappeared into the kennels when they had arrived back, and as he looked toward the kitchen once again, she had still not reappeared. It was still early, and she would not be required for some time, yet Arek's disclosure had caused him some concern.

Within Kolton's study Bella knelt beside Nyx and chewed on her lip. As far as she could tell she wasn't in any trouble, but she had difficulty hearing the hushed conversation of Kolton and Mike as they continued to look at the girls. 

"I was surprised last night with her abilities, especially for one so new to Gor," Kolton said. "Steelheart appears to spoil her though. She will have a better opportunity to embrace our lifestyle when he leaves her with the men who know how to treat a spoiled girl like that."

"Her time here is only temporary," Mike reminded the older man cautiously. "She is not a girl you can claim, steal or buy from Steelheart."

"I am aware, but should she come to know her place and embrace it, she will stay and accept a true Gorean collar," Kolton said unmoved by Mike words. "I have no need of another slave. Personally I blieve her to be a small and weak slave but there are some interested men who could invest the time needed to show her the true value of a good slave in our world." 

Mike said nothing letting the old man speak what was in his mind. Someone the old man liked and respected had asked for the girl no doubt but this girl was too well protected by powerful men to make keeping her here longer than the two weeks even an option. Perhaps they had been wrong to hid her identity from the gathering. Kolton sometimes forgot that he did not rule all men as he ruled here in this home enclave. 

Considering what he knew of the men gathered thus far he could think of three possibilities as aggressive suitors for a slave with the burgeoning service and dance skills Bella had shown last night. Of those three, only one would fully respect the collar she now wore and the protection it should give to her. 

He may not approve of the lifestyle and choices Bella enjoyed at present, but he felt an obligation to Mel and the men of his inner circle to protect her while she was in his care. Mike determined to manoeuvre things to make it difficult for the two less than ideal candidates who may be behind Kolton's musings to monopolise all of her time here.

"She will perform the dance of the whip tonight. I will give your girl some time to prepare with her while I meet with Thalia to discuss preparations for the evening," Kolton stood from where he had been leaning against the desk and exited the room.

"I need to speak with Stephen," Mike said abruptly, "Stay and go through your dance here until I return for you." He too left the room, and Bella turned to Nyx with a worried look on hr face.

"Don't worry you can do this, we did it for fun remember, the whip with the five short tails?" Nyx tried to jog Bella's memory.

"Yes, the soft leather one, stings without cutting into the skin," Bella smiled, "Makes a loud crack too."

"Now the key is to love the leather enjoy it in the beginning, stroke it then let the tails slide over you like a lover's hand. About halfway through or a little less turn the dance into a story of being dominated by it and when you crack it really crack it. Be afraid of it as a punishment. If you can take it let the marks show on your skin and even cry, they love that type of commitment in the dances. They will see that as a display of your desire to be submissive to any and all of them. In Gor all men have the right to wield the whip if you are not pleasing, not just your Master," Nyx explained. 

"When you start tap your heel so the drummer can pick up the beat for you. Keep the story you are dancing in your head and you won't be wrong no matter how you dance it," she smiled. "The best thing about Gorean Dance is there is no truly wrong way as long as you stick to the story of the dance. This dance is about being submissive not only to one man but that any of them could be your Master if they are strong enough to subdue you."

Nyx continued to coach as Bella pulled a few moves together. By the time Kolton arrived Bella was both anxious and excited, buoyed up by Nyx's constant praise of her talents. Out on the deck Stephen waited impatiently for her arrival considering carefully what Mike had told him. Mike had suggested it may be easier and safer to publically hand over her safe keeping to one of the men who did not own a slave at present before he left. Stephen could see the merit of the idea but was loathe to leave her at all, let alone hand her directly to someone and give them his blessing in his absence. He had forced himself to recognise, that with this additional information that if he did not he could make the stay here infinitely more difficult for Bella.

He felt relief when she finally appeared on the deck to serve him. And as he sent her to fetch him ale he found Arek appeared in the seat beside him. "I see your girl had finally appeared for the evening, I was about to check the infirmary for her," he laughed quietly reminding Stephen of what he had witnessed earlier. "We can dispense with the formalities if you like and I can offer triple my original offer without seeing her dance with the whip a I already have a fair idea how that will go," he grinned.

"So good of you my brother, but as you made no formal offer, triple nothing still amounts to nothing," Stephen laughed good-naturedly. He liked Arek and had been close to him during his time as part of the enclave.

"Ah, but therein lies the rub. We don't have many new girls come to us these days and if rumour can be believed this one is just passing through briefly. Surely you wouldn't expect me to pay more than I have offered for such a fleeting affair," he smirked as Stephen eyed him. "You were never much of a sharer brother, but with the vultures circling, I could be the best choice. Let's call it a short term lease and I think you will find my offer quite reasonable."

"Mik-Hail has spoken with you I assume," Stephen finally made sense of the conversation.

"He has," Arek nodded. "I had guessed as much though. It is no secret among the club members, who she is. I may not venture into town much but I keep abreast of current news. That's a well-connected girl you you have in your collar. I doubt I could afford her even were I to make a serious offer. Still there is more than one way to win a slave." He laughed heartily as Stephen stiffened at his words.

The night was busy for Bella as men came and went from their small circle, and she offered each of them service most of them taking advantage of being served by Steelheart's new girl. She had seen snatches of another girl dancing but had been unable to stop long enough with a clear view of the sand circle to truly take it in. The girl had a tall, willowy frame much like Elena and Bella wished she could have watched the whole performance. It was late when Stephen was called to speak with Kolton, and she had followed him and settled beside his chair.

"No girl," Kolton had snapped. "Here," he pointed to a spot on the floor in front of him. He waited somewhat impatiently until she settled to the spot where he had pointed. "I want you to perform the dance of the whip," he said without preamble.

"Might I be permitted the use of your slave whip to perform for you, Master?" Bella asked softly

"You may use my whip, slave," GreyHawk, the kennel master stepped forward releasing the whip from his belt. Bella crawled toward him and gingerly took the handle of the proffered whip from the man. Not daring to look up at Master Kolton she retreated before standing and making her way to the circle of sand that was the dance pit.

Standing with her legs parted and her hands held before her. She ran them over the blades of the five tailed whip, enjoying the feel and soft scent of the leather. She relaxed taking a breath and letting her hands drop to her sides feeling the supple leather caress her thigh. Tapping a slow beat with her heel almost silently in the sand she heard the drummer pickup the beat for her and let a soft smile lighten her face.

Pulling the whip up along her thigh she swayed to the beat and an unheard melody that played in her head. She let the tails caress over her hip and across her belly twice pulling the camisk to gather in the middle of her belly and be held tightly by the belt. She followed the same swaying motion of the whip behind her to expose the flesh of her thighs and hips and a generous portion of her ass along with the sides of her now only partially concealed breasts.

Continuing to caress the exposed flesh with the leather of the whip she drew herself up to her toes and began to spin. Tilting her head back and allowing her long curls to fly around her shoulders and face as the whip swished through the air almost whistling as she spun opening her arms wide. Slowing the dizzying spin she withdrew her arms forward as if in an embrace and the whip wrapped it's length around her body with its first loud crack against her pale skin.

She gasped in feigned surprise as if just discovering the whips true purpose. Drawing the whip to caress her belly and breasts she lowered her head to kiss the handle drawing the long hard surface across her lips as her hips continued to sway to the beat of the drum. As if caught in a forbidden act her arm quickly flashed out and moving again in a pirouette the whistle of the leather sounded as it wrapped her in its embrace again.

Following a similar pattern, she let the whip caress her as it fell from her body and she danced with it, softly holding the tails and letting them fall through her fingers. She pulled it to her cheek in an act of affection and drew it down over her throat, breast and belly. Drawing the blades through her fingers she let them fall to caress her inner thigh allowing the movement to disturb the narrow placement of the camisk and give any Master close enough a sneak peak at her true slave heat. She let out a soft purr and began to pirouette again the whip alternately caressing and whipping her body as several cracks reverberated around the deck as she spun first one way and then the next. She stopped near the post that stood in the middle of the pit her chest heaving as she panted with her exertions.

Bella's hips began the gentle sway to the beat again as her hand reached out to caress the pole, her fingers trailing up and down the pale wood. She stepped forward until she was pressed up against it and with a quick deft movement embraced the pole, the whip singing through the air to crack against her ass leaving the mark of its bite and her own small whimper in the air.

Lifting her leg to encircle the post, Bella leaned back as if away from her own embrace tangling her hands within the blades of the whip and trapping herself there in an arched position. To further enhance this position she leaned her head back making her hair cascade toward the sand catching the firelight giving it red hues. Her hips continued to sway making her gyrate as if writhing against the post. Her hand slipped and holding the post with her leg only the blades of the whip cracked loudly against the post as they sailed past it to her body softening the blow she might have otherwise received. Bella cried out in a gasp as if she had been stung hard by the loud crack of the whip.

She bit her lip and thinking of Stephen leaving andbeing left alone with these strangers her eyes becoming glassy with unshed tears as she reached up to right herself. She moved to embrace the pole in such a way that sent the whip flying once again through the air around the post to contact with her ass. Spinning Bella freed herself from the post pirouetting and moving back towards the edge of the circle dancing to the beat of the drum and the crack of the whip until she fell to her knees at the edge of the circle.

She reached forward the whip in her outstretched hands and her eyes lowered as she whispered breathlessly, "La Kajira."

Greyhawk stepped forward and took the whip from her hands nodding and patting his leg in appreciation of her efforts as the foot stomping salute she had encountered the night before occurred again.

"You may return to your Master girl, you have danced well and I am pleased," Kolton intoned.

Bella moved to Stephens left side and felt his hand immediately tangle into her hair, petting her as if to calm a skittish animal. "You make me proud, little one," he murmured in a low tone and she peeked up at him noting the smile on his face.

"I would make your move before another does," Mike nodded his head toward Greyhawk who was in conversation with Kolton. Stephen had seen the danger as the whip had been passed at the beginning of the dance and had to agree that the less time Bella spent under Greyhawk's personal care, the better. He was loyal to Kolton and ran the kennels with a practised ease but otherwise he was a self-serving bastard that revelled in having all of the house slaves beholden to him.

Obviously the name Steelheart did not carry the weight it once had with the men here and Stephen could see that Mike was right to have concerns about Bella's welfare over the coming week. It was rare to have a collar removed by anyone other than the Master and in those few cases he knew about it was generally due to a death, metaphorical or otherwise. Greyhawk though could be unscrupulous and as Stephen was no longer viewed as a permanent part of this lifestyle, the law could get blurry and Greyhawk would be one to take advantage of that.

Stephen wasn't sure that he liked the idea of handing her well-being over to Arek either and scanned to room for an alternate choice. Knowing he would never find anyone he would willingly hand her over to he reasoned that with Arek's knowledge of who she was and what that meant for her future, that he was the lesser of two evils.



Possessing Bella Ch. 14



Authors Note: This is a chapter in this series primarily based in BDSM practises. If that is not to your tastes please stop reading and find one of the other wonderful stories on this site more suited to your kink. Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who graciously offered to edit this chapter for me I am sure you will notice the big improvement. ~ellie

*

Stephen's farewell, when he left, had been short and devoid of any sentiment at all. While enjoying the protection of the home in which she dwelt, it was to one man she was handed to and who she had obeyed without question all week. Arek had treated her as little more than a maid and a trophy piece to be shown off during the gatherings on the deck or in the banquet hall. For the most part, it seemed he just liked to watch her.

It seemed no matter where she went during the week Arek was close by, watching. Whether that be her chores or dancing lessons out near the river. Her small chest had been moved from the kennels to Arek's room. She spent her nights chained by an ankle cuff to the foot of his bed as she slept on a small pallet several inches off the cold stone floor. 

Bella bathed him and laundered his clothes. She fetched and served him his food and drink. She always felt his off-handed lack of any emotional response to her, and it confused her. On one hand, he seemed so caring, looking after and protecting her from any unwanted advances yet as long as she continued to serve and dance he treated her as no more than a show pony. She was praised when she performed well and given treats, like a sip of Ka-la-na. If she had ever disappointed she got a swift formal rebuke, "Do it again but this time do it properly, girl," but nothing more. 

Falling in easily with the routines of the household, Bella happily took on extra chores to fill her days. Arek left to ride the grounds after breakfast each morning leaving her in the care of Thalia and Nyx to do her chores and the tasks she had asked her to do. More than not he returned hastily to watch her. In the afternoons, he would accompany her to dance lessons with Nyx and Elena. Then in the evenings, she would kneel beside him on the deck and wait to be summoned to dance or given to offer service to the men of Gor.

The graceful movements she had to think about so carefully when she had first arrived became second nature to her as she flowed through her daily routines and counted the days until Stephen's return. It was not at all like she had thought it would be here. She wondered if that was because of the limitations Stephen had put on her by collaring her and giving her into Arak's protection in his absence.

Thursday evening as they settled to their respective mattresses, Arek's voice sounded in the darkness, "Steelheart returns this weekend."

"Yes Master, Sunday I believe but only for the one night he said," Bella gave as much information as she knew. It was more of a statement than a question, and she had answered only because of the inflection in his voice.

"Tomorrow you will ride with me. I will inform Thalia," Arak's voice sounded thoughtful now, but hearing him turn in his bed as if ending the conversation Bella offered nothing more than a whispered assent.

"Yes, Master."

The following morning after breakfast they rode out, following the stream to an artificial beach upon the shore of a small dam. Bella's breath was taken away by the sheer size and beauty of the place as they came out of the surrounding rainforest. 

"This place is amazing," her voice carried the awestruck shock she felt. 

"It should be," Arak chuckled. "It has taken long enough to create with a little help from my friends."

"You made this?" Bella forgot her place as he picked her up and pulled her from the back of the horse, still looking around in wonder.

"It's a long story but simply put, yes," Arak nodded, pride showing in his tone. "Come sit with me, girl," he led the horse to a shaded section where medium sized boulders had been placed under overhanging palm trees.

Calling her girl had brought her back to where she was and who she was with rapidly. She followed no more than two paces behind him, and when he took a seat on a rock, she cleared a patch in the grainy sand and knelt beside him. He reached out and petted her hair as he did when praising her for her dancing or serving abilities during the evening. They stayed like that as a long silence grew between them. Arak cleared his throat more than once as if about to speak but seemingly changed his mind. Standing and walking towards the horse, Arak retrieved a water skin taking a long draft before returning to her and offering the same.

"Thank you, Master," Bella smiled. "It's going to be a hot day," she looked up toward where the sun hung perhaps midway on its morning journey.

Arak frowned then looked at her intently. "For today, let us drop the Gorean personas and speak plainly and truthfully. I find you remarkably interesting, which is not something I say often and would like you to speak to me as yourself while we are here on this beach."

Taken aback, Bella's mouth dropped open momentarily but she caught herself and nodded, "As you wish, Master." She was unsure what this would mean to a Gorean man but what choice did she have really out here in the wilderness.

"I know who you are, Bella Biancotti. I also know that the death of your Master was a tragic loss for many people. I did not know him that well. Aside of the occasional casual meeting at the club when I was in town visiting Mike, I didn't know him at all," he admitted. "I also know that being here is little more than a learning experience for you and that collar on your neck is merely a required prop for your education here." He scrutinised her to see her reaction to his words.

"That is all truth," Bella said quietly. "Had anyone asked me I would have been forthcoming, but girls are not asked much here except to serve or dance." She took a breath and went on, "I did not ask for this collar. While I gratefully accepted it and the protection it affords me, I would have just as happily worn that of a house slave or the collar of a man I was given here for my two week stay. I believe the concern was for my freedom after the event that precipitated the collaring and name change." Arak continued to scrutinise her, saying nothing.

"I do not want you to misunderstand my words. I care for Sir Stephen very much and may at some point in the future beg him to return this collar to my neck. That time is not now though as I have made commitments to others that I will not put aside or break. That's not the girl that I am or the girl I wish to be seen as," she said with conviction. 

"That is very admirable. Tell me about these commitments," He seemed genuinely curious. Bella took her time and explained how she had become Mel's and her naivety when it came to the lifestyle. She explained the training he had originally set up for her. How she had asked those friends of Mel to allow her to explore and learn as he had wanted within their various lifestyles, making her more able to appreciate what it was she wanted from it herself.

"You are an intelligent girl. That is a trait I hold highly, unlike my brethren here," Arek admitted. "I enjoy the sentiments of Gor. There is no place for weakness within it. Even the beauty and grace of the slaves masks an inner strength designed to endure. The girls without the mental ability to think on their feet do not last long here no matter how beautiful and sensuous they are." He paused seeming to study her again.

"Mike says you are a business woman when you are not learning about the lifestyle," he tilted his head as if trying to see that in her.

"It is true that Mel left me a great deal of his company when he died as he did with his club though to a much lesser extent. In both cases, my guardians manage my shares and vote on my behalf when I am not there or have no knowledge of the issues at hand. Within the company, I have begun to set up my own small retail business which I am enjoying building with a little help from my friends," she smiled quoting him from earlier.

"Tell me of these guardians," he asked and took a package of cookies from the saddle bag before coming to sit with her again. He offered her one and made sure the water skin was within reach. 

"I have two, one who looks after the business side of my inheritance and helps me understand more about the business world. The other," she smiled thinking of Rob, "is like an indulgent father figure who offers me guidance in all areas of my life, protects me and loves me. I am very lucky to have them both." She considered her words for a moment.

"It sometimes feels that all of Mel's inner circle are my guardians though, ready to swoop down and grab me should I put a foot wrong. It can be a bit claustrophobic at times. I look forward to the freedom of coming to places like this because it allows me to step away from that for a little while," she chewed her lip and looked up at him. "It's my own doing of course, after the trauma of... the accident; I was a basket case and needed that sort of looking after." Bella sighed at the admission.

Arak had taken the time to read about the accident and the fact that she had been trapped in a bullet-ridden car with two dying men. He would have been surprised if she wasn't traumatised to some degree but he said nothing about that time in her life. He knew next to nothing about the girl before him and he wanted to know who she was now, not what she had been.

"I don't worry much about the past except to acknowledge that it shapes who we are now. It is the now that I am interested in, girl," he said rather sternly. "I wish to know why you are here, what motivates you to this lifestyle. If you are just a very good actor or if you have a genuinely submissive soul."

Bella once again spoke at length. She detailed her naivety and how her time with Sire had taught her about her likes and dislikes as well as her limitations. More importantly the rules of safe, sane and consensual sex he had lectured her about. She spoke about how Hunter had shown her that even though she was broken she was not beyond repair and she wanted that deep love built on an unassailable sense of trust and admiration in her life again. Finally, she spoke of Stephen and the multi-faceted layers in his personality. He had made her realise that she could never find that love by experiencing these two week play dates, that it was something that needed to be built over time. 

"And now you are here experiencing the beauty and barbarity of Gor," Arak finished for her. "What have you learned so far in your time here?" He leaned forward as he spoke. She was highly astute in her observations and her lessons learned, and he wondered how she had interpreted this world for herself. 

"I have found that I need a voice or at least someone who will listen to my voice when I have something to say other than, Yes, Master or how may I serve you Master. Even if it's only in the quiet of the night or times that we are alone. I like having my voice heard and being allowed choices," she chewed her lip wondering if she had just insulted him when he laughed long and hard.

"I struggle with that too, sometimes," he continued to laugh good-naturedly. "I often wonder what goes on inside your head when you chew your lip like that. It seems so much more than a nervous habit." Bella giggled self-consciously and stopped chewing her lip. "Tell me what you were thinking just then?" Arak asked gently.

"That I have told you my story so far. I do not know enough about you to know if my last words would have offended you," she said quietly and again he laughed long and loud.

"I am not like the men you are used to associating with, girl. I'm a landscaper," he held out his callous rough hands. "I admit I have a degree as an architect, but it was always landscaping that appealed to me rather than the buildings. Once I worked that out, I went back to school part-time and did horticulture, became an apprentice with a mason and made friends with a few of the trades who showed me the basics of plumbing and carpentry. That way I could build the things I wanted as I wanted." He turned to look at her and smiled widely.

"This," he patted the rough granite he sat on, "is what I love though. Natural rock and stone make a landscape. They change the mood of a place just by putting them in a water feature or polishing them up a bit. I aspire to real old school stone masonry but at best I am a hack," he said self-deprecatingly. 

"You should go and visit Sir Stephen's castle. They are restoring the stone work there, and it looks almost perfect," Bella enthused. 

"Lives in a castle, does he?" Arak said in a mocking tone and shook his head. "I might just have to check that out." He stood once again. "Let's swim and then you can begin flirting with me properly, who knows, now that I know that collar holds little value here, you may even get a reaction from me," he smirked and began pulling off his shirt.

Once more Bella marvelled at his bodybuilder's physique, realising now that his work was probably the reason for it if he was lugging around huge granite boulders. Unabashed, he stripped to the skin and held out his hand for her to join him. Standing, she shed her camisk easily and squealed as he picked her up and ran towards the chilly water. 

Swimming out to the centre, Arak pulled himself up on a submerged rock. "In the dry season you can see this rock standing up like a pedestal in the centre of the dam," he announced. "Come," he pulled her up onto the smooth and slightly slippery surface. "Its polished surface creates a myriad of patterns when the sun hits the water beneath it. You will return when it is visible, we have had far too much rain lately to see it properly." She watched as Arak dove from the pedestal and began to float on his back a small distance away.

Unsure if it was the challenge he put forth or her own vanity that drove her, Bella decided to play the flirting game. She had been playing it all week in the evenings with her dances to see if she could get a reaction from the usually distant Arak. She slipped down into the water, soaking her hair and climbed back up on to the pedestal getting carefully to her feet. Arak splashed some water at her, and she smiled sweetly and put a finger to her lips, humming a sweet little melody.

Rotating her hips in small slow circles, she reached up gathering her hair and twisting it as her arms rose sinuously above her head, draining the water from her hair down over her body. She arched back slightly balancing precariously on the polished stone beneath her feet and pulled the twisted rope of her hair forward tilting her head back enjoying the small drops of water that squeezed from its length.

Letting go of her hair, she followed the droplets over the curves of her shoulders and down over her breasts cupping them and pushing them up before running her thumbs over the excited pointed nipples. Her humming continued to drive her hips as her hands moved slowly down and over them accentuating the movement before momentarily dipping between her soft thighs and brushing the dina mark she bore to mark her slavery in Gor. 

She let her knees buckle and she slowly lowered to kneel widely exposing the dina mark and fluttering her hands away like the wings of a butterfly, exposing herself to the man so eagerly watching her. She leaned forward scooping the water from the dam up in large double handfuls to wash down over her body, the small hum continuing throughout. 

Feeling better balanced, she arched backwards and took her breasts in her hands again, massaging them roughly as her hips rocked to the unheard rhythm of her melody. The sun warmed her body just as the water cooled it, and she heard Arak swim closer as she danced and displayed herself for his enjoyment.

Her hips thrust forward then as she wantonly showed her heat, glistening between her legs, leaning all the way back until her hair became filled with water again. Kneeling up, the water ran down over shoulders to pool in the cups of her hands under her breasts teasing the nipple that had warmed again under the sun's summer rays. She risked a peek at him as her hips rocked towards his floating form, and she smiled seeing his own eyes glued to her.

Bella slid her hand down over her belly her, humming interrupted momentarily by a seductive purr as she let a hand trail between her legs and over the soft glistening lips of her cunt. She stared at Arak and in a move that even surprised her she licked her lips slowly making them glisten as equally as her lower lips. She pulled her hands down to her knees realising she was becoming too carried away.

Arak edged closer to the pedestal and growled with a husky voice, "What of Steelheart when you dance so lewdly for another man?"

"He gave me to your keeping and instructed me to serve you in all ways, regardless of his feelings of ownership," Bella panted truthfully. She raised her hands once again to the glistening lips of her cunt, letting a finger slide between them to tickle at her clit. She could feel the sweetness of his desire washing over her and embolden continued. "I have wondered why you were never moved to touch me this way." 

It was then that she felt his hand on her inner thigh urging her legs wider. She looked up and gazed into his eyes purring, "How may this girl serve you today, Master?"

Arek pulled her from the pedestal where the depth of the water would not hinder him and dragged her a short distance back to the shore. He pushed her to her back in the shade on the discarded palm fronds of the trees that swayed in the gentle breeze and dove between her legs, seeking the source of her heat. His rough calloused hands gripped her thighs as he held them widely and split the lips of her cunt with his tongue.

He ate her wildly using not only his tongue, but his teeth on her clit, sending jolts of white hot pain lancing into her brain and causing her to cry out. After what seemed like an age in which she came so close to ecstasy but he never let her quite go over the edge, he stood up and grabbed a water skin and threw it at her.

"Clean my cock and then I will give you the fucking you deserve," he growled. 

Bella uncorked the water and sank to her knees before him with a whimpering, "Yes Master," that held all of her pent up need and heat. She splashed the water over his cock liberally and then began to kiss and lick any fine granules away spitting them to the sand beside her. Having cleaned his cock and sucked his balls thoroughly, she felt his hand tangle into her hair and dropped the water skin.

"Fuck," he gave her little chance to get used to his size as he thrust further and further until she held him all, and he pulled her head tightly to his pelvis choking her momentarily. When he pulled her away, she gulped at the fresh air but kept her mouth open wanting more. "You really are a masochistic little slut aren't you?" He thrust into her wide open mouth again. "I saw Steelheart fuck you as you were all trussed up like a pig ready for the spit."

A small spark in Bella's brain registered his words with shock, but she had little time to take them in as he used her mouth roughly. He gripped her hair hard making her squeal loudly around his cock. "Fuck!" he roared at the empty artificial beach and painted her tongue with his cum.

Once recovered, they swam again and ate a pre-packaged lunch from the kitchen. Although he had said, they would drop the affectations of being Gorean for the day she still knelt and obeyed his every command, and he kept his alpha personality intact. Even without all of the fanfare and trappings of the Gor lifestyle it was who they truly were at heart. They talked a great deal about their day to day lives. Bella enjoyed his curiousity about her as much as his lack of knowledge about Mel and the men who surrounded her daily on all sides, protecting her from the world at large. It felt strange to not have that cloud of the past year hanging over her.




Possessing Bella Ch. 14



They stayed on the beach until the sun touched the water turning it from blue to muted gold. He had used her well during the course of the day, fucking each of her holes and revelling in the compact tight little body she gave up willingly to his wants and needs. The ride home was uncomfortable for Bella after such use, and she winced as he pushed their mount into a gallop on the return journey, making him chuckle in a self-satisfied way.

"When we return," he murmured close to her ear, "Things will be much as they have been. People here jockey for power and renown and I must remain unassailable. Most men here would not care because you are a slave and slaves are meant to be used often and by many. Having said that, fucking you could be seen by those with their own agendas as a weakness to exploit and a show of disrespect while you wear another man's collar if he is not here to offer you to me himself. He publicly asked me to take you under my protection, nothing more than that. The other men do not know of this arrangement you have to gain experience here under false pretences."

"I understand, Master," Bella said quietly. "I will not speak of it." She chewed her lip wondering if she should have been so honest and forthcoming with Arak that morning. The world she lived in was a complicated place, and her mind drifted to Stephen and his acceptance that she would serve others during her time here. Perhaps he had thought with the restrictions he had placed on her that it would not occur, and guilt nagged at her. She had flirted willingly. She had wanted what this man offered her despite her feelings for Stephen. Was she truly such a slut, she wondered. She fell into a troubled silence as they rode towards the mammoth home of Master Kolton.

*****

That evening and the following day Bella settled back into the daily grind of service to the Gorean home in which she dwelled. Dancing and service, chores and sleeping on the small but soft mattress at the foot of Arak's bed. The only concession afforded to her after their time at the beach being a deep and powerful goodnight kiss which left her trembling and guiltily wanting more. 

Her dreams though were filled with Stephen. She seemed to be always dancing just out his reach as if something stood between them keeping them apart. When she woke, she would acknowledge it was this experience and the ones she was yet to undertake that would keep them separated for some time to come. She found herself watching Arak more critically. He did not live the Gorean lifestyle in his day to day world. He was a dominant there, but there was more to him then all of this. He worked hard. He enjoyed life. He didn't appear to have the arrogance or ego that so many of the dominants she knew had. He puzzled her in some ways, and she wished once again for some time alone to talk with him.

The first night they had arrived Stephen had told her that the walls had ears in this house. She never broached anything aside of the strict formalities that ruled the world of the Gorean slave girl while in the house to which she was bound. It would seem there was an underlying distrust between the brotherhood of these men.

"Come, girl," Arak said in a harsher than usual tone once he had dressed. They breakfasted separately as was usual, and Bella began her chores. It was close to the midday meal when Stephen arrived in the kitchen with a wide smile. Dressed in black leather and looking like a dark god-like creature to Bella, she squealed with delight, scaring the girl who peeled potatoes beside her.

She wanted nothing more than to run into his arms and beg his kiss, but instead remembering her place she took a deep breath and glided slowly over to where he stood. "It is so good to see you, Master, welcome back," Bella beamed. Still grinning, Stephen picked her up and held her tightly before kissing her.

"I have missed you more than I can say, little one," his deep bass cocooned her with his words. He carried her from the kitchen back through the long corridor and up to his room. Closing the door, he kissed her hard pinning her to the wall with her feet still raised off the ground. "It is a shame we will not have more time, to indulge my demonstration of how much I missed you," Stephen gave a half smile and kissed her again pressing his erection against her. "You will be leaving this place today; you are needed back at home," Bella's eyes widened and felt a feeling of dread settle in the pit of her tummy.

"Dorothea?" She whispered unable to voice the whole question.

"Dorothea is quite well and will be waiting for us when we return," Stephen murmured. "Could you trust me that this news is better heard at home amongst friends?" He saw her panicked face and the way she gnawed at her lip told him that she was thinking the worst possible things and sighed carrying her over to sit on the bed with her in his lap. "Vince is dead," he said bluntly, knowing no other way to tell her, but in this manner. 

"No," Bella shook her head. "I saw him only a week or two ago. He was fine. I forgave him..." her mind raced with the other, not so charitable things she had said to him. She felt sick and light headed, the room began to spin around her as she whispered, "How?"

"We're not sure yet," Stephen said pulling her close as she paled and became unsteady on his lap. "You are one of the strongest women I know, Bella. You can face this. We will all be there for you."

"Jenny! Oh, god! What about Jenny?" Bella gasped as tears began to run down her face. Suddenly she blinked and her head came up to look at him. "I can't leave. I made a commitment. I promised. Kolton made me promise. I can't leave," there was an air of desperation in her voice. 

"Mark is downstairs filling both Mike and Kolton in on what has occurred," Stephen said gently. 

"I have to thank everyone. They have all been so kind, so good to me here," her voice still held panic as her mind raced. "My chest, it's in Arak's room," she saw the look that flashed momentarily, so she added, "beside the pallet I slept on at the foot of his bed."

"Slow down, little one, take some time," Stephen tried to hold her tightly to him.

"If I stay here I will think too much, and I need to do this, please let me go and thank my new friends," she looked up at him with teary eyes. "You are right. I need to go home, I don't want to embarrass myself by losing it here in front of these people. Let me do what needs doing, I promise I will sit and think and take it all in when we leave this place." She wiped her face and sat up straighter looking him in the eye. "I will be okay," she said and gave a half smile. "Please let me do this."

"I will take you down to Nyx. You will stay with a friend at all times, someone who knows you well. You will not run away to be by yourself," Stephen said and regretted his reference to her past flight from any emotional situation. 

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she whispered acknowledging that she could not escape her past or who she was no matter how much time passed.

"Really, Steelheart? You punish her as soon as you arrive when she has done nothing but brought honour to your name," Arak accused as they ran into him in the corridor after leaving the room.

"I have not touched the girl," Stephen muttered indignantly, "She cried for her own reasons." Arak looked dubious. "It is none of your concern, she leaves today."

"Are you okay, girl?" Arak's dubiousness had turned to surprise, but his voice was harsh thinking that she was being punished for their day on the beach.

"One of my..." her voice caught as she went to say friend. She had withheld that friendship from Vince after she had forgiven him. "Someone close to me has died. I am sad that I couldn't put things right before he... left us... Master Arak." She barely remembered to put his title in place at the end of her sentence but it was all she could do to keep herself from falling apart.

"Oh shit. I am so sorry," Arak said breaking character momentarily. 

"I was coming to find you, so it's good you are here," she gave a lop-sided smile. "Thank you, Master Arak, for your time and patience and instruction. You have made my time here as near to perfection as I could have hoped. I am only sorry that we did not have more opportunities to visit the beach and know each other better. Our talks that day were interesting, and I had a lot more questions for if the opportunity arose again to speak with you plainly. Alas, it's not to be but maybe we will see each other again someday. "

"I would enjoy that very much, sweet girl," Arak smiled. "You're a lucky man, Steelheart. She could have been one of the best and brightest here in this world."

"In any world," Stephen agreed but there was an edge to his voice. "Thank you for protecting her so well in my absence."

"I can honestly say that it has been my pleasure, an absolute highlight for me. I will miss the beauty and grace of your girl during the last week of the enclave," Arak said seriously.

Bella continued on through the home finding those that had made her stay here so wonderful. Thalia, Talibah, Elena and Nyx even though she knew she would see her again. Each cried with dismay in their farewells and eventually she found herself in the office of Kolton with Mike and Mark Millar.

"I am sympathetic to what has befallen a member of your family, girl, and therefore release you from your commitment to us. You have far exceeded my expectations and I would extend to you the opportunity to return if you like, at some future time," Kolton said in his strong voice. 

"Thank you, Master Kolton. I appreciate you allowing this girl the shelter of your home," Bella said equally formally.

"You are welcome. Go then and attend to the sad business at hand," his voice softened slightly, and he gave a rare small smile.

The three men left with Bella and went out to the helipad. Mark and Stephen helped Bella in, wrapping a thick cloak about her shoulders. Mike did not board, he said he would return in time for the funeral. Bella accepted her chest from Arak, then they were airborne and once again she had to face another crisis in her small world. When would it ever end? She felt like she had lived a lifetime of sadness in less than a year and her half full glass, suddenly looked half empty again. 

Silent tears began to course down her face, and she felt Stephen's hand take hers reassuringly. It was Stephen, big strong protective Stephen who she thought she might even love, but at that moment she couldn't bear to be touched. Looking at him apologetically she pulled her hand away covering her face and the large sob that issued from her mouth. "Had she done this by spurning Vince's friendship?" Bella asked herself remembering his face and his pleading voice that day when the police took him away. Her actions made her cry all the more because she could never make peace with him now.

*****

Bella had stood by the graveside between her parents. They had seen Vince grow up as a part of his extended family and after the loss of Mel they were in disbelief that someone with such a bright future could have taken his own life. The picture panned out as the reporter spoke, and Bella wondered, if she had to do it all again, if she could accept Vince's friendship for the sake of her parents and Jenny. 

"I don't care what the gossip mongers say, he was a good boy who loved his father," Joe had stormed angrily away from any television showing the story on the news. They had taken the news worse than her, Bella thought, because there was still a small piece of her that blamed him for Mel's death. She had forgiven him, and she had meant it but the wound inflicted when she lost Mel was so deep that she doubted she would have ever fully made peace with Vince and accepted his friendship. Perhaps she reasoned his wound from his part in the events leading up to that dreadful day were too deep to heal properly, and his guilt consumed him. 

Bella had flown from the Gorean enclave to Jenny's home where she had met Rob and Kurt and changed into sensible clothes in which to go home to her parents. She had remained long after the funeral, spending time with her parents and attending the reading of his will in which she had been named. 

Jenny's mother who had arrived and all but ignored her daughter spat outrage at the lawyers and everyone else in that room as his wishes were read. She vowed to contest the will and gain back what rightfully belong to her family. In truth, had she asked, Bella would have gladly given her what she wanted. As the beneficiary of all but a few token gestures to friends and some charitable organizations, Bella was the sole beneficiary of most of his legacy such as it was. Stunned into silence by the woman's vitriol, Bella had said nothing as arguments and angry words raged around her.

"First the father and now the son, your brazen slut," the woman pointed her finger at Bella in accusation. 

"All you had to do was ask, and I would have given you what you wished," Bella said sadly. "Now that you have insulted not only me but also my friends and family, Vince's friends and family, and blackened his memory you can go fuck yourself." Bella smiled sweetly, turned and left the room not believing she had spoken to the old woman like that, but she continued walking, making it to her father's car before she began crying again.

She heard footsteps on the gravel behind her and without turning around, she said, "I know I shouldn't have reacted like that. Please don't make me go back in there and apologise."

"I wish I had said that," Jenny's soft voice said from behind her, making Bella turn around with a look of astonishment. "Let her waste her time contesting the will. She won't win and it will give her something to do instead of trying to find me a new husband despite knowing that I am a lesbian and that is the last thing I want."

"Jenny, I am sorry. I never expected... I mean I just..." Bella couldn't find the words.

"He was my son. Misguided and flawed but my son and I loved him dearly. He told me you forgave him; you know. I thought he would be alright after that. He seemed so much better. Thank you for that but I think he had some demon's he just couldn't escape. He loved you like a little sister. It hurt him to see you with his father. It blinded him to what his grandather was plotting in the end," she gave a rueful smile and shrugged, "If a mother cannot make excuses for her boy who can."

"I am so sorry," Bella sobbed, "This is all my fault!"

"Stop that this moment," Jenny commanded. "I know you loved him but Mel was a true bastard. He did what he wanted when he wanted and damned the consequences. That attitude was as much a part of his success as it was his downfall, and the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces." She wasn't angry or even bitter, she just stated the facts in an unemotional way. "I am sure once you were in his sights he gave you little choice either."

"I loved him," Bella said simply. 

"We all did in our own way, even Vince. All of this, Vince and what happened, it's Mel's fault not yours, and I bear a lot of the blame for his death and your suffering but we must move on. Promise me, no matter what, you will take the gifts given to you and use them to have a glorious life. They loved you and wanted that for you."

"I will, I promise," Bella said softly touched by her honesty and support.

"Good then I can move on as well. I wanted you to know from me that I would be selling this place," Jenny smiled sadly. "Jess and I are going to travel for a bit, do some volunteer work in third world countries and see everything we can see." Bella wasn't sure how to react, and she looked blankly at Jenny. "I need to move on from the ghosts now, start a new life, away from here and her," she looked back towards the house where several people stood watching them. "I think its time for you to leave it all behind too now, don't you?" Bella frowned as she took in the words. How could she possibly do that and keep her friends and career intact? 

"It's almost December and what better time to let things go. I am planning a huge New Year's Party to say goodbye to old friends and new. Come, and we can start the New Year with a pact to move on and live life to the fullest. I would like you there to decide if you want anything of Mel's from the house before it sells."

"I just, I don't know if..." Bella stammered.

"You let me know, your mum and dad will be there so even if you can call by. I know we don't exactly live in call by territory here but see what you can do, you have a company helicopter after all," she laughed and hugged Bella again. "It will all be alright you know. Everything will work out just the way the old bastard would have wanted it once he was gone." Jenny started to cry then her bravado finally crumbling. "I blame myself for this and I need to know you will live an amazing life."

"It's no one's fault, it's just a huge case of bad communication," Bella had meant to joke lightly but began to cry with her. They were soon surrounded by friends who had become concerned. Bella let herself be guided into the car and driven home. As Managing director of the company Kurt had been present at the reading of the will but had not remained afterwards instead returning to the city in the company helicopter. 

After ensuring that she was safe and secure with her parents, Stephen too had left the day after the funeral to attend to some urgent business. Having time to herself and no computer or briefcase to keep her occupied, Bella had spent a great deal of time in her childhood tree just thinking about the last year and all that had happened. 

After the reading of the will, she sat in that tree until sunset, marvelling at the beauty of it until her father came to get her for dinner. She smiled and climbed down hugging her father, "I think I am ready to move on," she smiled and then laughed as his eyebrow rose in a questioning manner. "I'll tell you about it over dinner," she continued to laugh.

The small family sat down to eat, and Bella's good humour remained as she dug into her a wonderful fettuccine dish that she had grown up with and loved. It was comfort food, her mother always knew what she needed, and it filled her with warmth that had begun once she had really thought about her conversation with Jenny.

"This is so good, did you change the recipe?" Bella asked around a fork full of food. 

"Don't talk with your mouth full, Bella," her mother admonished her but smiled as she watched her daughter enjoying the food. "It is the same as it has always been," she laughed.

"Come on Bella, stop flattering your mother and explain what this moving on is about," Joe joined in the good humour.

"When Jenny and I talked after I was so rude, she said some things that were hard to hear," Bella began.

"That wasn't rude you should have heard what you mother said to that woman after most people had raced after you," Joe chuckled. "I didn't need to say a thing."

"Mother!" Bella gasped.

"Nobody can talk about my baby girl like that and expect me to say silent," she said indignantly. "Your father was there as your lawyer; he couldn't speak but I had no such worries, let me tell you," she threw her napkin on the table and huffed indignantly.

"I never got the chance!" Joe defended himself. "She was the most beautiful, powerful she-wolf protecting her cub and I was very proud." He reached out and took Rosie's hand, while she blushed and smiled sheepishly.

"I am so lucky to have you as my parents. I don't think I ever really understood just what remarkable people you are until today. I love you both so much," Bella said and took their free hands. "Never once did I feel like you put your career or your friends or anything before me, if anything I felt smothered but I realise I was a bit of a lost lamb and may have needed that," she gave them a lop-sided smile.




Possessing Bella Ch. 14



"What a good girl we have raised, hey Joe?" Rosie clucked. "She finally appreciates us."

"She was always a good girl, even when she wasn't," Joe laughed.

"I have so many people who love and care for me, Stephen and Kurt and Rob and some you probably haven't even heard about yet," Bella rushed on. "I think I like your idea of a house warming party where you can come to my house and cook for everyone. I will even give you a helper for cooking that you can train to do things just the way you like," she grinned thinking Jake would love the idea. "Dad you could choose a wine or drinks or whatever and tend bar, you're so good at that. What do you think would you like to help me host my first grown up party and meet my friends properly?"

"Three hours ago you couldn't stop crying. Now you want to host a party?" Rosie's face showed concern.

"I have spent the best part of this year crying and shying away from the world. It took Jenny to point out that this isn't the life the people I cried over wanted me to have. I need to move on and start living. Not just going through the motions and pretending to live. I have done the ground work. I have started a career, I have a beautiful home or it will be in a week or two when I finish decorating it and most importantly of all I have so many people who care about me and want me to be happy, not sad all the time."

"I barely saw Vince in the last six years. His death affected me, how could it not but it is also tinged with a feeling of regret and anger. What he gave me in the will was a wonderful gift but I don't deserve it. The old biddy can have what she wants if it means we never have to hear from her again. Everything but the company stock that is. I won't let her have any part of Mel," her voice turned hard. She turned to Joe, "I trust you to look after all of that and do what's right. I don't want to deal with it, I want to move on and I want to be happy again."

"You think the party will help you do this?" Joe asked seriously.

"It would be a good start. Prove that I am not broken beyond repair," she said with less excitement as she took in her parents' concerned faces.

"Then I say yes. I would very much like to meet your friends. As long as your mother has help with the cooking and doesn't spend all night in the kitchen," Joe squeezes Rosie's hand, "You know how I love to dance with your mother."

"May I invite two friends, who will help with the party, up here to meet you?" Bella asked her mother who hadn't agreed yet.

"Your friends are always welcome in my home, Bella," Rosie smiled indulgently. "I don't think I need help cooking though," she frowned.

"I promise if he doesn't win you over, you can be stuck in the kitchen and deal with Dad's grumbling all night," Bella giggled and began to make plans with her parents.

*****

Jake had oozed charm from the moment he arrived with flowers for Rosie and a special bottle of homemade baby mozzarellas as well as a one of her father's favourite wines. Best of all for Bella he had brought Dorothea with him. As this was going to be a trial run, he had invited Stephen and Kurt and Dianne up the following night for dinner and to escort the beautiful Bella home on Sunday as per her request.

"Hey gorgeous," Jake picked up Bella and spun her around making her laugh. "You're looking fabulous, must be this magical food of Rosie's kitchen everyone keeps telling me about." He chuckled and winked at Joe. "I hear a few young guns have tried to steal your wife away without success. Never fear, I'll get the job done," he then swung to Rosie, "I am your slave, take me where you will oh goddess of the kitchen."

Giggling like a schoolgirl Rosie blushed and, taking her gifts with her, led him into the kitchen as Joe groaned loudly and rolled his eyes. "Why must your friends always flirt with my wife, Bella," he shook his head. 

"That's okay, Dad. I brought a friend for you too," Bella beamed and Dorothea laughed. 

"I'm not quite in the same league as those young studs, but there's something to be said for experience," she continued to laugh.

"Ah well, while that cat's away we mice can play," he took her hand and kissed it. "Experience and beauty I am honoured." He said smoothly.

"Perhaps not quite yet, there is a large amount of groceries in that car. You will find with Jake that enough is never enough," she continued to laugh. Bella was amazed by the amount of bags they had in the car. It took the three of them several trips before it was all in the kitchen, and Rosie looked at it all startled.

"The way I see it, I have access to this kitchen goddess for..." he checked his watch. "Damn too late for lunch today?" He waited for the affirmative nod then spoke again, "Two dinners, two lunches and two breakfasts and I intend to make the most of it so I didn't want any excuses about not having the right ingredients even though I might have missed something." He considered the pile, "Did you want a duck?"

"I'll make you duck, cheeky boy," Rosie aimed a cloth at his head and he dutifully ducked making them all laugh.

"No worries, I bought one just in case," he grinned as another dishtowel flew past his head.

"I'm getting out of the line of fire," Joe laughed and exited quickly followed by Bella and Dorothea.

"You do look wonderful," Dorothea said as they walked outside. "You seem genuinely happy. I had thought Jake was bringing me here because you had retreated inside yourself again."

"Just the opposite in fact, I feel better than I have in a long time. You know, I think I can make it work and have the best of both worlds if I am careful about choosing my friends and lovers."

"It's always been that way," she smiled. 

"Not for me it hasn't," Bella shook her head. "With Mel it was a twenty-four hour a day position, no real normalcy, not that we had a chance to test that. Even with Stephen, when we went shopping there was always an expectation that I would do as I was told not as I wanted. Rob spoils me and lets me skate on a few things, but I do not delude myself that he would order me back into the cage if I stepped out of line at home or the club. Even Kurt has disciplined me or had Stephen do it for him when I stepped over that invisible line at work. I have always felt so boxed in, suffocated," Bella explained. "Even by you and the girls to some degree," she admitted sadly.

"You were unwell for so long we all just did our best to look after you how we knew best," Dorothea could see her point and knew that it was a fairly sheltered life she endured.

"I think I could love Stephen; he makes me feel," she chewed her lip, "Precious and special and desired." 

"I hear a but in there..." Dorothea said cautiously. She loved Stephen as she had loved Mel and did not want to see him hurt.

"He's so intense. Once I commit to him, the exploration is over. It will be all his way all the time. He has said he will not share or entertain any more training once that occurs, and I am not sure I am ready for that even though I know I want that sort of commitment. I know I am not making sense," she shook her head slightly. "I feel like I am coming out of the gloom now. I can see so many possibilities for a future and well I don't know if I am ready to settle down into a life as lady of the manor, yet. Just swapping one cage for another"

"Stephen has asked you to give up the training schedule?" Dorothea was stunned. 

"No, he said he would wait patiently and that he would not like to see me break any commitments I had made. He would not respect that in any submissive," Bella went back to chewing her lip.

"Then why are you fretting?" Dorothea laughed. "After this funeral and the time it will take to sort out the legalities you will have to push the rest of your training into next year. That will give you time to date the men you have come to know and like as well as Stephen, let Jake throw his hat into the ring if you are looking for someone to make you laugh. The times you have stood up to Kurt and Rob and even Stephen for that matter and told them what you want, have they ever denied you?"

"No, but I feel... beholden to the ideal that Mel created around me," Bella admitted.

"I think you hold yourself to that ideal more than anyone else ever did," Dorothea nodded. "Find out who is on the training list. Jack definitely will be but did anyone else offer from the stake holder's meeting? If you don't know, ask Stephen. I would bet he has it memorised and is counting the days," she grinned. 

"That's just it. Is it fair to make him wait for a maybe?" Bella asked.

"When I last saw you I believed you were falling in love with our handsome Sir Stephen. Has Vince's death changed you so much that those feelings have faded?" Dorothea looked at her as they walked under her favourite climbing tree.

"I have spent so much time sitting up in this tree in my lifetime, it's my go to place if I need to think," she smiled sadly. "I don't have anywhere like this at home or work." She shrugged, she was stalling and Dorothea knew it. "If anything, Stephen and I are closer, more intimate. I know he can give me what I need, what I want."

"There is still a but in there..." Dorothea looked at her critically. 

"He's Sir Stephen! He has money and power and prestige and a towering reputation like Mel. What if something, I mean what if..." she chewed her lip as she struggled. "What if I just wanted a regular man, say a landscaper or a tradesman, who wasn't in the spotlight and open to attacks from others." Dorothea looked up in surprise. This wasn't what she had expected. 

"Landscaper sounds pretty specific, have you met one?" Dorothea pushed not wanting to touch on her fear of losing Stephen the way she had Mel and his son just yet.

"Yes, in Gor, not that I know him that well, but I might like the opportunity maybe," Bella said unsure of herself.

"Say you got to know this landscaper better, fell in love with him and found out that he had a dark past that kept coming back to haunt him and put him in danger?"

"Is that true? Do you know him?" Bella asked in a rush.

"Sweet girl you haven't even told me his name how would I know that?" Dorothea laughed. "Bad things happen in everyone's life. Admittedly, you have had a very bad time in the last year but if you want us all to believe you are strong and able to manage your own life now, you can't let those shadows cloud your judgement. Stephen has no enemies. He is a fine upstanding man known for his fairness and his strict moral code, nothing untoward will happen to him any more than a landscaper or a banker or a beach bum for that matter."

"It was only a mention of him anyway. I will not see him again most likely. His name was Arak," Bella said softly. "I might have liked to get to know him though," she tilted her head and chewed her lip.

Dorothea knew Arak. He was a friend to Mike Millar and came to the club occasionally. He was hardly just a landscaper. He was an architect, designer, sculptor and horticulturalist as well as having an engineering degree of some kind. He was in high demand, but Dorothea said nothing wondering if Stephen knew that to smother this girl right now would mean losing her. She needed to spread her wings. She was so young and new to their lifestyle that she needed to explore it. It would be so easy to call her a spoilt brat but the reality was she was a caged bird who was doing her best to make that cage bigger without having to fight for every centimetre.

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to. Living up to your commitments is a good thing but don't get dragged down by them either. You are rich enough and powerful enough to tell everyone what to do, except maybe Rob, who owns more of the company and club than you do," She laughed. "Go climb your tree and think about that, you don't have to stay in that box they created for you. I am going to go and flirt with your father and see if it's cocktail hour yet."

*****

The weekend was wonderful. Bella was amazed at the amount of food that came out of her mother's kitchen for breakfast and lunch and during the afternoon as the other three guests arrived. Kurt and Jake vied for Rosie's attention and she giggled throughout the afternoon as everyone complimented her skill in the kitchen and called Jake a talentless hack. Rosie assured them he was a wonderful apprentice, making even the stoic Stephen laugh loudly.

Stephen was affectionate throughout the afternoon, and Bella enjoyed basking in the warmth of his attention as the small group laughed and joked all through the evening and in the case of the men on into the morning hours. Dianne went to bed early, apologising for her lack of stamina as she wished them all goodnight. To the high-spirited jeers of their friends Kurt walked her up to their room promising to return shortly.

"Sir Stephen could I call on your chivalry to take this old lady for a walk in the fresh air before Rosie brings any other tasty morsels out of her kitchen.," Dorothea asked.

"Of course, my lady," he smiled and stood excusing himself from the table.

"I'll help you clean up mum," Bella suggested, "I don't know that Jake and Dad have had even a minute to talk in the last twenty-four hours. You have been keeping him all to yourself in that kitchen." She stood and gathered the detritus from the three-course meal they had just consumed.

"Thank you, baby," Rosie smiled, "There isn't much to do in there though, Jake is a very clean cook. He likes his workspaces clear," she rose and began to clear the table with Bella. "It's nice having your friends here, I think I believe you are happy now. When is Dianne's baby due?"

"What?" Bella spun around and faced her mother.

"Oh, you can't hide things from me. She's fussy with some food and eating large amounts of others. She has a small belly and the way Kurt is fawning over her like she is a fragile china doll all tells me I am right. So you can at least let me know when to knit some booties for the baby shower."

"She hasn't said anything Mum," Bella looked up at the ceiling wondering if it could be true. "I know she has been seeing a doctor recently maybe she is just unwell."

"Oh, Bella you make me laugh sometimes. Here you are a woman yet you know so very little of women's things," she laughed, the wine having made her giddy and talkative. "It's okay, baby. I will ask Kurt when he comes back down," she winked and hugged her daughter who had begun to chew her lip for the first time that evening.

"Mother I don't think you should, I mean if they haven't told anyone," Bella said, "There may be a reason."

"I am an old woman. I can get away with asking these questions," Rosie grinned.

"We manly men are going out to the garage. To smoke cigars and tinker with greasy engine parts," Jake announced in a deeper than usual voice as he carried the last of the wine glasses back into the kitchen. He kissed Rosie's cheek, "Thank you for a wonderful day my kitchen goddess." He then turned to Bella, "Thank you for finally inviting me to meet your mother. I love you, little one." He kissed her forehead and walked back out toward the dining room.

"Well, that's them gone for the night," Rosie shrugged. "Feel like an old movie with your Mother after we finish here? Maybe Dorothea can join us."

"That would be great," Bella smiled lovingly at her mother.

"Thank you, Sir Stephen," Dorothea curtsied as he brought her into the other ladies.

"No, it is I who should thank you, I believe I needed that walk to clear my head more than you did," he smiled. "Thank you for the most wondrous meal, Rosie," he bent low to kiss her cheek. "Sleep well if I do not see you again tonight, Bella," he bent and lightly kissed her lips before walking from the kitchen to join the men.

"Go and kiss him properly," Rosie shooed Bella after Stephen. Stunned by the command she went after him.

"Stephen," Bella called as she left the kitchen door. He turned and walked back towards her, meeting her in the shadow of the house with a questioning look. "Umm, Mum sent me to kiss you goodnight properly," she blushed.

"You were always a good girl growing up weren't you?" Stephen chuckled and took her in his arms. 

"Not always," she admitted

This kiss was deep and passionate, and she felt the familiar buzz of electric butterflies tingling in her body as he broke the kiss and stared into her eyes. "I have missed you greatly this week. I am glad we had this chance to unwind here before going back to the real world." He held her to him thinking about Dorothea's cautioning words, "If you love something set it free and if it returns to you than it is yours." He would take back the Gorean collar and the commitment it signified, but he was determined to remain a constant dominant figure in Bella's life, reminding her of his love and future intentions.



Possessing Bella Ch. 15



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to assist me with my grammar, she is absolutely fabulous I am sure you all agree. I cannot thank those people who commented after the hater at the end of last chapter I have never felt so lucky to have a group of loyal readers who would defend me as you did. I sincerely hope you enjoy this month's chapter.~ellie

*****

Bella smiled as Stephen drove into the carpark and pulled up. She was glad to be back and looked forward to seeing Rob and discussing her plans with him to merge the two separate sides of her life. Not that she would ever want her parents to see her in the club or at one of the lifestyle parties she had been to, but she wanted everyone that she loved to meet. She thought of Mel and how secret he had kept this side of his life from so many of the people who knew him. Ultimately, his and Jenny's secrets had brought such devastation to them all. 

She smiled up at Stephen as he opened her door for her. She could see that a relationship with him would be more normal than her relationship with Mel ever could have been. The first time they had spent time away from her home or the club he had taken her to dinner and dancing. The memory of that first kiss made her smile more visible, and Stephen interrupted her thoughts.

"It's good to see you smile," he said softly as he placed his hand on the back of her neck and guided her into the elevator.

"I was just thinking of the two different worlds I occupy. Home is so normal and yet here is fast becoming normal but in a different way. I think that having my family and friends all together in one room will be weird but a good weird, you know?" She explained.

Stephen chuckled and shook his head as the elevator doors opened on the opposite side to what she was expecting. 

"Did all of the furniture arrive already?" she asked. 

"Yes," Stephen stepped to unlock the door for her. ""While you were at your parents I had some time to move your belongings over for you," He said before allowing her to enter the apartment first. "Your plans were so detailed," he continued following her into the room, "That it was easy to put it all together. If something is not quite right though I can move it for you."

"This is amazing!" Bella moved slowly into the room, barely recognising the apartment as Mel's anymore. "You had the walls repainted and everything!" Bella was in shock that so much had been done. She had thought she would need to be working both night and day over the next two weeks to have it ready for the Christmas party. "I can't believe you did all this," she turned to look up at him. "Thank you, so much."

"Look through the place, and when you're done I will show you some hidden features I thought you might like," his eyes smiled but his face remained serious.

Bella wandered through the large apartment slowly taking in the marriage of the antiques with the modern pieces she had chosen. She noted some changes in what she had planned, but they were so minor, and she had to admit they improved the aesthetics of a particular room. She was overwhelmed by the amount of work he had done in her absence. She realised, of course, that he would have hired tradesmen and movers to do the work. The sheer enormity of organising so much to be done in such a short amount of time was not lost on her, especially after the huge effort of designing her office.

A small pang of disappointment that she had not been here to see the project through from start to finish surfaced as she entered the luxurious bedroom with the large antique bed he had given her. All of her personal belongings made the room look lived in already even though she had yet to officially move in. She laughed at herself, she was moved in already. It was on odd sensation and she realised that this was the third time she had moved in the last year and not had to lift a finger. Still she had designed and chosen everything here this time, and that was a large step forward. Stephen had merely taken her plans and put them in place for her.

"I can't even begin to thank you for all of this, it must have taken so much work," Bella smiled and went to where Stephen sat, naturally kneeling close to him with a smile.

"So you approve then," Stephen's eyes twinkled with pleasure though he did not smile.

"Oh, yes, thank you," Bella knew she was repeating herself, but words seemed to elude her at that time. "I appreciate everything you have done. I'm amazed and astounded as well as so very grateful." The large open plan area looked to be twice the size without all the dark furnishings that had crowded it before the changes. The kitchen and dining area was certainly big enough for the dinner party they had started to plan with her parents. 

"I'm not sure I have preparations for the party as an excuse to put off going to Jack and Dusty's ranch now," She chewed her lip thoughtfully.

"I think that the death of Vince Marino is reason enough for you to take a break over the holidays," Stephen said. "Though perhaps you would prefer to go now and start the New Year fresh without any formal commitments holding you back from doing what you want or making choices about your future." He knew he shouldn't push her this way. Dorothea had warned him of her confusion and insecurity, but he knew with absolute certainty that they could have a wonderful life together.

"I should probably talk to Rob and Charles before trying to change that schedule. People have gone to a lot of trouble to accommodate my wishes, and I don't want to be a brat about it," she smiled lopsidedly.

"Why don't you have them over for dinner and show off your new home?" Stephen suggested. "I am sure Jake would make whatever you liked."

"Maybe with such a wonderful new kitchen I could cook?" Bella asked as if seeking permission as well as reassurance.

"You do not need my permission for that. If you want to cook then I would like an invitation to this dinner myself," Stephen chuckled. It shouldn't have surprised him that she could cook and probably cook well but for some reason it did.

"I'm not a wonderful cook like Mum or Jake but I think I would like to do it," she chewed her lip. "Maybe they could come on Wednesday night, when the club is not as busy as the rest of the week. That will give me tomorrow to shop and make some preparations."

"Why don't you call Charles and see if he can make it," Stephen suggested. "I will let Rob know we are back. He wanted to see you once you were settled in and unpacked. He hasn't seen the apartment yet so you can show him around."

Charles had been delighted to hear from Bella and eagerly agreed to the dinner invitation on Wednesday. By the time Bella had finished the phone call Rob was on his way up from the club. So Bella went into the kitchen to see if it was as well stocked as the small kitchenette in her tiny apartment next to Rob's had been.

"I think we should celebrate, don't you?" Stephen said from behind her as she opened the refrigerator door. He reached past her and took out a bottle of champagne. 

"You really have thought of everything, haven't you?" She grinned and turned to impulsively hug him, feeling his arms wrap around her in turn. "Thank you," she said for the umpteenth time.

"You're very welcome Bella. I enjoy looking after you," Stephen bent his head to kiss her lightly and smiled.

Rob arrived moments later and swept Bella up into a tight embrace. "It's good to have you back, little brat." He kissed her forehead before placing her back on her feet. "How are you doing after everything?" He seemed to scrutinise her as she answered.

"I am fine, honestly. I am doing much better than poor Jenny," she said sadly. She was glad that Rob hadn't ignored what had happened or tried to sweep it away with a grand gesture. 

"Yeah, we've been in contact a few times. She's looking forward to getting away once the house sells and the estate is all wrapped up," Rob nodded his agreement.

"Why don't you show Rob around the apartment and I'll open the champagne," Stephen suggested. 

"I've only just arrived myself, or at least it feels that way, so we can explore together," Bella grinned and took Rob's large hand in her own. Bella found new things to enthuse over, giving credit to Stephen for putting all her ideas together and making it work. Rob praised her designs, colour schemes and small feminine touches that he lamented his place sorely needed.

"It's good to have you home little brat," Rob wrapped her in another embrace. "I will miss seeing you every day as you skip off to work." They went back out to the living room and sat on a comfortable sofa. 

"You can come by any morning you like," Bella tilted her head as she looked at him, "You don't need an invitation. You have never needed one. You're part of my life. You're family in a way. I would be lost without you always being here for me."

"You were always the sweetest of girls," he pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. Stephen approached after giving them a moment and offered glasses of champagne. 

"A toast to new beginnings," he raised his glass towards Bella, who beamed and looked once more around the room.

"To homecomings," she said.

"To family," Rob saluted and they drank.

"Speaking of family, I have invited Master Charles and Sera for dinner on Wednesday night. I would very much like you to come as well," Bella said carefully, lowering her eyes as Rob turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow showing his curiosity. "I umm... Have some questions about the training and what happens next year and umm," she gulped swallowing loudly. She peeked up at him seeing his eyes narrow at her.

"I will be here," Rob said after looking at Stephen, who seemed unsurprised by the request. Had it been anything to be concerned about Stephen would have told him, he was certain. The relationship between the two was growing steadily stronger, this apartment was testament to that. Rob knew Stephen well enough, however, to know he would not keep Kurt and himself in the dark about anything important when it came to Bella.

"Will you be inviting Kurt as well?" Rob tempered his curiosity sensing her reticence to discuss the issue yet. 

"Do you think I should, I mean it has nothing to do with business but he is one of my guardians too so maybe I should, but then again..." Bella was speaking quickly her words jumbling with the rolling thoughts in her head. "Dianne hasn't been well though. She looked dreadful at home on the weekend. Mum thinks she is having a baby, but she would have told us if that were true, wouldn't she? I mean we are family, aren't we?" She saw the startled look on both of the men's faces and sucked her lip in to be crushed between her teeth believing she had said the wrong thing.

"In that case yes. I think you do need to invite him," Rob grinned. He turned to Stephen with a chuckle. "That might be the reason we have barely seen them at the club recently."

"It's not unusual for people to keep a pregnancy hidden for the first month or two to make sure everything is alright," Stephen's low bass mused thoughtfully. "She is fairly old to be having a first baby. If what Bella said is true, it would only be natural for them to be cautious about any announcements."

"It was only mum's suspicions," Bella was worried she had started a rumour that would snowball out of control. "It is probably not even true."

"Well, we'll soon find out won't we," Rob chuckled. "I just don't know what I did to entertain myself when you were away little brat. You always make life more interesting. I am looking forward to Wednesday night and all the other surprises you have in store for me!"

"Oh gosh!" Bella exclaimed. "I don't mean to be a brat honestly! I'm sorry. I don't mean to cause problems for you or anyone."

"Not once have you caused any of the accidents or chaos that surrounds you. You have nothing to apologise for," Rob's chuckle became a full laugh as he gathered her into his arms. "I love you, Bella. I love the woman you have become through all of the madness of the last year and if I call you a brat it is meant with teasing affection, not any criticism or anger."

"I love you too," she whispered into his chest, wrapping her arms around his torso and holding to him tightly.

*****

Rob and Stephen left to go down to the club. Issues had arisen in his absence over the weekend that Stephen needed to take care of, and Rob asked for his help. Left to her own devices, Bella explored in earnest realising it was the furniture, not the place itself that reminded her of Mel before all of the changes had been made.

Sitting at her desk, she called Andrew at work to begin catching up on all that was planned for the week and more importantly everything that had happened in her absence. She was pleased that he seemed as excited about the business as she was, and he had gone ahead on several projects she had earmarked as needing further investigation. 

Buoyed up by Andrew's enthusiasm, she considered actually going into work for the afternoon. Realising she still had some work to do in the apartment to feel settled, she accepted his assurances that everything had been highly detailed in emails. Emails he had sent during the last week when she had been mourning the death of her friend. She would find them clearly marked in the subject line.

Bella smiled at that. Vince was her friend once, but she had a swirling mix of emotions when she thought about him now. She had left her father to deal with the fallout after the reading of the will and had not even wanted to think about it. She knew as she thought about returning to work that she would have to face the reality of what he had left to her where the company was concerned.

Hanging up from her cheerful conversation with Andrew, Bella turned on the new slimline laptop that sat before her. She hadn't wanted a big clunky desktop computer that would mar the antique look of the furniture in her study. As it hummed to life, she looked around once again, marvelling at how much work Stephen had accomplished in her absence.

She lost herself in firstly the emails from Andrew and then forcing herself to read the information from her father and the company lawyers regarding the legacy Vince had left her. She didn't remember having to go through all of this after Mel's death. At that time, the weeks and even first months following the shooting blurred in her memory as if she could only view them through a smoky haze. She wasn't sure she understood all of the legal jargon involved, but she got the general gist of the emails and was considering calling her father when she heard the door to her apartment open and close. She knew she had nothing to worry about here in her well-protected home, but the noise had startled her, and she froze where she was poised over the keyboard, staring at the door.

"Bella," Stephen's deep bass voice rumbled through the apartment and she let out a breath she hadn't even realised she had been holding. She gave a small laugh wondering why she had frozen the way she did. Perhaps she hadn't dealt as well with Vince's death as she thought she had because of the connection it had to Mel and the awful way in which he had died.

"Bella?" Stephen's voice took on a worried tone, and she could hear him moving closer.

"I'm here," she finally found her voice and got to her feet. "I lost track of time catching up with some work stuff." She apologised meeting him in the doorway of the study.

"I can see that," he looked past her to the open laptop on her desk. "You seem on edge. Is something wrong?" His brow furrowed and his voice still carried the weight of worry.

"No, I am fine. I was just lost in thought when the door opened, and I froze for a moment. I can't even explain why, I know I am safe here," she gave a half smile and blushed.

"I should have called and told you I was on my up. This is your home now, and you have proven to everyone that you are recovering well from your ordeal," he stopped and pulled her into his arms as he saw her face fall. "I brought us up some dinner. Come, and you can tell me what's going on in that pretty little head of yours while we eat." Stephen guided her from the study back out into the living area.

Sitting at the table Bella looked at the variety of tapas he had brought for them to share. "This looks great. Thank you, Sir Stephen," she smiled genuinely at him. "I hadn't even realised I was hungry until I saw all of this," she was grateful that, as always, he was looking after her in such a way as to pre-empt her needs.

Stephen wanted to be that constant reassuring presence in her life that she would seek out when she was feeling out-of-sorts and he knew that he was possibly pushing into unwelcome territory by his constant attentions. Dorothea's warnings rang clearly in his mind. He worried more so when he saw that her wide smile didn't manage to reach her eyes.

"You stayed up quite late watching movies with you mother last night. Then we had an early start this morning as well. Maybe after a good night sleep the work matters won't seem so overwhelming," he suggested carefully, still unsure of what she was thinking or what had made her freeze when he entered the apartment.

"You are right as usual. You know me so well," she helped herself to some fresh sea scallops drizzled with mango sauce. "This looks so amazing."

"David has finally talked Jake into letting him add some Tapas dishes to the menu," Stephen chuckled. "He is pretty good. You don't need to tell Jake I said that though," he warned with a chuckle. Swallowing her mouthful, Bella nodded her agreement and helped herself to more.

Seeing Bella relax with the food and the wine, Stephen tried to keep the conversation light. He laughed about Kurt and Jake's flirting with Rosie and the stoic resignation of her father who took the competition in his stride. Bella obviously loved her parents, and though Joe was a loving father it was clear to Stephen that he had always been a dominant figure in her life. He imagined that Joe would have been a strict authoritarian during her formative years which moulded the beautiful young submissive she had become. It was quite unusual he thought, when so many girls rebelled against that sort of authority, Bella it seemed had accepted it. 

With her parents, Bella was carefree, or at least less prone to worry than she was here in the city. He knew her well enough to imagine it was because there was no confusion for her there, she knew what was expected of her, and she did it. The last year here in the city with new friends and a new life had brought her constant confusion and instability. It was no wonder she still had moments of panic and insecurity. Still he wanted to know what had caused her to react that way earlier tonight.

"That was so good," Bella sat back in her chair, placing a hand over her non-existent belly. "I am so full I couldn't eat another bite." She began to gather up the plates and take them to the kitchen. Stephen considered how to handle the obviously touchy subject as he took their wine glasses and went to sit on the couch as she cleared the table and cleaned up.

"Come sit beside me tonight," Stephen caught her hand as she went to kneel beside him. "I'd like to know why you froze when I arrived, and why your eyes looked so sad earlier tonight," he said gently, pulling her to lean against him and running his fingers through her hair softly.

"I'd just let Dad handle everything about Vince's will after all that nastiness," she sighed admitting how weak she was in facing her problems. "It seemed like the best thing to do at the time, but I have to at least face the work side of it now. It changes things slightly, and lawyers need to be involved again," she tried to explain. "I don't remember much about this stuff after Mel..." her voice petered out.




Possessing Bella Ch. 15



"You were not in the right frame of mind at the time and your father did most of the negotiations with Kurt and Rob on your behalf as far as I know. It was a difficult time for everyone. There were no challenges to the will either, when it came to the company," Stephen squeezed her slightly with the arm he had wrapped around her, keeping her close to his side.

"I guessed that but now, I must deal with this on some level," she shrugged. "I need to try and be a grown up and not let my Dad do everything for me if I want them to take me seriously at the company."

"Don't shrug Bella," his voice hardened slightly, so she knew this was a command. 

"Yes, Sir Stephen, I'm sorry," Bella said quickly and tried to sit up straighter despite the large muscled arm holding her in place.

"It's unbecoming of a lady and you sweet girl are a lady," his voice softened again as he spoke. "There is more to your story so go on please," he encouraged.

"I still miss Mel, every day. I'm not angry at him for leaving me anymore. I'm not even sure that it is grief I feel so much as a hollow sadness for what could have been but never got the chance to materialise. We never really lived here together. Now that the furniture is gone so is he, the walls and floors hold no memories for me, except maybe that one," Bella pointed to an archway leading to a small corridor and the bathroom.

"I wondered if you knew about some of the hidden fixtures in the apartment," Stephen chuckled.

"Are there more?" She tilted her head to look up at him.

"Indeed and I am happy to show them all to you another time," he smirked.

"We were together just over a month. I could never have learned enough in that time even if I wasn't a brat and hadn't run away like a child," her voice caught but she took a deep breath and went on. "It's so easy to play the "What if" game. What if I hadn't run away and he came after me taking me to Europe so we could spend that time with each other? What if I had forgiven Vince when he came to me that day? What if I had been a good girl and gone home or to my Aunt rather than taking the job with Mel when I finished university?"

"That is never a happy game to play," Stephen tried to hold back from criticising her or putting any pressure on her. Trying to let her speak and get it all out was difficult for a man who liked to be in control of every situation, so he stilled his words and held her as she continued.

"I was locked in that game, those memories, blaming myself for not caring enough about Vince when he had left me everything. I had let myself believe it was just guilt that led him to do it, and that helped me to feel no remorse over his death, no sadness, no pain. I was cruel when I last saw him and still he did this for me," Bella finally let go of the tears that had been welling behind her eyes. "Do you believe in an afterlife?" She asked quietly.

"I'm not sure. I am more of an agnostic, I would like to see the proof before I believe," Stephen said carefully but honestly.

"I've been trying so hard to make Mel proud of me. It was as if he could see me from where ever he is, and I killed his son with cruel words when he reached out for forgiveness," Bella sobbed.

"You forgave him. I was there, I heard every word you said to him and far from being cruel, you were kinder than he deserved. He scared you, and us, by stalking you for weeks," Stephen's voice became hard. "This was not your doing. It was his own. Even with your forgiveness he couldn't face his actions. You have none of the blame for this. None, do you hear me?" He was angry that she felt this way, and he realised his anger had only increased her crying.

"You didn't have to think about any of this at home, did you?" Stephen wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as she cried and shook her head. "Now that you're back here you have to face it, but you don't have to do it alone. Your father will still manage your interests, and Kurt and Rob will still guide the company and advise you as to the best thing to do. You are one of the strongest women I know, and as you have told me on many occasions, you have so many people looking out for you. None of this is your fault, and if you are not up to dealing with it yet, your friends will understand."

Stephen picked her up and carried her into her bedroom looking for tissues and then placed her on her bed, lying down beside her and pulling her into his arms again. "Let it all go, you will feel better. I will listen without judgement or further comment but know that not one person, even Mel if he watches over you, will blame you for any of this." He stroked her hair gently and held her close as she cried and let her feelings of guilt and grief bubble forth. Feelings she hadn't even realised lay behind the thick wall she had built for herself where Vince was concerned.

Bella fell asleep nestled in Stephen's embrace. When she woke hours later, he was still there with soothing words telling her to sleep, but with the early morning light seeping through her window Bella was ready to get up and face the world again. 

"You came to my rescue again," Bella whispered and kissed his neck below his ear. "You have rapidly become my knight in shining armour and I adore you for that. Thank you, Sir Stephen." He turned his head and kissed her fully then, deeply and passionately. She felt the butterflies fill her belly and knew she could be happy waking up to him each morning. 

"I need to get up and shower for work," her voice was barely above a whisper and tinged with regret as the kiss ended. 

"Me too," he gave a slow suggestive smile, making her blush as he pulled her into another kiss.

"Come on then, lazy bones," Stephen rolled from the bed to his feet dragging her with him and smacking her ass, sending her in the direction of the shower. Walking to the doorway he paused. It would be so easy to take advantage of this moment and indulge his desires. He knew she would welcome it but again the words of Dorothea hung heavy in his mind. 

"I'm going to go shower and change into some clean clothes. I have some next door. Jake and I will still use that small apartment unless you need it for visitors," it was a statement rather than a question. He was loathed to relinquish the closeness that apartment afforded him to her on a daily basis.

"Of course," Bella was startled. She felt a tinge of disappointment that Stephen had not intended to shower with her.

"I'll come by tonight and show you those hidden features that you might not know about," he advanced on her to take her in his arms again and kiss her goodbye.

"I was going to get Lincoln to take me to a market after work and pick up a few things for the dinner with Master Charles tomorrow night. I would like to cook now that I have a decent kitchen," she said quietly, unsure if the restrictions on her movements were still in place since they had discovered that Vince was her stalker. Not that she knew he was the reason at the time.

"Leave me a list, and I will get someone to pick up what you need," he immediately offered.

"I'd like to go myself. It's been ages since I squeezed a peach or smelled a fresh pineapple that wasn't already prepared or chosen by someone else," she explained, trying to remember the last time she went food shopping. Aside from with her mother, who was so fussy about produce Bella would never have dared to interfere.

"You could ask Jake to take you to the markets early in the morning when the produce is at its best. He goes at about four, and if you're up to it, he would probably love the company. He can bring whatever you want back when you go to work," Stephen suggested, still not happy for her to be out shopping alone.

"I guess that could work," Bella conceded, realising shopping on her own wasn't yet an option with so many people keeping tabs on her. "I'll call him later and see if he minds me tagging along."

"I doubt anyone would mind spending time with you, little one," Stephen said gently. "Have a good day at work. I will see you this evening." Kissing her forehead, he turned and left her apartment.

Bella sighed. Stepping into the shower, she considered how being back here had made her feel again. Confused and uncertain. It was time, she realised, to take control of her life again. She had become Mel's by choice. All these people who made decisions for her now did it by Mel's choice; he gave them that role in her life. For the most part, she loved them and was extremely grateful that she had them to turn to for help and advice. She was yearning for some of the freedoms of her old life and just the simple choices of going shopping after work if she wanted seemed not to be hers ever again unless she spoke up. 

Considering the best approach to regaining some of those freedoms, she decided to invite Kurt to dinner tomorrow night along with Charles and Rob and make sure that Stephen knew the invitation extended to him. Taking a deep breath, she straightened letting the hot water wash the soapy bubbles from her freshly scrubbed skin. She had needed to cry last night. It was like a purge of all the guilt and sadness left over from remaining so stoic during the funeral and will reading. This morning she felt cleansed in more ways than just what the shower afforded her.

It was time to put on her big girl panties and step up into the life she wanted. The life Mel had made possible for her. She could be a level headed and decisive business woman and still enjoy the lifestyle and relationship of her choosing at home. Mel had managed to compartmentalise his life in many respects. It was time she reconnected with her long term friends and started being more than just that poor little girl who used to belong to Mel. She didn't need to be cossetted or wrapped in cotton wool anymore. She needed the love, affection and care of her friends and family as well as a relationship like that which Stephen offered her, where she could have it all. Or at least she thought she might be able to.

*****

Bella revelled in being back at work. She and Andrew spent the morning pouring over all of the research and development he had done on various aspects of the business in her absence. He was confident and strong, and she could see him fitting into the Alpha male world of the Masters she knew. Despite his dominant personality, he had made no final decisions without her. He brought her the best of his ideas and hard work to make those decisions that would ultimately guide the small business into the market place and ensure its survival there.

She had hoped to meet with Rhys during the afternoon, but Kurt has asked her to block out the afternoon for a meeting of the company executives. She had known there would be issues to sort through once she returned, but she was so eager to work on her business plan she wished she could have deferred what she knew would be a difficult meeting.

Andrew had managed to find three possible locations for their first retail outlet that had enough space for an adjoining workshop. They were discussing when they might go to view them when she was startled by a familiar voice coming from the foyer of her office suite. Looking up from her desk her eyes widened in surprise.

"Dad? What are you doing here? Is Mum alright?" She spoke fast as her mind raced with all the possibilities of why her father would be standing in her office after only just seeing him the day before at home.

"I'm just in town for a meeting," Joe immediately reassured her. "Your mother is off with her friends at some gallery showing of the Renaissance Masters. We're going to stay in that nice place you got us a room in the last time we were in town."

"She didn't come to say hello with you?" Bella was even more surprised. 

"We were running late, so she went straight to the gallery. We just spent two weeks with you so we didn't think you would mind. We could meet you for dessert later tonight if you like," he offered. "I would have thought you had seen enough of us lately though."

"It's good to see you again, Mr. Biancotti," Andrew extended his hand and shook Joe's. "I'll leave you two to talk." 

"I have a meeting to get to myself," Bella said apologetically to her father. "There is so much to catch up on after being away so long," she wrinkled her nose as if in distaste. "Andrew, could you see if we can schedule those viewings this week, please?" She called after her disappearing assistant.

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied with a grin and stepped out of the room.

"These are more comfortable than they look," Joe said taking a seat on one of the Roman stools that decorated the office. He turned to look at her then and motioned her closer. "We need to talk before the meeting."

"What do you mean?" Bella came to sit opposite him.

"I'm here as your lawyer, not your father today. I will be coming to your meeting with you," Joe said without preamble. "You are an extraordinarily wealthy young woman now, my lovely girl," he smiled. "I know that Kurt and Rob both seem to have your best interests at heart, but who can protect you and your interests better than your dear old Dad."

"I see," Bella caught her lip between her teeth. She trusted her father implicitly and if he felt the need to be here she was grateful, but she doubted that there was any need when it came to Rob and Kurt. They loved her, and this could get complicated if matters outside of work reared up and took her by surprise.

"You were quite emotional and refused to discuss a great many issues when you became a partner here after Mel's death. It will be different this time. You will have a say on what occurs to your shares. This is not a public company, and you are no longer a junior partner in terms of holdings. 

"You also have a stake in a gentleman's club that Rob manages, and you may or may not be aware of its less than savoury reputation," he paused to see her reaction. He misread the shock on her face as being one of not knowing rather than of her shock at his accurate description. He held off telling her its location in the basement of the building in which she lived. He was pleased she appeared not to know what went on there, though he was sure she was far more experienced in some things than he wanted to know about after being in a relationship with Mel. Bella said nothing but sat chewing on her lip unsure of what to say in the face of her father's bluntness. 

"I had asked for a delay to the meeting while we talk about a few things I would like to see you do and agree to before the business world find out to whom Vince left his shares. I am afraid with great wealth comes great notoriety, and you need to be prepared," Joe chuckled. "Just in case the second of my girls starts getting the same attention as her mother seems to everywhere she goes." He winked at Bella.

"Let's find an empty office with a proper desk or a board room where can we go over a few things," Joe suggested. "Do you think Andrew could order us some lunch?" 

Andrew found them an empty space with a large table and went and brought them food from the cafeteria himself as Joe slowly and carefully outlined what had happened to Vince's will. He explained that he had negotiated with the old lady and returned the property to the family placing it in Jenny's name alone. The money and business shares he had made sure she had retained and it was a sizable amount, almost doubling the already considerable wealth she had amassed since Mel's death. 

She was one of the richest young people in the country and probably would be included in the media releases of the top fifty richest people in the country articles. Bella realised that because she trusted those around her so implicitly, she had never asked exactly how much she owned or got paid in profits. Or even if she got a salary as she had when she was just a PA. She knew that Mel had made her financially independent, but she hadn't taken in the true meaning of the words until now, sitting and looking at the spreadsheets and paperwork her father had prepared for her.

"Why now?" Bella finally asked. "We have had many conversations and you have never given me such a detailed picture of my finances before."

"It's time. You're ready for this and to start taking some control of your future," he took her hand in his. "Vince's legacy changes things for you. Now you not only have the money but you have the power to make some real changes in this company and the business world at large." He paused letting that sink in. "Kurt is the CEO and does a damn fine job but you could challenge his decisions. Rob owns fifty percent, Kurt twenty percent, and you, my darling, own thirty. That puts you in a position of power here. A position many may resent as unearned."

"I just want to create my little jewellery shop and see it thrive. I don't want to wheel and deal in big business," Bella said appalled by what her father was saying. "Why does this have to make a difference?"

"If you let Kurt use your stake in proxy as he has been doing, then any time he and Rob came to loggerheads it would be a stalemate. You would then have to come in and make the decision between them," Joe patiently explained.

Suddenly Kurt's insistence that she be part of the executive and learn about the business became clear to her. He had always held the proxy to her stake in the company and unknown to her also Vince's stake. Rob had not shown much interest in how the company was run, but Bella knew Rob probably kept a closer eye on it than he pretended.

"This will all be covered in the meeting I am sure, but I wanted you forewarned. Now as your father, I want you to make sure you keep up all the security precautions Mel put in place. Having a driver and living in that building where only the residents can use the lifts. There are a lot of hustlers and unscrupulous people out there just waiting to hitch a ride on a rich young girl's coat tails," He said seriously. Then chuckled, "I doubt any of them would make it past Stephen, but you need to be aware and careful even amongst your friends, understand?"

"I love you," Bella impulsively hugged her father. He was the one man in her life who never left her feeling confused and uncertain. "I am so lucky to have you and Mum."

"It's been a tough year, not just for you but us too. We thought we would lose you more than once," he said sadly. "Our hearts broke having to let you work it all out on your own when all we wanted to do was love you and help you through everything," his voice broke. "You are our world and we love you more than life itself."

"It is, for this reason," he enunciated each word slowly while pulling himself together and disentangling her arms from his neck, "That we would like you to do something for us."

"Name it!" Bella exclaimed, blinking her teary eyes.

"There is a small, non-government organisation who works with the families of those who are victims of violent crimes to help them to help their loved ones," he paused and looked at her. "Your mother and I would like to become patrons of this organisation and have you set up a trust of funds for them. They were a great source of comfort and friendship for us over the last year." Joe admitted. 

"Of course," she exclaimed. "You can draw up the necessary paperwork and I will give whatever you think is needed. I can certainly afford it." She considered for a moment chewing her lip as her father began to gather the papers on the desk as he regathered his thoughts from the emotional moment they had shared.

"I think there may be one or two other charities that I would like to support. Do you think there is a way to keep a donation totally anonymous?" Bella asked with bright-eyed enthusiasm. 

"There is but I would like to look at any charity before gifting them a sizable sum of money," Joe cautioned her.




Possessing Bella Ch. 15



"I understand. I will email you the details of one in particular I have in mind," she smiled mysteriously. She placed her hand on a spreadsheet still open on the table. "Wow, Dad. Are you sure these figures are right? There seems to be far too many zeroes for a girl who hasn't been out of university that long."

They packed up and went into the meeting with Rob, Kurt and the company lawyers. Having her father on hand and with the knowledge about her position he had given her, Bella engaged in the afternoon meeting with more confidence than she would have prior to this. She listened carefully to all that was said and asked questions where the legal jargon became murky for her. She was happy for Kurt to retain the proxy vote of her stake in the company. She knew she wasn't ready to become involved in every aspect of the running of it. With the business more or less concluded Rob halted the proceedings.

"Before we set anything in stone," Rob leaned back in his chair and winked at Bella before turning his attention to Kurt. "I noticed that Dianne is positively glowing lately. Is she on a new diet? New beauty treatment or something?"

Kurt seemed lost for words for a moment before narrowing his eyes at Rob, "She's eating better, I suppose," he said warily, "I'll tell her you said so."

"Hell, call her in and I'll tell her myself. I wanted to ask her when she was due. Apparently Rosie had been nagging poor Bella about when she would have to have the booties knitted by," Rob said as if everybody knew the news.

"How would... I mean we never..." Kurt stammered in shock at Rob's words. "How did you find out? We weren't going to tell anyone until we were past the first trimester." Kurt was puzzled and admitted the truth.

"No one knew for sure, but Rosie said she could tell, and we believed her, didn't we Bella," Rob was laughing.

"Oh no, don't you bring me into this. I was content to wait until they were ready to tell people themselves," Bella said but couldn't help smiling. "Congratulations Kurt." She beamed at him. A round of backslapping went on amongst the men and Dianne was called into the room where she was hugged and fussed over. Once the group had settled once again around the table, Rob sat forward with his hands on the table.

"Kids are an expensive business," Rob lamented shaking his head. "You better gift ten percent of my stake to the new Daddy so he doesn't stress so much he has a heart attack and expect me to take over his job," Rob said easily.

"As if you could do my job," Kurt guffawed, thinking he was joking and laughing along with him.

"I didn't mean here. I mean Dianne. That's too much beautiful woman for me to handle," he pulled a face, making Kurt laugh more.

Stuart Williams, the chief business lawyer, cleared his throat. "In that case we will redraft these papers and meet back here say... Friday to sign the final copy?"

"I am not sure I can make Friday but email me a copy and I will go over it before Bella signs," Joe suggested rather than delaying the signing to a time more convenient to him. "Now gentlemen if we are all done, I have a beautiful woman waiting in a hotel room for me," he got up to leave. "Bella walk me out, please." He extended his hand as the lawyers began to pack their folios away into leather briefcases.

"Wait! You were serious?" Kurt looked incredulously at Rob.

"Sure, you do all the work around here anyway," Rob loved getting one up on Kurt. He was enjoying the moment with a real sense of love for the man who had stepped up to fill Mel's shoes. Not just here at the company but in his life as well. Theirs fast became a firm and deep friendship.

"Fuck! I don't know what to say," Kurt was stunned.

"I find at times like this a simple thank you has always worked for me," Bella grinned and took her father's arm to walk him from the office. It had been a long and drawn out afternoon, and she was glad it ended on a high note.

*****

Bella had finished work early and gone to have an early dinner with her parents, unsurprised that Stephen was already at the restaurant with her mother. They had walked hand in hand after farewelling her parents, and Bella began to let herself believe that her thoughts of that morning could all come true. She could have her unique lifestyle and a master who loved her for both her submission and her strength. 

Dianne and Kurt had not wanted to make their announcement public yet. Bella accepted that and had reassured them that it would go no further until they were ready. That night though, as Stephen nudged walls to open hidden recesses and even a moderately sized safe, she began to explain what had happened at the end of the meeting. 

"So as I see it, Rob will still maintain the majority share but with my proxy Kurt can run the company on his own. He would only need to bring us in on the big decisions and acquisitions," she explained out loud as she still worked through all that had happened.

"Rob's more business savvy than he likes to let on. Mel was a genius at it, but Rob is no slouch. He may not want to be stuck in a high-rise office all day but you can be damn sure he knows exactly what is going on in both the company and the club at any given time," Stephen's voice rumbled.

"When I think of Master Rob, I don't think of a business savvy millionaire," Bella giggled.

"True, he doesn't flaunt his affluence and possibly only those close to him would know of his philanthropy and what he does outside the club," Stephen nodded. "Make no mistake though he is one of wealthiest men you or I might ever meet. All of the wealth that Mel distributed among a great many people in his will, Rob has equal the assets and the influence that goes along with it."

"It seems so unfair that over the last year you have all been such a big part of my life that I consider you family, and I barely know anything about your real lives," Bella said thoughtfully. "I probably know you and Dorothea better than anyone else. Rob is almost like a second father figure. Except for that whole flirting and kissing thing," she blushed deeply. "It's weird and hard to explain how much I love him for everything he does for me."

"A lot of girls seek out that father figure in the lifestyle, just look at Sera and Charles," Stephen said cautiously, sensing something in her blush but not wanting to ask the direct question. He watched her chew her lip, her mind working over what he had said as her blush remained colouring her cheeks. 

Bella could hear the caution in his voice and looked at him. He had been honest with her about his feeling and intentions. While admitting she wanted to know him better because she loved him in her own way, she had not made any real commitment to him because of her current circumstances. She realised at that moment that he probably felt the same uncertainty about their relationship that she had always had until he voiced his intentions.

"I want to tell you about what happened with Master Rob and me when I returned from the beach house," she said quietly. Stephen nodded, but his face became blank as a wall went up around his feelings for her. Bella slid from the couch where she had been sitting beside him to kneel at his feet. Then she sat back on her heels before daring to look up into those dark eyes that took in every move she made.

"I don't kneel before Master Rob anymore," she began, "Nor Master Kurt for that matter but for entirely different reasons." She paused as what she wanted to say jumbled in her head. "It's not that I don't respect them as dominant men, as Masters, I do but I have moved beyond the role of a submissive with them. With Kurt, I am a partner in the company and as such need to be able to meet him on a different untried level. One where he and I can exchange ideas while still understanding and respecting our roles in each other's lives. The last time he was furious with me on a personal level, it was you who disciplined me because he couldn't. I think it's a new kind of relationship for both of us. He still has that power and control but in an altered way." She tried to explain some of the difficulties and confusion she had experienced with the men in her life during the last few months.

"That was to be expected to some degree," Stephen acknowledged. In truth, he had not considered her changing relationships at work because he always saw her within the lifestyle. The relationship with her assistant Andrew was the only one he had given due consideration to the challenges of a submissive in a role above her usual station.

"I want to be totally honest with you because of my feelings for you and the feelings I hope you still hold for me," she took a deep breath.

Stephen reached out and stroked her cheek, letting her lean her head into his hand. "My feelings and intentions remain unchanged," his voice lacked the emotion he felt at that moment as he waited for her to speak further.

"I first met Master Rob just after I had begged for Mel's collar. He had ridden in from the beach house that very night with the collar. He was dressed in his biker leathers, and his long hair was tied back, his face was covered in a rough stubble. And when I first saw him, it was like he had stepped straight out of one of my fantasies. His whole demeanour and everything about him just made me weak at the knees. Like a school girl crush," she admitted, not daring to look up into Stephen's dark eyes as she told him of her feelings for Rob.

"As you know, Mel and my relationship started on rocky ground. He left me alone often. I know now why and that he was protecting me and seeking out whoever was causing problems at the club and company. I panicked more than once and fled from Mel and on those occasions it was Rob who was there to save me. He had gotten quite angry with me the last time before I ran home to my parents. He was always my white knight, my hero, especially after the accident. I was so naïve and silly," she shook her head.

"I transferred all the love I felt for Mel onto him in my grief. So much so that when I came back from the beach house," she paused unsure of how to put what had happened into words. "I asked Master Rob to take me as his and train me himself." Bella blurted out the last half of the sentence and looked up to see the look of surprise on Stephen's face.

"He rejected me but in the nicest way so I didn't feel the sting of it so badly. Mel looms quite large between us. Discovering who and what Lucifer was had also given him the closure he needed with Kitty and he couldn't have borne the burden of my grief as well as his own," she explained further. "So we have had to find a new way of loving each other and mourning the people we lost. He is my hero like a Daddy is to any little girl, and I am his favourite brat. That is the best that I can describe it. The love between us will never be that of real intimacy even though we may play at it sometimes. I like to sit on his lap and wiggle my ass to hear him groan, but we both know it won't go any further." She couldn't help the small smile that came to her face when she thought of Rob.

"I have to admit I am jealous," Stephen said slowly. "I am unsure whether to thank Rob for not collaring you on the spot or just be grateful that he is a good man who loves you and didn't take advantage of you in that situation." He tilted her face up to his with a finger under her chin. "I could never have been that strong if you had come to me with that request."

"Three months ago you barely even knew me, and you were so angry with me for what I had done at the beach house," Bella said, surprised by his admission.

"Mel was so much more than my mentor. He was my friend and ally. An older brother even. We come from the same family, you and me," He smiled and kissed her gently. "I have been watching over you since the first night you stepped foot in the club. Jake and I both owe almost everything to Mel, and when you came back from Italy, we became your guardians along with Rob and Kurt. I have known you far better and for far longer than you give me credit for. I have seen you grow into the beautiful woman you are today. It has been in the last couple of months though that I realised I had fallen in love with you and that I want you to be mine, in all the ways you possibly could be. I want you as my friend, my family, my lover, my confidante and as the most precious and treasured of submissives. " 

He kissed her deeply then and growled deeply but softly into that kiss. "I want the ladylike business woman, the princess who flirts and teases to get her own way and I want the gloriously amazing pain slut that feeds my darker desires and needs." 

He sat back and looked down on her. "Now you can have the truth behind those words from me," he said his voice regaining its timbre. "I do not like to play with new girls down in the club, and those that I have occasionally played with in the past have been in the lifestyle for some time." His eyes remained locked on hers to gauge her reaction, and he noted the sucking in of her lip as she thought about what he was saying.

"From my perspective, in my role at the club, I get to see a great many girls come and go. I try to help them avoid making the mistakes so many newbies do and learn from them when things go awry. There are many pitfalls to being an uncollared submissive, particularly accepting a collar too fast in the heat of the moment," he saw the look of anguish on her face and amended his statement.

"The majority do not have well-known, experienced men who will take the time to groom them into the ideal, as Mel began to do with you. Most rather get sucked into dubious relationships that come with large risks," he let a small smile tilt the corner of his mouth to soften his words. "It takes probably six months of steady play and teaching for a new sub to finally come to terms with the physical and psychological effects of BDSM. Then and only then, are they capable of making a rational choice to be collared to a particular Master. What you did was not wrong, of course. Had Mel been here to continue to guide you, things would be very different. In my mind, this training you insisted on has probably been for the best, as much as I have not enjoyed seeing you go with other Dominants." 

"You are naturally a people pleaser and follow the rules, it's in your nature. You have come such a long way in such a short time. I can only believe that Mel had been grooming you subtly for a long time," Stephen turned her face to look up at him again. "I think we are both ready to explore more of each other as we move towards having a committed relationship in the future." He would have preferred the here and now, but he knew she was not ready for that yet.

Bella's eyes widened and he could see the uncertainty there as she whispered, "I need to finish..."

"Your commitment to the training schedule and you need to be sure of me. You have already surrendered your body to me if not your heart though, and it is more an exploration of exactly where your limits lie that I was suggesting. It is probably the facet of our relationship that is the newest and least explored and one I am keen to work on as those who you have been sent to for training do." He pulled no punches in admitting that he wanted more of a sexual relationship with her now that it had tentatively begun back in Gor.

Bella blushed at that, but he was right. She had been more intimate with men she barely knew in the last few months than she had been with this man who she believed she could love whole heartedly. "You are right," she murmured. "Maybe that is because this feels so very real to me, and suddenly I am aware that I cannot give you the commitment you want, well not yet anyway. So I am tentative about surrendering to those feelings and, in turn, you completely."

"It is real because there are very real emotions involved," Stephen agreed. "It would only seem fair that you would want the same training you are receiving from men in various other lifestyles from a man you are considering in the long term future."

"This apartment is not set up for that sort of training," she blushed thinking of all the hidden recesses, "Well not fully anyway."

"The playroom remains intact," he said softly, unsure of how she would take the suggestion given that she had only just purged her memories of Mel from this apartment. He was aroused though, and he wanted this beautiful young woman body and soul.

Gnawing on her lip, she nodded. She always knew it was there, and she hadn't been sure what to do with it. The truth was she had only been in a small section of the massive room, and she had no idea what was in fact in there aside of one or two pieces of equipment that she remembered. 

"I would like very much to take you in there. Are you up to that?" Stephen asked in a soft tone so that she didn't feel pressured. "You can say no and I will not think badly of you for it."

"May I have a safeword before we go in, please," Bella took a deep breath to steady herself as the first flutter of nerves hit her stomach. "What if...what if she couldn't live up to his expectations, what if she panicked and used the safeword before she could show him what she was capable of," she wondered. The thoughts swirled in her mind as he picked her up and walked to the semi-hidden door in the bathroom that entered the room from the apartment.

"Choose your word," Stephen said standing before the door, his voice husky with desire. 

"Fruitloops," she said sounding more confident than she felt and smiling awkwardly as he suppressed a chuckle at her choice.

"Fruitloops it is then," he grinned as he carried her through the doorway and placed her on her feet. Kissing her softly, he moved away. "Come," he commanded and walked towards the large armchair she remembered. Some things are never forgotten, and Mel's conditioning had taught her the rules of this room and similarly the main room of the yacht were to be obeyed at all times. In here she was a slave to the Master's desires. She dropped to her hands and knees without even giving it another thought and crawled after him.

"Well then," he said as she stopped before him, "What a very good girl you are." He petted her hair and smiled down at her showing his genuine pleasure, making the butterflies in her tummy react with anticipation rather than dread.

"Now stand and undress for me," he commanded and she slowly got to her feet. He sat forward as she slowly began to unbutton her blouse. Each piece of clothing was removed and folded carefully, and put on the floor beside his chair. She was meticulous, remembering her former training. Finally, she stood naked before him, turning slowly for him to inspect her before she stilled her movements, her head bowed and her hands clasped behind her back. 

He stood up, and slowly he circled around her, touching and inspecting her body as if for the first time. She could feel his warm fingers as they stroked up her spine to rest at the back of her neck. Such a familiar feeling. His other hand came brushing up her belly to lightly cup a breast. She closed her eyes as his thumb grazed across her erect nipple. She heard him chuckle softly and then murmur, "Your body is certainly responsive to a gentle touch. Now let's see how you respond to..." His voice trailed off as the fingers that had been so lightly and teasingly playing with her breast suddenly pinched down on the nipple. 

Bella's eyes flew open at the sudden onslaught of pain. She breathed in deeply and relaxed into the sensation, letting the tendrils of pain flow through her breast and into her body, relishing the sensation. He stepped in front of her, still holding her nipple painfully tight between thumb and forefinger. His eyes caught hers, and his steady gaze became her focus as she surrendered completely to him and the painful pleasure he chose to give her. He slowly relaxed his hold on her breast. She had not moved a muscle during the painful touch and could see in his eyes that he was very pleased with her. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 15



"I see you were taught the rules of this room well," his deep voice rumbled. "I should have expected as much. I believe, my beautiful little one, that this will be a night to remember for the both of us." There was no mistaking the lust in his voice as he pulled a black cloth from the box beside the chair. "Close your eyes and relax, little one," he instructed as he carefully blindfolded her, effectively removing any memory of being here in this room with Mel as she listened only to his voice.

After he tied the blindfold snugly at the back of her head, he took both her hands in his and started leading her forward. She relaxed even further into her rapidly narrowing perception as her sense of hearing and touch were exponentially heightened. She could hear his footsteps and the swish of his pants as he walked, she could feel his hands holding hers, but all else was gone until he stopped and released her hands.

Now she could hear assorted clicks and rattles as he moved around her. Finally, she felt him lift her wrist to wrap a wide soft leather cuff around it. She shivered. He continued until all four of her limbs had been cuffed in the soft leather restraints. Her nose twitched at the scent, and without thinking she lifted a cuffed wrist to her face to better smell the aroma of well cared for leather. Taking her hand from her face with a cluck of his tongue, she could feel him attach clips to each cuff. He then gently pulled her forward and guided her hands to the smooth wood arms of what she believed to be a large cross. She had remembered seeing them but had never been bound to one before. The vision of a woman bound to a similar cross at the club almost made her panic when she realized what was about to happen. The whips and large canes that she found so harsh danced in her mind.

She knew Stephen had skill with all manner of whips, canes and floggers. Having been mentored by Mel, and after the scene near the river several weeks ago, she knew he was a sadist like him when it came to the giving of pain. But she trusted him and had surrendered to his desires at that moment. With that thought in her mind bringing her added pleasure, she breathed deeply and sought that deep dark place within herself that revelled in the erotic pain she knew he would lavish on her.

He made sure her feet were firmly planted before attaching the cuffs on her ankles to the bottom rings ensuring her thighs were wide and open to him. When she was secured to the cross, he gently stroked his hands over her body as if relishing the as yet unmarked pale skin of her back and ass. He then stopped abruptly and moved away. She could hear him moving around behind her. Just as suddenly as his hands had left her, his hand was on her shoulder again, bracing her as he stroked a heavy leather flogger down her back. The soft leather strands felt cool and sensuous on her heated skin, and she purred softly. Grateful that it was not the hard bamboo of a cane or the plaited coil of a cutting whip, she relaxed further into her need for this kind of painful pleasure.

"You know your safeword, and you know that I will respect it," he whispered next to her ear, his voice deep and husky. "Listen to my voice little one. Listen and relax. Let it all flow through you like the pain slut I know you to be. You are the most beautiful and precious creature I have ever known. I adore you so much." He stepped back, and she shivered at the loss of contact. Then the first warm sting of the flogger hit across her ass, making her squeak more from the reality of her anticipation. The blindfold making her imagination dream up the size and look of the flogger that had caressed her skin so gently.

Her body heated, and the adrenaline mixed with the endorphins within her to feed her need for this as much as her need for the man wielding the flogger. The thuds of the flogger took on a rhythm that she surrendered to. He moved it up her back, across her shoulders, back down to her ass and then down the backs of her thighs. The leather strands brought the blood to the surface of her skin and made her nerves sing. Instead of anticipating and tensing despite herself as each blow fell, she relaxed and let her head drop forward to rest on the cross. She whimpered softly as he started to pick up the tempo; the strokes rained down faster on her, and she wondered if he was using a flogger in each hand. 

Bella gave in to the pain and let it flood her with endorphins. Her whimpering turned to cries, and she could feel the tears coursing down her cheeks as the mix of pain and endorphins pushed her higher into a cloud of painful pleasure. Just as she felt like she was reaching some new heights, the flogging stopped, and she almost cried out to beg for more. 

It was barely a moment later that she felt his hand connect with her ass and his body press up against her heated form. His hand came up between her legs to cup her sex. Then two of his fingers slid into her in one fluid motion. He knew exactly how and where to stroke at the front wall of her wet cunt, and she cried out as her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave. She lost herself in all sensation, grateful for the restraints that held her upright as her body shook and bucked in her delirium. Wave after wave assaulted her until she came back to reality to feel him kissing her neck and shoulder and murmuring unintelligibly in her ear.

Gasping and sobbing, she felt him take her down from the cross and remove her blindfold but she kept her eyes closed tightly as the last tears escaped her eyes. She had never felt anything like that, even when she had come close with Mel she had lost consciousness in the end and woken up clean and in her bed with him beside her. Stephen picked her up into his arms, and she blinked open her eyes, adjusting to the light as she gazed up at him, a haze of euphoria covering her eyes as she continued to shake in his arms.

He moved back over to the large leather chair and sitting down, he held her gently in his lap just as Mel used to after an intense scene. Except this wasn't Mel and as her eyes focused and locked on his, she could see the care and concern that Mel had always shown but more, so much more. She could see the love and gratitude he had that she had surrendered so completely to him mixed with his still apparent desire. She smiled and whispered hoarsely, "Thank you, Master, that was incredible."

Overwhelmed, Stephen pulled her fiercely to his chest and growled in a low guttural way as if he was a giant bear rather than the big man that had just given her so much pleasure. Her eyes closed again, and she relaxed into his warm embrace, the flood of endorphins still singing through her veins. A strong hand lifting her chin woke her out of her daze. She opened her eyes to see him smiling down at her before his lips claimed hers in a deep, passionate kiss. She opened herself completely to the kiss, and he rumbled again, his arms tightening around her body.

Looking into her eyes for a few moments as he stroked her hair, he then eased her off his lap and down to where she could kneel in front of the chair. Standing, he began to disrobe. She watched as each piece of clothing fell away, mesmerized by his sheer size and masculinity. When his pants slipped down to pool at his feet, she automatically reached out to help him step out of the legs and then folded the pants carefully before laying them next to her pile of clothes. Then she took back her position kneeling, her eyes lowered, as her cheeks flamed at the sudden need she felt to taste him and feel him enter her body.

Leaning down, he petted her hair briefly before grabbing it in a bunch and reefing her head back roughly so she looked up at his huge form hovering over her. She felt small and vulnerable at that moment, and she whimpered both in anticipation and a painful need for him.

He stepped close to her and pulled her face in to press against his groin. Watching as she breathed deeply and rubbed her cheek and lips against the hardness of his cock. She squirmed and rolled her hips and softly whimpered while he held her almost immobile against his groin. Releasing his hold slightly, his eyes remained glued to her face as she kissed the tip of his cock and slowly parted her lips, sucking him into the warm cavern of her mouth.

Bella savoured the taste of his flesh. Her lips and tongue melded themselves snugly around his shaft before sliding deeper. Filling her mouth, she found it hard to roll or flutter her tongue but the small movements she could make brought forth a low growl of approval. She felt him tighten his hold on her hair, and he started moving slowly in and out of her mouth. He pushed in hard, and she had no time to relax her throat muscles before he attempted to slide in all the way, making her gag and choke on the hard cock. 

Spittle dripped from her lips and chin to her heaving chest as he attempted to drive his cock all the way into her throat several more times before succeeding. He pulled her face against his pelvis, the hair there tickling at her nose. Yanking her head off his cock suddenly and pulling to it backwards, she was left gasping, whimpering and staring up at him with her own hot lust written clearly all over her tear stained and drool laden face.

His growl seemed more desperate to even his ears. He bent and lifted her up, carting her to a single balance beam and placing her over it like a rag doll. While it was the perfect height for his use, she had no foot or hand hold so he placed a hand in the middle of her back until she gained some equilibrium. Then he thrust into her. He reached down, pulling her up by the hair and wrapped a large hand around her throat, holding her in place as he drove into her like a man possessed. 

Once again surrendering completely to his needs, Bella felt herself rising inexorably toward a new climax. She flexed her muscles around him, and she heard his growl turn to a roar as he started to move faster and harder. His hand tightened around her throat, and her breathing became even more laboured as she hung over the narrow beam at his mercy. He shifted once again and the head of his cock pressed and rubbed against her inner sensitive spots, and she gurgled loudly as her cry was muffled by her constricted throat. 

She could feel her cum gush and flow around their joined bodies as he kept slamming into her, keeping the pleasure at its peak. Again, her body jerked and shook as she rode a wave of pleasure that never seemed to end. She had never felt this kind of intense and prolonged pleasure before. A tiny part of her brain marvelled at it as she struggled for air and understanding of how he could make her feel so much more than any other had, including Mel. She had barely had the thought when suddenly it was over. He was still and she could breathe easily, sucking huge lungful's of air into her deprived body.

Pulling her from the beam, he staggered back the few feet to the big chair and sat with her cradled in his arms. Both sat in silence, recovering from the intensity of the scene. He wanted nothing more at that moment than to claim her as his own with the single word "Mine". Instead, he swallowed it down and began kissing her neck gently. With what little breath she had regained she whispered, "Thank you, Master. I have no words to explain how I feel right now, exhilarated barely scratches the surface."

"I do," he rumbled breathily close to her ear, "But they would not be fair to either of us."

Understanding and lifting her eyes to his, she placed a hand on his chest where his heart beat still thundered and whispered, "Soon, perhaps."

They remained sitting in the large chair in silence. Exhausted by the scene, Bella closed her eyes for what she thought to be a few moments, only to wake up the next morning to her alarm. She was naked but clean and in her own bed. Stretching, she felt the after effects of the intense scene and knew she would have to dress carefully for work today. Taking in the room around her, she wondered why it was so dark still, then she looked at the clock and realised it was three thirty am. 

"Urgh," she groaned and rolled over pulling the cover tightly around her. 

"Oh no, you don't little brat," Stephen's voice sounded full of mirth in the darkness of her room. "Get up and shower. You have a big day to get to."

"It's too early and well, last night..." she groaned but sat up despite her words and blinked her eyes open.

"That was the most exquisite gift of yourself you gave me last night. It is no excuse, however, to ignore the real world and commitments you've made," he sat on the edge of the bed. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her deeply. "You're going to the markets this morning with Jake," he jogged her memory when they broke the long kiss.

"Oh gosh! Yes!" Bella leapt from the bed and hurried to the bathroom to shower and do her hair. When she emerged, Stephen had laid out clothes for her on the bed. Realising time was tight, she didn't question it but rather dressed as quickly as she could considering one of the items was a corset. Luckily it did up in the front rather than requiring another person to help her as some of the other corsets did. When she emerged fully dressed from her room, she found Stephen sitting in the living room reading what she assumed were messages on his phone.

"You look beautiful as always," he smiled and stood, walking towards her with a glass of juice. 

"Thank you, Master," she said softly unsure of whether to revert to Sir Stephen in the light of day. She hung her jacket over the back of a chair and took the juice from him, sipping at it as he ran his hand down her back and over her hip to pull her closer to him. 

"I am not sure I ever told you what an affect good corsetry can have on me," he pressed his groin into her belly, showing exactly what effect the hidden garment was having on him. "I know of a little boutique in an out of the way spot where I would like to take you to be fitted properly for one in my preferred style. Maybe we could go this weekend?" He knew he shouldn't crowd her or push her, but he couldn't stop himself. She had rapidly become the focus of his thoughts, no matter where he was in his day in recent weeks.

"I didn't have anything planned," Bella said easily, "But I am a bit overwhelmed with how much work I have to catch up on now. Can we see how the week pans out, please, Sir Stephen?" His brow furrowed and she held back a sigh as she explained, "I am never sure what to call you now, in the playroom last night and in Gor it was natural to call you Master. Here, in the real world where I have a career and responsibilities to other people, it feels right to call you Sir Stephen. I don't know what I am supposed to say anymore. My life has become a labyrinth of protocols."

Stephen could hear the anxiety and confusion creep into her voice and knew he was the cause of it. Dorothea was right. He was pushing her too hard. "They sound like reasonable distinctions to me, and ones I can live with for now." He chuckled, making light of the situation in an effort to calm her anxiety. 

A soft knock at the door heralded Jake's arrival, and Bella left for what she realised was going to be a very long day.

*****

Bella set the table between checking the oven, this was no gourmet meal but she had enjoyed preparing it. She had managed her time well but was drained from lack of sleep and traipsing around the produce markets before the crack of dawn. Still it was her first dinner party, and she felt excited about it.

Charles and Sera arrived first and took advantage of the time alone, quizzing Bella on everything that was going on in her life and having her show them around her new apartment. It was the first time Bella could remember being grateful that these were fully serviced apartments as she opened the door to her spotless bathroom. The other four guests all arrived together, with Steven and Rob carrying in bottles of wine and champagne.

"Don't worry Dianne. I am sure Bella has something suitably non-alcoholic for you and Sera," Rob chuckled. 

"Not feeling well, my dear?" Charles asked as he kissed her cheek.

"Something like that," she smiled.

"Well, don't stand there. Please come in and have a seat," Bella bubbled with nerves and excitement.

The dinner went off without a hitch, and as they all sat around complimenting Bella's skill and Sera finished her second dessert, Charles finally broached the subject of why she had asked him to come.

"Bella, this has been a lovely evening but when you invited me I got the distinct impression you wanted to discuss something?" he eyed her curiously.

"I did. I mean I do. What I want to say is, I have some questions about the arrangements put in place regarding me with the other stakeholders," she said without using the word training. 

"I don't wanna talk about no boring business stuff," Sera said with a pout.

"You know," Rob broke into the conversation. "Dianne has a big secret she won't tell anyone, and I bet if you showed her around Bella's new apartment, you might just be able to get it out of her."

"I loooooove secrets," Sera said exaggeratedly then pursed her cupid bow lips and smiled mischievously at Dianne. "Let's go see if Bella's bed is as bouncy as it looks!"

"So much for that secret," Kurt rolled his eyes as Dianne laughed and followed Sera away from the table, knowing Kurt would fill her in later.

"I don't want to be seen as a brat or the type of girl who breaks commitments. I have every intention of honouring those I made to the five original men that Mel had made the agreement with," Bella began. "It's just that when I left that night, you had opened it up to anyone else who wanted to be involved in the training schedule. That meant Leon and Josie could add their names to the list..."

"They both did," Charles confirmed.

"What happens if I find a Master I would like to be with, perhaps even take his collar?" She said almost too quietly to be heard. "What happens if I find that before the training is ended and they do not approve of what I am doing? What if I do not wish to accept more than what Mel had asked for me in favour of a chosen Master?"

Stephen was a little stunned and elated. He knew she would ask to have more of the specifics of her training explained to her, but not this particular question. He kept his face impassive. Rob and Kurt exchanged a long knowing look.

"Did you know?" Kurt asked. "Is this why you were so generous yesterday?"

"I thought at some point in time but I hadn't thought it would be so soon," Rob shrugged. "No one has said anything to me." He narrowed his eyes at Bella, "Something you want to tell me, little brat?" Rob turned his gaze on Stephen and then back to her.

Charles had watched the small group, and the looks each of them exchanged before speaking again. "I suggest someone tell me what is going on," He did not sound pleased.

"Bella and I have spent a great deal of time together over recent months. I have come to care for her very deeply and have expressed my interest in furthering our relationship by offering her some training while she is here in the city and working," Stephen said easily. "She is an easy girl to develop feelings for," he turned and smiled at her. "In turn, she has expressed her desire to get to know me better on a personal level beyond the friendship we now enjoy. Being an obedient girl, however, she has also stated that she can make no commitments while the training program exists and that she is beholden to her guardians." Stephen felt like a young man trying to date a girl with three over-protective fathers at that moment.

"Is this true, little one?" Charles asked.

"Yes, Master Charles," Bella nodded.

"You knew it?" He turned to Rob and then to Kurt.

"I think we could see their growing affections before they even realised they had those feelings," Kurt guffawed.




Possessing Bella Ch. 15



"Bella spoke to me before she went to Kolton's about her growing feelings and also her confusion given her situation," Rob admitted.

"Come and sit with me, little one. I am old, and I like to see your eyes when we speak of such things," Bella stood and went to take the chair beside Charles. Instead, she found herself pulled into the old man's lap. "There much better, don't you think?"

"Yes, Master Charles," she said quietly.

"So you wish to alter the terms of the agreement that you made in good faith?" He asked, eyeing her critically. Bella chewed her lip knowing she was about to say the wrong thing.

"Charles, I believe she has a point about the others, Josie and Leon. What she asked for and what we enforced with Jack was Mel's training schedule of which the other two were not a part of," Rob interjected.

"Your Daddy thinks I will spank you for being a brat," Charles chuckled. "I can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind from time to time but not, in this case," he winked at her. "I would like you to listen to what I have to say very carefully though, you won't like it but you must listen," he looked at the three men around the table. "I have been around so long I make Methuselah look like a spring chicken, and I have seen good men and girls come and go because of broken agreements and damaged reputations. I would not like our baby Bella to be one of those girls." There was a murmur of agreement around the table as Charles held her in his lap. 

"This is the way I see the situation," he cleared his throat. "Firstly if word of you wanting to break the agreement gets out, people will ask why and inevitably the relationship you seek will become well known. For any other girl, this would not be an issue. No more than a small problem that she could recover from easily, with the right Master," he nodded his head at Stephen, acknowledging he was such a man. 

"This is not a run of mill, ordinary little slut from the club or one of the training houses. This girl's reputation goes before her and gets bigger every week," he shook his head in wonder. "To believe all of the rumours, which are founded in truth I have no doubt, she is the most exquisite submissive that can take the gentlest Dominant and make him feel like a king and yet still submit to the devil himself, who would rain pain on her like the most evil of sadists."

"She is the only girl Mel ever wanted to own completely. I knew him more years than either of us liked to admit to owning, and I had never seen him as he was with Bella," Rob admitted.

"Nor I," Charles agreed. "Add to that her wealth and her fortune, her good name and reputation, not to mention her outright youth and beauty. There are many who would cry foul to know that she had taken a collar in less than a year of her Master's death. They would say it was his proximity to her, that she had no other choice, that she was shielded from any others who might desire her company or the chance to know her. Even if that is something you are prepared to live with Stephen, would you put her in such a position. A position where it would be so easy for people to judge her, pity her, covet and perhaps worse..." He paused letting that final word sink in.

"The three of you have kept her hidden all year. She went nowhere of note and nowhere without an escort of two or more. You have to let her be seen to live a little. Date a little, take some movie star to a gala charity event to which she can make a donation and get some cachet among the wheelers and dealers of the world and, more importantly, our community. The naysayers may die down over time but, for this sensitive little petal, the damage may already be done by then," Charles stopped talking and hugged Bella to him.

"She could grow to resent you all for caging her like a bird, if she hasn't already. She could end up resenting you even more for letting her be collared before she could enjoy this life she has been given. Not just by one but two Marino men," he seemed about to cease his lecture and looked up at Stephen one last time.

"You have known many women and have a great wealth of knowledge to compare the jewel against, yet when has she had the chance to compare you? You even went with her to her last training agreement, did you not?" Charles's voice was accusing, and Stephen had to admit he was right, but he didn't like where this whole conversation led.

"After you and your Daddys have thought about everything I have said for a few days, and if you are still determined and have their backing, I will tear up the agreement myself. I will even go to Jack on your behalf, but I urge you to think carefully about this. Has there not been one other man that a fleeting thought of wanting to know him better has crossed your mind? I would guess not as you have not had many opportunities," Charles smiled sadly. 

"There is one or two, but I would not know how to find them, even if I did want to see them again," Bella said softly. "That doesn't mean that the feelings I have for Stephen are any less real," she said in a stronger voice.

"No, it doesn't. Those feelings are strong in both of you, I can see it. That love will still be there in six months of dating each other without a collar, as well as being open to everything and everyone else around you. Mel knew he had wanted you for years before he found his perfect time to make you his own. This rush will only produce rumours and innuendo. Stephen could be seen as a gold digger. Or there could be rumours of being a caged beauty who was held and shielded against her will from the many suitors who would have been better than the man you chose because of proximity or coercion." He could see Stephen stiffen at his words. "Rumours like that have been started with a lot less to go on and you know it," Charles soothed the angry bear of a man. 

"That was a nice speech and I, for one, am inclined to agree with a lot of it. Unlike the indulgent Daddy over here," Kurt indicated Rob, "I tend to be more cautious when it comes to our baby Bella," he chuckled indulging Charles's Daddy Dom status. "Can I take it from what you have said that the news of her most recent inheritance has hit the business world already?"

"It has in some circles," Charles nodded. 

"I was afraid of that. She's going to need a publicist. Things could get murky for a while I think. At the very least, we will need someone media savvy to help out Andrew. For a whileI imagine. Or at least until we have judged what the fall out will be to having one of the richest young women in the country as part of our family," Kurt seemed to be thinking on his feet.

"Dad said there would be publicity and he is prepared. We have discussed some patronage of specific charities, but not in great detail yet except one. My parents will be the public face of that particular patronage rather than me though," Bella offered. 

"Yeah, Joe's an incredible lawyer. He sees all the loopholes and pitfalls before they become apparent to anyone else. I'll give him a call tomorrow," Kurt was suddenly all business.

"As the designated indulgent Daddy, I will take my little girl back now," Rob said, watching Charles stroke his hand tenderly over her hip and thigh. "We'll think about what you said Charles, but I believe we need to postpone the time she was meant to spend with Jack until next year. Vince's death has thrown a spanner in the works big time. Not just publically but personally too."

"I'll see when Jack is next in town and set up a meeting," Charles agreed.

Rob picked Bella up from Charles lap and walked around the table to deposit her on Stephen's lap, "I, for one, will be glad to see you two dating." It was said with an odd tone in his voice, and he looked down into her face for a long moment. Then he chuckled and turned back to Charles. "That little brat of yours has been awfully quiet. I bet there is mischief brewing somewhere in this apartment.

They found Dianne and Sera sitting in the bottom of Bella's walk in wardrobe with her Tinkerbelle costume. Dianne had been telling her a very detailed version of the enchanted party that had happened so long ago.

"Uncle Kurt, did you really punch that mean boy on the nose?" Sera asked as if awestruck.

"Sure did, knocked him out cold," Kurt chuckled. "He was a very silly boy and mean to our Bella."

"Then I am glad you did," Sera said with conviction.

"Boy, have I got a story for you, Daddy," Sera said as she took Charles's hand and he led her towards the door.

"I can't wait to hear it, but first thank Bella for dinner and say goodbye to everyone," Charles instructed and dutifully the curly haired angel went around kissing and cuddling everyone.

Kurt and Dianne left with them. Rob spoke quietly to Stephen, "Maybe leave her with her thoughts tonight. It seems you have much to think about as well." Then he walked to where Bella had begun clearing the table and tidying the kitchen.

"Let the girls do this tomorrow. We pay them for a reason you know," Rob chuckled.

"I'm so tired," Bella admitted. 

"Then let me put you to bed for a change, and Stephen can go down and check that the club hasn't disintegrated without me at the helm," Rob grinned.

"Sweet dreams, beautiful," Stephen kissed her briefly and left wishing he could have spoken to her alone to find out what was going on in her head after the conversation with Charles.

"Come and change so I can tuck you in," Rob let her lead the way into her bedroom and then lounged on the bed as she changed. "Ooh, a corset very nice," he put a pillow behind his head, so he had a better view.

Bella had long since lost that sense of embarrassment when naked in front of the men in her life, and she stripped right down before donning a small nightgown. She crawled up onto the bed and snuggled into Rob's arms for a hug. 

"We haven't done this for a while have we?" he asked.

"I miss it," she murmured sleepily. 

"It was only a few months ago that you asked me to take you and train you. Are you sure about this thing with Stephen? It seems things in your life change often. Especially the people surrounding you," he squeezed her tightly.

"I have not been sure about anything in my life for the longest time. I meant it that day though. I would have loved you as I loved Mel, but I realise now why you said no, we were both still grieving in our different ways. We could have been good for each other maybe, like a stable anchor to hold us in one place while the world threw stuff at us. It could have saved me from all this drama. Still I love you, and that will never change." Her voice faded.

"I love you too," Rob said softly holding the young woman he doted on. "Things do change though and were you to ask again..." he felt her breathing change into that slow deep rhythm of sleep. It was just as well, he thought, the poor girl didn't need the added complication of a stupid old man who changed his mind about so many things in the past few months. He had not realised until tonight, when he placed her on Stephen's lap that he had wanted to explore the possibility of a deeper relationship with her. He had assumed they had all the time in the world to work it out. He realised now, that was no longer true. She was gaining confidence in herself, and her contacts within the lifestyle grew exponentially whenever she went to one of the training assignments. He looked down at her sleeping face and wondered if he could ever let her go. She was his little brat. 

*****

The following day at work, Bella was hunched over some designs from Louise, the jeweller they had hired. She was still brooding about the conversations last night and that she had not been able to say all she had wanted to. Particularly about the easing of the restrictions on her movements. She needed some freedom to live her life. Andrew entered, interrupting her brooding and announced a visitor who did not have an appointment

"That's fine I could use the break, who is it?" She smiled.

"He said his name is Arak Bourke, and he met you on your last trip." The smile froze on her face as Andrew ushered the big man into her office.

"And here I was thinking you were just being nice agreeing with my love of rocks and asking so many questions," he slid his hand over one of the marble fixtures and smiled. "Seems we have more in common than I thought. Tell me, do they give you lunch breaks here?"

Bella nodded dumbly. She couldn't believe this man was standing in her office, in her real world. He was as dark and handsome in a button up shirt and tie as he was in all of his bare-chested glory in Gor, and she blushed as she realised she had been staring at him.



Possessing Bella Ch. 16



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to assist me with my grammar, she is absolutely fabulous I am sure you all agree. I aplogise that this chapter is late life has been a busy, busy time for me and my writing has had to take a back seat for a little while. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. ~ellie

*****

Bella looked around smiling. Jake and Rosie were laughing in the kitchen with her cousin Katrina. Her father was rearranging the small bar they had brought in for the evening and serving up wild concoctions he was creating with a Christmas theme. Joe was also regaling Rob and Stephen with stories of her youth, to which her childhood friend, Antonia, added her version of events. She could see Dorothea fussing over Dianne as if she was a fragile doll, much to Kurt's amusement and Dianne's horror. All around her, the people who had touched her life in some way in the last year blended with people she had known from her childhood. 

It was quite crowded in her apartment, but she relaxed and embraced the warmth and love she felt from everyone in the room. Since Vince's death, her life had changed dramatically again, leaving her more confused than ever. She lived for the day where she knew exactly what was expected of her and what would happen next. It seemed that this was the first time in her life where she wasn't constantly worried she would disappoint someone. Stephen had not been happy with Arek's arrival in her life here in the city, she knew, but Charles comments had seemed to matter to him. In the end, he did little more than make a passing comment to have a good time when she went out with someone else.

The past three weeks had been a whirlwind of activity for Bella. It seemed the freedom she wanted had come in some way from the conversations with Charles that had occurred after that fateful night where the men she loved and trusted had discussed her future. She began attending social events on the arm of Rob, Stephen and even Arek for one event. She now had a publicist, and it appeared an entourage of sorts wherever she went. It was strange to have been elevated to the status of minor celebrity without ever doing anything noteworthy. 

Her celebrity was wrapped up in the wealth and prestige of being a young and eligible woman who was, in the public's eyes, a corporate hotshot. Of course, the public she spoke of was limited to those who read the financial pages and journals. To most people, she was still the anonymous little mouse she had always been. 

Here with the people she loved though she was just Bella, neither anonymous nor celebrity. These people all had expectations of her, but they also loved her despite her faults and mistakes. She had hoped that her new friends and old would meld well together tonight, and as Dimitri came to stand beside her, she felt like it was all working. 

"Great little party, Cuz," he smiled enthusiastically. "I hear there is a rockin' club downstairs we can go to later once it's past the oldies bedtimes."

"Sorry, Dimi, it's a private club, we can't get in there without a member to sign us in," she shook her head. "Even the visitor cards you were given to work the lift won't go down past the ground floor."

"So we can't even sneak in there?" Dimitri seemed disappointed. "Man, the things I have heard about that place, I couldn't believe you moved into the same building."

"If it didn't have that small marquee out on the street, I never would have known it was there. I never see anyone coming or going but then I am home most nights at the times it's rockin' probably," Bella admitted. "I don't exactly have the party life going on here."

"Yeah I can see that, who are all these old fogies?" Dimitri looked around the room.

"They're not all old fogies," she put her hand out stopping Andrew as he walked past. "This is my partner in crime at work, Andrew." She paused briefly, "Andrew, this is my cousin Dimitri," Bella smiled. "He's not the sturdiest branch on the family tree but we love him anyway." She grinned up at them both. "Would you possibly be able to introduce Dimi to some of the... what was it you called them? Old fogies?" She laughed lightly. "I need to stop my father from telling any more humiliating stories about my childhood."

Bella headed to the bar to interrupt her father's story involving a monster who lived in the plug hole in the bath that scared her to death for most of her early childhood. Bella blushed as she said softly, "Dad, can't you talk about something else? I'm sure Sir Stephen is keen to know how your latest project is going."

"In that regard I am fully updated," Stephen chuckled, his eyes dancing merrily at her blush. "What was the name of this monster?" he asked her.

"The Blum," Bella whispered shaking her head as the small group roared with laughter. "Please Dad, enough for tonight," she smiled at him. "I would hate for mum to find out that the reason I didn't invite you again was because of this type of humiliation."

Joe raised an eyebrow at his daughter and her tone and she realised threatening her father like that was probably her first mistake of the night. Sensing the sudden tension, Rob cut into the conversation, "So Joe, do you ever go back to Italy for Christmas? I imagine it's beautiful over there in the winter."

"We haven't been back for a long time," he seemed to think about it. "Now that Bella has a good job and we can see she has good people to watch out for her, we might go back for a few months next year and visit all of the family. It's too hard to see everyone in a short trip, and it's been too long since we saw the village we grew up in."

"How romantic, it would be like a second honeymoon," Antonia enthused. Bella slid away from the conversation quietly while her father was distracted. She knew she would have to apologise to her father before they left in the morning, but she had made her point sufficiently she thought.

A small crowd hovered around the kitchen as Jake and Rosie dispensed with the remains of the dinner buffet. They then began putting out trays of desserts cut into small individual portions for people to sample as many as they wanted. There seemed to be a friendly rivalry existing tonight between the pair as they watched the platters slowly be divested of their goodies.

Bella slowly made her way around to all of the guests with the ebb and flow of the crowd and conversations. She was the perfect hostess making sure everyone had what they wished and engaged them with others who had similar interests. 

It was about eleven when the first of the guests began to leave. Dianne, Kurt and Dorothea all thanked her for a wonderful evening and hugged her tightly before disappearing. Once the door had been opened though it never closed again and, when midnight rang through on the big clock in the living room, two-thirds of her guests had left. 

The large group of younger guests, including Antonia, Dimitri and Andrew all headed out together to go clubbing. When she finally looked up from the big and noisy farewell, only those closest to her remained and seemed intent on helping to put her apartment back into the pristine condition it had been when they arrived. 

Charles was the first of the Masters to leave, scooping Sera up into his arms after farewelling everyone and carrying her down in the lift. The Millar twins along with Tali and Nyx left shortly after amid a flurry of hugs and kisses as well as promises to catch up in the new year.

"I think this is my cue to exit as well," Josie stepped close to Bella and purred in a sultry voice. The woman looked stunning in a skin tight red dress that split all the way up one side. "Charles explained your concerns about the training and I won't tell you that I am not disappointed." She stroked a long red nail down Bella's throat and across the top of her strapless dress, "I do understand your feelings, however." She smiled lasciviously then let the same hand skim down over the front of Bella's dress. "I'd like to extend an open invitation to you though, anytime you are craving something just a bit different, you must come and see me. Perhaps you and Leon could come together. I know he will be as disappointed as I am."

"I think perhaps..." she swallowed loudly, her mind filled with images of submitting to this woman. "I would like that," she glanced over Josie's shoulder at where the last few of her guests and family stood. "The training regime is so time-consuming that I," she swallowed again. Josie licked her smiling lips slowly, making Bella falter for a moment before adding, "I would like the chance to see you even if only for a weekend."

"My darling girl," Josie purred softly, "That sounds delightful, especially as that means I can keep you to myself and not find another trainer as originally requested." She embraced Bella pulling her against her taller well-proportioned body and bending her head to lick and flick Bella's earlobe. "I will certainly look forward to hearing from you." Bella shivered in her arms, feeling unbelievably hot. She'd been attracted to other women from a distance, but she had never felt as hot or as curious to explore lesbian sex than she was right at that moment.

Josie smiled feeling Bella's appreciative shiver and murmured, "Good girl," before brushing her lips lightly over hers. "Gian, come say goodbye to Bella and thank her for inviting you," Josie commanded.

"Thank you for inviting me, Bella," Gian said, enthusiastically embracing her and pressing her body up against Bella's, holding the embrace for an overly long time. "I am looking forward to seeing you as much as Mistress is. Make sure you do call," she smiled and let go, returning to Josie's side.

Gian was sweet and nice, but as Bella walked them to the door, she knew instinctively that Gian held little appeal for her. In contrast, Mistress Josie made her want to kneel before her and beg her to take her home right then and there. She sighed heavily as she closed the door turning back to the room to find Stephen watching her closely. She felt her face flush immediately, despite her best efforts to contain it, and moved into the room to cover the awkward moment. 

"Bella," the quiet voice of Jack sounded beside her. 

"Master Jack," Bella said, quietly looking up at him with a smile. "I hope you enjoyed tonight. It means a lot that you and Dusty came."

"Circumstances appear to have changed as much as your surroundings. I see that girl that Mel loved so dearly emerging from her shell again," he placed a hand on her lower back and guided her to a couch as he spoke. "I am pleased to see you so happy and enjoying life again."

"Thank you, I am happy, Master Jack," she said with conviction. 

"That's all we ever wanted for you," he looked at her with an intensity. "I was not sure coming back here, to Rob and Kurt, was for the best, but I am a big enough man to admit that it has worked for the best. I underestimated their influence and intentions." 

Bella said nothing sitting quietly and remembering the friction between Jack and Rob when she first returned from her self-imposed exile at the beach house. It influenced how she felt about Jack now, despite his close friendship with Mel and his constant visits and consideration of her while she was at the beach house.

"Charles tells me you have asked to limit your training schedule. Keeping it to the original five Masters that Mel had asked to assist you," he paused as she nodded, noting that she had begun chewing her lip in thought at his words. "I think you are right, and I am pleased you will still come to visit us at the ranch. Dusty has been looking forward to it for months, and I would hate for her to be disappointed."

"I am looking forward to spending time with her. It seems our time together is always with the other girls or in small crowds like this. I love Dusty," Bella said with feeling. "I wish we could see each other more often but with my time away and then working and everything else," she stopped herself from shrugging as her words ran out. 

"That was some bad business with Vince," Jack nodded knowingly. "Still I trust we will see you at the club for the holiday celebrations there."

"I'm afraid I am not ready for the holiday crowds down there yet," Bella blushed. "I am going to be spending the holidays with my parents. We are going to visit some relatives down south." Jack raised an eyebrow. "I will be back well before the fifth though," she reassured him of the date she had agreed to visit the ranch. 

While she hadn't lied exactly, the truth was she would be back before New Year's but she did not want to endure the club members' curiosity about the mysterious girl that had been Mel's. Admittedly for regular members she was no longer more than a passing interest, but on such a crowded night she had no interest in being treated like a caged bird by her protectors.

"I only ever saw you there when you were with Mel. Your face lit up when in the spotlight he shone on you. I would like to see that side of you again," Jack's soft deep voice sounded wistful.

"I think it was Mel's love that lit me up, not the spotlight. I become a little uncomfortable when that spotlight shines on me alone," she admitted. "It was always Mel that enjoyed his place in the spotlight. I was just an ornament shining in his brilliance."

"You were always far more than that, little one. You can trust me on that," he stroked her cheek as he brushed her hair back behind her ear and tickled his fingers down her neck, making her smile.

Dusty and Stephen came to join them and, as the evening drew to a close, Jake, Rob and her parents also joined them on the couches in the living room. Each congratulated Bella and her parents for a wonderful evening and even went so far as to discuss making it an annual event. 

The guests slowly left with Stephen lingering longer than most. He kissed her sweetly goodbye and left her to face her parent's judgement in her choice of friends on her own. Rather than commenting on anything that had occurred, they retired to the guest bedroom, leaving her to her thoughts. As she climbed into bed thoroughly exhausted, she smiled to herself. She was ready to face the New Year. She had her friends and family and the love of a good man. People always wished for health, wealth and happiness, but she knew she already had these in spades.

*****

The company ran with only a skeleton staff from the twenty-second of December until the fifth of January, with most people taking the full two weeks of their annual leave. The success of her party the weekend before had left Bella on a high. She received many phone calls thanking her for the gifts she had sent down to the club for her friends to open during their celebrations. She hardly felt like she was away from them at all.

She had spoken to both Rob and Stephen every day that she was away. Not being preoccupied with training of any sort and being away from work and her laptop for five days, Bella missed them terribly. She hadn't realised how much she would feel the loss of that constant reassuring presence in her life. She felt oddly homesick for the people more so than the place. Taking advantage of that feeling, they had convinced her to agree to attend the New Year's Celebrations at the club.

It was time to show the world what a strong, intelligent and capable woman was beneath that sexy submissive legend. She had laughed at the word legend but in the end admitted grudgingly that being the only girl to have worn Mel's collar had given her an unusual status within the club community. It hadn't occurred to her that being a part owner may have influenced her stats among the patrons as well.

When she returned the day before New Year's Eve, Stephen had driven down with Jake to pick her up from her parents' house. Overjoyed to see them, Bella practically ran into Stephen's arms and tilted her head up to be kissed before greeting Jake with a blush.

"Well that's a hard act to follow but I will give it a whirl," Jake chuckled and took Bella in his arms dipping her low and kissing her deeply as Stephen frowned at them.

"Oh my," Rosie whispered in a startled voice as Jake released Bella and winked at Stephen, mocking his dour expression.

"We must share our toys brother!" he continued to laugh as he greeted Rosie by embracing her and kissing both her cheeks soundly. "I can't stay I am afraid, there is too much to do for tomorrow night that I just can't stay for another lesson from my kitchen goddess."

"Give me a call next time you two come into the city and I will make you dinner for a change. I'm not a bad cook when left to my own devices," his good mood and laughter took away the frown from Stephen's face almost instantly as he shook Joe's hand.

"You will at least stay for lunch!" Rosie exclaimed. "It is too far to turn straight around and drive all the way back. An hour will not hurt you in any way."

"I think you forgot that you drove down to pick me up," Bella laughed, "You can't go yet, I'm not ready."

"I am not picking up. I am dropping off," Jake smiled widely as Bella stared at him with confusion written over her face. "Oh, they haven't told you yet! I am so bad with secrets," he laughed loudly. "I had better stay for lunch then. Forget what I just said, sure I am here to pick you up," he gave an exaggerated wink.

"What's going on?" she asked Stephen and resumed gnawing on her lip.

"Don't ask me," he laughed, "You know all my secrets."

"Let's go see what there is for lunch," Joe suggested trying to hide his grin and ushered them all into the kitchen.

Rosie prepared some bruschetta, refusing help from Jake in favour of having Bella in the kitchen with her.

"Why don't you men go out and tinker with something in Joe's garage for fifteen minutes or so and we will call you when it's ready," she shooed them away.

"You'll never get them back in here now," Bella laughed.

"Pish, the way Stephen looks at you with big puppy dog eyes, I am surprised he agreed to go at all," Rosie laughed. "They will come back when I call, you'll see."

Bella set the table and chopped tomato and onion while Rosie grilled bread and found some prosciutto, olives and tapenade with which to top the small slices of crusty bread. She laid out two large platters of bruschetta. She then packed a dessert dish with a variety of Kifli, which a relative had pressed on them before they left for home, and finally called to the men who came in and washed up before sitting down.

Jake kept the conversation at the table light-hearted, as he regaled Rosie with stories of kitchen disasters over Christmas or at least the PG version of events. Stephen spoke quietly to add to his version of events. Joe and Rosie also spoke of their holiday, complaining that Bella missed her friends too much to enjoy it properly. They smiled indulgently at her as she blushed.

"Parents always worry about their little girls growing up and leaving them behind," Rosie said, taking Bella's hand. "It's all we can ask that she has such good friends that love her," she looked directly at Stephen, "and encourage her to come home occasionally."

"Who wouldn't want to come home to this family," Jake burst into the conversation. "Good food, good booze, and the best... Aww shit almost blew it again. Just tell her before I burst at the seams," he complained.

"Tell me what?" Bella looked at her mother.

"You remember when we gave you your Christmas present we said there would be something to go with it, but we didn't want to pack it in with our luggage?" Rosie looked at Joe.

"Yes," she said, carefully thinking of the beautiful pink dress her mother had asked a friend to make for her, a replica of the one from one of her favourite old movies. She had grown up watching Hitchcock classics with her parents and To Catch a Thief was one of her favourites. She adored Grace Kelly for her poise and beauty and had decided from a very early age to grow up and marry a prince just like she did. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 16



"Why don't you go and put that on while I clean up, and your father gets the other part of your present ready," Rosie smiled and squeezed her hand. Bella frowned and was about to question them further when her father used his stern voice.

"Do as your mother asked, Bella," Joe said and stood from the table, carrying his plate to the kitchen followed by Rosie. Bella looked helplessly at her two friends and, shaking her head in confusion, went to change.

"You look just beautiful," her mother said, barging into her room as she finished dressing. "I meant to give you this," she handed Bella a delicate little hair accessory. Bella tied her hair back in a hasty bun and pulled the delicate pink and gold netting over it. It gave her hair a softer look as it curled around her face and cheeks before nestling at the back of her neck in its pretty cage.

"You look just like Princess Grace," Rosie grinned and hugged her daughter. "Now let's pack this bag back up so you can leave with the men. I think they are eager to get back to the city." Once she was satisfied, she closed the case and placed it on the floor. Rosie opened the door and to Bella's surprise, Stephen stood on the landing. 

"You look stunning," He gave a soft smile and moved past Rosie to kiss her gently and pick up her bag. He then led the way back down stairs. Bella couldn't see her dad or Jake in the dining room or kitchen as they walked through to the back door. 

Bella's jaw dropped open, and she felt a pang of jealousy as Stephen approached the powder blue Sunbeam Alpine convertible. It was her dream car, and she wondered if Stephen had bought it knowing that. She realised she was silly, how could he know. She was speechless as he placed her bag on the ground beside the boot. Well at least she would get a ride back to the city in it, and that made her smile.

"Your new car is amazing. I always dreamed of having one just like this," Bella spoke to Stephen as she approached the car.

"It's not my car!" Stephen seemed startled. "Joe wouldn't have spent the last year restoring it to perfection like this for me," he realised she hadn't put the pieces together yet and chuckled.

"You restored it, Dad?" She ran her fingers down the side of the car admiring the cream leather interior. It was perfect, just perfect.

"Ah my little princess, you are more beautiful than Grace Kelly herself," Joe folded her into a strong embrace, "On the inside as much as the outside. The car is yours. Stephen is just here for the ride back to the city."

"It's for me?" Bella gasped.

"You have everything you need up in that big city apartment, but your mother and I know what you wish for," he kissed her forehead and pressed the keys into her hand. 

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Daddy!" Bella squealed with delight once the feel of the keys in her hand made the dream a reality. Bubbling with excitement, she squeezed her mother in a big hug, making the other woman squeal delightedly with her and turned back to the car. 

"I can't believe you did this for me! Where on earth did you find one like this? Exactly like this!" She touched it reverently, letting her fingers glide over the paintwork before opening the boot to allow Stephen to push her bag into the small space there.

"It's a mark three, not a mark one, so it isn't exactly like the one in the movie but so close that only an expert would know the difference," Joe explained. He was a car enthusiast and never gave up an opportunity to educate people. "The mark three was built here as well as the U.K., so they were easier to find without having to make modifications to the steering and drive shafts."

"Oh Daddy, it's perfect, absolutely, fabulously perfect!" She threw her arms around him again. "You're perfect, both you and Mum. I am the luckiest girl in the world!"

"Can I go? Can I drive it? I don't want to seem ungrateful or rude but..." Bella was just about bouncing with excitement.

"Go, go, but be careful. Stephen, make sure she doesn't speed," Joe laughed at his daughter's wild enthusiasm.

Bella hugged them both again and climbed into the car next to Stephen who, unaccustomed to being in the passenger seat, was tightening his seatbelt. From his pocket, he handed her a pair of sunglasses and returning her infectious grin, felt the car roar to life and the cute horn sound as she tooted to her parents and laughed.

Jake, who had watched on quietly before getting into his car, was already pulling out of the driveway. Bella gave her parents one last wave and blew kisses as she let the car roll slowly towards the road and the freedom having her own car represented to her.

They stopped at an intersection just out of town, and Bella looked in all directions. "I don't want to go straight back to the city, if that is alright?" she said quietly.

"Where did you want to go?" Stephen asked cautiously.

"I'm not sure but maybe the scenic route. I would just like to drive for a while," she chewed her lip as she looked at him. There was little traffic in this area, so she idled quite happily at the crossroads as she made the decision of which way to go.

"You could do the big loop out to the bay and show your car to Pete if you want," Stephen suggested. "He was disappointed not to see you over Christmas. I think he has something for you." Bella had sent him a copy of the history of the castle near her parents' hometown for Christmas, which included a variety of heraldry he could study for his designs in his forge.

"I would like to see Pete," Bella grinned. "You'll have to direct me from here though. I am used to going from the city side of the bay." Stephen wanted nothing more than to make Bella pull over and hold her and take her right there in the car. Instead, he patiently gave directions as she drove another hour out of their way to visit his home and brother.

"It's been almost two months since you were there. I have managed to get quite a lot of renovations done in that time," Stephen smiled. "I think you will enjoy them a lot. I know I will."

*****

The sunbeam crunched on the gravel drive as they approached Stephen's home. A former monastery, it was hundreds of years old and originally built in the classic European style. To Bella, it resembled a castle. Two towers had been added over the years, and they now housed the Cross brothers, Stephen and Pete. As the restoration continued, so did the overall effect, becoming more foreboding like the castle fortresses of long ago.

Stepping from the car, Stephen went around and pulled Bella into his arms, kissing her deeply. He held her tight to him, breathing in her scent and revelling in the fact he had her all to himself for that moment. 

"Wasn't expecting you here this afternoon, but it's good timing none the less," Jarod walked out from the main building. "Didn't recognise the car and breathed a bit of relief when I saw it was the two of you. Hello, Princess." He bowed slightly to Bella. 

"Hello, Sir Jarod, it's lovely to see you again," she gave a curtsey, enjoying the charade they kept up for Pete.

"What's up?" Stephen said easily, releasing Bella but keeping an arm lightly curled at her waist.

"That gardener you hired and his green army are about to be the death of me," Jarod complained, making Stephen chuckle. 

"He's a landscape architect and engineer," Stephen reminded the older man. "He's more qualified than most people I know to work on this building."

"I've put up with the diggers and the trucks and everything else. This time you have to see it to believe it," he took them around the side of the castle. Above new sandstone walls stood a huge tree. "He's got it so close to the foundations the whole place will come down on us in a few years the flamin' idiot!"

"I doubt that," Stephen said. "This guy is the best in the business. He knows what he is doing. You have to trust that I would never endanger the place. I promised you, remember," Stephen said, placating the man but Bella could hear the edge creep into his voice and guessed there had been an ongoing feud between Jarod and the new gardener. "Did you ask him about it this time or did you just go out there and tell him he was doing his job wrong again?"

"Well someone had to tell him," Jarod almost shouted in his frustration, not backing down from the argument he needed to have.

"I need to sort this out," Stephen said softly to Bella. "Do you want to go and see if you can find Pete? I won't be long."

"If you wish," she said uncertainly. "I don't mind waiting while you sort out the gardener, though."

"Tell me, would you ever describe Arek Bourke as a gardener?" Stephen smirked as they walked further toward the wall.

"No," Bella giggled after recovering from her momentary surprise.

"Then I wouldn't repeat that too loudly," he chuckled as they turned the corner and walked through a stone archway into a walled garden under construction. There seemed to be men in khaki's everywhere and at the centre of all the activity checking the shoring up of the newly transplanted box brush tree was Arek.

The huge man was barking out orders and as Bella watched him turn from his position, he seemed to glow almost god-like in the sun. Bella noticed that sweat and dirt clung to him in equal measure as he spotted them and came forward to greet them.

""Hello little one, this is a welcome surprise," Arek said with a smile, bending to kiss her forehead without touching her with his dirt and sweat stained body. "Call your guard dog off Stephen or this will never get finished. I'll walk."

"Explain to him why the foundations are safe," Stephen sighed exaggeratedly.

"Look old man like I tried to tell you the first time..." Arek went on to explain the measures he had taken to ensure that he had chosen a shallow rooted tree. He went on to explain about the reinforcing steel he had placed alongside the foundations when he had dug the new stairwell and irrigation channels. There would be no damp, no insects, and no tree roots to undermine to foundations of the proud old building. The frustration was clear in his voice.

"I can't keep coming down here to sort this out because you won't listen to him Jarod," Stephen shook his head. "You have to trust me. I own this building now. I am hardly going to let anyone near it that I didn't trust fully to do the right thing."

"You weren't here when the crane arrived with that tree. I'd never seen anything like it," Jarod grumbled, still unapologetic. 

"Princess Bella," Pete yelled and picked her up from behind, making her squeal in fright and flail about until she was put back on the ground.

"Sorry, sorry, I am just so happy to see you, Princess Bella," Pete grinned at her.

"I tried to stop him," Sophie apologised breathlessly, "but he's faster than me by a mile."

"You have a bad habit of picking my princess up and scaring her," Stephen frowned at Pete.

"It's okay. I just got a fright because I hadn't heard him coming," Bella gave a small laugh, "It's pretty funny now. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat sometimes." She touched Pete's arm, so he knew she wasn't upset with him, and he pulled away slightly. "I've been looking forward to seeing you, Pete. I drove all the way here in my new car, would you like to see it?" He brightened at that and grinned at her. "Did you like the book I sent you for Christmas?"

"Yes! I can't wait to see it," Pete beamed.

"You haven't seen the book yet?" Bella asked, confused again.

"I forgot you aren't very smart..." Pete began to explain but got cut off by a growl from Stephen. "What? I didn't call her dumb this time!" Bella burst out laughing and seeing the incredulous look on Pete's face, she couldn't seem to stop laughing.

"I'm sorry. You're right Pete, sometimes I'm not very smart at all," she tried to hold back her giggles as she looked up at him. "What did you mean by you can't wait to see it?"

"We are going to Italy next month, me and Jarod and Sophie. We're going to see lots of castles but most especially yours," Pete grinned happily. 

"That's wonderful! Italy is beautiful. You will love it there," she enthused. 

"I told Stephen to buy you a ticket too but he said it makes you sad to go there now. You don't look sad. You should come with us," Pete kept talking about the map he had made to plan their journey and the way they would travel and Bella felt oddly uneasy as she remembered the castle and surrounding countryside. One of the men working in the garden dropped a wooden baton on a pile, making a loud, sharp noise, and she jumped, feeling her stomach turn. "You don't look so good," Pete stopped his story to look at her more closely. "Are you sad now?"

"I'm sorry, it's such a hot day," she smiled and took a deep breath, banishing the thoughts from her mind. She hadn't given that day much thought recently as she worked to move on with her life. Somehow knowing that Pete was going there, would be driving down that road, brought back that terrifying day in dreadful clarity. 

"Come into the kitchen, and I will get you a cool drink," Sophie put an arm around Bella's shoulder. "Let the men argue over the silly stones and where to put them on their own."

"I'm sorry Sophie," Bella said as she lay on a small couch and Sophie placed a cool cloth on her forehead. 

"Not all memories are good ones. We all have our demons," she said with the wisdom of her age. "I know what happened there and why you don't want to go back, but in time you will have to if only to chase those demons away once and for all."

"I am not sure I could," Bella said honestly.

"In time lovey, in time," the old woman soothed.

"Stephen says I have to apologise for upsetting you," Pete said seriously and thrust out a brightly wrapped package at her.

"You have nothing to apologise for," Bella sat up and smiled. "I remember how excited I was the first time I went to Italy."

"I know, right? He just doesn't get it," Pete shook his head. "He's always been too serious, but you make him smile, probably because you say so many dumb things. Do you do it on purpose?"

"No," Bella laughed. "I just like to be sure I understand things the right way, so I ask a lot of obvious questions." Pete seemed to consider her for a moment. "I didn't know about your trip to Italy, so I was trying to understand what you meant. If you were to ask me about my castle and the town, it wouldn't mean you're dumb just because I know, and you don't." She watched his brow furrow as he took in that information.

"So you didn't go all white because you are upset with me?" Pete still seemed unsure of himself.

"No Pete," she reached out to touch his arm and he flinched away again. "I went white because the last time I was there, in Italy, I was in an awful accident and, sometimes when I think about it, I see that accident like a nightmare in my mind."

"Good then open your present, it was for Christmas anyway," he dismissed the whole conversation as if inconsequential now that it didn't affect him directly.

Opening the package carefully, much to Pete's frustration, Bella drew out a highly polished but plain wooden box. Within it she found the most exquisite tiara. He had remodelled the design and strengthened it with silver adding what she thought were pieces of jade and blue quartz in a wildflower garden design. It was one of the most beautiful things she had ever been given, and she was lost for words knowing he had made it just for her.

Looking at up him and seeing him studying her expression for clues that she liked it, she finally found her voice. "It's so beautiful. You are a genius, an artist, you're just amazing! Thank you, so much." Pete seemed to sit back rigidly as if tense or stressed. "I love it Pete, honestly," she tried to reassure him.

"I know," he said stiffly.

"What's wrong then?" she asked gently.

"Stephen said you would probably want to hug me or kiss me because you love it so much, and I had to let you," Pete seemed to be stiffening further. "You won't turn me into jelly like you do to him though will you?"

"I'm not a witch, Pete," Bella couldn't help but laugh. "Stephen was just teasing you. I will show you when he comes in that he doesn't turn to jelly when I touch him or kiss him," grinning she looked toward the door. 

"You should try it on and I can make adjustments if you don't like it," Pete indicated the tiara. 

Bella pulled her hair out of the net her mother had given her and shook it loose, running her fingers through the tangled wisps that had become loose in the wind while driving. Finally letting it curl and bounce around her face and shoulders, she picked up the tiara and threaded the silver comb at the front of the tiara into her hair until it felt comfortable.

"It looks bad," Pete said glumly. "Sophie!" he yelled as Bella's jaw dropped open at his words and found none of her own to rebuke him she was so stunned. Sophie bustled in from the kitchen. 

"Can Bella wear that green dress, the one that looks like slime? The tiara looks bad with that pink dress," Pete asked the older woman.

"You know I think you are right, Pete," Sophie nodded and helped Bella to her feet. "She'll look more like your Princess in the green dress," she smiled indulgently at Pete, who grinned widely. Turning, she winked at Bella before steering her upstairs to one of the unfinished rooms in the rabbit warren. It was full of period costumes, and Bella looked around in amazement.

"We have players sometimes that are not part of the brotherhood. They come to dress up and feast while servants scurry around to wait on them and entertain them. We don't do that very often anymore, thank goodness, but it paid the bills for a few years," she explained pulling a dull green gown from the rack.

"You'll need help getting into this. I hope you are not shy," she shook the dress out of its protective bag.

"It's not that I'm shy, but what if Stephen comes looking for us?" Bella hesitated.

"They're down there going over every detail of what is going to happen in the next week. Stephen doesn't want anymore misunderstandings," Sophie chuckled, "He will be a while. Even with all of Stephen's diplomatic skills, my Jarod can be a hard-headed oaf of a man."

Regretfully Bella took off the new dress her mother had given her and folded it neatly. She then stepped into a long diaphanous skirt that flared slightly from the hips. Layer upon layers of handkerchief style pieces of translucent organza made up the pretty skirt, and it swished softly and easily around her legs as she walked.

A long richly embroidered corset sat over the top of this, covering her from breast to below her hip and angling sharply to a downward apex at the front and back. With years of experience, Sophie quickly laced the garment and Bella was never more grateful that most of the corsets she owned were not as long as this and had hooks rather than laces. Finally, three-quarter sleeves were drawn up her arms and hooked under her arm to the corset.

Carrying her shoes and dress downstairs, she met Pete at the bottom and let him inspect her. He eyed her critically, "That took long enough. It's much better but not quite right, wait here!" He ran out of the side door. Bella looked questioningly at Sophie, who merely shrugged.

"Medieval fashion designers," she chortled and waved Bella into the kitchen, "Let's get you some more water and be glad he didn't want to dress you in chainmail."

"I feel like I have been playing dress up all day," Bella made conversation as she sipped the cool water. "My mother had this," she touched the pink dress, "made for me. It's a replica of the one Grace Kelly wore in To Catch a Thief."

"Ah," Sophie nodded. "I thought you just had a retro style. I mean most things you wear are a bit more demure than the average young woman wears these days."

"I guess I do," Bella admitted. "I grew up loving those older black and white movies. My parents and I would have movie nights and Hitchcock marathons. I always wanted to be like Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. Beautiful and feminine and strong, they were classy. No hint of scandal touched them, even after they died no mud stuck to them."




Possessing Bella Ch. 16



"I hope the same is true for you," Sophie said genuinely. Seeing Bella's look of surprise, she added, "Well now you are a celebrity of sorts, I imagine all sorts of rumours will begin. You should come to one of our fundraisers."

"I'd love to, when is the next one?" She asked.

"Not until the end of February," Sophie grinned.

"I will be here," Bella promised. "Do you think I should go tell Stephen I am alright now? They've been out there a very long time."

"That would be my Jarod arguing every point. I will walk out with you and rescue the younger men from his bull-headedness," She grumbled. "That man is going to be the death of me, one way or another, unless I kill him first," she winked.

"Fuck me, the princess of the forest nymphs," Arek who was facing the stone archway of the garden said loudly enough for Bella to hear.

Stephen and Jarod turned as one to look at what Arek was seeing. "Yeah, the old girl isn't bad is she. Bella doesn't scrub up too bad either in that getup," Jarod said without a trace of a smile, earning him a kiss from his wife.

"I just wanted to let you know I was fine and to see if Pete was here. This is his idea," she indicated her dress, "but then he ran off to get something and I haven't seen him since."

"He's probably in his workshop. Come let's take a look," Stephen held out his arm in a regal manner for her to take.

"Thank you, kind Sir," she smiled up at him and turned to Arek. "I can't wait to see this when it's all finished. I have a tree just like that one at home that I practically live in when I am there."

"I've heard something like that," Arek laughed. "I will invite you personally to give it your seal of approval, Princess," He bowed not so gracefully and grinned at Stephen. Of all the things, the man had wanted in this walled garden the tree had been the one thing Stephen had specified from the beginning.

They walked from the garden around to the rear of the building. They found Pete hunched over a desk in his workshop deep in concentration. Stephen cleared his throat loudly to get his brother's attention.

"What?" Pete looked up irritably.

"We can't stay long, we just came by to say hello because Bella wanted to take her new car for a drive," Stephen said with patience.

"Wait, wait, wait," Pete flapped his hands anxiously. "I need you to take this to Louise for me." He held up a sheet of paper with drawings in amongst short paragraphs of writing. Then put it back down and kept working.

"I'm going to help Bella change back into her clothes, so you have maybe thirty minutes," Stephen rumbled. "Pete, what's the time now?" Stephen waited while Pete angrily consulted his watch and mumbled at him. "Good, so you know when we are leaving," Stephen reiterated.

"Yes, yes, I get it," Pete grumbled and went back to what he was working on, dismissing them from his mind.

Turning to leave Stephen grinned, "It will still take him an hour or so to be ready, but he could have kept us waiting for hours if I didn't make him check the time." They walked back into the house and to the kitchen where Bella had left her clothes. Stephen seemed to have a sense of urgency as he took the clothes from the bench and led her to the door to his tower. 

"You have no idea what seeing you dressed like this does to me," he growled and, closing the door behind them, dragged her behind him up a flight of stairs to the first floor. Stopping a few steps into the room, he pulled her into his arms and ran his hands over the tightly corseted bodice. His breath was hot on her neck, and she shivered as he moved against her, showing just how this dress had affected him.

"I've missed having you at arm's length," he murmured deeply and pushed her up against a wall, lifting her leg high over his hip. Frustrated to find her wearing panties, he ran his thick fingers over the soft fabric wedging them under the edge to move them aside and give him the access he needed to her heat and arousal. He lowered his head devouring her response to his admission and continued to use his hands on her cunt, bringing her to the point of whimpering need.

Only when he knew she was on the point of begging for release did he open his pants, freeing his raging cock. Pushing the dress up her legs, he grabbed her ass tightly in both hands, making her cry out suddenly as he lifted her to sit poised above his cock. Kissing her deeply, he rammed up into her hard and fast, swallowing those cries that might have carried through the tower and out into the main area of the old castle-like monastery. 

He didn't hold himself back, conscious of where they were and the risks of being interrupted. Instead, he ploughed into her seeking his bliss in the girl that had stolen his heart and become the focus of his world. He poured his need and desire into her as he fucked her hard, revelling in her breathless whimpers and cries of pleasure. He came, clenching his teeth together and throwing back his head, bouncing her back hard against the wall, pressing his weight onto her to hold her up on his shaking legs.

Bella let her body relax as he held to her tightly. She had felt his need to possess her in the urgency with which he took her and she felt the burden of her current position within her commitment to the legacy Mel had left her. She could easily let herself love this man who loved her for all that she was and could be. He supported and helped her career and, despite his misgivings and confessions of jealousy, seemed to understand her need to see the training she had undertaken through to its completion.

Stephen finally drew a breath and staggered with her in his arms to the closest couch, cradling her to him, not bothering to adjust their clothing as they both attempted to control their trembling limbs and breathlessness. Holding her head, Stephen kissed her gently and began unlacing her bodice so she could change into the sweet pink dress her mother had given her.

Within thirty minutes, they were farewelling Pete and their other friends to head back to the city. Pete had made Stephen promise to give his instructions to Louise before finally stepping back from the car and allowing them to leave.

Bella looked over at Stephen, who seemed remarkably content to let her drive. She had half expected him to offer to drive. Most men she knew preferred to do the driving or so she thought, but she started the little car and, revelling in the sense of freedom having her own car gave her, she crunched back down the long gravel driveway.

It was difficult to talk with the wind rushing past them as they drove taking any sound they attempted to make. The drive back into the city was silent, punctuated only by Stephen placing his hand on her thigh and rubbing affectionately from time to time. 

Under Stephen's direction, Bella pulled her car into the parking garage beneath her building. Only when she was faced with the prospect of having to park did she realise she had no space assigned to her. 

"Can I park down here?" She asked nervously, slowing down to a crawl and looking at Stephen.

"Of course, you can," Stephen chuckled and directed her to a parking space labelled with her name. "You have two parking spaces down here, one for the town car Lincoln drives and the other for your personal use," Stephen explained. "You own an apartment here. The spaces are part of that ownership."

"I hadn't realised," Bella smiled.

"There was no need to know until now," Stephen said as he climbed from the car and waited for her to open the boot so he could retrieve her bags.

"I guess you're right," she laughed and popped the boot. He leaned down and kissed her lightly. Taking her bags for her, they walked to the elevators. With his hands full, Bella felt the strangeness of not having his hand resting on the back of her neck as they entered the elevator, and he dropped a bag to insert the key card. 

"Why don't you change and we can go down and see Rob for dinner," Stephen suggested as they entered her apartment.

"I feel like all I have done today is change my clothes," Bella laughed but took her bag into her bedroom and began to look for something suitable to wear for dinner at the club.

"That's a good thing from my point of view," He grinned following her into the bedroom. "Take your time, I'll call Rob and let him know we are back and will be down soon." Stephen lounged on her bed watching her as she unzipped and dropped the pink dress to the floor. Nude she walked to the bathroom for a quick shower, the smell of their earlier tryst lingering on her.

Stephen watched as she got ready, in no hurry to move from where he reclined watching the natural beauty of the young woman he adored being enhanced with make-up and styling. No matter how much he strived to have a calm, unhurried approach to possessing her, he warred with himself internally. He was caught between jealousy of her other relationships and the fear that she could be taken away by one of them, and his knowledge that she did indeed care for him as he cared for her.

Even though he knew he had nothing to be concerned about between Rob and Bella, he disliked the intimate close relationship they had that at times blocked out all other people around them. He had never felt that way about Kurt or any of the other Masters who made up the club stakeholders. He had felt that pang of jealousy again today when he had seen the ease with which Bella and Arek interacted. 

He rationalised his feelings as being threatened by the fact that these men were single and therefore looking for a naturally submissive and beautiful girl like Bella themselves. He acknowledged they were competing for her attention and affection and, while Arek may not be part of her everyday world as he and Rob were, he had still ensured he was attached in some way to the people in her world, including himself. His mind wondered once again to Dorothea's warnings about smothering her by keeping her caged here within the familiar boundaries of the club and the company. He admitted that as much as he would like to, he just couldn't encourage her to spread her wings too much in fear of losing her.

"You seem very serious tonight," Bella's voice broke into his thoughts. "Is everything alright?"

"I was just thinking how incredibly beautiful you are," he stood from the bed and took her hand, bending low to kiss her gently. "Shall we go?" Stephen smiled and led her from the room.

The dinner with Rob was filled with talk of the New Year's Eve party the following evening. With plans for the evening in full swing, most of the stakeholders were at the club overseeing some element of the evening and at different intervals joining their table in the restaurant area.

With so many members belonging to the club, it had become an invitation-only affair with the stakeholders holding a set number of invitations each. Any remaining invitations from these men were then posted on the club website in the member only section to be purchased by the lucky few who happened to be online when they went up. It had apparently been sold out weeks ago with people offering exorbitant amounts to purchase tickets from those who already held some.

Bella, who had not been present at any of these types of celebrations, was agog with the plans that had been made. The food and drink and entertainments alone were staggering to her. They spoke of Mel's birthday party the year before and she frowned, wondering why she had not been there. 

"You had gone to your parents' place and then you and Mel left for overseas that night," Rob said. He took her hand gently, not wanting to make a big deal out of why she and Mel had not been at his own birthday party.

Bella blushed as memories of her tantrum and subsequent actions filled her mind. She had run away again. Mel's parties, she had found out, were famous amongst the lifestylers they catered to, and this one would be no exception. Full of dazzling stars and the rich and elite of their world, the evening promised to be as good if not better than the ones that had come before it. She hadn't realised that the big events had been toned down or cancelled in the wake of Mel's death.

She suddenly became self-conscious and wondered what she could wear to such a glittering evening. It was far too late to consider having anything made and being such a petite woman meant that buying something from the rack was virtually impossible. She gnawed on her lip, thinking over the problem as the others spoke excitedly around her.

"Bella?" Stephen's voice sounded, breaking her thoughts, "Is there a problem?" He frowned at her. Bella looked up to see those gathered at the table looking at her.

"Oh, I'm just being a typical girl and wondering what on earth I will wear," she blushed deeply and laughed.

"I believe Dianne and Kurt have that covered," Rob winked. "They sent over your Christmas present today, it's sitting in my office," he nodded his head toward the door. 

"Can we go see it now? Can we? Can we? Huh, Huh, Huh?" Tali had bounced up from her position beside Mark and was hopping around excitedly. Bella looked at Rob, who groaned and got to his feet, leading the way across the restaurant as the two women followed. Tali all but ran as she grabbed Bella's arm and hurried her forward.

"Dianne always has gorgeous outfits for these things. I bet this is just stunning!" Tali was talking quickly in her excitement, but she fell silent as they walked through the door and saw Rob uncover a mannequin draped with pearls and lace. Bella walked forward. From the distance of the door which was no more than two or three metres, it looked like one singular piece of lace that draped down from a shoulder and curls its way down the mannequin's torso. 

Moving closer Bella could see a simple dress starting with a string of pearls at the throat in an all but invisible gauzy material. The lace, delicately embroidered with small seed pearls, made a stark white contrast to the colour of the flesh as it wound its way over one breast in a burst of heather like flowers. The lace then carried on down, curling over and around the belly to the hip. From there it wound across the mannequin's lower back to curl once again around the other hip and finish in another spray of flowers and pearls over the groin.

Bella sucked in a deep breath in awe of how beautiful it was, running a finger over a seemingly haphazard string of pearls. Several strands ran from the pearl necklace down along with the lace while one ran between the mannequin's breasts, highlighting the pointed nipples. Walking to the rear of the mannequin, she saw the double row of large pearls that ran down its spine and over the crack of its ass essentially covering it. The dress while leaving nothing to the imagination at the same time left everything to the imagination.

The gauzy dress fell to the floor where pearls and lace had been sewn in a circle around the hem to peak and fall with the waves the material made as it hung around the mannequin's ankles. Bella could see Dianne wearing something this sexy, but she was unsure if she could pull it off herself. She could imagine Dianne's voluptuous body filling out the gauze until it was like a second skin. 

"This will look so amazing on you," Tali was still bouncing excitedly. "It will show off all those glorious curves of yours that you tend to hide too much." Bella was surprised by her words, and it showed on her face. "Since you came back and stopped that whole sad hunger strike thing you had going on for a while, your back to the sexy, curvy little nymph persona that Mel introduced us all to," Tali grinned.

"Well it certainly is something Mel would have chosen for me," she said quietly as if to herself. Her mind flittered back over the almost non-existent strips of material he had dressed her in to come down to the club on most occasions. He had enjoyed being able to show off his property like that and the compliments he received about owning a girl like her. He had told her often of the pride he had for her and his desire to show her off to the world.

"Nobody has seen it yet, aside of Kurt and Dianne, of course," Rob chuckled. "So you will be able to make a startling grand entrance tomorrow night," he smirked. "I'll bring it up tomorrow when we are getting ready for the ball. Dianne wants to be there when you try it on and make sure it fits just right," he added.

"Me too!" Tali added, "I won't tell a soul I promise. I'll call Dianne and find out what time she is coming." Tali's excitement was contagious, and Bella found herself grinning at the girl despite her reservations about the dress. She hadn't worn anything this revealing in public since she had been with Mel. She wasn't sure how she felt about being so exposed to a club full of strangers but she let herself be carried along by her friend's enthusiasm.

*****

Bella stood in her large living room as Dianne fussed around her, making last minute alterations with models tape. The invisible tape felt strange on her skin, like a facial left on too long and she squirmed, slightly rolling her shoulders feeling the pull of it on her breasts. 

"Stop that," Dianne admonished her with a clicking of her tongue. Tali giggled as she moved around the pair of them excitedly. 

The door sounded and Kurt, who had been watching the fitting of the dress with much amusement stood up to answer it, letting in Rob.

"Is she ready yet?" He lowered his voice as he greeted his friend.

"You know Dianne, there is always something to fuss over in one of her designs," Kurt grinned. "Let's have a drink and give them another ten minutes of fussing. Come on in, Bella looks like she is being tortured," He chuckled.

"Good evening Ladies," Rob greeted them as he followed Kurt through to the kitchen. "You're right she looks like she needed me to rescue her," Rob resumed the low voice as he spoke again.

"Yeah, but let's not spoil Dianne's fun too soon. She's had to curtail her own predilections for fine fashion lately," Kurt continued to chuckle. "She's not even showing yet but she says she looks different and can't wear the things she used," he shrugged and shook his head. "She always looks great to me so what do I care as long as she doesn't take to wearing kaftans."

"Banish the thought," Rob gasped in mock horror.

"Isn't it amazing?!" Tali exclaimed as she bounced over to the men once they were seated. "I bet it's killing Sir Stephen not knowing what's going on up here," she giggled. 

"Stephen seemed fine when I left the club just now," Rob grinned. "He was busy and barking orders like he usually does during these events." Tali seemed about to say more but seemed to bite her tongue as Rob turned his head back to watch Bella. She noted the softening of his features and the small smile and couldn't work out if what she was seeing was perhaps the love of a guardian and father figure or something more. Returning to where Bella and Dianne stood, she worried about her friend. It would be difficult to choose between two such men and could cause far reaching rifts in their tight little circle friendship.

"You have to make something this gorgeous for me, Dianne," Tali bubbled away, hiding her concerns and filling the room with excited chatter. They lingered a little while longer, laughing and talking about the night ahead before heading down to the party.

Kurt, Dianne and Tali went down a few minutes before Rob and Bella so she could fix her hair one last time. Rob had suggested this as he wanted their entrance to be unimpeded. Tonight Bella would be his date, so to speak and somehow he hoped he would find the words to tell her how he felt now that some time had passed since her return. He had not known what having this loving young woman as part of his everyday life would mean. He had thought that no one could ever live up to his ideal that the memories of Kitty had left him with. As he watched her embrace life and blossom after going through such an ordeal, he had begun to dread the day when he would need to hand her over to another man.




Possessing Bella Ch. 16



At first he fought his feelings, believing it was his protective instincts alone that had made him feel this way about her. As he watched and supported the growing relationship between Stephen and Bella, he was surprised to feel the first pangs of jealousy he had ever felt in his lifetime. The last month had made him question many things about himself and his latent needs, and he realised that his love for Bella stretched beyond that of a guardian.

"You look amazing, little one," Rob said softly and smiled as she came back into the living room.

"Why thank you, kind Sir," she grinned. "You look very handsome yourself tonight." She overtly eyed the big man as she handed him her lipstick and phone, which disappeared into his pockets.

It was rare to see him in formal attire with his long hair pulled back from his face into a neat tail tied by a decorative leather thong. Distinguished was the word that came to mind tonight. Usually when she pictured him in her head it was in his biker leathers as she had seen him that first night down in the club when she had agreed to serve him as she served Mel. She would have served him in exactly that way when she came back from the beachhouse, had he wanted her. Still she was grateful for the loving and flirtatious relationship they had. She trusted him more than anyone aside of her parents.

"Let's get this party started then shall we?" he offered her his arm.

When the elevator door opened onto the club, Bella had been surprised. She knew the numbers of members and guests had been restricted but she had still expected more of a crush of bodies. The foyer seemed almost empty as they walked through. Rob however did not veer off into the hidden offices. Instead he walked through to the saloon bar when more of a crowd had gathered.

Clutching tightly to Rob's arm, Bella was kissed, petted and groped in greeting by familiar faces and strangers alike. She was stunned at the number of people who seemed to know her by name. It seemed to take an extraordinarily long time to make their way through to the dining room. A large table in the centre of the room had been reserved for the stakeholders, and as they made their way slowly across the room, she could see Stephen watching her. She smiled widely in his direction even as another member stood to greet her.

Her view was blocked by the large figure of Wild Bill, and she squealed with delight as he picked her up and kissed her hard. "Great to see you, baby girl. You look very grown up tonight," he smirked. 

"You look very nice too, aside of wearing more of my lipstick than I am at the moment," she giggled.

"Does it suit me?" He asked putting her down and striking a pose, making her laugh all the more.

"I'm not sure it's the right shade for you, Sire," she picked up a napkin from his table and offered it to him.

"Perhaps you're right," he wiped off his mouth. "Save me a dance later cutie," he winked at her and let her move away. 

Flora waved from a table at the other end of the room, and she waved in return, receiving a friendly smile and nod from both Hunter and Keyon who sat with her at the table. She had almost made it her seat when Arek appeared beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into a long kiss that left her breathless.

"We'll catch up later," he stated and moved away from her. Bemused, Bella finally sunk into a chair between Rob and Stephen.

"Well aren't you the popular girl," Charles chuckled. "You had better get back up off that little butt of yours and greet me properly before I spank it," he warned and a chuckle filled the table. Bella dutifully got up and went to Charles and was pulled into his lap before being kissed soundly.

"You look so pretty tonight," he smiled.

"Dianne made the dress for me," Bella smiled at her friend across the table. She spent the next ten minutes greeting all of the Masters at their table while Dianne received compliments on her artistry and requests for further gowns.

"You look delicious," Stephen murmured as she kissed him in greeting and took her seat again. Jake came from the kitchen with the first course and joined them all at the table, ensuring the conversation was lively and fun as he teased and cracked jokes at everyone's expense, including his own. The atmosphere was jubilant and they each in their own way looked toward a new year full of new adventures, each regaling the table with plans and ambitions for the year ahead. Nearing the end of the long dinner, during which many people came to their table to chat and socialise, the tables closest to the bar and dance floor began to be removed. 

"It seems the time has gotten away from us my friends," Rob said as he saw the movement. "Let's go and see the other entertainments while the band sets up in here." He stood and offered Bella his hand. Looking at his hand and Stephen sitting beside her frowning, she smiled and took the offered hand getting slowly to her feet and allowing herself to be led away from the table. 

In the cavernous showroom each of the small stages was lit up to show some activity and entertainment. On one stage, a Nawashi was working on an intricate series of knots that held a pale girl, draped in the ragged shreds of a gauzy white negligée, a small distance above the bed she hovered over. 

"That's Max, he's a member here. You might have seen him before," Rob murmured close to her ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down her spine as she watched the ghost-like girl hang as if in the sleep of death. She dragged her eyes away from the girl to study the man who was knotting the rope so expertly, his concentration unwavering as people spoke to him and about him. She didn't think she had met him before, but she had met so many people here she couldn't be sure.

At the next stage, a woman knelt over a Sybian, she was bound to some sort of T-bar behind it and her elbows pulled back to further expose her breasts to her captor, who alternately fucked her mouth and swung a heavy flogger at her bouncing globes of flesh. 

On yet another stage, a girl in a latex dress and stockings was bound tightly to a pole. The hood she wore covered her eyes and mouth leaving only the nose free through which she snorted and breathed heavily between muted whimpers. Bella's eyes travelled down her body and saw that a large rotating wand had been strapped in place against her cunt and she wondered how that would feel through the latex of the skirt pushed up into her folds.

Each tableau was a peek into a different person's kink and, as they moved slowly stopping at each to watch, Bella felt her arousal growing along with that of the rest of the patrons. Rob, who held her tightly by the waist, appeared unmoved by what he saw. "Was he truly so jaded?" Bella wondered. Admittedly he was surrounded by beautiful submissive woman and men at the beck and call of their Masters and Mistresses every day, but tonight's entertainment was something else altogether.

They stopped for a time at the last tableau where a man fucked his male pet with abandon. The pet had a leather face mask to look like a dog, effectively muzzling him and giving him a sinister look as he let out muted howls to the room. He wore a leather body harness and cock cage which looked more than uncomfortable for such a well-muscled man, but Bella knew well that constrictive feeling of being harnessed as she looked on from the comfort of the audience. 

"Mel never encouraged openly gay entertainments here, despite many of his friends being bi-sexual, and his insistence on the female employees being inclined toward both sexes," Rob explained as they watched the scene continue. "Seeing you pick up the pieces and explore everything the lifestyle had to offer has made me make changes of my own, both here at the club and in here," he brought her hand to his chest.

"Have you met someone?" Bella asked wide-eyed. She had imagined that Rob would forever mourn the death of his beloved Kitty.

"Sort of," he said cryptically. "It's more that I have had my eyes opened to all the possibilities around me," Rob murmured into her ear and nuzzled her neck.

"I'm so glad," she said earnestly. "I worry about you being so alone all of the time."

"How could I possibly feel alone when I have such a mischievous little brat running around and making my life exciting," he chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "You have an uncanny knack for finding yourself in the middle of the drama you realise."

"I don't do it on purpose, Master," she looked crestfallen.

"I know," he dipped his head to kiss her lightly. "I know you try to stay out of trouble, but it does have a habit of finding you," he smirked, teasing her.

They walked out of the showroom into the saloon bar. It was more crowded than it had been earlier, and Rob flagged down one of the passing serving girls and took two glasses of champagne from her tray. 

"Let's toast to good memories and even better beginnings," he said as he handed her the glass. "Mel put you in a cage like that the very first night I met you," he indicated something over her shoulder and she turned to look. Memories flooded back of the night she had been collared to Mel as she looked at the girl bound and blindfolded standing in the gilded cage. 

"You were such a timid little mouse that night," Rob smiled. "So cute and adorable, I was a little jealous of Mel's happiness that night," he admitted.

"You were all bike leathers and intimidating growls," Bella recalled. "I had such a crush on you from that night on," she blushed and giggled, not believing she had admitted that. "You never really socialised with us the way Kurt and Dianne did though, so I never got to know you better until later on. There was that day when you came to rescue me from one of those dramas that tend to happen to me. I'd hidden under Dianne's desk," she giggled and blushed.

"Ah yes," Rob laughed. "I may have been jealous of Mel's happiness but I never understood how it came from such an innocent naïve little thing. I don't enjoy those initial aspects of slave training that he so loved with you."

"Well, I am not so innocent anymore," Bella grinned. 

"I can vouch for that," Wild Bill said from behind her. "I've wanted to catch up with you, young lady, shall we dance?" 

"It would be my pleasure, Sire," Bella smiled after looking at Rob and getting his nod of approval.

A large portion of the restaurant had been given over to a big band and extension of the current dance floor. A big band with multiple singers played a familiar tune that Bella couldn't quite place as she stepped onto the dance floor and was expertly guided around the floor by Bill as they chatted, almost yelling into each other's ears to be heard.

It seemed every time the music stopped another man was there to take the place of the one who had just left the dance floor. Bella became overheated and thirsty, her throat feeling raw from having to talk so loudly over the band. Just when she thought she could take no more, Stephen was there guiding her from the dance floor and offering her a glass of iced water. No one dared interrupt Stephen in the club, as the senior manager his word was second only to that of Rob. They sat at a quiet side table for a few moments while she sipped the water gratefully. 

"Thank you so much, Sir Stephen. I thought I was going to melt if I had to dance again," she smiled a little crookedly.

"You are quite welcome. I will always be here to watch over you," he reached across the table to take her hand. It was Rob who eventually broke into their quiet moment, looking at her critically.

"Got your breath back, I hope?" he asked gently.

"Yes thank you, Master Rob," she smiled and stood up, taking his offered hand again. 

"Good because it's almost midnight, and we would like you to join us," Rob smirked at Stephen, "Both of you. It's tradition Stephen and it must be upheld, or Charles may have a tantrum of his own." He chuckled and led the way across the crowded restaurant to his office where the people she knew so well had gathered. Kurt was pouring champagne, and everybody seemed in a festive mood as they join in with the conversations.

Charles silenced the room by clinking his glass with the small silver dagger that had been used to open the bottles of champagne, "Well friends, let's all just put it out there in the open. For most of us this year, 2014, sucked big time," he paused as they all murmured their agreement and he smiled sadly at Bella. "So before Midnight heralds in the new year, I would like us all to take a moment and reflect on the crap that happened and the diamonds we found once it was cleared away. You, my little Bella, are one such Diamond, shining ever so brightly with us tonight and for that I will remember the year fondly." He passed the dagger to Rob, who cleared his throat.

"I am big enough to admit this year left me shattered and was one of the darker times in my life, first with the loss of my life-long friend and then his son. I will, however, remember this year fondly for the friendships forged anew and for once again seeing light in the world around me and all the possibilities that represents," Rob said slowly looking at each person in the room, his eyes lingering lastly on Bella. He handed the knife to Kurt, who stood up and looked at the dagger in his hands.

"I'm a businessman, and not given to sentimentality. So I will borrow the words of Hilary Swank who I believe said it far better than I ever could," he took a small card from his pocket and read, "May we use this time to remember our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt. Because that's what new year is all about - getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to love more. And to stop worrying about what if, and embracing what could be." He passed the knife to Mark, who reiterated similar sentiments and added his own twist.

Around the circle, the dagger was passed amongst the men as tradition dictated until finally Stephen held it in his hand. 

"We are the lucky ones. We lead the lives we wish, experiencing all the ups and downs that come to men like us and ladies," he added, nodding in deference to Josie. "This life is an adventure and we forge the way, dreaming big and pursuing those dreams, having the friends and fortunes to make those dreams reality. We are even more fortunate because we pursue them together in friendship and love. I will remember 2014 as the first year I truly felt like a valued member of this tight-knit group rather than an employee and be forever thankful to you all for that."

"Well as always you men have used up all the oxygen in the room, so there is little left for the female stakeholders to say," Josie said with a snarky tone. Not once in all her years with these men had they passed her the dagger, and it irked her more than ever, so she pressed them further. "But on behalf of Bella and I," she moved to place her arm around Bella's waist in solidarity as she spoke. "I think this year I will add just a little more. When the clock strikes midnight, let's remember not just the past but all the new experiences that have occurred this year and revel in the changes they have brought. Let's be nicer to each other. Let's be kinder and let's remember Mel in the very real way of how he brought us all together, here in this place as friends and equals."

Mike groaned loudly, "Enough of the equality bullshit. You've got bigger balls than Mark, and you know it." he said with a perfectly straight face.

"Hey!" Mark looked wounded, and most of the party burst out laughing.

"I think that is the nicest thing you have ever grunted at me caveman," Josie grinned. "We might be able to find some common ground, after all."

"I highly doubt that," He grunted in response as everyone continued to laugh.

With the good mood renewed Kurt began the countdown. Surprisingly it was Josie who kissed Bella first having not let go of her waist from when she had made her little speech. She had simply pulled her into a soft deep kiss when the counting got to one getting a jump on the men surrounding them. The girls each seemed to be passed around the room then to kiss each of the Masters in turn. 

"Now that was a great trial run, shall we go out into the club for the real thing," Kurt's voice boomed above the chatter making everyone groan. 

"I have to make sure nothing gets out of hand, stay close to Rob and Kurt," Stephen whispered in her ear and brushed his lips against hers as he left. The rest of the party followed him out of the door, and Bella watched as he disappeared into the crowd.

As midnight came, Rob picked her up and kissed her deeply with a tenderness that made her feel the love he held for her. "Happy New Year, little brat," he grinned as he finally came up for air. She was taken from Rob's arms and passed around the tight-knit circle of friends once again. 

She found herself in Jacks's arms with him whispering, "I am looking forward to you coming out to the ranch."

"I am too," Bella smiled widely.

"I believe you know Sam," he indicated the man beside him, "He'll be seeing to your training."

"You're looking beautiful tonight Bella," Sam smiled and took her from Jack's arms to kiss her. "Happy New Year," he said softly.

"Happy New Year," she replied a moment before Hunter appeared and took her from his arms, hoisting her up and kissing her soundly. 

"Hello Rabbit!" he said loudly and squeezed her tight. "Come and see Flora before she bursts. She has been dying to talk to you." He carried her off in the direction of the showroom. They stopped midway into the room's murky dim light while Hunter greeted a friend, letting go of her hand for an instant.

In that instant, someone had snuck up behind them and slipped a choke collar over her head pulling her back into the crowd and away from Hunter. Once he realised she was gone, he began looking for her, believing someone she knew must have stolen her away the moment he let go of her hand. He wasn't overly concerned, the members here knew her by name if not face and respected her position, but it unnerved him that in under a minute she had disappeared completely without even a word to him.

"Walk around this place without a collar or a uniform, and you're fair game bitch," a young sounding man growled in her ear as he dragged her to the dark centre of the room. Bella continued to struggle, her voice hoarse but seemingly unheard amid the cries of both pleasure and pain that were amplified by the entertainment on the spot lit stages. In fact, her voice which she thought was a scream was barely more than a whisper as the choker chain bit into her neck.

"Let her go mate, you don't know what you're messing with," Bella heard a deep familiar voice next to her say loudly. She felt rather than saw the young man behind her rise and puff out his chest. His grip faltered for a moment and she wedged a hand between the slim chain and the tender flesh of her throat. He was tall, muscled and full of the cockiness that young men often have when faced with conflict.

"Get your own slut, I haven't even begun to play with this one yet," his voice held an excitement in its aggressive tone.

"Trust me, if you have any sense at all in that steroid clouded head of yours you'll find a different girl to play with," Bella felt the choker chain tighten again. Her brain began to fog and she struggled uselessly in the young man's hold. "If you so much as leave a bruise on that girl's neck from that chain you'll be banned from this club for life, and so will whoever was fool enough to introduce you and mentor you."

"You can't touch me. Do you have any idea who I am? Who my father is?" The young man spat arrogantly at the familiar voice, and Bella heard no more as she went limp in the young man's arms.




Possessing Bella Ch. 16



"Fuck, look at what you made me do!" The young man dropped Bella to the floor and stepped over her to grab at the man who has stopped him from having some fun with the sexy little slut. Once released, the chain slackened around Bella's throat, and Samuel hoped fervently that she had merely passed out as he stepped in and king hit the man who fell to one knee disorientated. He took that moment to scoop up Bella's prone form and run through to the almost empty foyer before shouting, "Someone get Rob and Stephen here now!" To the girls behind the counter, he said, "Don't let anyone leave. Lock down the elevator."

He carried Bella behind the counter and into the large ventilated cloakroom, checking her breathing and pulse in the bright light. He examined her neck and removed the long choke chain, throwing it away disgustedly. He was a vet not a doctor of people but her breathing was regular, she appeared not to have broken anything but she would need an x-ray sooner rather than later. This was not a good way to start the New Year, poor girl. 

Stephen visibly paled as he stood in the doorway and saw Bella lying unconscious on a bench. "I hit the guy," Samuel said. "He was in the showroom. Still a bit groggy hopefully, should make him easy to find." Stephen turned and moved back through the small group of people that had formed in the foyer heading towards the showroom, fury written all over his face.

He stopped in his tracks as a tall, lean man holding his jaw followed along behind one of their oldest members, Albert Green. "You had better come into the office, and Charles should be present for this," Stephen said through gritted teeth.

Seeing Charles standing near the office in the restaurant with Jack, he walked to them and struggling to find the words he seethed. "Jack, you're needed in the cloakroom urgently, Charles could you join us please?" Stephen summoned every bit of self-control he had to remain calm on the surface. He wanted and needed to be by Bella's side, sending Jack was the best he could do right at that moment. Once the office door was closed, he let the façade drop.

Ignoring Albert and the young man he assumed to be his son, he spoke only to Charles. "Bella is unconscious waiting for an ambulance because of something he did. I am leaving it to you to investigate fully. Be aware that Samuel Becket is the man that saved her and I am sure he had more than enough reason to punch the boy," his voice was stilted and full of anger. Saying nothing else he stormed out of his office into the foyer to see Bella being wheeled away on an ambulance gurney. He looked at the ashen-faced Rob, and his heart sank.

"Keep it together Stephen," Jack said in his quiet way. "She's going to be fine. It's just a precaution to make sure everything is as it should be. Sam got to her before any real damage was done. Did you find the guy?"

"Yeah, you and Sam should go in and tell his side of the story," he jerked his head toward his office. "I can't be in there right now."

"Yes you can and you will, for Bella's sake if for no one else's," Jack said mildly. "The foyer was cleared of people before the ambulance arrived. The members just think a girl fainted that's all. No one but the staff knows who it was, so we will stick to that story for now. Those who did see won't say anything. You know the rules on privacy here," he patted the big man's shoulder. 

"Now you and Sam go sort this kid out. I will go fill Kurt in on what's happened. He's her guardian too, after all," Jack said.

Stephen and Samuel had barely been in the room long enough to introduce themselves properly when Kurt burst in, followed by Jack, looking ready to tear someone limb from limb.

"Let's all just calm down a minute," Charles stood up and raised his hand before him.

"I want that guy banned for life," Deon, the nephew of Charles demanded amidst the interruption. He was pointing at Samuel.

"Shut up!" Albert turned on his son. "To think that something so stupid came from my magnificent cock makes it want to shrivel back up inside my body." He shook his head. "I can't apologize enough and you can rest assured I will not be interfering with any charges you wish to press against my son."

Deon's eyes bulged, and his mouth worked open and closed as he took in what his father had said. His father and Uncle had always backed him up, made his errors in judgement disappear, he was untouchable. He was! He watched as his father turned his back and walked over to where the glowering Stephen sat behind the desk.

"How's Bella?" he asked quietly.

"The ambulance just took her away. Rob's with her. He will call with any news," Stephen shrugged and put a bottle of scotch on his desk with several glasses, pouring himself a decent measure.

"I've heard Deon's story and if only half of it is true, you all have reason to look the way you do. Now is the time for you to tell us the actual events," Albert said to Samuel, weariness clear in his voice.

Samuel recounted the details of Hunter taking Bella to see Flora and that he had tagged along behind them as Flora was an old friend that he had meant to catch up with. He told of how he saw from a distance the moment when Hunter stopped to shake hands with an acquaintance and the split second it took for Deon to use the choke chain and drag Bella into the darkness at the centre of the room. He recounted the conversation that occurred when he caught up with them almost word for word, his warnings and request to release her. 

"He obviously had no clue who she was. I don't believe there was anything personal in it aside of the fact he liked how she looked," Samuel shook his head as he made excuses for the arrogant young man. "The whole time he had been choking her harder than I realised, and she blacked out. He dropped her and came at me. I hit him and picked her up and ran to the foyer to make sure she was alright." Samuel finished the story quickly.

"Good man," Albert nodded, "You did the right thing."

"It happened so fast, one minute she was there and the next second she was gone!" Hunter said apologetically to the room. "We don't expect anyone at the club to be that stupid, at least not at these events."

"The slut had no collar and no uniform. She was fair game," Deon said with one last burst of bravado. Stephen and Kurt both sprung up from their seats to advance on the young man. 

"Steady, gentlemen, I imagine the police will be here soon enough once the hospital alerts them to an attempted murder," Charles turned to Deon. "None of these gentlemen, least of all me will tolerate you choking a woman to death with a chain wrapped around her neck. It wouldn't matter if she were a back door hooker or the part owner of this club, Bella Biancotti." He pointed, drawing Deon's attention to the portrait on the wall. 

"I'm afraid that little girl you choked half to death is far richer and has far better connections than both your father and I put together. There is little we could do to help you out here, even if we wanted to. My advice is to give yourself up quietly and hope that the girl you almost killed takes pity on you."

Deon began to cry then. He hadn't realised his father had meant it when he had said he wouldn't make this mess go away. Suddenly feeling a sense of vulnerability he hadn't ever experienced before, he began to panic. He stood and went to the door finding it locked. 

"Sit down, stupid," Albert roared at his son. "Bad enough you did such a cowardly thing. It's time to face the consequences like a man. What did you think would happen? We don't rape or torture. We ask to be allowed to use our women the way we like. It's never our choice! They choose us, you moron."

"But Olivia and Sera do whatever you and Uncle Charles say," Deon said miserably.

"Years of building trust breeds a form of consent that is constant. Even after so many years together, I don't take it for granted and if Sera says no, I respect that. Every woman had their limits, not one man in this room has ever forced themselves on a woman," Charles said, sadly wondering how Deon had gotten everything so wrong. How had they not seen his arrogance and petulance? Charles blamed the boy's indulgent shrew of a mother.

"Let's take him upstairs and call our driver. Better to go now than bring the club any more notoriety with the police arriving here tonight," Albert said, exhaustion in his voice.

"Samuel and I'll go with them if you can look after Dusty for me, Kurt," Jack said seriously. "You and Stephen can manage this place blind folded."

"You stay Charles," Albert patted his brother's shoulder, "Take Olivia and Sera home. They'll enjoy having a sleep over. I have a feeling it is time Deon met Elizabeth."

Charles raised an eyebrow and nodded, "I think that is a remarkably overdue meeting, given the circumstances."

"I'll drive. My car's downstairs," Samuel offered.

The small group of men left and Stephen gave Kurt the keys to Bella's apartment, so that Dusty and Dianne could rest as the night grew longer. Stephen then rang Rob to get an update and let him know what was happening with Deon.

*****

Bella woke in the back of the ambulance, the heavy neck brace frightened her momentarily. Rob's face hovered above her, fresh tears staining his cheeks. 

"Don't talk. Your neck is very bruised. We're taking you for an x-ray," the paramedic moved into her view. 

Reaching up, she wiped a tear from Rob's cheek and smiled at him, showing that she was okay. The ride was quick, and the care she received in the private emergency room was rapid. After an x-ray and a scan of her throat, she was cleared with just bruising and assured she would be okay to whisper if it didn't hurt too much.

She had wedged her hand between the slim chain and her throat, so the damage was minimal. As soon as she had fainted the pressure had been released allowing her to breathe again, so all in all she had been quite lucky. It would take a while for the bruising and swelling to heal, but there was no need for her to remain at the hospital if she didn't want to be there. 

Bella wrapped the fluffy white robe the hospital had given her around herself and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Let's go," she whispered.

"Just let me call Jack and then I will take you home," Rob said. 

Thirty minutes later, Rob and Bella sat in the back of Samuel's car as he and Jack drove them home. 

"Regardless of whether we press charges or not, I believe the boy has been given over to Mistress Elizabeth for some attitude adjustment," Jack related the story of what had happened in Stephen's office.

"Do unto others as they would do to you," Rob chuckled.

"Amen brother," Jack agreed, believing this was a far more fitting and beneficial punishment than pressing charges would be.

"Not a good way to start the new year, little one," Samuel said into his rear view mirror.

"I won't count this year as starting until the sun rises," Bella whispered hoarsely but smiled. Honestly, she had many bruises in the last few months, and she recovered quickly with the right care. In a day or two, this would all be a memory and never would she go to the club without a collar again, even if it was one of her own design.

Dianne was fast asleep in the spare room when Bella arrived home, but Dusty was awake and watching an old movie. After checking Bella over herself and kissing her, she left with Jack promising to take care of her when she visited the ranch.

Bella embraced Jack and Samuel tightly, with a whispered, "Thank you." She felt she should say more to the man who rescued her, but couldn't find the words as the pain medication they had given her at the hospital began to work. Stephen appeared in the doorway and, in two long strides, swept her into his arms holding her tightly. 

"I can't stay, the last of the merry makers are making the most of it. I just needed to see you and know you were safe," his voice was deep and full of emotion. He kissed her gently and placed her back on her feet. Looking to Rob, he said, "Kurt took over for you downstairs. He said to let you know he would just crash here with Dianne tonight." 

"Thanks for holding it all together, Stephen. It can't have been easy," Rob said, understanding his friend's concerns. "I'll look after the girls. Tell Jake to order us up a breakfast we can all eat together, once it's all over downstairs and the doors close for a well-earned break."

Stephen kissed Bella again and reluctantly left. Alone together, Rob helped Bella to shower quickly and towelled her off, so she didn't have to move her neck too much. He carried her into bed and, stripping down to his boxers, slid in beside her, cradling her in his arms.

"As I was saying earlier, life is never boring with you around, my little brat," he chuckled and kissed the top of her head. He held her while she fell asleep, feeling that his life would be empty without this little whirlwind in it.



Possessing Bella Ch. 17



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to my second set of eyes, she is absolutely fabulous. I apologise that this chapter is late life has been a busy, busy time for me and my writing has had to take a back seat for a little while. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. ~ellie

*****

All of the freedoms Bella had earned for herself over the past six months had disappeared after New Years Eve. She had company for every meal to make sure she ate, and she couldn't put a foot outside her door without someone being there to escort her. Charity events she had been planning to attend had been cancelled on her behalf without any consultation, and when she tried to go to visit Dorothea in her new car there was general disapproval. Finally, she changed her plans to a more suitable time so Stephen could accompany her.

By the time she walked into the old woman's kitchen with her, leaving Stephen to his phone calls in the living room, Bella had burst into tears. Hugging Dorothea, she sobbed not saying anything, just enjoying the comfort of being close to the one person who she felt understood her better than anyone else. She felt Dorothea's body stiffen slightly and lifted her head knowing what she would see. Stephen stood in the doorway, concern written all over his face.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Bella announced, unable to deal with the look on his face, "Unless you want to follow me in there too?" She went to walk past him, and he grabbed her, frowning down into her face, puzzlement mixed with disapproval showing clearly. The Bella he knew would never speak to him like that. Bella looked up silently, holding his gaze with red-rimmed eyes.

"Let her go, Sir Stephen. She will only be a minute or two," Dorothea intervened. Bella pulled her arm away as his grip loosened and walked slowly down the short corridor hearing Dorothea demand an explanation.

The words of Rob rang in her head, "Trouble seems to find you, little brat." She was constantly under scrutiny for things that were out of her control. One randy young guy grabs her at the club, and suddenly she is a prisoner again. He didn't mean to hurt her the way he did, she was safe, and there were enough people in the club to have saved her from any wrong doing. She had been saved! Now she was back to where she had been six months ago, with her every step shadowed and watched.

"You can't put her in a cage and expect her to be happy!" Dorothea's voice was raised as Bella came out of the bathroom. "I warned you that she would run if you restricted her again. I am surprised all you're getting so far is a little bit of backchat rather than her running home, where she at least has some trust and freedom." Dorothea shook her head disgustedly. "All you arrogant men wax on about consent and choices and then take hers away."

"She was in danger," Stephen bit back angrily. 

"Bella's was in danger from what?" Dorothea demanded, "A kid who just needed a clip around the ears, and a lesson on protocols?" She was unrelenting. "Where is that danger now? Is there some reason she couldn't have driven herself over here and picked me up for a ride in her cute little car like we planned?"

"The boy is being taken care of," Stephen's jaw was working as he ground his teeth together angrily.

"I'm sure," Dorothea shook her head. "Be thankful she is going to Jack's place and won't be pushed into making a run for freedom or resent you for stopping her."

Bella stood just beside the doorway, out of sight, listening. She wanted to work and build her business and enjoy her friends and family like any other normal person. What she wanted and what she could have though seemed to be two different things at this point though, and she felt the frustration building another wave of tears behind her eyes.

She looked at the front door. She could just go, take a drive and face the consequences when she returned that evening. Except Stephen would probably call the police and have her hunted down like a fugitive. There was no easy way to break into the conversation in the kitchen, so she took a deep breath and stepped forward into the doorway where they could see her. 

"I won't run," she said into the silence. "I don't want to run away from everything I have worked for," Bella looked into their stunned faces. "Dorothea is right though, I do resent being caged up like a prisoner for something that could have happened to anyone. What she doesn't see or understand is that you," she touched Stephen's arm gently, "and Rob feel guilty about letting me go into the club uncollared." She smiled sadly, "It is me that should have known better, Mel warned me about that. It was a simple mistake, but one made by me. One I won't make again. Just as I need to trust you, you have to trust me to learn the lessons and move on." It wasn't anything she hadn't said before, but it seemed this time Stephen listened. She saw his face soften, and the anger dissipate to almost a look of relief.

Dorothea stepped forward and wrapped Bella in a tight hug. She was proud of how much Bella had matured over the last year. She was a beautiful and accomplished young woman who did not know her own worth or why the men in her life were so overly protective of her. Dorothea loved her all the more for that complete lack of ego.

"Why don't we call Lincoln and get Stephen a lift back to the club," Dorothea said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Then you and I can go for that drive you promised me. 

Drawing a deep breath, Bella smiled a bit sadly, "Would you mind terribly if we did it tomorrow?" she asked quietly. "I think I need to have a similar conversation with Master Rob and maybe even Master Kurt. If I am ever going to have the semblance of the normal life I have been trying to create behind all the false celebrity and lifestyle restrictions, I need to talk to them about all this." She waved her hands about as if all this was an obvious notion.

"Of course, sweet girl," Dorothea looked at her with a sense of pride. "It will give us even more to talk about," the old woman grinned. "You've grown up so much this year, I barely recognise the confused young woman I knew not so long ago."

"That has more to do with your wisdom and the friendship you give me so freely," Bella impulsively hugged the frail older woman to her. "I love you, Dorothea."

"I know, and I love you too." The embrace lasted a long moment before Bella reluctantly let go and pulled herself up, straightening her shoulders. She turned back towards Stephen, who had been watching as the anger that had flared in the face of Dorothea's accusations disappeared with Bella's gentleness.

"We should go back now. I have some things to sort out, and I will be too busy tomorrow to get everything done I need to before I leave for Jack's ranch," her face held a steely determination. She walked to the front door. Farewelling Dorothea one last time on the doorstep, they drove back in silence. 

Once back in her apartment, Bella called both Rob and Kurt and asked them to dinner in the club. Then she went about getting ready. She smiled, acknowledging that she never had any doubt that either of them would agree to the meeting. She was spoilt by both men, and she knew that they loved her enough to accept her invitation whenever she asked them to meet with her. Then she went about getting ready. She had a statement to make, and she wanted them to have no illusions that she was thinking very clearly about her future.

By six, o'clock she was dressed and ready. Her hair was pulled off her neck in a high style. The fading bruises on her throat sat above the simple chain and lock that Mel had given her as an everyday collar both inconspicuous and yet telling of her unavailability to the average dominant in the club. She did this not just as self-protection. She had purposely not tried to hide the bruises with make-up to make a statement to her guardians that she was not the fragile little doll they assumed her to be. She would no longer run from the things she found hard to face or confusing. She would be stronger than that and meet her challenges head-on. There was no need to cage her. She was strong and confident, and she knew what she wanted in her life. What she wanted didn't include bodyguards or the amount of restrictions she currently endured.

It was Rob who came to collect her. She had asked Stephen to allow her to meet with her guardians alone. It wasn't that she needed his permission as such, but she cared about him. It was indeed very probable, if she was honest with herself, that she loved the big, serious, darkly handsome man and didn't want him to feel as if she was excluding him entirely. 

"You're looking lovely tonight," Rob eyed the still evident bruises on her neck and the chain that hung just below them as she greeted him at the door. 

"Thank you, Master," she smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "You look as wonderful as ever," she stroked the leather covering his hip as she threaded her arm through his, and they went down to the club. Smiling at Kurt as they entered, Bella made her way to the small booth at the back of the restaurant where they would have dinner. The prompt waitress smiled as Rob began to order for them, knowing the menu by heart it would seem, and Bella knew this was the time to act and start the conversation that needed to happen.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I would rather not have the salmon, please, Master." Then she turned and spoke to the waitress, "Would you mind very much bringing me a menu. I don't think I have ever seen one myself in this restaurant." The waitress gave Rob a started look as if expecting him to decline the request, but at his imperceptible nod she looked back at Bella.

"Of course, I'll just be a moment," she turned from the table as Rob looked at Bella, raising an eyebrow.

"I thought you liked the salmon here," he said, slightly puzzled by her request.

"Nobody ever gave me a choice but to eat it. The only time anyone has asked what I would like to eat is when I call down and order from upstairs," she laughed seeing the looks on their faces. "I just couldn't choke down another piece of salmon," she said apologetically. "I think the time has come for me to stop choking down a lot of things." The waitress returned with their menus.

"Would you like to order drinks?" the young woman asked.

"Is it possible to get just a glass of the sparkling Villa Maria?" Bella inquired before Rob could speak for her again. "I had it over the holidays, and it's just lovely," she said enthusiastically.

"That sounds good," Kurt said easily, "bring the bottle and two?" he inclined his head toward Rob, who held up three fingers, "Three glasses," Kurt finished.

"Thank you, Masters," Bella smiled and looked down at the menu. "This menu is larger than I expected," she gave a half laugh. "Do you both have time for three courses?" she asked. "I would like to try an entrée as well if you don't mind," she said thoughtfully.

"I can always eat," Kurt chuckled, "and it's been a while since I have had a good look at this as well."

"What the hell," Rob agreed and looked over the menu. It wasn't that he needed to, but he glanced at it as he puzzled out the mood that Bella seemed to be in. The waitress returned with the wine and took their orders. Bella took a sip of her wine and sat back, looking at the men who were such a large part of her life. She had worked out exactly what she wanted to say, but now sitting here and facing them, it didn't seem right somehow.

"I love you both so much. You are as close to me as my parents. We're a family of sorts," her words rang with sincerity and her eyes shone with the love she felt for the two strong men. "Thank you so much for everything you did for me last year. It's because of you both that I am here at all, let alone the strong, confident woman the media claims I am. You listened to what I wanted, considered it, and gave me what I needed. I honestly don't know what I did to be so lucky."

"That was a moving little speech," Kurt said with a hint of a smirk, "I bet the shoe you're about to drop is gonna be a clanger." Bella looked at him with widening eyes.

"Come on, little brat, out with it," Rob chuckled.

"I can't go back to living like a prisoner," Bella burst out. "I've worked so hard to gain everyone's trust. I didn't go crazy when Vince died, or the reading of his will. I have followed all the rules and restrictions placed on me since the media got hold of my name," she paused and took a breath. "What happened at the party here was just awful, but it wasn't my fault or anyone's fault except the guy who didn't understand what the club was about."

"He's being dealt with appropriately," Rob murmured darkly.

"I understand that, but what I don't understand is why I am being punished," she hated the angry, petulant tone her voice had taken on, which made both men look at her in consternation.

"You're not being punished, Bella," Rob said in frustration. "We are only trying to protect you."

"Protect me from what exactly? There is no real imminent danger is there?" Bella borrowed the words of Dorothea from that afternoon. "I almost ran away this afternoon, like I did when things got too overwhelming in the past, but I don't want to run. I love my life and the people in it. I want to see my business flourish and once this training is over, I want to find a man who will accept me as I am, not just my submissiveness but also my other qualities. I can't do any of that locked in a cage though, I can't even visit the woman whose advice I trust more than anyone's by myself right now."

"She's got a point there, Rob," Kurt conceded. "Even with Dianne there are limitations as to how much control I have, and yet we give ourselves no limitations in regards to ordering Bella's life as if she were a child." By tacit agreement, it had been Rob that had always looked after her personal welfare, while Kurt had cared for her business assets and career. "She has more than proven her ability to make sound decisions in the past six months. Personally, I would rather we give her a chance at the freedom to make some choices about her life than lose her trust and faith in us to advise and guide those decisions." He picked up his glass and sat back, thoughtfully taking a sip and watching Rob's reaction.

What Kurt had said made perfect sense to Rob, but his heart could not take losing her to some stupid dumbass like Deon. He stayed silent as he tried to reconcile her needs with his need to keep her safe and close. Bella reached out and put her hand over his, gaining his attention from the deep contemplation he had been in, and smiled softly.

"You could try to trust me the way that I trust you," she said softly. "I won't take unnecessary risks. You must know I realise the dangers now."

The food arrived, interrupting their conversation, and Kurt deftly steered the conversation onto other topics, allowing Rob time to think. He knew that Rob's feelings toward the diminutive young woman wavered between fatherly concern and a growing love that craved more from the girl than he had wanted from anyone since Kitty's death. He feared though that the time for Rob to declare his feelings had passed as he observed the hulking figure of Stephen step out from his office. From a business point of view, Stephen had already shown not only his acceptance of Bella's career but had also encouraged it on some levels. He turned back to the conversation at the table with a cheeky grin as they finished the main course.

"Did you tell Stephen that you were feeling like a prisoner? You know he is possibly even more over-protective of you than either of us," Kurt nodded toward the man who was speaking with some of the club members.

"In a manner of speaking," she replied guardedly. They looked quizzically at her, so she continued. Taking a deep breath, she admitted, "I sort of lost it at Dorothea's today, and when I went to the bathroom, she said what I couldn't at the time. I walked in on a fairly heated discussion they were having."

"I'll bet," Kurt chuckled. "I've always found it prudent to listen to Dorothea when she has something to say. The consequences of not doing so can be disastrous." He looked meaningfully at Rob.

"I wouldn't mind hearing what she had to say to the big guy," Rob nodded thoughtfully. "I expect, given the interest you have both expressed in each other, he should be part of this conversation. Why don't you go and invite him over for dessert with us?" Rob suggested, looking at Bella.

"I'll go," Kurt said, easily sliding from the booth and making his way across the restaurant to where Stephen stood.

"Trouble seems to find you, little brat. That's why we put these restrictions in place, not to be mean but because we love you. My heart broke when I saw you lying unconscious. My world would be so empty without you in it, and I am not sure I could sustain the loss of someone else that I love," Rob admitted. 

"I know," Bella said softly, taking his hand in her own much smaller one. "I don't want to worry you constantly the way I seem to, but caging me up in that apartment is sucking the life out of me. I need to be able to make choices and decisions of my own. Even if it's just what I like to eat," she smiled crookedly. "Mel had known me most of my life. He could make those small, everyday decisions for me because he knew me so well. When someone tries to do that now, even with the best intentions, it's rarely what I would have chosen for myself. I need to have a voice and choose how to live my life. I chose to come back here to you and Kurt. I chose to work and train with you both guiding me. That guidance though has been so all-encompassing that, while I have made the best of it, I haven't been able to choose where I live or what I wanted to do since then. So many people weigh in and choose those things for me. The small voice I have is constantly unheard or drowned out by those who love me."

"Are you truly that unhappy?" Rob asked incredulously, as if it had never occurred to him that she would feel this way. She had always done as she was asked without complaint or rancour.

"I feel like I am in a constant battle to prove that I can be trusted to look after myself. Every time I seemed to gain some independence, something happens to reclaim it. Vince and now Deon," she lowered her eyes. "I just want to be able to go shopping after work. Or visit a friend like Dorothea and take her for a ride in my new car," she sighed. "Now I do sound like a spoilt brat."

"Yes, you are," Rob squeezed her hand. "As the big man would tell you," he nodded at Stephen as he sat, sliding along the bench seat. "We aren't mind readers. If you don't tell us how unhappy you are, how can we possibly know?"

"I have asked to go shopping, to visit friends, to move out to a place of my own, to have a car," she corrected him nervously. "My parents trust me to be safe and careful, to make good choices and I still listen to their advice and do as they ask. How is this any different? If the lifestyle itself is so dangerous that I need to be kept a virtual prisoner, then perhaps I chose wrong in coming back." There was sadness in her voice, and while it might have come out as an ultimatum in other circumstances, at this moment, the three men could hear the sadness and frustration in her voice.

"Perhaps we have been holding the leash a little tightly," Rob admitted. "I am not ready to remove it completely, however. Things have changed, and you have changed in light of recent events. All people in the public spotlight need people to watch over them, and you, little brat, have a way of attracting trouble to you." 




Possessing Bella Ch. 17



"He's got a point," Kurt laughed. "Looking after you is almost a full-time job for the three of us."

"I'm sorry," Bella blushed deeply, "I don't mean to be so much trouble but in my defence none of this has been my fault." She swallowed down the guilt she felt over Vince's death.

Stephen said nothing. Bella's teary breakdown in Dorothea's kitchen and the old woman's harsh words had made him anxious that the intensity of his love for her might very well be the thing that drives her away. He admitted that even when she went home or to one of the other Masters for a time, she constantly had a dominant person watching over her like a personal bodyguard. He had made it clear to those who watched over her that should any harm come to her they would regret it. He tried to remember the last time she had even had an afternoon to visit her girlfriends alone. 

"Go see Dorothea tomorrow. Talk it all out," Stephen suggested. He wasn't going to make any false promises about giving her the freedom she craved. He loved her and, if he needed to limit her freedom for her well-being, he would. "Try and understand that we are not so much concerned with what you might do as the unpredictability of what others may do with you, knowing who you are." He had included Rob and Kurt in his response, assuming they would agree with him.

"You'll let me go alone?" Bella asked softly.

"With the understanding that if anything untoward happens, we end up right back to where we are now," Rob nodded seeing that he was outnumbered.

*****

The small amount of freedom Bella enjoyed during her day with Dorothea was fleeting. She had arrived home and immediately begun to ready herself to leave for Jack's ranch early the following morning. She was looking forward to it on a number of levels, the main one being that it meant the end of the agreement she had with the masters who Mel had wanted to train her. She was ready to move on now.

She was also looking forward to seeing Samuel and thanking him properly for the assistance he gave her at the club. She smiled as she packed a small case with clothes she thought might be appropriate for a ranch. She wasn't sure what to expect exactly. Unlike the other Master's she had gone to, she had no inkling of what they required of her aside of a small amount of reading she had done on the lifestyle thanks to google searching.

The following morning she was ready when Stephen arrived to collect her. He gave her an appraising look and went to take her bag from her. 

"You seem in good spirits," he murmured. "I take it your day with Dorothea went well?" Stephen inquired without asking outright.

"It was lovely, thank you," Bella smiled. "It was wonderful to just be able to do girly things like stop at a little café for High Tea without having to worry that I was holding up whoever was babysitting me."

"You talked out your worries from the previous evening?" he probed further.

"I didn't say very much about it to tell you the truth. We just had a lovely day like girlfriends do when they get together. I feel so relaxed now. Dorothea is wonderful company and puts things into perspective, even the normal things like going shopping or having tea with a friend," she smiled up at him as the elevator doors opened.

They drove out onto the highway heading north out of the city. It was unusual for Bella, who had over the last year always seemed to be heading south. She was content and relaxed and, even though she had said that she hadn't thought about her worries over her freedom, she had spoken to Dorothea about this last visit to the friends of Mel. She had determined to make the most of it and learn as much as she could. Each of the other masters had taught her so much about herself and the soul of a submissive in their type of lifestyle, but it was Dorothea who had pointed out the obvious to her.

She had explained patiently that even though these dominant men who surrounded Bella demanded power, control and obedience, it would all be nothing without her consent. Ultimately she held all the power in her relationships with those that would be her Master. It was her choice to obey or not, and that was why she and Mel got off to such a rocky start. He had not been entirely clear about that aspect of their relationship.

"Mel was desperate to have power and control over you and every time you seemed to waver and think for yourself, get nervous and run away from what he offered you, terrified him. In all the time, I knew him I never saw him compromise for anyone, not in business or pleasure until you," Dorothea had smiled softly. "It is the same with Stephen. He has always been as straight as a steel rod and very nearly as strong. He compromises for no one, I doubt many know about his brother, let alone have met him. Certainly no one would have guessed at what he was doing out there at the cove for people down on their luck," again that soft smile touched her face. "You, my sweet girl, have a way of bringing out that softer side of hard men."

"Oh you're exaggerating," Bella had blushed. Mel had always been caring and considerate of her. She had never known him to be another way. Stephen was a different matter. She could see the change from the stern, stoic man who managed the club and the girls it employed with an emotional detachment. He had always treated her with differential respect because of Mel. She knew his feelings toward her had deepened to love. She admitted she loved him in some way too. She worried about his jealousies and the restrictions he may place on her should she choose to become his and his alone, but she reasoned that it was something they needed to discuss beforehand. 

She looked up at him as they drove, studying his features. He returned her look, raising a questioning eyebrow. "I was just thinking that this is the last time you would have to do this for me," she said quietly.

"I have to admit I am glad about that," Stephen's deep bass rumbled, and he reached over to place a hand on her thigh and squeezed it gently. Smiling in answer and leaning back in her seat, Bella gazed at the road ahead.

She knew that talking to Dorothea and seeking her advice was wonderful, but once her training was completed, she needed to talk to Stephen directly about her worries. She corrected herself, not only Stephen but also each of the men who had indicated their wish to continue to see her in the dating sense. Only one sprang to mind though, and the image of Arek formed in her mind. He was handsome and genuinely charming, but she admitted she didn't know him that well. The thought that living as a Gorean slave would possibly not readily include her career was not appealing at all. 

Shaking her head, she tried to dispel her thoughts about the future. She needed to live in this moment and try to enjoy her time with Jack and Dusty with an open mind and be accepting of whatever was planned for her. She had asked for this time with them and Samuel. What might happen after her time here would happen regardless of her thoughts now. She turned her thoughts to Samuel Beckett, the man who had saved her at the club on New Year's Eve and the man who would be her Master for the next two weeks.

The comfortable silence between Bella and Stephen stretched out over the long drive with only an occasional interruption of small talk about the scenery, both seemingly lost in their thoughts. They turned onto a dusty driveway that meandered through lush green meadows where horses grazed, raising their heads to flick their tails disinterestedly at the car before turning back to the grass again.

When the ranch came into view, Bella's jaw dropped open. The house was nothing like she had expected. In fact, country manor was more the term she would have used rather than ranch. The drive turned into gravel as it wound a circular path to the front of the stately home. It shouldn't have surprised her after visiting islands, mansions and castles that Mel's friends were as equally wealthy as he was, but it still amazed her every time.

A burly young man came down from the wide double front door. "You can just leave the car here, I'll show you in," he smiled broadly at them as Stephen took Bella's bag from the car. "I'll take the bag for you," he offered and then led them inside.

The interior, as the exterior denoted, was stately and elegant. Bella took in as much as she could as they walked at a brisk pace deeper into the house, emerging into an open plan living area where Jack, Samuel and another man sat waiting their arrival.

"Ah, here they are," Jack stood and held out his hand in greeting to Stephen. "Thanks for bringing her down. It's a bit of trip, isn't it?"

"Especially as I need to turn around almost immediately to get back," Stephen nodded. 

"At least have some coffee and pastries before you go. Hazel's been cooking up a storm this morning knowing we would have guests. Bella can spend a little time with Dusty before we all part company again." He turned to Bella then and wrapped her in a large embrace. "I am so glad you're finally here," he spoke quietly in his rough voice. "Come and let's find Dusty and those pastries I promised."

The kitchen was a large open room with a multitude of seating that made it oddly cosy and it smelt like a heavenly bakery. Bella smiled as she saw Dusty, hiding her surprise at the harness and pony girl attire she wore. Then as Dusty clopped toward her, she tried to imagine what it would be like to have to walk in boots that ended in a hoof and had no visible heel on them. She had googled pony girls in her curiosity, but the reality was more daunting than she could have imagined.

The women embraced and Dusty fussed over Bella, giving her juice and pastry as the men helped themselves from large platters of pastry and steaming pots of freshly brewed coffee. Dusty was usually quiet and rarely spoke unless necessary. This morning, however, she seemed to be full of excitement and energy as she sat with Bella, holding her hand and squeezing it affectionately as they listened to the men talk.

The additional man that Bella had not recognised was a veterinarian intern working with Samuel to learn both about the larger domestic animals found in rural settings, as well as this lifestyle. His name was Jyace, and he too seemed to be a man of few words. Shorter than Stephen and Jack, he, like Samuel, seemed to be of average height, which was still tall in Bella's eyes and he had a wide open face that lit up when he smiled. He had a close cropped beard that seemed to not have fully come in yet and his hair, while not considered long, still hung about his face and neck as if he hadn't considered having it cut in quite some time.

The dominant men she knew tended to be fastidious about their appearance. Jyace's almost unkempt appearance made her curious about him and the type of dominant he might be. She wondered idly if he would be involved in Samuel's training of her. 

It seemed no time had passed at all when Stephen said his farewells and left the ranch, kissing Bella softly and promising to return the following weekend to check on her. She smiled and wished him a safe journey back, waving as the car disappeared down the gravel driveway. 

Once they were back in the living area, Jack looked at his watch. "We will give you a few hours for Dusty to show you around and give you instruction on how to dress while you are here," he said in his slow, quiet tone. "Dusty, we will meet you back here for lunch at one." 

"Yes, Master," Dusty's deep husky voice replied and, without further instruction, she took Bella's hand and walked from the room, her shoes clopping in a measured beat on the flagstone floors. They had been in the central hub of the house and, as Bella soon found, there were two wings that fanned out from there, one to the north and one to the south. On each side, the top floor of each wing was for dominants and guests, the lower floor was a form of stable for human pets. They had real stables and training grounds for the horses they bred and raced here, but that was totally separate to what happened in the house and its specialist training areas. Bella's mind boggled with the sheer vastness of the house and its surrounding estate. It took almost an hour for Dusty to rush through a hasty tour before leading Bella into the north wing stables. 

"This wing tends to be reserved for close friends and more elite guests," Dusty explained, finally slowing her pace. They walked together down the north wing corridor with Dusty stopping along the way to show Bella the stables. "Master likes to cater for others' needs here, so we have rooms suited to other pets and slaves, rather than just ponies," she explained as each room was opened in turn. "The other wing has much smaller stables with little tack rooms for equipment."

"I don't need to be treated as special," Bella said quickly. "I can use one of the small rooms in case you get important visitors." She stopped and looked up at Dusty about to protest further.

"You are an important guest, silly!" Dusty chortled in her deep quiet way, tossing her head back so that her mane flared out behind her. "Master Samuel is important too, and you wouldn't want him to have to move to be near you as well, would you?" 

"I don't understand," Bella frowned. She couldn't imagine that the trainers would stay in the stables with the ponies.

"The rooms in this wing have a passage that leads up to the Masters on the floor above," Dusty explained. "Samuel will be staying in one of the rooms directly above yours and Jyace in the other. Your stable is a bit bigger than these others. It was my room when I first came here many years ago and was modified, as I became Master's prize pony, in reward for my achievements."

"That's wonderful," Bella smiled, revelling in her friend's accomplishments with her. "In that case, I would be honoured to stay in your stable."

The word stable had not prepared Bella for the luxury of the suite she was shown into. It rivalled the hotel rooms she had stayed in with Mel in Italy, yet in an opulent country style. The comfortable sitting room led into a well-appointed bedroom and bathroom. It was the furthest thing from a stable that she could imagine, and she looked quizzically around the space before turning to Dusty for an explanation.

"You seem surprised," Dusty laughed. "Were you expecting a hay bale or two?"

"I didn't expect all this," Bella whispered in awe.

"Trust me, you will work hard to deserve this pampering at the end of the day," Dusty's deep voice still held her amusement. She guided Bella back through the sitting room to another door on the other side of the sitting room. "This is probably more like what you were expecting I guess." She opened the door into a tack room that was as equally luxurious as the rest of the suite.

The walls were panelled in a deep rich mahogany, and the rails and hooks gleamed with golden brass fittings beneath the leather straps and equipment Bella had expected. Twin velvet chaises lined one wall, and several devices and pieces of furniture similar to those she had seen in Mel's training room dotted the large space.

Dusty continued to walk through the room opening bi-fold doors to expose the world beyond the room. The grass was lush and green, and as Bella drew closer, she could make out fences and posts at varying intervals dividing small training yards that lead directly off the path that led from her rooms. A small distance to the left and right of this training area stood large barns, but before she could ask the question, Dusty's soft voice cut through her thoughts.

"A place to train in winter or when there's bad weather," her chin jutted toward the distant barns. "We better get you dressed, they will be expecting us back soon and the tour took some time." Bella helped her close the bi-fold doors, and they went back through the sitting room to the bedroom. 

Bella's mind raced. The ranch was nothing like she had expected. It wasn't as if she had been denied anything previously, but what she had been given had been part of the Master's world and not her own space, or at least a space of her own that was this extravagant. It was hard to explain even to herself the strangeness she felt here in these rooms. Her idea of what being a prized pony, like Dusty was, took on a whole new meaning for her.

Dusty took her into a long narrow wardrobe that smelled of leather and the oil used to make it supple. Bella smiled and breathed in the scent deeply. Her desire for submission rose to the surface as she reached out a hand to stroke the soft leather straps of a rust coloured body harness.

"You will have to undergo intensive training because we don't have you here for long," Dusty took several items from the shelves as she spoke. "Girls usually have six months or more before attempting to join a show day competition, but Master and Master Samuel say that you will be ready within weeks. It will be difficult for you, I am afraid." They exited the wardrobe and Dusty placed the armful of items she carried onto the bed. "You won't be needing those clothes here," Dusty gave an encouraging smile and Bella began to undress.

With her feelings building with each garment she shed, Bella tried to remain patient with her quiet friend and the slow, precise way she moved and completed tasks. She watched avidly as each item was straightened and laid out before her eyes. She almost wished for the bubbling enthusiasm of Tali as she waited long moments before Dusty finally picked up what would be the first pieces of her clothing here and turned to face her.

"Some of these things will be uncomfortable at first, so ask if you need help. I don't want you to be hurt taking on too much too fast. I will also share some of the tricks and tips I have heard over the years for smaller fillies, but only you can judge how well you wear the tack," she moved toward Bella with a waist cincher and wrapped around her waist like an extra wide belt. Bella drew in a breath as she did when being laced into a corset and Dusty tightly secured the three buckles that gleamed at the centre of her waist.

"The hips are important to your presentation and the way you will need to move," Dusty explained as she held a G-string for Bella to step into. She settled it with infinite care over her hips pulling it up so as to highlight the cleft between her cunt lips. "We frame your hips like this so that when you bring your leg up to walk the judges will see the lovely lines and strength along the entire length of your thighs including your gluts." She demonstrated by gently lifting Bella's leg and stroking her hand along the angles made by her knee, hip and ass.

Bella touched the soft leather that wrapped her waist noting the many metal rings firmly moulded into its surface as once again Dusty took long moments to decide which piece she would give Bella next. For her part, Bella had remained silent, letting Dusty talk when she would and not asking any questions.

"These will be the most difficult for you to become accustomed to," She held up a pair of knee high boots with unusual hoof shaped soles. Bella has seen them in pictures as she had searched a few sites to try and get an understanding of what to expect. As always though, the internet had given a more stylised version of the reality that was the BDSM lifestyle.

"I had been expecting something like that," Bella said quietly, matching her friend's soft voice in volume.

"These have a sturdy chunky heel to help you to get used to walking on the balls of your feet. Over this first week you will graduate the heel down to nothing as you feel comfortable or as Master Samuel dictates," Dusty explained further watching as Bella sat and pulled on the boots. Satisfied that they fitted appropriately she offered her arm for Bella to balance on as she stood and took her first tentative steps. "How do they feel?"




Possessing Bella Ch. 17



"Weird," Bella admitted as she noted the way the scooped top edge of the back of the boot allowed for the bend in her knee while the high front stood up covering her moving kneecap. Finding her centre of balance, she moved with care as Dusty once again went to the bed and the pile of equipment that lay there. Bella watched as she picked up a large jumbled tangle of leather straps and once again turned towards her.

Working with the expertise of having worn such a piece of tack for many years, Dusty was serious and silent as she shook it out. Holding the top piece, she wrapped a stiff leather collar around Bella's neck, buckling it tightly at the back. A tangle of studded leather and silver rings hung from the collar jangling as Bella tilted and swivelled her head to adjust the stiff collar. While not quite as wide as a posture collar, it had the similar effect of making her hold her head high. 

Bella felt rather than saw that the straps formed triangles that fitted neatly around her breasts, like the outline of a bra without the material to cover the soft globes of flesh. She helped by holding the straps in place while Dusty settled the harness into place and tightened them. A shiver of excitement travelled up her spine as her senses revelled in the feel and smell of the soft, beautifully cared for leather. Unable to bow her neck enough to see it clearly she asked, "Is there a mirror so I can see properly?"

"Yes, you will need it when you ready yourself, though we will help you in the beginning. There is one in the bathroom and one in the wardrobe, but there are two in here, if you know where to look." She walked to the tall dresser and slid back a panel of the wall behind it. It rolled noiselessly into the beam dividing it from the panel beside it to reveal a floor to ceiling mirror hidden skilfully along the wall facing the bed. Bella saw that three straps fell from the collar. One down the center of her body to the waist cincher separated into two by a silver ring. The other two were shorter ending in silver rings at the apex of the triangles that surrounded her breasts. Below her breasts was a wider strap that had been shaped to support the soft flesh before hugging her ribs and being buckled in the back.

As she gazed at her reflection, Dusty continued working with the tack at the back. The brown of the leather matched the tones of her hair, and the effect of her appearance caused her building arousal to heat even further.

"You have good posture but you must stay conscious of keeping your shoulders back at all times, or Master Samuel will insist on an arm binder as part of your tack," Dusty shivered and flicked her ponytail as if this was something that was to be avoided. "You will wear these instead for now," She began fastening cuffs the width of the leather straps around her wrists and just above her elbows. Finally, a plaited leather thong was placed across her forehead and attached to her ponytail, the long ends trailing down her back. "We don't usually wear full head gear or proper tails unless we are training or in a show, so you won't have to wear that until Master Samuel gives it to you. We have a little time for you to practice walking. I'm afraid your legs will be punished this week."

"I wish I had visited the gym, but it's not something I have thought about since being back. I am fairly flexible after all the dance training I had with Nyx though, so that should help a little," Bella smiled, hoping it wouldn't be as bad as Dusty's tone hinted at.

*****

The walk back to where the men waited for them seemed much shorter than Bella remembered it being, having forgotten about the tour. The ranch was huge, but its straight lines and corridors all seemingly ended at the central hub of the mansion which would make it easier for her navigate, she reasoned. Her mind chanted Dusty's advice, shoulders back, hands always below the waist, head held high. The boots were heavy with the large hoof like shape dragging at her foot making it almost impossible not to stumble if she didn't pull her knees up high with each step.

The heels made it easier to balance, but she found most of her weight was transferred to the balls of her feet and toes. Even the short amount of time she had been wearing them, Bella could feel the beginnings of the ache in that part of her foot that was not used to such a position. She realised that the walking would come more easily than having to stand still and balance once the heel supports were gone. She marvelled at the graceful way Dusty had walked in the boots all morning with no sign of fatigue, and she fell into the slow, deliberate rhythm of the other woman's walk. The men having heard their steps on the slate floors were facing the entrance to the living area as they arrived. 

"You've done well Dusty, she certainly looks like a proper filly now," Jack gave the taller woman a broad smile before turning back to his inspection of Bella. "Come closer, little one. I have a gift for you." He beckoned her in his deep soft voice as if talking to a timid horse. Bella moved slowly towards him, her clopping steps ringing in her ears as she tried to measure her pace and not stumble.

"You were right. I think those training heels will come off in no time," Samuel murmured to Jack as Bella neared where they sat on tall stools at the kitchen bench. "Good posture, clean lines, yes, I think she will do very well here."

"Such a pretty little filly," Jack said in a soothing tone, stroking his large fingers over her cheek and down over the leather collar and harness to her chest. His fingers played with her nipple gently as he continued, "Your voice will be restricted here at the ranch but during this lunch you may speak freely and answer our questions directly. Do you understand, little one?"

"Yes, Master Jack," she said breathlessly, her arousal simmering just below her calm exterior.

"Good girl," his smile filled Bella with pleasure. Taking a flat box from the counter, he opened it for her to see. "You know what these are I assume," he asked and not leaving her time to answer went on. "Typically we would expect a new filly to be pierced but as your time here is so short we have made some allowances for you."

There were several nipple chains in the box with the adjustable loops at their ends much like the ones Mel had made part of her daily attire. She watched as he picked up a shorter chain with the loops suspended between two silver bells. She caught her lip between her teeth as he gently teased her nipple and attached the loop, tightening it and finally letting the twin bells fall to tinkle against each other. Repeating the process with the other nipple, Bella's breathing deepened and ripples of pleasure continued to run through her as he sat back and inspected his handiwork, nodding in approval. 

"The smaller, dainty bells do suit her," Jack remarked to Samuel. 

"And they don't weigh down the delicate bud. It will be best for her category class if we keep them high and seeking attention the way they do." Samuel's eyes held as much pleasure as his words Bella noted, and she felt happy that she had been the cause of it. 

Dusty and Bella took stools at the kitchen counter with the Masters and, watching carefully, Bella tried to follow Dusty's lead in everything. Perching on the edge of the stool and mindful of how high she brought her hands Bella watched and followed as Dusty bent her head low to take a forkful of food from her plate. The questions posed directly toward her had been about her previous training with the other Masters, the exploration of her limits and kinks and what she thought her time at the ranch would entail. About halfway through the lunch Samuel had stood and, moving behind Bella, attached a chain between the cuffs that sat just above her elbows. "You look like you have wings," he said by way of explanation. 

His tone had left her in no doubt that this was an undesirable quality in a pony girl. It had been difficult to get accustomed to but she had managed to finish the Waldorf salad that had been her lunch with the movement of her arms restrained in this way. Jyace appeared in the living area and walked over greeting everyone and looking Bella over critically before placing a leather lead on the counter.

"There is no time like the present, as they say," Samuel nodded to Jack. "We will begin her training this afternoon, she has much to accomplish in the next few days if she is to join the show as promised."

"I will come and check on you from time to time, Bella," Jack smiled and once again reached out to stroke her cheek. "I very much hope you enjoy your time here, I know Dusty and I will love having you close by."

"I am sure I will," Bella said, smiling enthusiastically. She was then led away on the lead Jyace had brought in, the two men walking before her as she clopped uneasily behind them, trying to keep pace without stumbling. She was so concentrated on her footfalls that she was unable to make out the murmuring of the two men, but she had the impression that Jyace had been disappointed in what was said. They entered her apartment, and she was taken to the tack room where the lead was attached to a brass ring on a post near the centre of the room. 

"From here on out you will not speak unless given permission, you may use head gestures and stamp your feet, once for yes and twice for no, do you understand?" Samuel spoke with the authority of one who expects to be obeyed. Bella nodded and stamped a foot.

"Jyace is my intern and as such will be part of your training. He will look after your tack, assist in some aspects of the training including cleaning and rubbing you down after a workout. He is not however your Master nor should he be viewed as such," Bella tilted her head trying to work out where the boundaries lay. "His role, as with any pony he cares for that belongs to another, is to care for your health and well-being, but restrain himself from any intimacy without prior approval from the pony's owner. This is a hard limit I must insist upon from both of you." Bella nodded and stamped her foot.

"I would still like to view the bonding of the filly to you as her Master, but I agree to your limitations on the care I give this one. She shall be like every other pony that belongs to another man," Jyace said without even looking at her.

"The bonding of a filly to her Master is a personal time and I do not wish to share the moment of my bonding to this little one. She is already very precious to me in ways you would not understand," Samuel smiled gently at Bella as he spoke, his eyes showing his sincerity. "You may join us tomorrow for her first proper training session in the yards," he said in dismissal.

"I have dawn training with Bitang's new filly. I will catch up with you and this one at breakfast, maybe by then she will have a competition name," Jyace chuckled and turned to leave. Bella tilted her head watching him leave. She hadn't realised she would need a competition name, but it made sense when she thought about it.

Following Jyace to the door, Samuel closed and locked it. Bella saw rather than heard him securing the doors in the living area before he returned to the tack room where she stood feeling the thrill of anticipation fill her. He went to the bi-fold doors that let in the afternoon light from outside and pulled the curtains. The lack of natural light plunged the room into a dimness that seemed almost black after the bright light of the afternoon sun. Several small lamps emitting a golden glow flared to life, and she saw Samuel once again move around the room as he spoke softly to her.

"I remember the first time I saw you. It was at the club on the night of your collaring to Mel. You looked so small and fragile as you stood in that cage. It was only when I got closer that I could see the strength and passion that radiated from you and your Master. The bruises and fading lines on your otherwise flawless skin also told me that he had not held back in his use of you. Yet you had still consented to belong wholly to him," he said the last as if both pleased and impressed.

Taking the lead from her collar, he moved her to stand before what appeared to be a fence like structure with a heavy wooden beam held between two stout posts. He guided her head down, and she shuffled her feet back until she bent almost at right angles, and he secured her collar to the beam with a D-ring. He stroked her ponytail, and he murmured his praise running his hand down her back to put a little pressure in the middle, making it bow and her ass rise higher.

"You looked so desirable in that cage. I imagined that Mel would keep you in one often. I had thought to do the same when you came to the Pet Masters Guild," she could hear the disappointment in his voice as his hand caressed the bare cheeks of her ass. "I wish I could find a good reason to punish you for enticing Hunter to take on your pet training," his hand slapped her ass without force. "I think, however, that his decision had less to do with you and more to do with the politics of the situation." His hand landed on her ass again with a sharp crack, making her gasp.

"I admire Stephen for the restraint he has shown with you. Had I been your escort that night..." his hand cracked on her ass again, and she felt the warmth of the stinging marks begin to spread into her as he left the statement hanging with possibilities. "I still think you would make an adorable pet, perhaps we will enjoy that side of our natures as well here. I would like to indulge the fantasy I have held since seeing you that night. It has, after all, helped me wait patiently for your arrival here, which took far too long." His hand came down several times until she emitted a soft whimpering sob.

"Even your whimpers are adorable," he caressed her ass. "A melody in counterpoint to the tinkling bells." He moved away from her then but kept up his one sided conversation. "Then we met again at the New Year's Eve Party. It was such a shame that turned out so badly. You have recovered well though, which was to be expected. Your resilience is quite astounding with all that has happened in your life." When he returned to her, he squatted own in front of her so their eyes could meet.

"Your tail will only ever be put in place or removed by me, it is my wish and will. Most pony Master's feel the same way but are more open to an alternative scenario on occasion. I am not," his last words were short and clipped, leaving no doubt in Bella's mind that he meant it. She nodded and stamped her foot once to show her understanding. "Tailing you will form part of our bond in addition to pleasing me greatly. Your cute little rump will be a major part of the pleasure I take from you in the next few weeks. I will lick it, bite it, mark it, whip it, spank it, fill it and fuck it at my will. I have had many tails made with you in mind," he held up the tail he had been caressing as he spoke to her. "While some have fairly tradition plugs at their ends, most have this unusual S shape between the plug and the hair that makes up the tail. The design will ensure it sits high no matter if you are standing or in service as you are now."

After letting her look at it for long moments, he placed the plug between her lips. "Do not let it drop," he said, his voice soft by thick with desire. "I have waited and wanted and restrained myself long enough." With that he stood and disappeared from her sight again. She felt his hand press down on her back again, making her arch once more. 

She wondered at his words in that brief moment of quiet. He seemed so full of passion in how he recounted meeting her and his desires. The fantasy he spoke of was both flattering and frightening all at once. As if the whole conversation had hinted at a mild obsession of dominating her. Only one other person had spoken to her of a need like that. A wanting so deep that she had been unaware of, a brief picture of Mel formed in her mind and the way he spoke to her in her week long training. A moment later she felt his hand crack against her ass, followed by a short but hard spanking until her ass glowed red and tears blinked from the corner of her eyes.

Cold, wet and slimy fingers disturbed the sizzling heat of her ass as they delved between the red cheeks to seek out her inner core. The rustle and tear of a condom packet surprised her and she whimpered loudly as the fingers caressed and stretched her in readiness for what was to come. It seemed no time at all before she felt the nudging of his cock at the tightest of her holes and she whimpered in anticipation of the pain and pleasure she would receive from it.

He entered her with a thrust that was almost brutal as he gave way to his long held desires. Barely giving her time between thrusts, it wasn't long before he was fully embedded in the beautiful young filly. One hand sought out her hair, holding the ponytail like reins as the other wound around her hip to seek out her sensitive clit and ensure that she partook in the pleasure he was experiencing.

Bella felt overwhelmed, her arousal had been building since she had begun to dress as a pony girl. The combination of Samuel's actions and words all afternoon feeding into that heat and need she felt. The first tentative touch of his fingers on her clit set off a series of bullet like orgasms that rocked her and sent her mind soaring into a pleasure so sweet that the pain of being fucked so hard in her ass just made her cum all the more.

Her whimpers turned to keening as she held back any words and clamped her mouth tightly around the plug she held. Somewhere between the intense pleasure that had sent her soaring and oblivion it all stopped, and she felt the pulsing throb of his coming and his low growl at the pleasure he felt at that moment. As her senses returned, she felt an ache in her back and her thighs at having to maintain this position in the overly high boots for such a long period of time and soft whimpering sighs broke her panting gasps as she came back down to earth.

Samuel pulled out of her, and she heard the noise of the condom being pulled free and thrown away before he appeared before her, taking the plug from her mouth and offering his cock to be cleaned. Bella eagerly parted her lips in a soft kiss then rolled her tongue to taste the remnants of his left over cum. 

"Good girl," he petted her hair. "Once you're done, we will continue our bonding session as you begin your training for me. Then if you do well, I will fuck that tight little cunt of yours as a reward." As she sucked him clean to his satisfaction, he quizzed her on the specifics of her limits when it came to crops, canes and whips as well as clamps and other equipment. She responded by stamping her feet as her lips and tongue worked around him. She knew it was going to be a long night ahead and, when he moved from her mouth to put her tail in place, she shivered with both anticipation and dread at what her time with him would bring.

After what seemed hours in which Bella had walked in a strange march bringing her knees up almost to chest level to a beat set by a slow metronome, Samuel finally called a halt. Her legs burned and her feet ached, and she found that fatigue was making her shoulders slump, even as she tried to maintain her posture. Her ass and thighs were covered with welts from the corrective punishments she had been given with a flexible crop, but even with the pain she longed to sit down.

"You have little stamina. That was only thirty minutes," Samuel said as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to one of the velvet chaises that lined the far wall. Laying her down, he began to massage her thighs with a lotion she had not seen him pick up. The lotion was as soothing as the hands massaging her were and she closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the feel of it and letting herself relax.




Possessing Bella Ch. 17



Samuel woke her gently, stroking over her chest and sides and softly murmuring to her as she came back to consciousness. Surprised that she had fallen asleep, she looked around and saw that the curtains were open once again, and the sky was dark outside.  

"Come little one, they are expecting us at dinner," Samuel said softly as he helped her to her feet in the hooved boots. "How do your legs feel now?" She nodded and gave a half smile to show they were okay. In fact, they felt a lot better than they had before she had rested. Attaching a lead to the collar, Samuel led her into the bedroom and helped her change into new underwear then they left the apartment to join the others for dinner.

There were quite a few people present aside of Dusty and Jack. Most were guests visiting the ranch for training leading up to the show in two weeks and staying in the other wing of the large house or guest houses on the massive property. It seemed that Jack was particular about who he let stay in the main house and roam the long corridors alone. Bella hadn't realised that Jack had taken added precautions for her safety, and some of those who may have stayed in the rooms in her wing of the building were unable to at this time.

Bitang Tuan had made his displeasure about not being assigned his usual rooms clear over the dinner. Bella remembered the man from the Pet Master's Guild gathering and before that from when she had met him briefly with Mel. She remembered that Stephen had not liked him at the time. He had an air about him that spoke of cruelty and deception and she was glad she didn't have to deal with him directly as Samuel hovered protectively beside her.

As was her habit now, Bella memorised the names of the Masters as she heard them around the dinner table in case she was ever called upon to address or recognise one of them by name. She sat quietly, occasionally exchanging glances with Dusty, who sat across the long table from her. As the long dinner ended, Jack invited Samuel to join him in his study to discuss some urgent ranch business. The fact that it was business precluded any others at the table from joining them as the two men stood and led their fillies from the room.

The study was a large comfortable room decorated in what Bella considered a cowboy sort of style. They stepped inside and once the door was closed the men let the girls go and sit together on a couch in the corner of the room while they sat in large leather armchairs. 

"Bitang Tuan is acting strangely since he has been here. Asking questions and striking up a friendship with Jyace beyond the care of his filly. Master just wants to make sure Master Samuel is aware that Jyace may be acting outside of his internship," Dusty explained in her soft deep voice. Bella nodded and realised it had nothing to do with her, which was refreshing. She blushed guiltily that she had assumed she was in trouble or being monitored as closely by Jack as she was back in the city.

"You can talk in here," Dusty prompted her, but having been given the instruction by Samuel that she was not to speak unless directly told to, she just shook her head and looked towards Samuel. "Urg, Masters," Dusty said in frustration and made a low, deep rumbling noise. Jack immediately looked over at them and with a flick of her hair Dusty told her Master of her unhappiness. 

"Tell Bella she can speak," Jack chuckled to Samuel, marvelling at the girl's obedience.

"You may speak freely in this room, little one," Samuel's pleasure shone in his eyes as he looked at Bella. "She's wonderful, I couldn't be happier with being the one to train her," he said cheerily as he turned back to Jack. "Thank you, my friend."

"Now tell me how you are feeling about everything?" Dusty demanded of Bella. "I see you got your tail," she grinned.

"I'm great. Everything here is wonderful," Bella tried to be vague with her answer, unsure about how to explain how she felt. Dusty gave a soft laugh and seemed to consider what to ask to get the answers she wanted.

"I meant you and Samuel. Are you two compatible? Does he ring your bells?" Dusty gave a sly grin as Bella blushed and nodded. He had indeed rung her bells and then some.

"Oh yes, bell ringing compatible but I fatigued pretty quickly in the training where I had to walk with my knees so high to that metronome," Bella chewed her lip. "I think he was pretty disappointed about that."

"Before or after you got your tail?" Dusty asked considering her. "How long til you stopped?"

"After, he said thirty minutes of training but it felt like hours," Bella admitted and looked down at her hands in her lap.

"Shit, I would have trouble doing that after getting a tail. You did great," she grinned and hugged Bella to her. "How are the legs now?"

"Much better, he massaged them with some cooling lotion, and I fell asleep," she was embarrassed but maybe Dusty could give her some strategies to keep from letting it happen again.

"That's only natural. You were on the road early this morning, then you had to take on all the new things and the tail," she grinned every time she mentioned it. "It would have been a superhuman effort not to fall asleep once the rub down started." Bella felt relief flood into her and acknowledged that Samuel had not seemed angry or displeased when he woke for dinner. "I am sure Master would say the same thing," she reassured Bella, seeing the look of relief in her eyes. "It's your first day here. You will get used it, and you have more stamina in that little body than most people I know."

Once she relaxed, Bella opened up a little more and asked a few questions. It was a slow, soft conversation punctuated with comfortable silences as they enjoyed their friendship and love for each other. She did not mention the comparison to her first days with Mel that Samuel had made her feel. Eventually, Samuel came and took her lead, taking her back to the suite of rooms she would call home for the next few weeks.

"You have done well for a first day when you spent most of the morning in transit and preparing for your role here. So I will not make you endure training as a pony tonight," Samuel stroked Bella's cheek and ran his hand down over her chest to the tinkling bells. "Instead during the evenings, we will indulge the other softer side of my nature so you and I can get to know each other in different ways," he said enigmatically and led her into the tack room. 

"Just as with regular attire, your tack must be cleaned and cared for each evening after you have worn it," he placed her in the middle of the room and took the lead off, dropping it to a chaise. He then began to unbuckle the collar and harness that covered her chest, the straps tangling once again as he dropped it to the chaise with the lead. Once the waist cincher was gone, Bella drew a deep breath and stepped out of the G-string as he stroked her legs and left her clad only in the boots and cuffs on her arms. Gathering the leather bundle together, he dropped it into a chute in the wall and dusted his hands.

"When you are not in these boots or some like them, I would like you to move on your hands and your knees. The rule about speaking will still stand and you will use gestures to the best of your ability to make yourself understood," he looked at Bella expectantly as she sat where he placed her on the chaise and he began to remove her boots. Bella nodded her understanding.

"Good girl, now kneel on the floor and bend over the chaise for me," Samuel's tone softened noticeably with the removal of her pony tack and Bella wondered at the difference. "I am going to change your tail, but you will not be required to sleep with it," he stroked his hand down her bare back and over her hip and ass. She felt his lips as he kissed her cheeks and removed the ponytail she had been wearing. His mouth continued to kiss and gently bite her cheeks as a new, bigger plug seemed to twist and worm its way inside her. It felt unusual as if it was ribbed, and she whimpered softly as the largest part popped past the tight ring of her anus and her muscles closed around the neck of it. She felt the soft furriness of a wide fluffy tail against the backs of her thighs and tilted her head as understanding dawned on her.

"You can relax now," he petted her, stroking his hand down over her back and hip. "Sit," he commanded and she immediately sat back on her heels turning to watch him as he moved with the boots and tail, placing both on a counter near the rear of the room. "Come," he patted his leg and she hurried to catch up to him as he walked toward the doorway back into the suite. Waiting for her to clear the doorway, he turned and locked it, smiling down at her happily. 

Gathering several items from the table, he sat in one of the comfortable armchairs watching her as she came to kneel and sit back on her heels before him. He considered her for long moments before speaking again. "Lie on your back with your feet up in my lap, little one," Samuel picked up the bottle of massage lotion as Bella quickly complied. "You are exhausted today and I understand that, so we will have a quiet night and go to bed early. First though, like the massage I gave your legs earlier, each night when we finish training I will care for your body, so you remain strong and supple," he began to massage her feet. "During this time you may speak freely to ask questions about the training or anything that is concerning you. I am led to believe you are a thoughtful and curious pet."

Bella drew her lip between her teeth thinking about what he had just said, the feel of his hands soothing her aching feet, making her relaxed. She liked that he spoke so much to her and explained so much about himself and his feelings. She let a small smile lighten her face as she thought about how comfortable she felt with him already. Aside from expressing his desire for her that bordered on obsessive that was where the comparison with Mel ended. His questions and explanations gave her far more insight into who he was than Mel ever had in those initial days. 

She opened her mouth to tell him she was grateful for those explanations and how much he spoke to her, asked her about her own desires, when she heard a noise coming from the tack room. She tensed up and her head swivelled towards it.

"I understand that for you life has been difficult and even frightening at times, but you have nothing to fear here with me. Those noises are the cleaners. I asked for Jack to send them early tonight when I saw how fatigued you were," Samuel reassured her.

"I'm sorry," Bella apologised, quietly adding, "Master," after a moment's thought.

"There is no need to be sorry, little one. It is quite understandable," he said gently.

"I feel like I learned a lot from my first day, not just about being a pony girl but also about you. I do feel safe here with you. I appreciate how open you have been with me about your desires, and I think I understand you at least a little both as pony and as a pet," Bella said thoughtfully.

"It is for me the best of both worlds. The training and dedication it takes to be a champion pony with the love and loyalty of a faithful pet. I must admit I enjoy both lifestyles immensely. It is a rare girl who can undertake both roles with such ease but we will see what your training brings forth. I have very high hopes for you," he bent to kiss the toes he was massaging. "As do Jack and Dusty. I believe they are hoping you will choose to stay."

"It will be hard to disappoint them, but I wish to have my career as well as a Master when I am ready for that commitment again. I wouldn't be able to live this far from the city. At least not until my business took off properly and I had key people I trusted in place," she tried to be honest with the man who had been so honest with her.

"I see," Samuel seemed to mull this information over. "If you liked this lifestyle, you could perhaps do half a week there and half the week on a ranch or property?"

"I imagine with the technology we have today that I could do that and still be accessible should an occasion arise," Bella agreed and watched as Samuel nodded his head, pleased with her answer.

"Tell me the things I don't know about your life," Samuel probed as his hands moved up to manipulate her calves.

"That is difficult because I do not know what you have been told about me. I can tell you about my family," she suggested and at his nod of ascent she began to talk about her parents, smiling as she did so. She was lucky to have such wonderful trusting people as her parents, and she knew that better after the last six months than she would have thought possible.

Samuel worked his hands up her legs but stopped short of the apex between her legs. He then had her lie on the couch with her head on his lap as he did her shoulders, neck and back. She wondered at his lack of reaction to her head moving across his semi hard cock each time she spoke, only vaguely remembering a conversation about restraint when dealing with the pony girls that he and Jyace looked after. If this was any indication, the man had enormous self-control Bella acknowledged.

Finishing the long massage, Samuel stood and picked Bella up into his arms. He walked not toward her room but rather the stairs leading up to his room. "You will sleep with me, little one. I would like to make the most of every minute we spend together," he murmured into her ear as he began to climb the stairs. Rather than the suite that she was afforded, the room upstairs was just that, one room, a bedroom with a small ensuite. Bella imagined that ponies were not meant to ascend the stairs, especially in those boots.

He sat on the end of the bed, still cradling her in his arms and bent his head to kiss her. The kiss was deep and passionate, and Bella felt the butterflies in her tummy turn somersaults as he took possession of her mouth, his arms holding her tightly against him. When he finally let her breathe again, he gazed down at her and whispered, "Such a pretty pet pony."

He placed her on the floor and stood before her waiting. It took her a moment to understand, but she stood and began to unbutton his shirt kissing each piece of skin as it was revealed. With deliberate slowness, she kissed and ran her hands over each part of his chest, shoulder and back as she peeled the garment away. Pulling her to him, he kissed her again before pushing her gently to her knees again. His pants were removed in the same fashion, her lips and hands working over each centimetre of skin. Unable to help herself, she cradled one of his soft leather boots, breathing in the scent and taking a tentative swipe of her tongue toward it, much to his pleasure. 

Once naked, she looked at his now fully erect cock and whimpered as if seeking permission. Samuel sat on the end of the bed and beckoned her to him. Crawling in what she hoped was a sexy way, her eyes glued to his cock, she knelt up before him and bent to kiss the tip of the proud shaft of hard flesh. She looked up at him through long eyelashes seeking his approval and was surprised when he groaned and lifted her, twisting her body mid-air and falling back on the bed with her cunt close to his mouth and her face poised over his cock.

Where she teased with her lips and tongue, sucking him deeply, he tormented her with his fingers and teeth, nipping at her flesh and grazing over her clit. Losing her concentration as the large plug in her ass began moving in and out making her whimper loudly around his cock, adding extra titillation he finally relented. He rolled her to her back, kneeling at the end of the bed with his cock still wedged between her lips. He pulled her down slightly until her head hung off the bed, and he could widen his stance while still allowing her to suck him deeply as he sawed slowly in and out of her mouth. 

He spanked her cunt as he thrust into her mouth, making her muffled squeal almost silent as it vibrated against his cock. His hands equally teased and tormented her as he fucked her mouth slowly, enjoying the feel of dominating her completely. His breath was ragged when he finally pulled back, allowing her to breathe unimpeded for slow minutes. He then picked her up and bent her over the end of the bed and drove into her hard and fast revelling in her cries of pleasure. The twisted plug gave his cock added pleasure as he fucked her hard, pounding her into the bed and slapping her gorgeous ass where the soft tail bounced wildly.

Unable to control himself for long, he pulled back and dragged her from the bed to the floor holding her up by the hair. She turned her head to look up at him and he unleashed ribbons of cum over her tongue and lips as she lapped out at him. Her teary eyes gazed up at his ecstatic grimace and she quivered in their combined pleasure. Letting go of her hair, he staggered a few steps and collapsed onto the bed. Having used her fingers to clean as much of her face as she could, she set about lapping at the softening cock to clean it of her own cum.

Allowing himself the luxury of having a beautiful pet tend to him so delightfully, Samuel took his time as his breathing returned to normal before stopping her. He stood and pulled her up into his arms, taking her to the bathroom and cleaning her thoroughly and removing the large twisted tail. Returning to the bedroom, he placed her gently into bed and snuggled in behind her, stroking her body as he crooned praise in her ear.

Bella fell asleep happy. It was an odd blend of both harsh and gentle use this man gave her. It had been some time since she had fallen asleep being spooned in the embrace of a man who desired and dominated her the way Samuel had today. Her mind wandered to Stephen but when she tried to remember him holding her as she slept it was Rob's face, not Stephen's who filled her mind. She fell asleep troubled by images of Rob and Stephen interspersed with those of Mel, Samuel and surprisingly Arek.



Possessing Bella Ch. 18



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to be my second set of eyes, she is absolutely fabulous. I apologise that this chapter is late life has been a busy, busy time for me and my writing has had to take a back seat for a little while. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. ~ellie

*****

Bella had been on the ranch for almost a week. Samuel had doted on her, pre-empting her every need and explaining his own. The rigorous training became easier within days as she lived the dual roles of pet and pony. Each time he pushed her harder than before he rewarded her equally with his praise and affection. He seemed instinctively to know her physical limits and would spend time massaging and moisturizing her body several times a day between training sessions. The regime he had set up to ensure she would be ready for the public pony show was gruelling, but in his care she felt relaxed and happy.

Jyace had been a constant shadow in her world at the ranch. He was always just out of range watching and observing, occasionally commenting but never interfering with her training. Despite his earlier words of allowing Jyace to assist in her training, Samuel had yet to let him within arms-length of Bella. He saw to all her needs personally and would take her with him if he was called to consult on another pony at the ranch. The one time he had been called away, and she had not accompanied him, he had left her in the care of Jack.

She had enjoyed the afternoon spent with Jack as he took Dusty and herself through a training session. She learned a lot from the relationship they had. It was as if they could read each other's minds and spoke with gestures rather than words. Bella was in awe of the strength and agility of her friend as she went through the motions of a set routine she had obviously done many times. In a class way beyond anything Bella could ever aspire to, Dusty made the intricate movements of dressage seem effortless. 

Despite Samuel's constant presence, Bella did not feel limited by the restrictions he placed on her and her movements as she did in the city. Samuel listened to every response she gave to his questions and asked her to talk about herself often during the evening massage, where she could talk freely with him. After her initial disclosure about the importance of her career, Samuel gave her access to her phone and a computer during the down time between her training sessions and the meals they shared. She was overjoyed at being able to keep in contact with Andrew and his progress with their plans. She also used this time to study the diagrams for the preliminary and novice tests she would be required to perform at a show level.

The diagrams, which were adaptations of the equestrian dressage events of similar levels made clear what she had been learning in her training. Bella was a keen student and learned the subtle differences between a working trot and a canter, leading with a shoulder and the extension of her stride. She found with Samuel's consistent talk and explanations about his expectations of her that the constant doubt and confusion that usually beset her didn't seem to occur as often. Bella felt happy and content in his care on the ranch.

She had begun the morning training session, the awkward hooved boots making it difficult for her to pick up the precise side stepping motion required in several sections of the novice course. The crop stung her ass often as she faltered through the movement. She had never been made more aware of the heart shaped zone between her lower back and legs than she was this week. Samuel stung it often with the crop during training, but he caressed and massaged it just as often. He also bit, kissed, spanked and fucked her ass with fervour. He often spoke to her of how beautiful it was as if it was a separate entity from the rest of her. 

She had just about mastered most of the movements, but it was her transitions between the different sections that she needed to work on to improve. Invariably she stalled and took a misstep before being able to move between a walk and a trot. She constantly wished she was tall like Dusty, who made the lengthening stride look delicate and light. Bella felt like she was made clumsy by the heavy hooved boots she wore. It wasn't that she felt the weight anymore, but the size of them made her feel awkward despite Samuel's constant reassurance that she was looking poised and confident. Keeping her head high had been an issue at first as she struggled to look at her feet but a slightly wider collar had cured her of that bad habit.

"You've done well this week," Samuel reined her in and stood to look at her for a long moment. "Stephen is arriving today, so we will suspend your training until you have seen him and gotten his tick of approval," there was genuine humour in Samuel's voice to soften the words.

The news that Stephen would be arriving soon only served to remind her of the cage that waited for her back in the city. She had loved the routine of the days here and the strict regime they brought. Altering that now only served to make her more anxious about seeing Stephen again after all that had occurred before she left the city. She felt somehow reinvigorated by the slow easy pace of the country lifestyle. Having been in daily contact with Andrew had meant she had been able to ease any concerns she had about the business and how their plans were progressing. She knew more than ever that she needed to make Andrew an associate rather than a personal assistant. She would talk to Kurt about that on her return. One more week of training, it somehow didn't seem like it would be enough.

Stamping her foot to show her understanding of what Samuel had said, Bella let herself be led back to her stable. To her surprise, Samuel removed all of her tack as he gave her the after training rub down that was part of her training. Usually, she only changed her G-string until the end of the day. Replacing her posture collar with a softer pet collar he smiled at her.

"It's a day of rest for you now. Given the circumstances, I thought you might like a shower before the massage," he said by way of explanation and guided her to her hands and knees. "Come and we will get you cleaned up." Samuel left her at the bathroom door to shower alone. Bella was concerned about the change in his demeanour since his announcement that Stephen would arrive soon. She was now used to his constant explanations of every aspect of her day that she found it unsettling. She washed carefully, scrubbing and shaving her body under water that was possibly too hot, turning her skin pink. When she emerged from the bathroom, Samuel was sitting in a comfortable armchair in her bedroom looking at his phone.

"Come here, little one," he indicated the floor at his feet, and she dutifully went to him and knelt up, her head tilted in question at him. "You may talk freely for the remainder of today. You will spend the afternoon with Stephen, and I want you to be comfortable, so I will give the choice of what you would like to wear today."

Bella caught her lip between her teeth as she considered what he had said. No other Master had afforded her so much courtesy. She wondered if this was because he saw the commitment she offered each Master to be as even less binding than the collar she wore without begging for it. She had always come to these training experiences with the best of intentions and full commitment to the Master, who had taken her in their care. The thought that Samuel did not feel this from her made her sad, and she wondered how to phrase what she wanted to ask and say.

"I asked for this," she lifted her hand to her collar, "It may only be temporary, but I have committed myself to it and you as my Master while I am here. I would like to wear what I wear every other day of my time with you." Spoke quietly and in measured tones, stealing herself against the possible rejection of her commitment to him. 

"You are such a delightful creature," Samuel said softly, reaching out a hand to stroke her hair. "It is difficult to think that you have little understanding of your desirability," his smile was soft, and he leaned down to kiss her. "I will help you to dress then," he stood and approached her wardrobe smiling. He was more than pleased with the thoughtful and sincere answer she had given him. He had dreaded this day, not wanting to share her with Stephen, knowing of their burgeoning relationship. It spoke of her character that she would maintain her commitment to the collar she wore having been given the choice to discard it for the afternoon.

*****

Stephen had been on the road since before dawn. He had found it difficult to stay busy and distract himself from thoughts of Bella in her absence and was eager to see her again. Until recently, Jack had been stand-offish at the club and openly hostile toward Rob, who had taken over running the business when Mel had died. He had worried about Jack's motivations for pursuing Bella and this training. Rob had a way of getting under Jack's skin that Stephen understood and, until he had left Bella here, he had not been concerned by their confrontations. Her absence from his immediate surroundings though had made him worry at the reasons behind Jack's active pushing for Bella to come to the ranch.

As Stephen turned off the main road and made his way through the small rolling hills towards the ranch, he considered Samuel Beckett. He liked the man a great deal and would go so far as to place him amongst the best of the dominant men he knew. He was honest and fair in his dealings with others, non-judgemental and open-minded when dealing with some of the darker kinks that came along now and then to the club. He couldn't think of a dubious rumour that touched the man, and this made his mood darker.

He knew Bella had been in contact with Andrew at the company during the week, but she had not engaged with himself or Rob or Kurt. The tension around their relationship before she left bothered him all the more knowing that, and he felt an urgency to reconnect with her and reassure himself of their personal relationship. He should arrive in the late morning as he had when delivering Bella to the ranch and he hoped he would be allowed time with her alone after lunch.

Stephen drove slowly along the long gravel drive that lead to the ranch, the same young man that had greeted him last time came down the stairs to take his car from him. Planning to stay the night, he took a bag from the boot of his car and walked slowly toward the entrance, his thoughts torn between worry and pleasure at seeing Bella. 

"Stephen," Jack greeted him warmly. "Great to have you back again, come on into the den," he led the way into the ranch.

"Glad to be here. Everything's gone well this week, I trust?" he asked in a casual way, keeping his inner turmoil in check.

"Better than expected. Dusty is beyond happy to have Bella here, as am I. Her training is progressing better than even I expected. Samuel is a genius trainer, though, so I should give him the credit. She has taken to it extraordinarily well; she has a natural talent I think," Jack spoke freely, surprising Stephen. He was usually a man of few words.

"Do you think she will be ready for the show?" Stephen asked, a hint of doubt in his voice. Training for pony shows was rigorous and could take up to a year to achieve the desired display of beauty and athleticism. 

"Undoubtedly, in fact, I am truly pleased that she will be representing my colours on her first public showing," he said easily. He had put a slight emphasis on the word first to show he thought she would continue to compete.

"I will be interested to see some of her training," Stephen nodded and smiled, despite his misgivings.

"She has been training this morning," Jack scratched at his cheek as if in thought, "but I believe Sam has given her a rest day while you are here. He has worked her pretty hard this week."

"I am pleased I will get to spend some time with her. We miss her back in the city," Stephen replied affably. "I would have liked to see some of Samuel's training, though. As you say, he has a reputation for being a top-notch pony trainer."

"He's the best," Jack agreed. "Maybe you can talk him into a training session tomorrow morning before you leave. They will be joining us for lunch; she will still be getting a rub down from her morning training," Jack gave Stephen a sly look as he hinted at something more than a standard rub down. Stephen felt his hackles rise but swallowed down the pang of jealousy that shot through him, keeping his exterior calm.

"So when's lunch? I'm suddenly hungry," Stephen chuckled to hide his momentary pang. Jack laughed with him good-naturedly and changed the subject to one of mutual friends and acquaintances at the club.

"I was looking at the bi-annual stakeholders' report," Jack said thoughtfully. "Rob seems to finally have a handle on things," he added grudgingly. "No relapses," he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Jack, you know as well as I that things are as good as they were under Mel's leadership," Stephen replied nonchalantly, indicating the report with a wave of his hand. "Leave the past in the past my friend."

"Maybe you're right, time will tell," Jack replied with an equally casual tone. 

They continued to discuss the club and what projects each of the stakeholders were currently involved in until Dusty quietly entered the room. She grinned, baring her teeth at Stephen, the unspoken threat of biting him evident in the gesture.

"Good morning Dusty, a pleasure to see you as always," Stephen said in a low, quiet voice, meeting her challenge with his tone. 

"Shall we go in for lunch?" Jack chuckled at the sparring between his girl and Stephen that never seemed to end.

"I thought you would never ask," Stephen replied coming to his feet, "My stomach thinks my throat has been cut."

Following Dusty to the dining room, Stephen was surprised to see Bella being led from the other direction by Samuel. She looked good in the pony tack, and he smiled as she looked up at him from a distance. Her answering smile made his heart sing. He then nodded his head at Samuel before entering the room. Looking around he noted the few other guests, he knew most by reputation rather than personally so he shook hands and greeted everyone as he was introduced. His eyes though constantly sought out Bella and where she was within the room.

Stephen enjoyed the lunch and the conversation of the Horse Masters despite his constant glances to where Bella sat with Dusty at a high kitchen bench. He knew there would be time enough to speak with her, and he was, if nothing else, a patient man. Binatang as always irked him, and this meeting was no different. His manners as ever were charming, but Stephen knew of his cruelty and darker kinks that had led to restrictions placed on him at the club by Rob. 

Rob would have liked to see him banished, and this was another one of those sticking points between Jack and Rob. Binatang's legitimate business dealings meant a great deal of money to Jack, as well as his patronage at his ranch and the shows he sponsored. Stephen preferred to ignore the man generally but, unable to in this small group, he made polite small talk. He reminded himself that it was fortunate that he was not Bella's trainer while here on the ranch. 

"Stephen, would you like to see Bella's rooms while she is staying with us here?" Samuel asked mildly as the lunch ended, and plates were being taken away by the kitchen staff.

""That would be nice," Stephen said, thankful to be extricated from another boring conversation with Bintang, who had been seated beside the big man. "I am ready when you are," he said, eager to move.

"Good," Samuel stood and collected Bella from the bench she sat at, leading her and Stephen from the room. He waited for Stephen to fall into step beside him before continuing. "It's been a delight to have Bella here. She is a remarkable girl."

"You won't get any arguments from me," Stephen gave a wry smile. "I believe she can do anything if she puts her mind to it. We miss her in the city." 

"I can imagine after spending this week with her, I am sure I will miss her greatly when she returns," Samuel sympathised as they walked down the long corridor to her rooms. "I must admit I am disappointed she is with us here for such a short amount of time." He opened the door and stepped inside.

"This is very nice, is it a suite?" Stephen looked around the cosy living room as Samuel removed Bella's lead. 

"Bedroom and bathroom that way," Samuel pointed at the large door, "and tack room the other side," Samuel explained. He smiled and stroked Bella's hair, "You can speak freely this afternoon, sweet girl. I will give you two some time to catch up and be back in an hour or so," he said softly, looking into her eyes. Turning to Stephen, he raised his voice slightly, "Bella can show you around. I'll be back to give you a proper tour of the ranch. Jack's made some great improvements since you were last here."

"Sounds good, thanks, Sam," Stephen nodded at him as he exited the room, pulling the door closed after him. Turning back to Bella, he smiled and approached her, taking her in his arms and kissing her deeply. "I have missed you little one," he murmured as he broke the kiss. He saw her smile up at him but also something else in her smile, and she pulled back slightly, causing him to frown. "Something wrong?" he asked, his voice lowering in concern.

"No, Sir Stephen," she said quietly.

"You are not in the habit of lying to me, Bella," he said sternly, cupping her chin and turning her face up toward him. "You also haven't called me Sir for some time now," he questioned with his tone while scrutinising her eyes. He saw her pull her lip between her pearly white teeth and knew she was considering her answer to him.

"I'm wearing someone else's collar this time," she replied slowly, choosing her words carefully. 

"A training collar, it means very little. You will take it off in a week's time," Stephen tried and failed to understand how this made any difference to her attitude toward him.

"While I am here it is real. I agreed to that. I need to treat it as if it is permanent even though it isn't. It wouldn't be fair to Samuel if I didn't," Bella tried to explain. "He's been very good to me while I have been here. It's the last of my training; I don't want to..." she refrained from saying fail and searched for a better word. 

"I should have known you would be loyal to the collar you wear," Stephen gave a half smile. "It is only temporary, though," he pulled her close once more. "When we are alone like this it can be treated as such surely. You neither chose it nor begged for it," he reasoned with her.

"I asked to be here and promised to accept all that it meant. It was part of the agreement. The last time, with the Gor training, I wore your collar, and that was much easier for us. This time, right now, I belong to another Master," Bella tried to explain how she felt. She knew that all she had in this world was her reputation, and part of that reputation came from this training and the people she encountered. "I respect and care about Samuel and the collar he lets me wear."

"It is a good thing that this training is just about over then," Stephen said, abruptly releasing her. If this was what she wanted then so be it, he thought angrily and assumed an air of indifference, "So you are happy here then?"

He could see that Bella was startled by the sudden change in his demeanour. She was right of course, but that didn't make it any easier to stomach that she was beholden to yet another Master. The sooner this training was over, the better he growled inwardly. He had not expected the total shut out she had given him here, and it both frustrated and angered him. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 18



"Well," Stephen frowned at her. "You are happy here, correct? You are being treated well and have no concerns about your treatment?" his tone was evenly measured but did little to hide his displeasure. 

"Yes, Sir Stephen, I am more than happy with how I am treated here," Bella almost whispered, jolted to speech by his direct questioning.

"Good. I will go and find Samuel and find out more about the regime he has you on. You can stay here and rest until he comes for you," his tone was still abrupt, and he could see the confusion in her eyes. He was glad that he was not the only one to find this situation difficult, but his tone softened as he opened the door to leave. "I will see you at dinner tonight."

*****

Bella spent her time alone in restless contemplation of what had occurred in her meeting with Stephen. He had gone from the caring, concerned Sir Stephen she knew to the abrupt unemotional keeper of the slaves' role that was his persona at the club in the blink of an eye. She knew the meeting would be difficult, but she had hoped that he would understand her position. Instead, he seemed to put up a wall between them. In one way, she was saddened that she had caused the barrier between them. In another, she was angry that all the talking they had done surrounding her training and how she couldn't be free to make the choices he wanted seemed to have been forgotten by him.

She acknowledged that this wasn't the first time that her involvement with another Master had become an issue between them and that streak of jealousy bothered her. She knew she wanted monogamy. The scenes she had shared with multiple partners were not what she wanted in a long term relationship. She also wanted to be able to interact with the Masters she cared for and had real feelings for on a personal level without worrying about how this would affect him. She began to question the control Stephen would exert over her life if she took his collar and what it would mean to her relationships with others.

On the whole it wouldn't matter, she finally admitted. It would only be a change in the closeness that she shared with Kurt and especially Rob that she would be upset by. They had a special bond, and she loved them dearly, both of them in different ways. Kurt was her friend and mentor, a solid point of reference both professionally and personally. Rob, on the other hand, was her touchstone, a heart stone almost. He knew her pain as no one else could, he shared her life and her love. She couldn't imagine her life without him in it now. She smiled as she imagined him laughing and calling her a brat as he scooped her up into his arms, familiar strong protective arms, yet arms that allowed her some space to follow her dreams. 

She had thought the same of Stephen, but the small flashes of jealousy she had seen since they had become intimate worried her and made her question what a future with Stephen would be like. Lost in thought, she didn't realise there was a knock on her door until it finally opened.

"I thought you might have been asleep when I knocked, and you didn't answer," Dusty said in her deep throaty voice.

"I'm sorry Dusty. I was just daydreaming, come in please," Bella smiled and went to embrace her friend.

"I am just checking on you because Sir Stephen returned in a mood," Dusty half laughed.

"He doesn't like that someone else gets to tell me what to do instead of him, I think," Bella pulled a face as she spoke.

"Ah, I see," Dusty nodded as if that explained everything. "You seem to have a good bond with Master Samuel now, so I guess he has reason to be jealous," she said slowly as if testing the statement. "Sir Stephen hasn't had much of an opportunity to have you for himself like the Masters do in your training."

"I wore his collar in the Gor training," Bella said defensively. "And I spend so much time with him while I am in the city too."

"True but you spent most of your time with another at the Gor Home, Nyx said," Dusty tilted her head questioningly. "It's not quite the same as what you are doing with Samuel is it?" she paused and watched emotion flicker over Bella's face and decided to change the direction of their conversation. "Master Samuel adores you, and you are doing so well here. I always knew you would. I am hoping you will choose this lifestyle when you are ready to make choices."

"I don't think I am ready for country life yet. I need to get my business up and running, and that means city life, at least for a while," she chewed her lip as she delivered that information. As an afterthought she added, "I have been honest about that with Master Samuel."

"Master Samuel is talking about reopening his city practise in a part-time mode," she whispered conspiratorially. She chuckled as Bella's eyes flew open, and her lip fell from between her teeth. "Don't look so surprised. You're beautiful and sweet-natured; I imagine there are many good men who would want you to consider them as a prospective Master, including Master Samuel."

"They don't realise that I am still a bit broken by what happened," Bella confided. "I keep trying to move on but..." she lost her words and sagged helplessly, her shoulders slumping in the harness she wore, making it uncomfortable.

"Oh baby," Dusty's arms encircled her. "That's only natural; you're human not a robot. I don't think any of us are quite over what happened to you in Italy, and we weren't even there. Mel was such a large part of all of our lives. We only want the best for you, so that you can move on."

"It just seems like everyone expects me to choose as soon as the training finishes, and I am not sure I am ready for that sort of commitment. Taking a collar is like getting married. What if I am not ready for another six months or a year?" Bella let all of the worries that had been rolling around her head since Stephen's abrupt departure spill out of her mouth.

"Then you don't choose but in the same way you can't expect everyone else to wait for your decision. They might move on without you, and you will have to accept it if that happens. Could you live with Sir Stephen or Master Samuel moving on with someone else? Any number of people, who have shown their interest in you, may not be content to wait for you." It was tough love to point it out, but Bella needed to face the reality of her indecision. "For every Master that is currently considering you as a life mate, there are at least five girls considering them."

"I know, and I feel like I am being a brat about it, but in my mind I am still doing what Mel wanted. Here and at the company, where I live, what I wear..." her voice petered out again. 

"You feel you have to still do it his way?" Dusty asked quietly, a little surprised by the statement. "You changed the apartment, and your work at the company is different for you now, you have been removing Mel from those places almost entirely. I guess we thought that his hold on you was diminishing too." 

"Physically I know he is gone, along with the things that brought so many memories of him. But up here," she tapped her head, "He still guides me through this lifestyle and the company." 

"I guess no one ever really gets over their first love," Dusty smiled softly and hugged Bella again. "You know there's nothing wrong with that, as long as it doesn't stop you living your life or finding love again." They stood in silence for a few moments before an excitable rapid knocking sounded on the door.

"I made her wait a few minutes before coming down. They arrived just after lunch," Dusty walked to the door and opened it, letting in the grinning Tali. She flung herself at Bella, who was knocked from her feet and hugged her as they rolled on the floor laughing.

"I'm going to have to invest in padding if you keep doing that," Bella laughed as they finally untangled themselves, and Dusty helped her from the floor.

"I'm just so happy to see you! Do you love it here? What's it like with Master Samuel? Is he as dreamy as I think? Tell me everything!" Tali bubbled with questions. "You know I wanted him to be your pet Master right?"

"It's lovely here. Dreamy is not quite the word I would use to describe him, but I am happy in his care. Life on the ranch is wonderful, and no, I didn't know that," Bella answered her in the same rapid-fire tone.

"Oh, Bella, I just love you!" Tali hugged her enthusiastically. "Master Samuel's showing everyone around the ranch so we girls get to hang out all afternoon if we want, and you can give me all the juicy gossip about the Masters you're considering."

"It hasn't even been a year since we lost Mel," Dusty interceded for Bella. "Maybe she wants to date a bit first, check out all her options," she said with a sly smile and a wink.

"Ooh, how exciting! That's even better! Now let's think about who you haven't met yet that's sexy cool," Tali grinned, loving the idea of playing matchmaker. "The Masters all chose someone; maybe we girls could all choose someone too, just for one date?"

"She already knows all the men I think are good enough for her," Dusty laughed.

"I guess you're right. Still, it won't hurt to introduce her to some eligible bachelors when we are at the club or whatever," Tali pressed, thinking this was more fun than she had had in a while.

The afternoon flew by as the girls teased and joked with each other, talking about the different Masters and their personas. It seemed all too soon that Samuel arrived and called them all back to the living area. Tali bounced along as Dusty and Bella followed at a stately pace, their hooved boots clopping in unison as they made their way along the corridors.

"There she is," Mark Millar came to his feet as the girls entered the room. "It's been too long Dusty, and you look cute as a button, Bella."

"Thank you, Master Mark, it's a nice surprise to see you here today," Bella said happily as he hugged her, picking her up from her feet. Bella went to Samuel's side once released as the other girls also went to their Masters. Daring to look over at Stephen, she saw the hint of a scowl before his features settled back into their emotionless place. 

The Masters talked about the upcoming show and how Bella's training was progressing. She blushed as she was praised by both Jack and Samuel until mercifully the dinner gong sounded, and they all made their way to the dining room.

Bella noted that Stephen now sat with his back to her as if forcing the barrier between them higher now. Try as she might to put it from her mind, it made her sad that she had upset him so much with her reaction to his affection for her. The dinner seemed to go far longer than usual with the extra people adding to the mix of conversation, and it was becoming quite late when the men finally adjourned to Jack's den.

Bella sat with a small group of women, including Dusty and Tali, in a corner as the men continued to talk amongst themselves. It seemed to have been a terribly long day, and Bella began to wilt with fatigue and pay less notice of those around her as she let her mind drift a little. Dusty nudged her back to reality as Stephen strode from the room, followed closely by Jack.

The party broke up within a minute, and Samuel escorted Bella back to her room. As they passed through the living area, Stephen's bass rumble could be heard as he argued with Jack. Bella frowned and looked at Samuel who seemed to have not heard, although that was highly unlikely. She couldn't help but look back over her shoulder at where the argument seemed to be coming from, but Samuel continued to walk her further away.

"I want you to know how very pleased I am with you, sweet girl," Samuel began to speak as he started removing her tack. "I would not have held it against you if you had wanted to spend some time with Stephen over and above the short meeting you had. The collar is, after all, a temporary placement much as I would like it to be otherwise."

Bella stayed silent, thinking about his words and if they had anything to do with the argument that was occurring between Stephen and Jack. As if reading her thoughts he went on.

"I am assuming Stephen's dour mood is because he is as reticent to share your attentions as I am," he looked at her then and smiled. "The argument, however, is an old one and nothing to do with you, my pet." He stroked her cheek and kissed her lightly, "Please stop worrying, I can see it in your face. I have the utmost respect for Stephen speaking his mind and in this matter I agree with him."

Bella was surprised, and she raised her eyebrows, hoping he would go on and tell her about the argument.

"Binatang is a very influential and wealthy businessman, and while most of us in the lifestyle do not share his fondness for... let's just say the darker side of the lifestyle, we ignore it mostly. While Jack could survive quite well without his business dealings with the man, his life is infinitely easier with them, do you understand?" he paused while she nodded. "Stephen was on a short fuse already this evening and when Binatang made some less than savoury remarks... Well, you saw the outcome."

Even though she had not had a workout during the afternoon, he still laid her on the chaise and began to work out her muscles with the soothing lotion that felt so good. Bella relaxed under his hands, wondering why she felt so tired this evening and letting the anxiousness of Stephen's visit and resulting mood ebb away from her. She woke with a start, feeling Samuel's arms around her as they spooned in bed. His hands immediately began to pet her in long strokes over her ribs and hip. 

"Sleep, my pet, it was a long and emotional day for us all," his tired voice soothed, and she relaxed again, listening to his rhythmic breathing and enjoying the closeness of him. 

The following morning Stephen was at the early pre-breakfast Samuel and Bella always attended before training. He sat with them at the tall bench and spoke quietly. 

"I can see you are in the best of care with Samuel here, and I trust that he will keep you safe," he began almost formally. "I need to head back to the city this morning, but I will be at your show. I am sure you will do us all proud," he smiled at her in his typical way, showing that he harboured no ill-feeling from the day before. He turned then to Samuel.

"You're a good man. I am not sure I could have been as gracious with Bella's time as you were under the circumstances. Good luck my friend, I will be cheering for you both at the show," he clapped Samuel on the back and got to his feet.

"Stay and eat with us," Samuel said easily. "Then Bella can walk you out and say goodbye properly."

"I guess I could squeeze in another one or two of those cinnamon buns," Stephen eyed the kitchen counter, "It's a wonder that Jack isn't as big as a house."

"Fresh air and exercise my friend," Samuel laughed, "It makes all the difference." He gave a sly look around then and lowered his voice, "I imagine having to exercise a wild filly like Dusty would help too." He laughed then in an infectious way and the tensions of the day before were forgotten.

*****

With Stephen's departure, Bella's time on the ranch fell back into the routine she had become used to over her first week at the ranch. She and Samuel continued to become closer and often just the merest hint of a gesture would have her changing her gait or completing a complicated move. As the show day loomed, she was confident in her skills despite her nervousness at executing the predetermined format without error.

"I promised you a reward if you worked hard this week, didn't I?" Samuel said as he led her back to the tack room after her morning workout. She looked at him with wide eyes, turning her head to completely see his face. "I believe it has arrived, but first we must look after the body." Bella knew she must be patient, but her curiosity about the reward made her wish he wasn't such a methodical man.

Bella lay patiently as she was massaged and caressed until her skin shone, and she was fully relaxed and at ease. He spent even longer than usual massaging and playing with her ass, and she could feel the heat in his hands and breath that told her of his need.

"I don't wish to mark you so close to the show, but tomorrow night we will celebrate our time together like never before," he said in a husky voice. "For now there are other ways to ease the desire I have to fuck you properly," Samuel groaned. He pulled her from the chaise to the floor before dropping his pants and leaning back onto the chaise himself. Placing a hand in her hair, he guided her mouth over his already hard cock and growled as her tongue snaked out of her pretty pink smile and swirled around the head of his cock.

Bella felt his hand tighten in her hair and smiled as she was guided to his cock. She licked out at it and revelled in his answering growl and the second hand that wove into her hair. Parting her lips, she sucked him as he pushed her head further down, making her take more and more of it in a slow teasing way. She enjoyed sucking his cock. He was neither overly long nor overly wide, with the slightest of bends that made the glide across her tongue to her throat seem as if it was created for the space there.

She gurgled as the head of his cock pushed against the back of her throat and, feeling the initial resistance there, he began the slow rhythmic fucking motion, pulling and pushing her hair to his desired tempo. He seemed not to want more than a quick orgasm as he began to start bucking up into her face as he pulled it down, making sure she took every little bit. 

He came quickly and held her head in place as he twitched and groaned, revelling in the feeling of her hot, warm mouth. After long moments, he released her hair and allowed her to clean him properly before laying her head on his thigh as he recovered a few moments longer. A simple blow job would normally be foreplay for Samuel, Bella thought, but he seemed content to relax into the moment and not continue the scene any further.

"We have much to do today," Samuel said, rousing himself from the afterglow of his orgasm. "Let's go see about this reward, shall we?"

Leading her into the bedroom, he smiled as he fished out a new G-string for her and helped her to clean up and change the garment, knowing their brief interlude would have affected her as much as himself.

They walked through the now busy corridors slowly. Bella was overawed by the amount of extra staff on hand for the show Jack was hosting this weekend. Special guests would start arriving tonight. There was an extensive array of yurts set up for those who had travelled to the event but hadn't booked early enough to stay in the house proper or the surrounding cabins that served as guest houses. She honestly hadn't considered how big the event would be. Each time she was faced with it, as she was at this moment, her anxiousness about her performance made her nauseous. She found herself walking closer to Samuel.

It seemed many of the contractors were new to this sort of work and several openly gawked at the girls who trotted around nearly nude. Bella had long since become comfortable with her nudity, but some of the looks she received made her fearful. The moment Samuel opened the den door, Bella was unable to hide her exuberance and ran to embrace Dorothea.

"Darling girl, look at you all dressed in pony girl finery," Dorothea held her at arms length to take in Bella before embracing her a second time. 

"Working tack is hardly finery," Samuel chuckled. "I believe you have brought the true finery?"

"Oh yes," Dorothea nodded. "I haven't let a soul peak at it, not even the lord of the manor over there, despite his threats to send me home again."

"You wouldn't do that would you, Master Jack?" Bella looked at him, forgetting her lack of voice in this house and receiving a frown from Jack and Samuel both. Lowering her head, she apologised quietly.




Possessing Bella Ch. 18



"He most certainly would not," Dorothea said indignantly and rolled her eyes dramatically at Jack, who couldn't hide the cheeky smile on his face. "Now Gentlemen, I am sure you are far too busy to be babysitting an old woman, Bella can do that all on her own. Off you go and deal with whatever little mishaps are happening out there, we will be just fine here." Dorothea was sounding officious, and it took Bella by surprise. "Oh and Jack dear, if you see that lovely girl of yours, could you ask her to bring some lunch for us."

"Be careful old woman, one day you will push just that little bit too far," Jack grumbled. Dorothea stepped aside as Samuel picked up a large box and followed Jack from the room. 

"You may speak freely, my pet," Samuel said before closing the door.

"I don't feel the need to pull rank very often, but just occasionally it's so much fun!" Dorothea laughed and led Bella to the couch in the corner where the girls usually sat. "I've missed you; tell me everything that's been going on?"

"You never cease to amaze me, Dorothea," Bella grinned, "What are you doing here?"

"Samuel needed a package delivered discreetly," she winked. "Who better than a sweet little old woman like me?"

"I'm so glad to see you," Bella grinned, "I don't care what brought you here."

"Now tell me are you ready for tomorrow?" Dorothea looked at her seriously.

"I think so. I mean I know the routine by heart and I can do the moves with some grace," she pulled a face.

"I hear a 'but' in there," Dorothea pressed her.

"I am so nervous about messing it up in front of an audience. I feel sick and can hardly eat, which just brings me trouble if anyone notices, so I force the food down, and that just makes me feel worse," Bella placed her hands on her tummy.

"I would be worried if you weren't nervous," Dorothea said. "Pony shows are a lot more organised and official than they were in my day," she patted Bella's hand, "How do you feel about Master Samuel?"

"He's wonderful. He treats me so well and cares for me like no other has. I am happy here with him," Bella said honestly.

"That's fabulous, but it's not the fireworks and killer butterflies and leg popping kisses you talk about when discussing other Masters," Dorothea said, pushing Bella a little further. "You need chemistry not just security in a partner. When you told me you were anxious, you didn't mention anything about disappointing Master Samuel but rather messing up in front of people." She watched Bella's lip become caught between her teeth. Samuel was a good man, but he wouldn't challenge Bella as others would. 

"I guess I am not worried about disappointing him," Bella said after long silent moments. "He corrects me during training constantly, but he has never done anything more than make a gesture to correct me outside of training. Not once has he spoken of being disappointed in anything I have done. He tends to discuss things that could be improved, not because I have disappointed but because I can do better. That doesn't make sense I know, but it's different somehow. I don't feel his judgement," she said, spreading her hands as if she didn't know how to explain that she didn't think he had ever been disappointed in her.

"Then you're just worried about your reputation if you don't do well?" Dorothea sounded dubious.

"No, I mean I have only been here for two weeks. I don't think anyone expects me to be perfect with such little training," again Bella thought through her answer before giving it voice. "I don't like to fail, but I am not sure anyone would hold it against me," her mind considered Dorothea's question.

"I'm concerned you are so anxious it's making you ill. Surely it's not stage fright making you this way, not when all your friends will be there to support you," Dorothea held Bella's hand, her concern showing on her face.

"All my friends?" Bella felt ill again. "I knew Stephen would be there, but no one else has the time to come this far out of the city, do they?"

"Well I am here, aren't I? I am not sure exactly how many of your other friends may decide to come. Your friends would never be disappointed in how you do in this, you have to know that. They above everyone know it is new to you, and from what Jack says you are doing very well here," she said, trying to calm the anxiousness she could hear in Bella's voice. "Master Rob is here despite his differences with Jack, so you know there will be two of us watching that have nothing but love for you."

"Master Rob left the club on a weekend?" Bella gasped.

"Of course, he has many capable people there to man the helm," she chuckled. "He is always there when you need him, he went to that Island gathering when you were there, he has taken you home on many occasions. It shouldn't surprise you that he came for this show."

"Hello Dorothea," Dusty entered the room pushing a small cart laden with a range of food. "The Masters are following me," she rolled her eyes, "It's just too busy and noisy out there to get anything of substance done."

She had barely got the words out of her mouth when Jack, Rob, and Samuel entered the room, followed by several kitchen staff also wheeling small trolleys laden with food and drink. Rob immediately went to Bella, picking her up and hugging her tightly.

"Ah little brat, you are missed greatly at home," he murmured into her ear. "It will be good to have you back where I can squeeze you whenever I need to," his arms tightened around her until she squeaked and giggled.

"I have missed you too," she said, returning his hug and enjoying the familiar feel and smell of him. Dorothea was right, she immediately felt better with Rob there. A constant anchor in her life, she loved him without reservation.

"We'll talk after lunch, little brat. Samuel said you have the afternoon free," Rob placed her carefully on her feet. 

"That'd be great," she said smiling widely at him.

"It's a good thing you don't greet all the Masters like that," Dusty said in her laconic way. 

"Just Master Rob," Bella laughed.

"As well as Master Kurt," Dorothea added, "Perhaps Sir Stephen, depending on the circumstances. You always greet me in an exuberant fashion too!"

"I do not, do I?" Bella blushed furiously as she thought about how she greeted those nearest and dearest to her. "It's just that Master Rob is well, Master Rob you know?" She floundered, feeling like she needed to explain herself. "It's not like I went over there and picked him up," she argued and realised how ludicrous that would be and giggled self-consciously.

"I'd pay to see that," Dusty chortled, looking over at the Masters.

"Keep your money. I wouldn't even try," Bella continued to blush.

*****

Bella was thoughtful during the lunch and after as she returned to the relative peace of her rooms. It was a quiet sanctuary away from all the last minute preparations. Rob had accompanied her and, as she felt his hand rest against her neck as they walked, she smiled. It was such a small gesture that he and Stephen made when walking with her, but it made her feel safe with them beside her.

"Well little brat," Rob gathered her in his arms and sat on one of the living room chairs, pulling her into his lap, "What trouble have you been causing around this place?"

"None, not one skerrick of trouble, I promise Master," she looked at him with wide-eyed innocence as he raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe the country life agrees with you then. In the city, trouble finds you no matter how hard we try to keep you safe," he shook his head. 

"Maybe it's because no one is going overboard to keep me safe that there is no trouble?" she gave a cheeky grin. 

"More likely that you are obedient to the collar you wear," he frowned at her. "Having just one Master to answer to must be a nice change of pace for you?" 

Bella was stunned. She honestly hadn't considered that the amount of people she felt beholden to in the city might be overwhelming her as much as the circumstances. Despite Jack's subtle supervision, she had only one person to please and answer to here on the ranch. It had been easy to adjust to that one routine, one set of rules, one Master to please. She opened her mouth to explain what she was thinking but closed it again, unsure of how to phrase it without disappointing the man who had always been there for her since Mel's death. 

"Spit it out, little brat," Rob said gruffly, "Your face is far too expressive to hide much from me these days."

"I think maybe you're right, though I hadn't thought of it exactly that way or in that context," she said quietly. "There is always someone watching, questioning my movements, making demands on my time and pulling me in different directions in the city. I guess I let myself get overwhelmed and make some haphazard choices that lead me into bad situations. Maybe I was wrong to think it would be better to wait until ... well just wait before taking a collar again," she pulled her lip between her teeth and began to gnaw on it.

"Until the ghosts have completely gone?" he asked knowing from experience how that felt in the first years after Kitty's death. Her answering look told him he was right. "I don't think they ever completely leave us," he gave a sad smile and pulled her close.

"He is still in my head, demanding and controlling, influencing how I interact with everyone, just as he did in life. I keep talking about choices, but he knew me so well that he gave me what I needed without asking questions. I never had to choose. The only choice he made me make was whether to beg for his collar or walk away from everything he had shown me."

"He would not have let you walk away," Rob said softly, feeling as if he was betraying an old friend. "He had been grooming you for years before you came to work at the company. Mel was always an overachiever. He got what he wanted, by guile and determination. I have never seen him want something more than he wanted you." Rob pulled her face up to look at him, "Mel would have pursued you if you had run from him another hundred times. You are the only woman for whom he compromised his wants and needs. He loved you and wanted to fill your heart and your mind the way you filled his. He chose this life for you. He just needed you to accept it, and I believe he would have continued to pursue you until you did."

"I know," Bella said quietly. She couldn't count the number of times she had raged at Mel for doing this to her. Showing her the world she was meant for and then leaving her without the passion and desire he had for her. It was how she fell so deeply for him, she had realised in those darkest times. He needed her almost desperately. That was the kind of all-encompassing love she wanted and needed in her life. That was the passion she wanted to feel in return, they each of them would do anything to please the other. Now she was fragile and broken, if she chose to walk away now, she was unsure anyone would come for her in the same way or for the same reasons.

"Can we just sit here like this for a while please," she asked, quietly leaning her head against his chest.

"It's coming up to a year now. Maybe we could do something special to mark his birthday rather than the day he died and say goodbye to him properly. I have found it's important to say goodbye, without any recriminations," Rob murmured as he held her close. 

"That would be nice, I don't remember much about the funeral or any of that," she said sadly.

Her admission that she knew Mel would have stopped at nothing to have her surprised Rob. He held her for a long time, silently thinking about how much he hadn't known about their relationship and what it was she needed in a Master. He considered the small acts of rebellion against her circumstances and the limitations they imposed. Certainly her life had altered significantly but in essence she remained the same sweet submissive that had fallen for a tyrannical sadist like Mel. He knew what Mel had seen in her, but he had never questioned what she, as an innocent in this world, had seen in him.

A short time later, Samuel returned with Dorothea to find them still sitting together on the large chair together. Rob held her in place and smiled at the intruders on their solitude. 

"You both look comfortable," Dorothea raised an eyebrow as Bella struggled to sit up.

"Catching up on all the morning cuddles I have missed while she has been basking in the fresh air and sunshine of this place," Rob chuckled and finally released her. "It's one of the perks of guardianship."

"I hate to interrupt then, but we need to do a fitting before tomorrow," Samuel explained. 

"Do you mind if I stay, I would be interested to see what my little pony will be wearing," Rob asked, watching Bella walking in the hooved boots back to Samuel's side.

"I guess it could be seen as one of those perks you spoke about," Samuel said carefully, not wanting to put Rob offside. "We were hoping for a full reveal at the show tomorrow, however."

"My lips will be sealed," Rob joked, miming the locking of his lips and a toss of the key, making Bella giggle.

Nodding, Samuel gathered the large box and opened it with a flourish. He had of course seen the completed costume on a life-size mannequin built to Bella's measurements. Initially, he pulled out delicate looking hooved shoes. Sitting, Bella removed her boots with the help of Dorothea. Flexing her toes and grimacing slightly, she resisted the urge to rub them as she looked up to Samuel for instruction. Rather than giving instruction, Samuel knelt down with the shoes and as he massaged the soles of her feet explained what they were and how they may feel slightly different.

The toe of the shoe was hoof-shaped, and a hard surface ran beneath her foot holding it in the position required. Rather than the supporting fabric of a boot thin leather straps ran from the centre of the hoof up over her foot to a wide ankle cuff that curls around to support her ankle. Straps also ran directly from the heel and from the instep on either side of her foot to hold the shoe in place. In what Bella assumed was basic black, the only decoration to highlight them were the stylised twin buckles; they glinted gold and were set with a dazzling green gem. 

It was only as she moved her foot that she realised they had been created in the deepest midnight green, which when the light caught it shimmered to a bright emerald momentarily. In the shadows of a shady stall, they would appear nothing more than basic black leather. She moved the foot in small ways, marvelling at the colour treatment the shoe had been given while Samuel took the time to ensure the second shoe was secure.

"These may feel strange at first and will require some practice, my pet," Samuel said, helping Bella to her feet. "You will not have the weight of the leather boot to balance you the same way."

Bella had been living in heelless boots or on her hands and knees since her first days at the ranch and now, almost ten days later, it seemed second nature to put all of her weight on the balls of her feet. The cuffs held tightly to her ankles giving her the support that the boots had given her, and she took a few tentative steps while holding Samuels' hands. She was impressed with how secure they felt despite the thin straps that held them to her feet and within a few minutes walked unaided.

Dorothea withdrew a long corset from the box and handed it to Samuel. Removing her working tack Samuel pulled the long corset into place and stepped behind her to secure the numerous buckles matching the ones on her shoes. The shape hugged the arch of her hipbone coming down in the front to a peak above her mons, from this hung a single strap. She remembered Dusty's advice and words on her first day here and was pleased with the way her legs looked as the corset got tighter. She had worried that the short stature would influence the preferred look of pony girls.

It was only moments later that Bella realised this was a waist cincher, not a corset. She was forced to breathe in and correct her posture to accommodate the tight buckles that pulled the soft leather into place under her breasts. The leather strap that hung from the front apex was pulled between her legs parting her labia as it was buckled into place. This was a different feeling as she shifted from foot to foot and felt the soft leather rubbing over the clit. 

"She's a hot little filly; won't that make her too aroused to concentrate on her routine?" Rob, who had been watching from a distance, spoke his concern.

"She knows the routine so well she will perform despite distractions like this, and the judges will mark her up for that," Samuel said confidently. 

"You're going for cheap points?" Rob's tone held disapproval.

"Not at all, I am doing everything I can to make sure she gets the perfect score, which may not happen without the strap," Samuel replied without rancour. He then stood and turned Bella, so her back was to Rob and waved his hand along the line of decorative buckles and gems. "Tell me that is not perfect posture, made more so by the tucking of her tail bone thanks to the strap."

Rob relaxed back into the chair having been schooled by the Master in the art of ponygirl training. He continued to watch as identical buckles were attached to Bella's nipples and straps from them pulled over her shoulders to attach at the back of the cincher. The setup both highlighted and lifted her breasts perfectly without all the straps to hide their true shape. He felt his cock start to stir as he gazed at the image before him.

"Now we will have a stylist come to do your hair in the morning, but I want you to know the weight and size of your head gear," Samuel spoke authoritatively. "Hold still for a few minutes while Dorothea and I try to make a similar style and attach the headgear. It will be heavy but not overly so, I hope."

Bella felt the combs pushing her hair high and back. She felt the straps dangling around her face and head and found her peripheral vision obscured by blinkers. She had been training for this and held her place as the two people fussed around her. When they finally pulled their hands away, she felt the weight press down on her. 

"May I see please, Master Samuel?" she asked softly.

"You may," Samuel agreed and led her into the bedroom, revealing the large floor to ceiling mirror from behind the panels of her wall. Smiling as he saw her gasp and begin to scrutinise herself, he spoke again. "You will have a different tail, but it should feel no different to the one you wear now, so we will save that as a surprise," he smiled into the mirror at her.

"Something to look forward to," Rob said from the doorway. 

"I don't think we need any last minute adjustments," Dorothea decreed, "But I will come in the morning to be sure. Master Rob, could you help me find my way back to my room, please?"

"Of course, my lady," Rob said gallantly and getting to his feet, offered her his arm.

Bella barely heard them leave as she gazed at her reflection. She knew she would wear something similar, but she had not been prepared for the transformation that had occurred. She felt taller somehow, more statuesque. Admittedly the cluster of feathers that sprang from her forehead and bent back, fanning the top of her head with the lowest fronds helped in extending her height, but it was more than that. The choice of shoes and shaped cincher gave her legs a longer, leaner look and extended her mid-frame. 

"We will do your hair in a similar fashion to the tail," Samuel approached carrying a length of plaited hair. She immediately recognised the 'S' shaped tailpiece that she would wear tomorrow attached to the length. Touching it carefully, she smiled at the clever combination of her own coloured hair with emerald and gold strands held together with an ornate bow of the same colours of emerald and gold.




Possessing Bella Ch. 18



"You will compete under the name of Emerald Gold, which coincidentally is the same as Jack's colours and the beautiful colour of your eyes," Samuel said with a note of pride in his voice. "Are you comfortable?" he questioned her, stroking her messy hair.

"It is far more comfortable than I thought it would be. The material is so soft, and the shoes cushion my feet. I am amazed at how comfortable it is considering," she ran out of words and indicated her image in the mirror.

"There are one or two other pieces to make it complete. Would you like to see now that we are alone?" Samuel's voice held an edge of excitement and Bella nodded eagerly. Samuel added arm and wrist cuffs to the outfit then threading a golden ring through a hidden loop in the apex of the waist cincher. Attaching gold chains to the ring, he secured them to her arms at the wrist. 

"While some amateurs feel the need to keep their arms raised I am not of that opinion," Samuel stepped back to let her take in the glittering chains and jewelled restraints that adorned her arms. Taking the small mirror from her dresser, he held it in such a way that she could see the buckles and gems that ran down her back and held the tail in place to show the effect. 

"You will be breathtaking in appearance as well as manner. You know the routines better than I, and I believe you can achieve best in the show despite your novice entry," he spoke with conviction in his voice. "You just have to believe it within here," he touched a finger to her chest.

"Now we had better change before I mark you in such a way as to ruin our chances tomorrow," he almost groaned the words.

The process of removing the garments took longer as he stored each piece carefully back in the original box. Dressed once again in training tack similar to that she had worn for the last two weeks, she acknowledged how plain she looked. She smiled thinking of the startling difference tomorrow's tack would make to even those who knew her well.

"It is hard to share you with so many when I have had you to myself for so long," Samuel said softly, taking her in his arms and kissing her deeply. "It must be nice to have so many people care for you the way they do."

"It is but it can also be overwhelming at times," Bella admitted. Looking up at the man who had cared for her and catered to her needs and wishes so expertly over the last two weeks, she knew that despite the deep affection that had grown between them it wasn't love. Not the love Dorothea had reminded she could feel. Still for the rest of the weekend, she belonged to him, and she needed to be open to all that this man willingly gave her.

Leaving the suite, they arrived for dinner in the den with a select few rather than the large amount of patrons that had descended on the ranch over the last twenty-four hours. Seeing the people she adored all together, the anxiousness she felt about the show multiplied, and she sat quietly in the comfortable corner between Dusty and Dorothea, letting the conversations swirl around her.

"Try and eat something," Dorothea suggested after Bella had pushed the food around her plate so much that it had become one large pile of mush. "You can't let your nervousness get the better of you."

"You will need all your strength tomorrow, how about some fruit salad," Dusty took the plate of mush away and replaced it with a tropical fresh fruit salad. "Just pick at it, Honey, that's what I do," she added kindly. 

"Thank you," Bella whispered and glanced over to where the men sat, hoping Rob hadn't noticed her inability to eat. It was Stephen though who was scrutinising her, so she picked up a piece of watermelon and bit into it. He nodded to her before turning his attention back to his companions.

The evening seemed to go on forever for Bella as she barely spoke, just letting the conversation ebb and flow around her. Her mind worried over the events of the next day, and she went through each movement of each routine over and over again in her mind. She was grateful that her friends didn't press her for conversation and protected her from those who would. Each time she looked over at the men, it was Stephen that seemed to be looking in her direction rather than Samuel, who seemed in a jovial mood and unconcerned about the show.

It seemed much later than it was when Samuel collected Bella and walked her back to the suite. He didn't speak as he usually did while he removed her tack and the silence made her more anxious than she had been.

"Come sit with me, my pet," Samuel finally spoke, leading the way to the large chair he preferred in the living room. Once settled, he took a small envelope from his breast pocket and shook out a pill. "This is a very mild muscle relaxant, it will help you relax enough to sleep," Samuel said seriously. "You barely ate tonight or spoke with your friends. You will need all your energy, and I need you to be able to concentrate. You don't have to take it, but I promise you, it will do you no harm at all."

Bella hesitated a moment and realised this was a turning moment for them. If she refused the relaxant, it would show her lack of trust that he knew best for her. A lack of trust was and always had been her largest downfall, even with Mel, who had punished her repeatedly for it. Nodding slightly, Bella opened her mouth and extended her tongue slowly to accept the little while pill and accepted the glass of water he had poured her to chase it down.

"Good girl." Samuel petted her hair softly for a moment before picking her up and carrying her to the bedroom. Laying her on the bed, he began a full massage urging her to relax with softly whispered praise. Bella let her eyelids grow heavier until she fell into a deep solid sleep. 

*****



Possessing Bella Ch. 19



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to my second set of eyes, she is a great friend to help me out so much. This chapter was written along with the previous chapter so it is a bit earlier than my usual postings. I hope yu enjoy it. ~ellie

*****

Bella walked into the breakfast banquet in an emerald green ball gown, which seemed so odd at this time of day. Even though she had seen the preparations over the last few days, she wasn't prepared for the amount of guests in attendance. Rob approached her looking handsome with his long dark hair tied back and a tuxedo replacing his usual jeans and biker leathers.

"You're looking beautiful, little brat," he said quietly with a boyish grin. "Samuel, I believe some friends of yours are waiting to see you and your pony." He looked back over his shoulder to where Stephen stood with Mark and Tali.

"I believe they may be more interested in my pony than me, but I can't fault them for that," Samuel said easily and walked Bella toward them.

Rob chuckled; he could not help but like the man. He felt sorry for him because he believed that he could not make the girl on his arm happy in the long term. It was a sad fact that he had not realised what she wanted and needed from a prospective master until this weekend. Rob could see after his revelation the day before that he had boxed himself into a relationship with her that may never recover enough to be a contender for her true submission. He could also see how close Stephen was to losing her and, if he kept compromising for her, he would certainly lose her for good.

As was a tradition, the masters and ponies that were competing sat in a large horseshoe formation with the novice contenders at the ends of the tables. The guest tables dotted in and around the formation. As custom dictated they were introduced and, at her turn, Bella stood quietly as her name was announced. She could see both Stephen and Rob from where she sat, and it bothered her that Stephen had not spoken to her as yet.

The banquet seemed to go on forever with official speeches by the ruling body of the Horse Masters Society. They outlined some minor rule changes and introduced the judges for the events. Bella was grateful that she didn't recognise any of them. It took the girl next to Bella to point out that this was by far the most prestigious event held by the society and that some foreign Masters always came to judge events here to ensure impartiality.

"If you ask me they just come to add to their stables," she added in a whisper. 

"Have you competed at a show before?" Bella was confused. She had assumed that the other novices she would compete against were competing for their first time too.

"Uh huh, twice now," she nodded. "I am hoping this time my master will let me move up a class." She smiled and nudged Bella with her shoulder, "Don't look so worried, no one expects first timers to do very well, you'll be fine. Just relax and enjoy all the attention."

"Is it so obvious that this is my first time?" Bella asked, her anxiousness clear in her voice.

"Only because I haven't seen you at one of these before, and I tend to watch to see which girls go up a class and which stay or get taken overseas by the judges. One day I am gonna sit beside Star Dust up there at the head of the table," she looked toward where Dusty sat beside Jack.

"I've seen them training," Bella confided, liking the open young woman. "I think they are telepathic," she said in an amazed voice. "I can't wait to see them perform in the show."

"You know, Waleed, the judge on the left up there, has been trying to buy Star Dust from Jack for years now," the young girl confided. 

"You don't call him Master Jack?" Bella asked curiously.

"He's not my Master," she laughed. "If he came over and spoke to me I would address him as Master but no need while we are whispering like this. Anyway, Waleed isn't so bad except for that whole buying and selling of slaves, thing. He's not pushy or too hands-on," she seemed to be considering the table of judges. "Ivan the terrible, the one with the beard, tends to be a bit too familiar. He might have been an octopus in his last life, he seems to have his hands everywhere when inspecting the ponies," she giggled girlishly.

"Thanks for the warning," Bella grimaced.

"I don't know the local judge. He apparently used to judge a lot, but hasn't done much while I have been competing. They say he is fair, though," she continued to whisper. Bella immediately recognised Hunter, but did not let on that she knew anything more than a first-time novice might. Secretly she was happy that Hunter had not returned to his self-imposed exile on his island. It meant that he was healing, and Bella hoped that meant Flora was doing well too. She felt a momentary pang of guilt that she had not visited the girl over the holidays, but Samuel's voice cut into her thoughts.

"The girls are a bit vocal this morning," Samuel chuckled over Bella's head to the Master beside her new friend. She immediately closed her mouth and sat up paying attention to the proceedings. 

"Topaz can't seem to help herself, even with a bit wedged between her teeth she can still talk," the other man chuckled. "Can't hurt to let her give your girl a few tips; it's a big one for a first showing." 

Samuel had strategically placed himself beside Ryan and his filly in the hopes that a friendship would form with the two girls. He knew Bella's anxiousness could affect her performance and hoped the sweet natured Topaz would help to settle her nerves. In truth, he too was anxious. He had never attempted a showing after such a short amount of training and while confident in both his own and Bella's abilities, he also knew he would be scrutinised intensely by friend and foe alike.

"Emerald is usually a quiet filly, so I will let Topaz carry the blame," Samuel chuckled with a wink in Topaz's direction. Topaz giggled girlishly and while they remained mostly quiet, the soft whispering continued from time to time as Topaz found snippets of interesting information to relay to the nervous first timer she sat beside.

"You've been fabulous with all the tips," Bella whispered as the breakfast ended, and they prepared to move off to their allotted spaces to ready themselves for inspection and competition. Bella was glad that the novices would compete first so she would be able to relax and enjoy the spectacle of the show after she was done. "Thank you so much, Topaz," she impulsively hugged the girl, "best of luck out there."

"Good luck to you too, Emerald, just relax and enjoy it. It's your first show, so it's all just practise for next year," the girl smiled and moved off with her Master.

"Ready or not, here we come," Samuel chuckled, "That poor little filly doesn't know who you are or how good you are at everything you do." He smiled widely. "She is right about one thing, though, you should relax and enjoy it. It may be the only time you ever compete, or it could be practise for the future if you decide you want this lifestyle." He stopped short of suggesting that she might want him as a future Master. His hope for that had dwindled last night as he had observed the looks between Bella and Stephen. Samuel was aware of her during the entirety of the evening, though he was less obvious about it than Stephen as he engaged in the conversations about this special girl and her training.

Samuel took her to the allocated space that looked like a dressing room of sorts. The box with her competition tack was waiting for them, along with Dorothea. 

"There have been a few nosy parkers, but I brushed them off fairly easily," Dorothea grinned. "They certainly weren't expecting to find an old lady guarding your tack."

"Anyone of interest?" Samuel asked mildly. 

"That man of Binatang's that you have been training as a specialist vet for these events," she chortled. "I disliked him from the moment I met him."

"It was a favour. Jack asked me to agree to the arrangement. We've been keeping an eye on them. I haven't let him near Bella, but he has seen her training, I am not surprised he came to sabotage her tack." Bella couldn't help but gasp. It hadn't occurred to her that this would be anything but a friendly competition.

"Do not fret, my pet," Samuel petted her soothingly. "It shows just that they think you could beat their girls for the prize money. Nothing will happen I assure you, trust me." Bella nodded and stomped her foot to agree with him, but she had begun to gnaw on her lip. She hadn't considered that there was prize money at stake, money she didn't need nor want. It would be Samuel's should she succeed regardless, but she thought about Topaz and what it would mean to her.

Bella continued to worry about the idea that winning was worth sabotaging other competitors while Dorothea and Samuel undressed and dressed her again. Another young woman arrived as they made finishing touches and Bella sat quietly while the woman arranged her hair and her headgear was fitted and adjusted.

"Thank you, Hilary," Samuel said, dismissing the stylist and turned to Dorothea. "I'll just see how far the inspection has gotten." He knew Bella had some nagging worry and thought Dorothea may be best to deal with it at this point. He stepped out of the room but stayed close to the door as he looked down the corridor, spotting the judges a few doors away.

"He can sense something is worrying you," Dorothea said mildly in a questioning tone.

"I hadn't even considered prize money, or that it would be anything but a friendly competition," she continued to chew her lip.

"Whether you do well or not will make no difference to lives of the girls in the competition. What will make a difference is doing your best, being the best you can be and making all those people who love you proud of what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it. Win or lose, if you do your best, no one will ever fault you, least of all for prize money." Dorothea paused, deciding how much to tell her. Bella said nothing but Dorothea could see her thinking.

"It's sad that most of the jealousy and big money is wrapped up in the buying and selling of girls," Dorothea said sadly. "It's not as bad as it seems. The girls get a percentage, and there is a time frame on the contracts. The girls take those contracts willingly, and the Masters tend to stay away from those who look like they are being coerced into such a thing. Jack ensures everything at his show is strictly above board, there isn't usually any bad business here, but it is a chance for some trainers like Binatang to show girls that they have on the market. That's the prize for them, more than the competition itself." She smiled then and gave Bella nudge, "So unless you're thinking about selling yourself to a Middle Eastern prince for a few years, you have nothing to worry about."

Bella blushed but grinned back at Dorothea, "No, I don't think I am going to do that."

"Good," Samuel said from the doorway. "Gentlemen, this way." He led three large men into the room, making it seem over-crowded. Bella straightened nervously and faced the judges. 

"Small even for a show pony," Waleed murmured. 

"Good things come in small packages. I can vouch for this one. If Samuel says she is ready, she is," Hunter chimed in as Ivan ran a hand over her flank.

"She's certainly a pretty pony, and your word is good enough for me," he stamped her upper arm with an approved symbol, and they left the room again.

Bella let out the breath she had been holding and looked at her arm. She had been stamped with the letters P and N. She had prepared the three earliest levels but just as Samuel had said she would not be required to do Preparatory but rather begin in the Preliminary field and move onto the Novice field.

"Would you like to watch the Preparatory field?" Samuel asked, "They will begin the show."

Bella nodded slightly, still unsteady with the weight of her head gear and stamped her foot. Samuel shook out a hooded cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders, effectively concealing her competition tack and attached a lead to her collar. They walked a short distance through the corridors to the arena area and a small alcove area that a few trainers and their ponies stood in. Topaz grinned and immediately nudged her Master so she could stand closer to Bella.

"Not many new girls this season. That makes your girl a rarity, especially as she is not in this round," Ryan murmured to Samuel as Topaz flashed Bella her glittering, almost golden coloured tack. Bella reciprocated, knowing that in the shadow of her cloak her tack would appear basic black and unadorned from that angle.

They watched five girls fumble their way through the basic movements of the preparatory routine and Bella realised why Samuel had not wanted her to compete in this field. Though she was possibly more of a beginner than these girls, she had mastered the basics and no longer fumbled over them as these girls did. She was quietly confident with her first event as well. It was the novice class that she worried about as it was the first truly competitive class, where more than a dozen girls would compete.

"Good luck," Topaz whispered, exposing her shoulder to show one letter, N. Bella smiled her thanks as Samuel lead her toward the warm up area for the next round of competition. From that point on Bella's world went by in a blur of memorised salutations and routine. She concentrated solely on Samuel and the nuances of his body language, how he held the reins and the occasional look of pleasure on his otherwise stoic expression. She had effectively shut out the crowd and any noise they made, instead focusing solely on what she knew she had to do.

After her final salute to the judges, she let the applause of the spectators seep into the bubble she had created around herself. Turning to follow Samuel, she was startled as he stopped and acknowledged the crowd, flicking the reins to indicate a salute. Bella turned to face the crowd and bent to salute them all as the applause went on. Allowing herself a quick glance directly ahead at the crowd, she saw they had stopped before Stephen, Rob and Mark. Her eyes locked with Stephen's for a brief moment, and she saw his pleasure written plainly there. The sight caused a small thrill to travel up her spine, and she gave a half smile before lowering her head again and blushing as Samuel led her from the arena.

They waited in the holding pen for their scores to arrive. There were twelve movements, each of which was scored out of ten and Bella was hoping to get one hundred or more from the judges. It was what she knew she needed to be able to continue in the novice category. Her mind was still on Stephen and the pleasure in his eyes when a score of one hundred and eighteen spun up on the board. She felt relief and once again acknowledged the crowd with a salute, seeing Stephen and Rob slap each other on the back in celebration of her accomplishment.

They remained in the arena as the rest of the field competed. Each time a lower score was posted Samuel would pet her gently and smile softly. The final pony, a leggy brunette with the name Charcoal, who received a near perfect score of one hundred and nineteen, completed the Preliminary class. She took the first place trophy for her owner and trainer, Binatang, leaving Samuel and Bella with second place. 

"Well done, my pet," Samuel spoke excitedly as they re-entered the dressing room to prepare for the next event. Bella was confused. She had done well, but she hadn't won, so she didn't understand his excitement. 

"Ah good, Dorothea you are here," he turned as the old woman entered the dressing room. "Could you, as subtly as possible, go and whisper in either Jack or Hunter's ear that Preliminary one point routine automatically accrues a two-point deduction as pointed out by the ruling body this morning?"

"Ah the subtlety of levels within levels," Dorothea grinned. "It might be wise for the judges to review their scoring and the routines for the next level as well. I think I might go straight to the head of the society, he's an old friend after all, so that none of our friend's interests can be called into question."

"No need," Jack's voice sounded from the doorway where he had appeared behind Dorothea. "It would seem there were several protests made about the scoring of the preliminary round and adjustments have been made accordingly for the overall scores. It is being announced as we speak. I volunteered to inform the new winner of the change in circumstance." Jack stepped in and swooped Bella up off the ground, "Congratulations, little one!" 

"That's one," Samuel told Jack with a wide smile. 

"Yes, it is, but you still have a ways to go," Jack replied with a smile, "I will be cheering for you. This is one bet I will be happy to lose, good luck in the next event."

"Thanks, but we don't need luck. Bella knows her routine to perfection," Samuel said proudly. "Would you mind giving us a few moments alone, please?"

"May I escort you back, dear lady?" Jack offered Dorothea his arm formally. 

"Of course, you may! How often does an old duck like me get to be escorted around by a big handsome Horse Master like you," Dorothea chuckled and took his arm. "Good luck Bella darling, not that you need it." They disappeared out of the room chatting happily.

"How are you feeling?" Samuel tilted her chin up to him so he could look into her eyes. "How are the nerves now?"

Bella smiled and stamped her foot to let him know she was fine. Smiling in return, he rubbed her legs down and spoke to her about her routine before he led her back to the competitors' waiting area. Having just competed, she would be close to last in this lineup, and they stood toward the rear of the competitors' pen, watching as the other ponies went through their routines. Bella watched carefully this time, noting the subtle differences in the routines of the other girls. She had not realised there were degrees of difficulty involved and she wondered about the degree of difficulty associated with her routine.

When her turn came, it was like time slowed down, and each movement became crystal clear in her mind before she had to execute it. She halted exactly six paces in and saluted the judges. The next move required a sashaying walk before lengthening her stride in an exaggerated walk. It all fell into place as she manoeuvred fluidly through the changes to the crosswalk, walking trot, rising trot, and canter. She went back through the manoeuvres as she moved through the patterns of curved and straight lines in her routine. 

When she got to the final salute, she was exhausted. She had known it was a tough routine, but the added anxiety and pressure of the show seemed to add to the energy she spent getting through the routine. She felt the weight of the headgear press down on her and although the applause was loud, she was grateful that Samuel had not made her stop to salute the crowd this time. As they got to the edge of the arena to wait for the scores, she felt Samuel's arm settle on her lower back. Supporting her, he stood close enough to add to that support with his body without making his actions obvious. 

"Stay strong, my pet, it is almost over now," Samuel murmured into her ear as he lowered his head, slightly masking his words.

Bella straightened her stance and pulled her shoulders back, realising that Samuel as always was aware of her condition and would take her to rest as soon as possible. The scores spun up on the board, and she heard the big cheer. She found it difficult to focus on the numbers with the pressure of the headgear giving her a dull ache that seemed to lodge itself behind her eyes. Smiling and saluting the crowd from her position in the competitors' pen, she tried not to wobble in the hooved heels.




Possessing Bella Ch. 19



After what seemed like a lifetime to the now wilting Bella, Samuel led her back to the dressing room and closed the door. Bella immediately sagged, and Samuel helped her to a couch and began to release the head gear. Dorothea appeared shortly after with barley sugar, which she pushed into Bella's mouth.

"Suck on this sweet girl. It's no wonder you started to wilt. You have barely eaten anything in the last two days," She clicked her tongue disapprovingly. Her disapproval was not so much at Bella as at Samuel and herself, who had not thought to make sure she had something in the small break between events.

Once the headgear was removed, Bella felt an almost immediate easing of the ache she had felt in her head and behind her eyes. The barley sugar was settling her stomach, and she felt suddenly embarrassed that she had wilted so obviously in front of the crowd.

"I can see you are feeling better already," Dorothea smiled. "You will bring her back out to watch the rest of the show soon," she said meaningfully to Samuel, who nodded. The colour had come back into Bella's face, but he knew until they saw for themselves, Rob and Stephen would be worried. Jack particularly had been concerned that everything went smoothly during her stay here, and he berated himself for not taking the time during the break to ensure she had water and sugar rather than asking about her nerves. 

"When you're ready," Samuel said softly as he knelt beside her and began massaging her legs, "We will need to go back out and watch the rest of the show. I should have made sure you ate more at the breakfast this morning," he said in an apologetic tone. The truth was he couldn't remember if she had eaten at all. He had always had Dusty to watch over her meals until this morning. Once again he berated himself for complacency, Bella was such a sweet and obedient girl that he had let his guard slip as he would with a far more experienced girl.

"Come," he said softly, "I will take you to Rob and Stephen and then find you some decent food." Jack would be busy with the organisation of the show, and he felt he needed a minute to himself. He needed to think about how he had come to the point of putting a girl in his care at risk like this for the sake of proving he was still the best trainer in this society.

"You truly are the most exquisite creature. I am so very proud of you," Samuel bent to kiss her and led her from the room.

*****

Bella had endured the scrutiny and worried looks from Rob and Stephen before being taken back to the main house and the relative quiet of the kitchen. 

"The caterers have set up a wonderful kitchen out near the banquet hall," Samuel explained as he walked around the kitchen with confidence. "Ah good," he smiled, lifting a tray of leftover lasagne from the refrigerator, "This will do nicely. You need something to sustain you. I imagine the rest of the day will be quite busy. You have outdone everyone's expectations. I get the feeling though that you are often underestimated, in my case though I overestimated you and trusted you to eat properly this morning without my scrutiny."

Bella dropped her head in shame that she hadn't eaten at breakfast, but she had been so anxious about the show that the last thing she had wanted was food. She could see how foolish it was not to have forced down a little bit. She hated that she had let Samuel down despite her performance in the arena.

"You are a wonderful girl and usually so attentive to my expectations that I forget you are still so new to this lifestyle. It is quite easy to get carried away with you, my pet," he said sadly. "Such a sweet young girl, I can see now that you require more care than I had thought. Ponies and pets to some level tend to have an independent streak and can tell their masters what it is they need if necessary. You, I think, struggle with that as yet," he smiled softly, speaking as if to himself as he reheated servings of the pasta for both of them. 

"As much as Jack would wish it. I don't believe this is the lifestyle best suited to you," he said after long moments of silence while he placed the food on the bench and went to sit beside her. "I adore you, I have relished every moment of your submission, and it pains me to admit that I can't give you the type of care that you need. Eat, my pet, and then we will go and celebrate the triumph of our time together." Bella needed a more nurturing man than he and that fact saddened him. He adored her, lusted after her, and wished fervently at that moment she was as in tune with her own needs as she was with his. 

Bella felt the rejection keenly, and she knew that not eating breakfast had been a bigger mistake than she had thought possible. While Billie and Hunter had never mentioned collaring her when she was ready, they had left the door open to explore further with them should she want that type of relationship. She was glad she could not speak because she didn't know what she could say to make it better, or even if she wanted to make it better now. The idea that she had let him down so badly by becoming faint at the end of her performance crushed her inside, and she felt as if she should beg for forgiveness. She could feel tears burning behind her eyes that she had failed on some core level, and it took the shine off the celebrations he suggested.

They ate silently, lost in their thoughts, and Samuel quietly picked up their plates, putting them into the sink. They walked quietly back to her suite, and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

"I adore you, my pet. You are the most delightful girl I have ever had the pleasure of training. Use the bathroom while you can. I doubt you will have much time to yourself once the celebrations begin," Samuel said softly, releasing her. He continued to talk from the doorway as she disappeared into the bathroom.

"You belong to me until I hand you back to Stephen in the morning, and I intend to make the most of our last evening together," he grinned at her. "I am proud beyond words of what you have accomplished in such a short time and that you wear my collar if only for one more day." He gathered her lead as she returned to him and tilted her chin up to look into her eyes. "You have no idea how much I wish it could be longer, so let's make this evening a night to remember for always."

Bella gave a half smile. The crushing guilt and sadness she felt at letting this man down had been eased somewhat by his words and she would do her best to make him proud for the remainder of her time with him. Leaving the suite, they were accosted by Jyace in the corridor. 

"Still pandering to the spoilt filly?" he said with a fake sounding chuckle. "Binatang sent me to find you like some errand boy."

"Why does he want to see me?" Samuel asked, ignoring the initial comment. "Is one of his fillies injured?"

""There is nothing in his stable that I couldn't handle," he replied indignantly. "I believe he plans on buying that small one," his voice held distaste, and he peered at Bella critically. "I have watched all week, and there is nothing so special about that one to cause the interest she has generated here."

"That is because you do not see properly," Samuel replied easily. 

"Oh, I see that a spoilt brat is being pandered to here. I can't however work out why. Binatang has at least half a dozen better trained, better looking and better at knowing their place," Jyace continued with his disparaging tone.

"That my friend is why you will never be a full member of this society," Samuel said with a smile. Bella could feel him tense beside her and became tense herself with her shock at the confrontational words. The blow took them both by surprise. He sucker-punched Samuel, without warning. Samuel went down in a heap, the blow rendering him temporarily unconscious. He hit him twice more while he was on the ground, then hoisted the stunned Bella to his shoulder and began walking towards the rear exit of the house. 

"No!" she screamed. He held her legs tightly and expertly, and with her hands still chained to her waist there was she little she could do but scream. Although it was rare at events like this, it was not unusual for girls to be punished. The few people who were not attending the show looked in their direction, but on seeing her unharmed they continued on their way.

"You have no idea what you have done!" Bella yelled. "I may be a spoilt brat but do you have any idea who will come after you when they realise I am missing? Not even Binatang is that dumb," she yelled in fear. "You can't possibly be this stupid!"

"You're a girl who can be bought and sold as easily as a real pony at the marketplace. Binatang will pay a fair price, and you will get your share slut. Be thankful someone like him is willing to pay for a scrawny girl who isn't even strong enough to compete with the likes of the true champions here," he growled at her. "I am sure Binatang will have no problem if I deliver you slightly damaged, so shut up, or you will regret it."

She knew they were in the corridors surrounding the arena by the noise of the crowd that was becoming louder with every step. She began to yell and scream again but suddenly she was dumped unceremoniously to the floor, and he slapped her face hard, "I said shut up!" He raised his hand again but was stopped short.

"Hit that girl again and you will be charged with assault," Binatang said coldly from behind where Bella lay sprawled on the floor. "Where is Samuel?" 

"Sleeping off the shots he took," Jyace said warily, unsure of himself now and allowing Bella to half sit and turn her tear stained face to Binatang.

"He beat him badly and brought me here," Bella said desperately, fear and dread clearly showing on her face.

"Go and get Rob Collins," Binatang said to the girl in the dressing room with him. "Remain calm and ask an official if you are unsure which is him, tell him Bella wishes to speak with him. Do not express why." He turned back to Bella, "Where is Samuel now?"

"He was in the corridor in the... east wing of the house," Bella said less fearful after hearing Binatang send for Rob. 

"See to him," Binatang spoke to a large man who had been standing with the young pony. He helped Bella to the couch and touched her cheek, brushing the tears away. "Trust me, I mean you no harm. I wished only to congratulate you and give you a gift of sorts." He saw her visibly relax and offered her a handkerchief from his suit pocket as he pulled out his vibrating phone. After a brief conversation, he looked up at Jyace and back at Bella. 

"An ambulance has been called for Samuel," Binatang shook his head sadly, and Bella gasped. 

"He deserved it with his holier than thou attitude. He provoked me," Jyace said without remorse.

"How can you not know what you have done and tried to make me a part of?" Binatang said harshly. "There is no place within my organisation for such ineptitude."

"What?" Jyace was confused as to what had gone wrong for him. "Samuel deserved being taken down a peg or two. You had said so yourself and that..." he pointed at Bella as his voice rose in anger tinged with fear, "She is just a girl that Jack bet Samuel he couldn't train to be a champion in two weeks. There are twenty more out there who are more desirable than this spoilt brat."

"I assure you she's far more than just a girl," Rob took in the room at a glance and descended on Jyace. "What have you done to her?" his tone was as threatening as his sheer size in the small room.

"What's it to you, old man," Jyace bit back, though his bravado was all show at this point as his head tried to wrap around everyone's reactions. He had kissed the ass of the right people to get this far, and he felt like he was on the verge of losing it all without understanding why. It had taken time within Binatang's organisation to prove himself of being mentored as a pony trainer, using his veterinarian degree to move through the ranks quickly. The internship here was part of that mentorship. Unlike Binatang though Samuel was weak in Jyace's eyes, and he had little respect for the man and his talents.

"That girl is my ward, and should one hair on her head be harmed I am not the only person who will hunt you down like a stray dog," Rob said through gritted teeth. "Do not move from this spot or you will regret it, I promise you." He went to Bella then and scooped her up into his arms, holding her close as she dissolved into tears.

"They've called an ambulance for Samuel, I need to go and see him, please Master Rob," Bella cried.

"Yes, I think we should all go and check on him, little brat," he looked meaningfully over Bella's shoulder to Binatang, who nodded in acknowledgment. 

They left as discreetly as possible so as not to interrupt the show that was about to break for lunch in the large marquis beside the arena stadium. Carrying Bella, Rob led the way up to the house and into Jack's den. 

Bella immediately went to Samuel, who was now awake and sitting up. Each looked relieved to see that the other was safe. One of the guests, a doctor, was in attendance and was giving instructions, so Bella sat beside his chair silently listening as she looked at the large bruises forming on his face and head. She was oblivious to the other men around her as she waited to be able to apologise.

"Jack, it's good you're here," Rob said still seething. "It's best you do the investigation with Binatang. I imagine Jyace will be withdrawing his application to the society." Despite his anger, he turned to Binatang, "You and I don't often see eye to eye, but I thank you for alerting me so quickly. Next time, you are at the club we will talk properly." Rob stepped to the side and pulled out his phone while keeping an eye on Bella, leaving Binatang to fill Jack in on what he knew, and called Stephen.

The use of old school brass knuckles by Jyace, who it seemed had been waiting for an opportunity to attack Samuel, ensured that there was sufficient damage done for the injured man to be airlifted to the hospital. Jyace was restrained and placed in a cage where he would be kept until he could be taken to the authorities the following day and charged with assault before being flown back to Singapore.

Bella was beside herself with grief and guilt over her part in the conflict and even though she had been told several times that the attack would have occurred regardless of her presence, she remained morose. As the group began to head back to the arena where the show had been delayed after lunch with the absence of both Jack and Binatang, Stephen decided to take matters into his own hands with Bella. He told Rob that he would take her to clean up and calm down and meet him back at the arena. 

Without giving Rob time to reply, he took Bella's lead and led her from the room. Walking with long strides, he approached her suite. He closed the door loudly behind them. Pulling her with him, he sat and bent her over his lap. Spanking her hard, he began to talk.

"How dare you not look after yourself here!" he raged at her. "You have lost weight, you almost fainted after your second event, which from what I could see last evening and again this morning means that you have not been eating properly." He had been upset at not being able to be near her and touch her during his time here, and now this drama had almost undone him. 

"I love you! I try to trust you to look after yourself. Obviously you can't do that alone, no matter how much you protest that you can," his voice was hard as if she had hurt him deeply with her actions. He pushed her from his lap, and she scrambled to kneel up before him. She watched as he reached inside his shirt and drew out the crossed sword pendant that was his crest and remove it from the chain around his neck.

"Samuel has asked me to stand in his stead in his absence, so you will wear this. You will stay by my side for the rest of your time here," his rolling bass voice was abrupt, putting off any arguments she may offer. "Do not think this is the end of this conversation by any means Bella, you will learn that no matter how much you want your freedom sometimes there have to be limitations for your own good." He waited for her to answer him, and when she said nothing he realised his error. "I am not a Horse Master. When I speak, you will answer me," he ordered.

"Yes, Master," her voice was small and trembling but his heart sang, she had used Master once more to address him. He pushed together the ends of the small ring that held his pendant to her tack collar and sat back satisfied. She was back where she belonged, at his feet and following his command.

"We will return to the arena but tonight we will revisit your lack of regard for your health and well-being," Stephen stood and pulled her to her feet. He leaned down to kiss her tentatively, unsure of the reception his kiss would get at this moment. When she kissed him back however, he pulled her tightly against his body and groaned in pleasure.

Trapped in the nightmare of knowing Samuel was lying in a hospital as Mel once had because of her relationship with him, Bella responded to Stephen on automatic pilot. He was right, everything that had gone wrong today had stemmed from her lack of judgement. 

*****

The afternoon had been long for Bella as she once again sat between Stephen and Rob in the arena crowd. Her thoughts were dark and, as she watched the performers and the cheering crowd, she did her best to push those thoughts into a dark corner her mind and smile cheerily with the rest of the crowd. Dusty performed beautifully for Jack and won her class. It was as the final Show Champions trophies were being announced that Rob placed his phone in her hand. Looking at the screen, she saw Samuel's face on Skype. 

"I am here with you to see you get the trophy," his voice was clear and confident. "You did nothing wrong today. Nothing. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master," Bella replied, the relief of seeing him in a room without the tubes and machines in the room her mind had conjured for her.

"I have a concussion, that is all, no need to worry about me. I will return tomorrow and see you before you leave for the city." He gave a sad smile. "I wish I could be with you tonight, but the doctor insists on rest before making the journey back home." 

"I am glad," Bella replied softly with a genuine smile of relief. She handed the phone back to Rob at Samuel's request, and they spoke quietly, waiting for the announcement of the Champions trophies.

She felt reassured after seeing Samuel that he would be well cared for and recover from his injuries without any long-term effects. Her thoughts stayed with him though as she sat with Rob and Stephen. He had been right when he had spoken to her before all the drama occurred. This was not the lifestyle for her nor was he the right Master. She had enjoyed her time with him, though. She wished that she could find that balance between the freedom she desired and the protectiveness others felt for her.

Bella was lost in thought when Dusty's name was announced for show champion and, although she cheered, she felt badly for Samuel as she had known that this was the prize he had wanted. She once again berated herself for not taking care to eat enough. Lost in the dark thoughts again, she missed the following announcement of an additional best in show award. It was the first time a new performer had attained a perfect score in any event.

Jack walked to the edge of the arena and took the lead from Stephen, walking Bella out to stand beside Dusty as the announcer explained that Samuel had left to attend to an emergency. Bella blushed and smiled as she was paraded around the arena and returned to Stephen, who had stood unmoving from where he had handed her over. With the ceremonies done, the Grand Ball would begin shortly in the banquet room for all participants and their trainers. Bella hoped she would have time to rest a little before having to attend the ball.




Possessing Bella Ch. 19



"There is special tack for tonight," Dorothea said to Stephen. "I will come and help you." It was a statement, knowing Stephen would defer to her if she pressed the point.

Bella had not seen Dorothea for hours and wondered where she had been, so she happily followed them back to her suite. Stephen's mood had not improved over the last several hours and, once they were in the relative privacy of her suite, Dorothea turned on him. She drew her small frame up and took on the commanding tone she used when unimpressed with any of her boys, as she thought of the small group of men who were a large part of her life since her husband's death.

"It wasn't her fault this time, nor was it Samuel's, so you can stop acting like some overbearing buffoon," she said sternly.

"There will always be men like that at these big events. I do not blame her or even Samuel, though he should have known better in some ways," Stephen said, frustration clear in his voice. "No one wants to stop her living her life, but she dismisses all the dangers as if they don't exist when clearly they do." 

"Events like this as you say bring in a wide variety of people who often do not socialise in the same circle as we do," Dorothea said slowly. "I will agree that extra precautions at big events should be taken from now on. You don't have to stand over her like some great man mountain and stop her from celebrating her triumph here, though."

"If only it were that simple," he said, relaxing slightly and turning to face Bella. "Until you understand and accept that there will always be dangers for you, these things will continue to happen."

"They said it wasn't my fault," Bella whispered. "That he would have attacked Samuel regardless of whether I was there or not." Tears filled her eyes as she once again felt the guilt of what happened to Samuel coming to rest on her shoulders.

"That is not what I meant," Stephen shook his head. "It's true Jyace would have eventually attacked Samuel because he resented the way in which all the Masters here sought out his expertise. My concern is that he did not know who you were or your value to those who love you. He saw you only as a pony girl, property to be traded amongst men with enough power and money to pay for another human being." His voice held disgust. 

"Let me help her dress for the ball," Dorothea interrupted his tirade, seeing Bella's distress at his onslaught. "She will be expected at the Champions table."

"I do understand," Bella said softly, "I would never have strayed away from Samuel here. I will never go to the club uncollared again. I understand that in the lifestyle I will always need some protection from people who do not know me or flout the protocols. I am sorry I worried you yet again." Her voice was sad, but she looked up at him with a sincere expression when she spoke. 

"Go and get dressed for the ball," Stephen grunted and went to sit in a chair to wait for them. He knew it wasn't her fault and yet his blood had turned to ice in his veins when he had received the call from Rob. He had been too compromising with her of late. It was time to take back the power she had over him and put in place a strict set of boundaries. Now that her training was over, she needed to stop gallivanting all over the place and stumbling into these situations. She was young, beautiful and wealthy. In the vanilla world that made her a target, adding to that her submissive nature, he shook his head. He knew too many men who would want to take advantage of her, the sooner he made his position clear with her the better.

He was well respected within their social circles. Thanks to hard work, a generous bequest from Mel and the sudden appearance of a mysterious benefactor to the Knights of the Cross charity he was certainly in a good position financially. He could offer her a lifestyle on par with what she was used to, without her ever having to worry about touching her own wealth, which she could invest in her business ventures. He could see their future together so clearly. He just had to make her see it now that she was free. He realised he was going over this again as much to convince himself that he was worthy of her than to justify why she should accept him over anyone else.

When she entered the room, he looked up, and his breath caught. She wore a body stocking that shimmered with the glittering dust of emeralds and gold. Small delicate gold pasties held her nipples erect and pushing at the thin fabric that was held in place by a finely wrought gold and emerald harness. The only concession made to being a dress was a panel of the same shimmering material that hung from the front of the harness just above her mons and fell to the floor at her feet.

Though it had the overall appearance of pony tack, it looked almost fragile as it framed her contours. She turned for him to inspect her and he noted the carefully plaited tail that seemed to highlight the heart-like shape of her ass. Even the specially made shoes were perfect, making her legs seem longer. Stephen noted with satisfaction that Dorothea had added his pendant to the starburst collar, and it was evident who she belonged to this night.

"You look exactly as a champion pony should," Stephen said finally after his initial reaction and inspection. "You are as beautiful as always, little one." He stepped forward, lifting her chin to kiss her gently and smiled. 

Bella thought he would say more, but he stepped back and addressed Dorothea," Would you like us to escort you to your room to change?" Stephen asked solicitously. 

"Oh no, I can find my way, nobody notices an old lady's comings and goings at these things," she chuckled. "I will be along in a few moments and, Sir Stephen," she paused. "You may want to thank Binatang for righting the situation earlier. It could have gone very differently if he hadn't alerted us all," she said meaningfully. "I think perhaps we have judged him too harshly in light of recent events."

Stephen nodded and grunted his acknowledgement of her words. Though he did not approve of some of the darker kinks Binatang indulged in; he had to admit that the man had never crossed the line with a girl that did not wear his collar. They perhaps would never be friends, but he did owe him gratitude for his handling of the situation.

They left the room, parting ways in the living room as Bella and Stephen carried on to the large red barn that had been transformed into the banquet hall. The horseshoe shape of the tables that had filled the large space that morning was gone now. One end of the hall was taken by large round tables while a dance floor and bandstand took up most of the remaining space now. Stephen guided Bella to the buffet table and encouraged her to eat before more people arrived, and she became too busy receiving congratulations to think about it.

Bella looked at him dubiously but did as he said, filling a plate with salad and fresh fruit before sitting to eat with Topaz, who had waved them over. Stephen smiled, seeing the exuberant young girl waving in their direction and seeing Bella wave in answer, had guided them to that table. He liked that she made friends so easily with other girls. So many of the girls at the club were competitive, and that seemed to take their bitchiness to the next level.

"Oh my God, oh my God! You did so well! I can't believe you won three trophies," Topaz hugged Bella enthusiastically. "Sit beside me, it's such a shame Master Samuel had to leave, lucky there was someone to look after you for him," she said, eyeing Stephen speculatively.

"Stephen," he introduced himself to Ryan, holding out his hand in greeting.

"Ryan, nice to meet you properly," he said with a smile. "I've been to the club once or twice and have seen you there but never been able to catch you when you weren't working before."

"It's always a busy night at the club," Stephen agreed. "You and your girl should come and have dinner with Bella and me sometime."

"I'm not a member. We don't get down to the city very often. Jack usually signs me in if I happen to be in the city for business with him," Ryan kept up the easy conversation. "I thought this must be Bella, though I wasn't sure until just now. Samuel introduced her by her competition name this morning."

"Oh gosh, you're that girl, the one who was in that shooting last year," Topaz looked stunned and then impulsively hugged Bella to her. "We went to the wake at the pony club, but you weren't there, I am so glad you are recovering so well."

"There was a wake?" Bella asked softly, her face creasing into a frown as she tried to remember. 

"Jack had one here for members of the society," Topaz suddenly regretted saying anything. "It probably wasn't anything official."

"There were several as I remember it," Stephen said, placing a hand on Bella's back, supporting her. "A lot of people were upset by what happened," the time for sweeping it away had passed. Bella would have to face conversations like this more and more now that she was becoming a public figure.

"I'm sorry," Bella said quietly, "I didn't know. It took me a while to even think about it clearly. It's still so..."

"Not another word," Topaz stopped her. "Tonight is for celebrating, and we are going to have some fun! I can't wait to dance. I hope it's the same band as last year."

The crowd began to thicken, and they were joined at their table by Rob and Dorothea, who took the last seats. The conversation was loud and cheerful as everyone relaxed into the atmosphere of the evening. Bella was visited by many people who wished to congratulate her, including Binatang and Charcoal.

"My sincere apologies, my dear," Binatang said after making his way to her. "I had assumed Jyace understood my instructions properly. It is being taken care of, and you need have no more concerns about him. May I introduce my girl, Charcoal?"

"Why don't we let them introduce themselves," Stephen said, standing beside Binatang and offering Charcoal his chair.

"You may sit," Binatang said with a forced smile as the girl hesitated to take the offered seat.

"It's nice to meet you," Bella said to the dark-eyed girl. "You were beautiful in the arena today, and deserved to win." 

"Yes, I did. I did not though, you did," Charcoal said haughtily. "I don't see what the big deal is about you," she looked over her shoulder as she spoke in a whisper. "You're too short and too weak. Your Master must be friends with those judges."

Bella choked on her drink, surrounded by friends, this was not what she had expected but as she looked around the table for help, she could see that nobody had overheard the accusations.

"It is because you cheat I must be punished," Charcoal said harshly. "My Master makes me meet you to see what true slave is and learn humility, but I only see small, weak girl who did not deserve my trophy."

"I believe this girl requires punishment," Stephen said loudly, looking down on them both, showing that he was well aware of Bella's situation.

"Doubly so now," Binatang agreed. "It is bad to be so ungracious. She can share the cell with Jyace until we leave. I am sure he has some frustrations to work out." 

"No, Master, please, I will not," Charcoal's almond eyes flashed with barely contained rage as she begged not to be caged with Jyace. 

"Perhaps you are right," Binatang smiled widely, "There is another punishment fit for you." He looked toward where the judges sat, "If you speak again there will be no choice in the matter at all." He turned toward Bella, "My apologies, my dear, I had expected better behaviour but she is a wild beast, and I overestimated my training with her. If you will excuse me," he gave a slight bow to Stephen and walked away, followed by the now silent Charcoal.

"Finding trouble again, I see, little brat?" Rob laughed.

"You know I don't find it, it finds me, Master Rob," Bella said softly, but a playful smile appeared on her lips, making Rob laugh all the more.

"You know there was no truth to her words. Samuel and Jack were very careful to guard your identity, even Jyace did not know," Stephen said softly as he took his seat.

"Yes, Master," Bella said. "It doesn't matter much now as I won't be competing again." She said it as if it was a foregone conclusion, and she enjoyed the look of momentary surprise that showed on Stephen's face. Even a month ago she might have been upset by Charcoal's words, but she knew that Samuel had worked hard to make her show ready. It was his trophy more than hers. He had made it possible for her to be in a position to win with the training he had given her. She felt sad that he had not been able to be here to enjoy this evening with her.

"You did not enjoy your time here?" Stephen asked quietly, concern in his voice that the incident with Charcoal had hurt her more than it seemed.

"I enjoyed it a lot," Bella said quickly, then lowered her voice to a whisper. "Master Samuel and I spoke after my events. We agreed that this was not the lifestyle for me." There was no need to extend her explanation. She knew it would be enough for Stephen to know she would return to her life in the city without regret.

The band began to play, and people mingled around the tables even more. Stephen stayed by Bella's side, even waiting near the bathrooms as she went inside or beside the dance floor as she danced with Topaz and a few of the other girls. Anytime another man approached her, she could see Stephen watching and ensuring they meant her no harm.

Bella was exhausted and though she tried not to let it show, Stephen eventually stepped in to suggest that they think about retiring early as she had begun to look worn. Putting her hand to her face, she worried that perhaps her hair or makeup had deteriorated but he smiled.

"It has been a long day, and your energy is starting to fade, you still look beautiful, little one," he said softly. Wrapping his arms around her, he leaned down to her ear, "There is no shame in admitting you need to rest." 

"Yes, Master," Bella said, admitting that she was exhausted despite the party atmosphere she was enjoying.

"I am thinking the same for that wicked, old woman over there flirting with Ivan," Stephen chuckled, indicating Dorothea. 

"Why don't you ask her to dance while I say goodnight to Master Rob and Jack and Dusty," Bella suggested with a smile. His reaction to her earlier when they were alone made her feel anxious about returning to her suite with him.

"I will be back shortly to walk you to your rooms," Stephen said, leaving her with Rob and Jack, and seeking out Dorothea.

"I'm afraid this one is not for sale, Ivan," Stephen said, walking up behind the giggling Dorothea.

"A woman with such experience would be a delicacy in my country," Ivan argued, "I would pay highly for such a jewel."

"Ah but she is priceless, my friend," Stephen said easily, "We are lucky indeed when she comes to shine in our presence. May I have this dance, dear lady?"

"How could I resist such a gallant request," Dorothea fluttered her eyelashes girlishly and took his arm.

Bella had watched the exchange from her table and smiled. She couldn't imagine her life without Dorothea in it. The woman epitomised everything Bella wished she could be in the years to come. She was poised, dignified and respected, while still being girlishly flirtatious and beloved of so many strong and powerful men. Returning her attention to the table, she leaned into Rob's side, feeling his arm snake around her back and ribs, pulling her closer.

"Getting tired, little brat?" Rob said into her hair.

"I'm afraid so. I would love to stay longer, but I think my energy is just about spent," she whispered, looking up at him. 

"Would you like me to take you to bed?" Rob asked.

"There was a time when that is exactly what I wanted," Bella giggled, teasing at the play on words. "Not tonight though, I am already exhausted. Thank you, Master," she grinned at the look of surprise on his face and reached up to stroke his cheek. "Stay and enjoy the party, Stephen is just ensuring Dorothea isn't overdoing it before he walks me back to my room. No need for you both to miss out on the party because of me."

"I wouldn't have minded at all. I love you," Rob said simply, his heart breaking just a little bit more with her teasing. He almost insisted but realised this was not the time or the place to discuss his true feelings. He wondered if there would ever be a right time or place, or if it was better to let her go to another and maintain the relationship they had as best as possible.

Rob held her close as she made her apologies and congratulations to Jack and Dusty, enjoying the warmth and feel of her softness against him. All too soon Stephen arrived to take her back to her rooms, and he watched them go, his thoughts and emotions still churning.

Dorothea could see the turmoil in Rob and she considered the situation. As a rule, she didn't like to meddle too much in the affairs of Masters but she had been invited into this affair by Bella and the Masters who loved her. Perhaps it was time to stop just listening and asking questions to make them all think about possibilities and consequences of their actions and speak her mind.

"Come dance with me while I still have a little energy left, Mater Rob." It was a statement rather than a question, and he dutifully rose to his feet and guided her onto the dance floor.

*****

The intricately delicate body harness was difficult for Stephen to help remove as Bella undressed. He became frustrated with the tiny bejewelled buckles. 

"It will be good to have you home where things are not so complicated," he growled.

"Back to normal clothes with many layers and shoes with heels," Bela laughed lightly. "I must admit I won't miss the head gear." The harness and accessories finally fell free of her body. "I would very much like to shower before going to bed, please," she asked hopefully, unsure if she would still face the punishment he had threatened earlier in the day.

"I think that is wise," Stephen agreed, his arm rising in the direction of the bathroom as if giving her directions. He watched as she walked and started pulling the body stocking from her shoulders. Shrugging out of his coat and tie, he shed his clothes, listening to the water begin to run in the other room and imagining her discarding the last piece of clothing. After the last week of waiting and worry, he desperately needed to connect with her on a physical level. He knew she was exhausted, but his desire was such that although he may not be able to use her as he otherwise might, even light play would go a long way to assuaging his need.

Bella was surprised when he stepped into the shower with her, his taller muscled body spraying the water into her face and soaking her hair. Turning her face up to his, he bent to give her one of those deep, leg popping, tingle inducing kisses that had been missing from her life recently. His arms wrapped around her tightly as he kissed her, and she felt as if she was melting under his intensity.

While the water streamed over them, his hand began to work on the tired and aching muscles in her back. Bending low, he continued to rain kisses and little nibbles on her lips and jawline, extending down the side of her neck to the collarbone. Bella began to stroke his back gently, and he kissed her again with deep passion, their tongues entwining in a sensual dance. His hand ran down to cup her ass and lift her slightly, the kiss deepening and becoming a little more urgent.

Bella draped her hand over his shoulders more easily and let her fingers wind into and caress the hair at the nape of his neck. His lips once again skimmed down her throat to bite gently at the hollow where it met her shoulder. Her breathing quickened, and she let out a small purr as his mouth continued down her shoulder line.




Possessing Bella Ch. 19



"I need you," he groaned, placing her back on her feet and guiding her hand to his hard cock. It was an admission of weakness he could make to no other, but here with this woman, the words were humiliatingly true. Her fingers dancing erotically around his shaft and over the head of his cock, making him groan and bite into her shoulder again. 

Bella whimpered softly, her hand still working the turgid flesh with delicate movements as he kissed her again, possessing her mouth. The kiss seemed to last a lifetime, his hands exploring her body, one caressing and teasing at breast and nipple while the other delved between her legs to part the lips of her cunt. She shivered as if jolted as his fingers pressed against her clit briefly. She lifted her free hand to cup his heavy balls as she continued to slide the other along his hard shaft. Unrelenting in his possession of her mouth, she mewled when his fingers entered her and began pumping, his thumb firmly against her clit. 

Stephen savoured the sound she made and the feeling of her small body against his. Not wanting to peak too soon, he pushed her gently back against the wall of the shower and with his free hand raised her hands above her head, leaving his cock to press against her belly. He stared down into her eyes as she edged closer to the edge of her climax. 

"Please. Master," she panted in staccato, "Please. May. I. Cum. Master." Her voice as shaky as her legs had become.

"No," he said simply and pulled his hand away, enjoying her sob of disbelief. 

She drew a deep breath, trying to stem the tide of need she felt and looked up at him, her eyes glazed with need. She watched as he smirked at her and lifted his hands to her breasts. Palming them roughly and narrowing his focus until he caught the nipples between fingers and thumb.

"I have given into your demands, your needs and your wants too much over the last few months. It is time a Master took you back in hand and reminded you of your place. I am not Rob or Charles, who will give into your little girl ways, nor am I a new Master, who must get to know your needs and wants." He twisted her nipples then, making her cry out. "I know exactly what you need, I know your talents and charms and I also know your failings and foibles. I know you, Bella," he said harshly. "I need you, and I want you, but I won't share you and I won't wait forever for you to realise that." His mouth descended upon hers, claiming another cry of pain as he twisted her nipples cruelly.

Bella's brain exploded with the intensity of his words and the pain that combined to push her over the edge, and she came hard, her knees buckling as spasms shook her. Only with Mel had she ever come like that, heat, pain and the intensity of his words. Stephen let her slide slowly to the floor, shocked that his words combined with her heat and pain had elicited such a reaction in her. He stood looking down on her, shielding her from the spray of the shower which rained down his back. Watching her and considering what had just occurred, he was surprised to see her recover enough to kneel up and reach out for his cock.

Wanting nothing more than to please the man before her now, she went through her ritual of greeting his cock with kisses before parting her lips and snaking her tongue out around the head alone. His groan of pleasure sang in her ears, and she spent long moments licking, kissing, and nibbling at the shaft before returning to suck the head of his cock into her mouth. She loved the feel of hot flesh on her tongue, and she began working up and down the shaft, taking more and more of him into the warm cavern of her mouth. Feeling him bump against the back of her throat, she moaned, letting the vibrations run through him.

She was rewarded with the feeling of his hands tangling in her hair and the slight pump of his hips that told her that he needed more from her. Her hand went up to massage the huge heavy balls hanging below, and she swallowed around the tip of his cock, easing its way deeper into her. Feeling the portal opening to him, he tightened his grip on her hair and began to pump into her mouth. The suctioning gurgle of the movements were accompanied by his deep groans and he closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations of fucking her mouth.

It was too soon Stephen realised. This night was about his reclaiming of her, and he did not want to finish like this tonight. He pulled from her mouth and took a half step back breathing hard. Long strands of spittle hung heavily between his cock and her still open lips, and he had to gird himself against the need he had to plunge his cock back between the soft pink opening of her mouth. Leaning forward, she flicked her tongue at his balls, bending her head to be directly under them as they hung beneath his rock hard cock.

It was too much for Stephen, and he drove his fingers back into her hair and pulled her upright, claiming her cries with deep plundering kisses. In a swift movement, he moved his hands to her ass and picked her up, impaling her on his shaft without ever breaking the kiss. He swallowed each noise she made as if hungry for her cries of pain and pleasure. He moved in little thrusts as his fingers delved between her cheeks to the dark star of her anus.

Balancing with some difficulty, he reached out blindly for the soap dish and covered his hand before returning it to her ass. He felt her using her arms and thigh muscles to fuck him as he played with her ass, readying it for his final assault on her body. Her mewls and cries echoed in the bathroom as he slipped first one then two fingers into her tightest hole, feeling his cock through the thin membrane and the added sensations his fingers gave him.

He gritted his teeth against his growing climax and lifted her from his cock, turning her and bending her forward to grip the edge of the small shower seat. Slapping her ass hard and receiving her answering squeal, he pumped his cock several times with a soapy hand before directing it at its target. Slapping her ass again and leaving a large red handprint, he parted her cheeks and pushed the head of his cock into her.

"Fuck!" he groaned the drawn out word in a rumbling bass counterpoint to her high-pitched cries. He continued to force more and more inside her until his balls rested against her hot sticky cunt. "Fuck," he groaned again as he pulled out to ram back inside her. He could feel her trembling already. "Such a fucking hot pain slut," he groaned, knowing he could not hold out very long as he began to fuck her hard and fast. His hands went to rest on her breasts gripping them hard, making her cry even harder at his treatment of her body. 

Bella could feel it coming long before it hit her. She was floating on pure endorphins when her body started to almost convulse with the strength of her orgasm. Pain and pleasure melded but it was more than that, her mind was lost in the sensations, and she couldn't question why or how, just that it was more.

The body he held so tightly as he came went slack beneath him. While she still twitched and jerked, he knew she had passed out, and he worried he had pushed her too hard after such an exhausting day. Despite his own trembling limbs, he picked her up and strode from the shower, grabbing a towel on his way and laid her on the comforter of the bed. Drying her quickly, he wrapped the towel around his waist and stroked her face. She was out cold, but her breathing was no longer ragged, and her body had ceased its twitching spasms.

Returning to the bathroom to shut off the shower, he dried himself properly and, rearranging the covers, he placed Bella into bed, sliding in beside her. Lying on his back, he pulled her to his side, wrapping his arms around her and listening to her breathing. Tonight was the first step in making her realise she belong to him, and the sooner she came to terms with that, the better for everyone. He knew it would not be so simple, but he had been serious when he had spoken earlier. He did not like to share her and would not wait forever for her to realise they were meant to be.



Possessing Bella Ch. 20



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. I apologise for the longer than usual waiting time between chapters. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to my second set of eyes, she is a great friend to help me out so much. Thank you also to Margret who also looked over this chapter for me. I hope you enjoy it. ~ellie

*****

Possessing Bella Ch. 20

During the week following Bella's return to the city, she had done little but work and sleep. While she had accomplished a great deal at the company, she had begun to feel isolated at home in her apartment. She had been understandably exhausted upon her return and though they were a constant presence, the men in her life made no demands on her time in the evenings after dinner. The coming weekend would be different though and in a small way she was grateful for the time she had been given to rest after returning from the ranch.

"Bella," Andrew interrupted her daydreaming, bringing her back to the matter at hand. "You haven't said a word." He indicated the resumes he had just summarised for her.

"Oh I'm sorry," she said, bringing herself back to the task. "Tell me the truth," she locked eyes with him. "Is there any deal with Rob or Kurt like there was when you interviewed?"

"Possibly, but if there is I don't know about it. HR sent me a list of applicants, and I have shortlisted those for you," he explained again. "I get to choose a girl from the temp pool, but you're a senior executive, you need an experienced personal assistant, not a secretary."

"Okay," she sighed, knowing that to put it off any longer just stopped Andrew from doing more important things. "Could you run through them one more time? Then we can start the interviews."

Several hours later, the final interview left her office, and she sat back looking at Andrew thoughtfully. If she was honest with herself, he had done most of the groundwork for the company over the last six months as she had taken a lot of leave to attend the training program. She chewed her lip as she considered what she wanted to say and how she wanted to phrase it.

"Say it, Bella. You don't have to be so careful with me. I am your associate now, we are officially a team," he grinned and leaned back in his chair.

"We were always a team," she returned his grin with one of her own. "We will still be working on the same project together, and I know I can't expect you to do all the menial work anymore. I am wondering if we need two extra people on our team. I mean couldn't we share an assistant or do you want... I mean...," she blushed, remembering her time as Mel's assistant and knew that almost all of the executives were involved in some way with their assistants. She floundered for the right words and hung her head, giving up.

"If I want to what? Fuck my assistant stupid on my new desk?" Andrew chuckled. "As I understand it, less of that sort of thing happens in this building than you think. It's the loyalty and trust most of the men enjoy with their assistants."

"We managed to build that sort of relationship, didn't we?" Bella looked up, her cheeks still rosy.

"We did, and you didn't fuck me once," he said with an exaggerated pout, making her blush brighter.

"What I was trying to say," she shook her head, willing the heat from her face. "We could open up space in front of our offices and have one large desk and just start with one assistant, and if the work gets too much for her or him, another can come from the temp pool."

"That could work, especially as the renovations on the suite next door are due to start next week, it wouldn't take much to add in the extra area. We'll still need someone as soon as possible so we can move on the plans we have made this week." He indicated the pile of resumes sitting in a neat pile at the side of her desk. 

"We do," she agreed. "So let's discuss who WE would like to hire."

"It's a no-brainer for me," Andrew took a file from the pile and pushed it at her. Bella looked at it suspiciously. This had all gone so smoothly, no negotiating or worrying, Andrew just seemed to be able to take everything that she proposed and make it work for them both. She had to remind herself that he was a dominant outside of this office, and it shouldn't surprise her that he was perfectly willing to take control of any given situation that she allowed him to. Looking down at the file she was a little surprised and looked back at Andrew with a raised eyebrow.

"I am just as happy to get a blow job from a man as a woman," Andrew shrugged, restraining the smile that threatened the corners of his mouth at her surprise at his candid response to her unspoken question. She blinked at him and, unable to help herself, burst out laughing.

From the moment, she and Kurt had promoted Andrew from personal assistant to associate their relationship had begun to change. He now worked with her rather than strictly for her and was able to pursue other small projects with Rhys Muldoon, who had been mentoring Bella and her project. In her frequent absences, Andrew had been able to take full advantage of this facet of the business. The promotion had opened even more doors for Andrew both professionally and privately, and he was more than grateful to the woman sitting across the desk from him. He worried about the position she may be put in by hiring another unknown who could take advantage of her submissive nature. Choosing a gay man was a no brainer for him and, being bisexual himself, the words he had spoken to hide his protective tendencies were true.

"I suppose his background in security and technical had no bearing on your decision," she said after her giggle subsided. "I already have enough watchers to make me paranoid."

"Well that helps, but they all have some training that would be advantageous to your guardians. This one though has a great smile," he waggled his eyebrows.

"Stop that," Bella said with another giggle. She shuffled through the other four applicants that had been shortlisted and had to admit that what he had said was true.

"Ask yourself this," he said seriously, "If there was a rumour circulating and Dianne wasn't here, who would you ask?"

"Patrick," she said automatically. A moment later realisation dawned. "This guy doesn't seem to have Patrick's friendly personality." Bella was sceptical.

"Put it down to nerves, he is handsome and non-threatening to the men here. He could get into interesting places without even raising an eyebrow. I'm sure Patrick would be more than happy to take him under his wing and help him out like he did for me. More so probably, I imagine his attitude will be better than mine," again he flashed his wide grin. 

"What's wrong with your attitude?" Bella was honestly confused by the statement.

"Bella you are so oblivious to your power at times. For me you have always been 'She who must be obeyed' while I worked for you," he paused to check her understanding and seeing the confusion lingering in her expression, continued. "I was not always so obliging with the other assistants," he admitted without any regret. "I don't deal well with excuses or bullshit lines and went over their heads more often than not if I needed something done. Having you for a boss trumps every assistant in this company, except Dianne. Though I do believe I could come up with an argument to debate that point."

"I see," Bella didn't like the revelation that he had been trading on her position and power here to force his personal agenda, if that was what was happening.. "And you believe this Jaxon can wield that much power responsibly?" Bella was shaking her head as she played along with what she now believed had to be a joke.

"I think three months' probation should be long enough to find out. If nothing else, the thought of getting his own assistant to boss around if the workload increases after the renovations are done would possibly be enough motivation to help him understand his worth and exactly where his loyalties need to lie."

"Loyalties?" Bella cocked her head. This whole conversation was bewildering to her, and she was glad she was seeing Dorothea tonight for dinner. She had become very uncomfortable about the amount of power she had allowed him to wield within the company with each new revelation.

"Of course," he said, and then explained further. "Rumours and gossip spread like wildfire in this place. We don't want anything getting out that we don't want to," he laughed loudly then. "When you were on that island with Hunter, and Kurt and Dianne left suddenly, I told everyone you had been taken by pirates that had raided the island."

"You what?" Bella clapped a hand to her mouth in stunned surprise.

"Yeah they learned not to pump me for information after that," he continued to chuckle. "Which is a shame, because I had a whole man from Snowy River wild mustang story to tell them during your last trip."

"You did not," Bella laughed uneasily. The change in their relationship since his promotion had been imperceptible until this conversation.

"Oh you have no idea," he said, suddenly becoming serious. "Look, Bella, I know you don't understand who you are without Mel or the power you could wield if you just decided one day to take control of everything Mel left to you," he paused as if deciding how much to say. "You are beautiful, wealthy and desirable on many levels. You need people around you who are loyal and have your best interests at heart. Kurt and Rob do well to ensure that, now I am here to help you too. Hire this guy. I have a good feeling that, like me, he will protect you from those that would seek to cash in or take advantage of your position here."

"Oh I was just thinking," she said, equally seriously. "It seems opportune that I am getting a new assistant as you seem to have lost the ability to read my mind," she joked awkwardly, looking down at the file he had given her.

"Well, what my mind is thinking is that you call this guy and let him know he needs to show up at work on Monday morning. Then he can call these others and gleefully inform them that they did not get the job," Andrew said happily.

"I do believe you have an evil streak," Bella said, shaking her head.

"Only a little one," he smiled, believing she was still joking. "Now make that phone call, and we can call it a day," Andrew chuckled, knowing he was overstepping the mark but sure in the fact that Bella would follow his lead. "I'll start cleaning out my desk and get those drawings revised to include the opened foyer."

While she had been perfectly willing to admit that everything he said up until that point made sense, his last comment rankled her. It was as if their whole relationship had been turned on its head this week and she had only just realised. She watched him walk to the door of the office suite and ran back through the conversation in her head. 

"Andrew," she called as he reached the door. "I might just run these past Dorothea tonight before making a final decision. Can you rank them regarding your preference for me?" She saw the brief look of chagrin on his face before he returned to her desk.

"That's a good idea, she helped you choose me after all," he said, quickly regaining his composure and swiftly ranked the files, leaving them in a pile before her. His smile seemed forced at that stage, and Bella smiled as she normally would. Inwardly though, she replayed his words about his attitude and acknowledged it could use some adjustment where she was concerned. He could call himself a loyal friend and protector as well as colleague, but she didn't like being used, even if only in name. 

Waiting for him to level the room again, she wondered at the change in their relationship and if she had acted too swiftly when she had returned. He had been so good in all of her absences and been by her side when she had returned. She had given little thought to his training with Stephen and what that would mean for her, if anything at all.

*****.

"You're exactly right," Dorothea reassured Bella. "This is exactly the right candidate, but just to drive your point home I would make Andrew oversee the training for at least a month and purposefully leave him out of strategic meetings for a while so that he realises you have a little bit of backbone. All the time he was warning you of others taking advantage, he has been doing that himself."

"I was absent as often as I was there," Bella admitted, "and I leaned on him a lot during that time. Maybe it's just that he is taking what is due to him."

"Pish you were already giving what was due to him, he is taking more," Dorothea said crossly. "Stupid newbie probably doesn't even realise what he has done. You have given him the keys to the kingdom just by hiring him six months ago. He has had access to the best mentors in the lifestyle and the company. He has been the golden child because you chose him." Dorothea seemed to consider her words. "We chose him!" She exclaimed in a eureka moment.

"Oh sweet girl as much as I should let you deal with this on your own, please let me," she gave a wicked smile and pressed her hands together as if in prayer. Bella burst into fits of giggles and nodded. Dorothea looked at her watch and picked up Bella's phone.

"Andrew? It's Dorothea," she paused for a moment and winked at Bella.

"Bella's been telling me about your conversation this afternoon, and it's so good of you to be protecting her from those that would take advantage of her." Again she paused. "I know that she agreed with your choice, but I think that Chelsea would be a much better option."

"Yes, I can see that Jaxon would be a much better option if it were only for you but it's not. Bella is willing to share her personal assistant with you but if you would rather have a girl from the temp pool..." Dorothea grinned at Bella as her voice steadily continued the conversation.

"I'm glad we see eye to eye on this. I would have hated to think I underestimated your commitment to Bella's business, or that you underestimated that sweet, trusting girl." Bella groaned inwardly as she listened to Dorothea press her point.

"Ah yes, I agree, she is very trusting of everybody, but she is wise enough to seek more than one opinion if she is not sure of a decision that she has to make." She paused for a moment as Andrew obviously spoke again. 

"Oh I am feeling just fine, thank you. I thought I might come in to see everyone sometime next week. I am keen to see the plans for your new office," Dorothea said. "Thank you for asking. I'm sorry, I have to go, but I will catch up with you next week and see how the new assistant is settling in." She closed the phone and placed it on the table.

"That was fun, next let's call Stephen and tell him about his shoddy job of mentoring that one," Dorothea cackled and a moment later there was a knock on the door, startling them both and making them jump like children caught being naughty.

"Actually, I think Sir Stephen has done a perfect job. I think it's Rhys I need to speak to when it comes to work," Bella said quickly before opening the door.

"Hello little brat," Rob swept her up in his arms and held her close as he advanced into the apartment. "What are you two mischief makers up to then?"

"Creating mayhem and leaving chaos in our wake as usual, but have no fear there was only a little bit of bloodshed this time," Dorothea cackled and moved to embrace Rob as he placed Bella on her feet. "To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"Delicious desserts, of course," he smiled widely. "Charles has called to invite you both to dine with him. He is a difficult man to say no to at the best of times, and he was quite adamant about it, so I accepted on your behalf."

"I see," Dorothea said and gave him a shrewd look, taking in the unspoken meaning in his words. "Then we best get ready." Seeing the disappointment in Bella's expressive face, Dorothea took her arm and led her to the bedroom. "We'll just be a few moments," she called over her shoulder to Rob.

"I was looking forward to tonight," Bella said, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice. "There is so much I wanted to talk to you about."

"I know sweet girl but there will be other occasions, and I think this is something we must do. Charles doesn't rouse himself to come out this late, especially just for dessert if it isn't important. And it would seem Rob couldn't put him off," she turned to look at the empty doorway as if expecting to see Rob standing there. "Now let's find you something adorable to wear." Dorothea's explanation made sense to Bella, and she quickly changed while her mind worried at why he would need to see her tonight rather than waiting until tomorrow.

"Do you think you could stay tonight? The spare room is all made up, and I can drive you home in the morning after breakfast," Bella asked hopefully as she clipped a plain but obvious collar around her neck. 

"I have learned that being your friend means being prepared for any eventuality," Dorothea grinned and linked her arm with Bella's, walking back out to where Rob waited for them.

"The beauty of experience and the sweetness of youth, I will be the envy of all walking into the club with both of you on my arm," Rob opened the door and led the way downstairs.

"Such a charming man," Dorothea patted his cheek and smiled. "That's the nicest way anyone has called me old in some time." She chortled and pressed the button to summon the elevator. Bella listened to Rob and Dorothea's banter about age and experience as they made their way down and into the club. They were led to a booth at the rear of the restaurant and, sitting beside Charles, she was surprised to find that Sara was not with him.

"Hello little one," Charles gave her a one armed hug and leaned down so she could kiss his cheek. "Jake is our chef tonight, so I have asked him to surprise us with something wonderful."

"That sounds fabulous," Bella grinned up at him, always feeling like a little girl around Charles.

"At the last stakeholders meeting, Rob and Stephen informed us that you were hoping to end the training with just the original five Masters that Mel had set out for you," Charles said abruptly, launching into his reason for summoning her here. "Not including Kurt and Dianne."

"That's true, Master Charles," Bella said softly. "It is what I wanted."

"Have you changed your mind on that matter?" he enquired. 

"No, not exactly," she began to chew her lip, and she looked up at Rob. "I'm just a little confused about things, and I was going to talk a few things out with Dorothea tonight," she blushed slightly. "She has a way of making the scattered thoughts in my head come together and make sense without saying much of anything. She just lets me talk it all out of my head, then lets me pick up the better bits again."

Charles scratched at his stubbled cheek and looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. "When you came to me many months ago and asked for my help in setting up the training agreement with the stakeholders, I put myself in a position akin to your guardians. A protective overseer of sorts," he said slowly. "I have kept a keen eye on your progress and have received reports from each Master after your stay with them. It was I who placed an embargo on you for two weeks following your return, so that you would not be besieged by offers to spend time with the same men again or others who have shown an interest in collaring you." 

Bella looked surprised and swallowed loudly. Her mind worked over what he had said and, aside of Stephen, had not contemplated that anyone else may offer her a collar.

"Oh those big green eyes make my heart soar, were I a younger man I would want my collar around that pretty throat," he chuckled. "Now I must leave it to younger men who can offer you a more fulfilling life than I could, which brings me to the reason for this impromptu meeting. The stakeholders meeting is Monday, and I have had conversations with some of the members who would like you to give a definite answer as to whether you will continue with the training or end it."




Possessing Bella Ch. 20



"I have learned so much, and I am so very grateful to everyone who went out of their way to help me, but my career and friendships have suffered in my absence. I need to put some time into the people closest to me, spend a weekend with my parents..." her voice trailed off as she realised she was rambling, and her parents were currently in Italy on vacation. "I would like to end it, please, Master Charles."

"Have you begged a collar?" He looked into her eyes as he asked the question, noting the surprise there. 

"Not during the training," she answered honestly and then furtively looked toward Rob and blushed, remembering how she had emotionally begged him to take her as his own when she had returned to the city. 

"You have changed your mind about Stephen's intentions? You have intimated that you would take his collar at one point," Charles pressed.

"I think that with the holidays and starting a new year," she paused to collect her thoughts. "Well, I have realised that it has only been a year since I graduated and went to work for Mel. Not even a year since he introduced me to, to all this. The lifestyle and the people who are now such a big part of my life. I've been sad and mad and confused, so very confused since his death. I am not sure I am truly able to give all of me to someone else yet. I am worried that if I begged a collar now it wouldn't be right."

"Ah little one," Charles turned in the seat and wrapped his arms around her. "It is easy for us to forget the trauma you went through in Italy before you were returned to us." He looked across at Rob and Dorothea and saw the sadness in their eyes also. "Yours was a short but intense love, and that is not so easy to recover from."

"Each of us has lost a loved one," Dorothea said quietly. "It is difficult for those who haven't to understand the depth of pain that comes with the severing of those bonds. I marvel every day at the great strides Bella has made through her grief."

Bella sat back up as Charles released her from the fierce embrace and smiled up at Jake as he brought the desserts to their table himself. He placed what looked like a spherical red apple on the table before each of them and then to their astonishment poured hot chocolate fudge sauce onto the place it sat on. The heat caused the skin of the apple to peel down in leaves, revealing an ice cream center. 

"I call it Eden's apple, too tempting not to take a bite, right" Jake grinned.

"It looks amazing," Bella gasped and picked up her spoon to try it. She took a scoop of the ice cream and ran the spoon through the fudge before filling her mouth with appreciative murmurs.

"I have to get back to the kitchen, but I was thinking now that the training thing is over you might be open to a date? Somewhere other than here," he laughed. "We could both use the change of scenery, and I know this great little seafood place on the river."

"A date?" Bella was startled.

"Yes a date, you remember dating. The guy picks up the girl, they go out and do something fun, and if the mood's right they come back home and do something funner," he joked with her, unsure of her reaction.

"That sounds as tempting as this dessert," she smiled, not committing herself.

"Best to wait until after Monday and see what she decides about the training," Rob cut into the conversation.

"Just trying to jump the queue," Jake laughed. "Don't forget I asked first." He winked at Bella and strolled back to the kitchen.

"We might need to look at that list again, Bella. You may need a social secretary as well," Dorothea laughed. Bella shook her head, laughing softly at the joke. She didn't believe that there would be more than a handful of curious people who might ask her out.

"That's not a bad idea," Charles chimed in. "If you end the training and do not beg a collar straight away, you may find your social calendar offer-flowing with offers."

"I could do it to start with," Dorothea volunteered, "Weed out the riff raff, make some discreet inquiries. I have some very good connections within the club and the company. I am not sure either Rob or Kurt has the time or inclination to vet them all themselves. There aren't too many other people I'd trust to do it properly."

"I don't know," Rob said frowning. "It would be difficult to keep her safe if she was gallivanting off with random people to who knows where." 

"I wouldn't want to go anywhere other than here with someone I didn't know," Bella said. "Despite what you think, I have learned from all those little mistakes, Master." There was sadness mixed with the frustration in her voice as she worried that he would restrict her movements again. 

"There is time to discuss these things. Let's just all relax and have a think about the things we have discussed. The point of my being here was to find out what you wanted little one, not what everyone wants for you," Charles said. "I would prefer it if you were settled with a good and loving Master, but as always, it is your choice, and no one can force you to it before you are ready."

"Thank you, Master Charles, I hadn't considered that everyone would be so concerned about what I did after the training had ended," Bella admitted. "I'm sorry about that, and I will think about everything you have said."

"Good girl," Charles smiled. "Now eat your dessert before it melts entirely."

*****

Bella now knew why Stephen was had been aloof and distant since her return from the ranch. She spent some time considering how he must be feeling having been told to give her space to think after their last night together. In truth, she was grateful that she had another week of the embargo Charles had placed on her. But she knew she needed to speak to Stephen, honestly, about how she was feeling.

"The thing is," Bella said as Dorothea stretched out on the couch, the evening now growing late. "I do love Stephen, and I believe he loves me, it's just that," she took a deep breath, "It just that he has a jealous streak, and I worry about the consequences of that, for me. I mean what if he tries to limit my access to you or Rob, I couldn't bear that. We argued about that at the ranch, and he all but ignored me afterwards."

"Oh sweetheart, I can guarantee you, he did the exact opposite of ignoring you. He just watched over you from a distance, but he knew every move you made," Dorothea laughed softly.

"You didn't see him, he was so angry with me, when I hesitated..." she blushed deeply. "I was wearing someone else's collar, and I had committed to everything that went along with it," she hedged, hoping Dorothea would understand her meaning without having to admit to the scene that happened.

"You know Mel also did some things he wouldn't have done before setting his sights on you. Love does strange things to men like them. They have this ideal submissive in their mind's eye and when they find the one who fits that picture, they will bend the rules to their needs." Dorothea smiled softly, "His reaction scared you?"

"Maybe a little but I was more disappointed, I think," she admitted. "It wasn't the only time he reacted badly to seeing me with another Master, but he was very angry at me when I was trying to do the right thing, for everyone. It just added to my confusion."

"I would guess that his anger was at himself, not you," Dorothea said, trying to reassure her. "Still you need to take the time to deal with your confusion. You also need to put Mel to rest properly, and you shouldn't move on until you can give all of yourself. That was a very wise and brave thing you admitted to Charles, and it will bear weight with the other shareholders too. They need to be reminded of your trauma. That you were in that dreadful scene with Mel when he was shot and that it has not been that long since he was laid to rest. Not only him, but his son, Vince."

"What if I am never ready? What if I don't want to date? What if I just want to concentrate on work?" Bella chewed her lip as the questions tumbled out of her mouth. "I didn't know Jake would ask me on a date. I hadn't even really thought about it, as all my partners to various charity things all seemed to just be there at the time I needed an escort."

"When you are ready to date," Dorothea emphasised the when in her sentence, "I think you will have many offers to choose from. Some you will know, some you won't. You are young and rich and famous within our social circles, but you also have an almost impenetrable wall of friends and family around you to protect you from people who would want to take advantage of that." She chuckled then, making Bella look at her curiously.

"Poor Andrew," she grinned, "He underestimated you. If you date, there will be a few like that. Good men who are still learning how to be good Masters."

"I don't want to be dating everyone and anyone," Bella shook her head. "I just want to live a normal life for a little while."

"What is normal for you?" Dorothea asked gently. "Your life has been far from what you knew as normal a year ago. You can't go back to that life anymore, even if you wanted to. Your circumstances have changed in a very profound way."

"I know," Bella sighed. "I just want to be able to wake up and go to work and build the business I wanted. I want to be able to see and have fun with my friends and the people I love. I want to learn new things and discover new places, but I want to do that with the people I care about. I just want some time to not feel pressured or obligated to make decisions I am not ready to make."

"So let them all huff and puff and tell you what they think. In the end, the choice is yours as to what you do next. Charles came tonight to ask you directly, which shows the depth of his fondness for you. Rob adores you more than you probably realise and will stand up to any of them if you needed him to; I dare say Kurt feels similarly. You know how Stephen feels."

"Yes I do, but I need to tell him what I am feeling at the moment," Bella said softly and gnawed on her lip. 

"I think you need to tell a few others too," Dorothea smiled. "I know it is not in your nature to stand up to these men, but you are stronger than anyone thinks, including yourself."

"I wish I could go home this weekend," Bella sighed. "It isn't that they tell me what to do or even know the full extent of my life here in the city, but it's nice to just be loved and looked after without any expectation. They just appreciate having me home and make me feel that everything will always work out for the best."

"You could Skype them, the time difference isn't so bad," she suggested. "You can call them in the morning and set up a time. I am sure they would like that as much as you would."

"I would like that. It's about as close as I can get to being with them," Bella agreed.

"Have you given any thought to going back to Italy? It might help you to make some decisions," Dorothea asked gently, seeing the opening she had been waiting for to broach the subject. "You could maybe join your parents for the end of their trip and explore some of those glass suppliers Andrew found when he was there last year."

"Last year makes it seem so long ago, and we have hardly moved forward at all since then," Bella lamented. The accident was such a blur to her; even at the time, it made no sense and what she remembered she couldn't be sure if it were real or what she had been told by doctors and friends during her recovery. She wasn't sure if she ever wanted to return there and she became melancholy as she considered the prospect. "It's something to think about," she responded without emotion.

"It's not something you have to decide straight away, but I am sure they would love to have you there with them," Dorothea spoke softly, seeing the change in Bella's body language and tone.

"I'll need to get up early to call Mum and Dad," Bella gave a weak smile. "I'll make breakfast for us myself. I so rarely get to cook here, it will be fun." She tried to sound jovial, but the sentiment didn't carry to her voice. "I better get to bed, though, or I will never get up in time."

Dorothea stood with Bella and took her in a fierce hug, "I am sorry if I upset you. I wouldn't hurt you for all the world. You are such an important part of my life, and I adore you, Bella."

"I love you," Bella replied simply, returning the hug. "I am just tired. I will see you in the morning." Bella walked to her room. She had thought she was over the numbness that plagued her after Mel's death. She could talk about him now without feeling tears prickle her eyes. She had packed up his belongings and moved his furniture from the apartment, almost eradicating him from her immediate world. She could never do that in truth; he was everywhere. He was here in this apartment; he was a looming figure in the company and the club and a very real part of her circle of friends, who had all come together in some way through him and his partner Rob.

Despite all this, the numbness seemed to have been kept at bay until she thought about returning to Italy and the scene of the crime. It wasn't an accident as it was often referred to. It was cold blooded murder. A crime so heinous the perpetrator was in jail for a lifetime and, considering his age, it would be the entirety of his lifetime. In her mind, she saw the road, the fallen tree and then darkness; her memory only sensed the weight of his body, his smell and the warm wetness of the blood that seeped from his body taking away his life and in turn her life as she knew it.

Her stomach tightened as she relived those feeling again, it had been so long, yet not long enough and she felt the numbness of not wanting to feel any of those things overtake her again. Stripping and flopping naked onto the bed, she lay looking at the ceiling. How could she ever belong to another when just the mention of returning to Italy can reduce her to mess all over again? Was she wrong to stay? Should she have cut her losses and left the world Mel opened up to her? Should she have left her friends and the company she now owned part of? Kurt would have looked after her interests. She certainly had the money now to make a go of the business on her own if she wanted to. Should she leave? Would they let her?

Everybody kept telling her that it was her choice. It being everything she realised with sudden clarity. If she truly wanted to leave, they couldn't stop her. She had given them that power over her life. She listened to their commands and suggestions and chose to do as they asked. What would happen, she wondered, if she suddenly stopped? It was a ludicrous thought of course. She loved her friends and her work. She was excited about building a business of her own. She had so many ideas that were on the verge of becoming a reality that she knew she couldn't walk away.

She could be stronger, though, more out-spoken. She could have handled Andrew this afternoon rather than running to Dorothea to confirm her feeling that he was beginning to dominate their work relationship with his new promotion. She needed to try harder to speak what was on her mind, instead of second guessing herself all the time and worrying about looking silly in front of the very people she believed loved her. 

Her thoughts moved to the business and company, and she fell asleep with the spectre of Mel's death fading back into the dark corners of her mind again.

*****

"Good morning," Bella said cheerily from the kitchen as she slipped two eggs into the boiling water to poach them. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did indeed," Dorothea said happily. "You look like you got some sleep too. Did you call your parents?"

"I did, indeed," Bella giggled, borrowing Dorothea's words. "They were so happy about the idea of Skype that my cousin set it up straight away for them on her laptop."

"That's wonderful. Are they enjoying their trip?" she asked, buoyed by Bella's good mood after the way they had left the conversation the night before.

"Mum's having the time of her life. Dad could barely get a word in," Bella laughed. "She broke into speaking Italian so often I am still not sure of all the details." Putting the finishing touches on the plates of eggs benedict, Bella sat at the bench across of Dorothea, "Bon Appetite."

"This looks lovely," Dorothea praised her efforts easily. "So what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?"

"I was thinking about everything that happened last night. I had wondered why Stephen had suddenly gotten too busy to spend an evening with me and, while I am grateful, it wasn't very fair to either of us," Bella admitted. "I have missed his constant presence, not that I am ready to commit to him but neither am I ready to not have him in my life, and I have to tell him that. I need him to understand how I am feeling and if he can't then maybe it wasn't meant to be." She said it with conviction, knowing under Stephen's gaze that strength that she felt right now may very well ebb away.

"Men like Stephen are not used to waiting patiently for a girl to make up her mind. In fact, I would hazard a guess that he is used to women begging him for his collar on a weekly basis if not more often. Even Rob, who is stand-offish at best, still has girls approach him intending to wear his collar," Dorothea said conversationally, thinking that Bella would hear the warning without any tone attached to the words.

"I understand it's a risk, but it is what is right for me," Bella sighed and chewed her lip. "Mel is still here," she touched a finger to her forehead, "and here," she placed a hand over her heart. "I can't belong to another completely, give up my power totally to them, when part of it is still wrapped up in what was lost. Nobody wants to live in that shadow, and I do not wish them to."

"That man cast a large shadow in life and an even larger one in death. In asking his friends to be a part of your collaring and training, he gave them all a sense of entitlement when it came to you. While he entrusted Rob and Kurt to oversee your personal and professional welfare, they all feel some responsibility to ensure a good match is made for you, especially after you asked for their input into your training to continue." Dorothea spoke candidly instead of in the usual riddles that made Bella find the answers to her dilemmas on her own.

"I can see that now that you have pointed it out," Bella nodded. "At the time though, I knew it was what I needed and I asked for it. I think it finally sunk in last night that no one commands or controls me now. They suggest, strongly at times but still, it's my choice to heed their suggestions and submit to their desires. In the same way, though, if I want something they do not wish to give, it is their choice, and I cannot sway that."

"Oh, I think you can do quite a lot of swaying when you put your mind to it," Dorothea chuckled. "There isn't much that those men would deny you should you have the mind to ask. Including their collars, though then you would be sharing a master rather than having him all to yourself if you chose one who already had a girl of their own, and somehow I don't think you would be happy with that sort of an arrangement."

"Not at all," Bella shook her head and laughed, thinking Dorothea was teasing her. "Do you think if I asked Stephen if we could drive to the cove tomorrow so we could talk before Monday night's meeting, he would be able to without feeling like he as breaking this embargo thing?"

"I am sure that if you asked and he didn't invite you himself it would be quite fine, maybe just run it past Rob or Charles to be on the safe side. I'm sure Rob will want to know you are going out for the day anyway."

"Okay well after breakfast I will see if any of them are still awake and have a chat," Bella said, making the decision. "Then the rest of the day is ours, would you like to go shopping? We would have to take Lincoln because I promised, but he is sweet and tries to give me some personal space while still being at hand if I need him."




Possessing Bella Ch. 20



"Actually, I have found this great little boutique that deals with all the retro stuff you like. There is the sweetest flapper dress with a handkerchief skirt I just know will look perfect on you," Dorothea said enthusiastically. 

"Great I can't wait to see it," Bella swirled the last piece of English muffin around in the hollandaise before popping it into her mouth. Picking up her phone that she had been toying with earlier, she called Rob.

"Gosh, you answered that fast," Bella squeaked in surprise. "No nothing is wrong. I was just wondering if I could come over and see you before you went to sleep. Yes Master," she said with a smile and hung up. "Well here we go," she laughed nervously, "Leave the dishes... I will do them when I get back... I will just be a few minutes."

"Oh don't worry about me, sweet girl. This will give me a chance to have a nice long bath and relax a little more this morning," Dorothea said happily. "I will be fully restored and able to shop til we drop later then."

"I'm looking forward to it. I won't be long," she padded barefoot out of her doorway and across the elevator to the other side of the floor where Rob resided. The door was ajar, and she pushed it open slightly, peeking inside. Rob sat as usual dressed only in his boxer shorts, nursing a steaming cup of coffee.

"What took you so long," he beckoned her into the room.

"I was just making sure Dorothea was occupied with something aside of cleaning before I left," she laughed.

"That's a pretty excuse, little brat but an excuse none-the-less," Rob grinned and drew her onto his lap, wrapping his free arm around her. "To what do I owe this early morning visit?"

Bella began to talk about her plans for the weekend and touched a little on her revelations after speaking with Charles about not being ready to make choices and the need she had to explain that to Stephen before Monday, so he wasn't blindsided.

"As always you are thinking of others." Rob hugged her tightly. "I agree with the reasons and don't have a problem with you seeing Stephen tomorrow at all, in fact, I think it might well be a necessity. He has been more prickly than usual this last week, and I think it will do you both some good to discuss putting things on hold for a little while."

"Not on hold exactly. It's just that I am not ready just yet for that final commitment, not when Mel still is such a presence in my life." Bella dropped her eyes. "I mean he will always be present but," she shrugged, "It's hard to explain, but I just couldn't give all of me to anyone yet."

"Its okay little one you don't have to explain to me of all people. It was different for me, the uncertainty of Kitty's death covered me in a mire of gloomy what if's and why for's. It has only been in the last year that I have finally put her in the past, and I believe that now I could love that deeply again. I know something of what you are feeling," he put his cup down and held her close. It was as close as he had come to declaring his feelings for her. He knew that Monday would be difficult, despite Charles intervening on her behalf, and did not want to add any further pressure or confusion to her world.

"Thank you, Master," Bella whispered as she snuggled into his chest. "I've been so busy for months that I feel like I just need to slow down and process everything that happened last year." 

"You are such a little smarty," Rob grinned. "You make being your guardian easy. Now tell me about this shopping trip?"

"Dorothea has found a new retro fashion boutique, and I wanted to get a few new blouses for work. Mel's taste in office wear was fine for a secretary, but it's hard to be taken seriously by our suppliers when I have my underwear on show to the world," Bella explained tentatively.

"I don't think wearing underwear was on Mel's list of priorities for office wear," Rob chuckled, "So just don't wear any. If for no other reason than to distract your suppliers and get a better price." He laughed harder as Bella seemed to consider the idea before rolling her eyes at him. 

"You're right about Mel's preferences, but it's different now," she blushed.

"If you were mine it wouldn't be different, that stuff just gets in the way of all the fun bit," he tickled her then, making her giggle before she could react to what he had just said. He was tired and not thinking, and he was glad she seemed not to react once he let her catch her breath. "Let's have dinner tonight at your place, and you can give me a fashion show, maybe I will change my mind about the underwear thing if I see it on the right model."

"Won't the club be busy, I mean its Saturday night?" Bella was surprised by the flirtatious tone the conversation had taken. She was usually the one teasing him as he failed to react; now she could feel his reaction beneath her ass as well as in his voice. It unsettled her.

"The club will survive a few hours without me down there schmoozing the members," he tilted his head. "Do you have plans already?"

"No, not at all and I love to cook, so it's a date," she said, quickly covering her surprise.

"Let's say seven," he asked tentatively, unsure of her reaction.

"That sounds good and will give me plenty of time to prepare something wonderful," Bella hugged him tightly and unfurled from his lap. "I better get back and make the other calls I need to do before we go. 

"Have you got enough cash?" Rob asked, standing and patting the sides of his boxers as if he had forgotten that he had taken his pants off.

"Yeah I have a bit of money tucked away for a rainy day," she giggled. In reality, she had several credit cards now and always carried a small amount of cash for emergencies. She knew with certainty that her father had managed her money so that she wold never have to worry about her personal finances again.

"You're so sassy this morning," he chuckled and smacked her ass hard enough to make it sting but not leave a mark. He was pleased with her answering squeal of surprise and walked her to the elevator. Rob watched her cross over to her side of the building before returning to his apartment and some needed sleep.

Bella gnawed at her lip as she entered the apartment. The twists and turns of her conversation with Rob making her feel like she wasn't quite sure what had happened there. She was glad she would be spending the day with Dorothea and hoped they would have the opportunity to talk some more about what she should or could do, now that the training was over.

The kitchen had been cleaned, and Bella shook her head, it wasn't necessary as this was a fully serviced apartment. She didn't even have to shop for groceries; she just left a list of anything extra she needed on the counter top before going to work. Admittedly, she had asked that they don't come in on the weekends but she knew if she went out, they would come in anyway. 

Sitting back up at the bench with a fresh glass of juice, she picked up her phone again and called Stephen.

"Hello," there was concern in Stephens' voice as he answered quickly.

"Good morning, Master. I hope I didn't wake you," Bella said in a pleasant voice.

"Bella, is something wrong?" His voice sounded as if he couldn't quite understand why she had called him.

"No nothing is wrong. I was just wondering if you could spare some time tomorrow to maybe go for a drive. I have been feeling a little claustrophobic this week after all the fresh air on the farm."

"I have all the time in the world for you Bella, you know that. Did you want to go somewhere in particular?" Stephen asked.

"I was wondering if that beautiful garden Arek was designing for you was finished," Bella said thoughtfully. She had wanted this conversation to be light, and she would say what need to be said when they were face to face.

"It's a nice drive down to the cove," he agreed easily. "I will come and get you early. How does seven sound?"

"That would be great thank you, Master," Bella smiled into the phone, letting her pleasure carry in her voice. "I will see you tomorrow, sleep well."

"Thank you, see you then," Stephen hung up, and Bella put down her phone with a deep breath. She could now concentrate on today and remembering suddenly that she had yet to call Lincoln and organise him to accompany them. She picked up her phone again.

*****

Bella arrived back in her apartment with her arms loaded with parcels and Lincoln following behind her with an equal amount of shopping. She had gone overboard, but it had been such a fun day that she hadn't been able to help herself. She felt more like her old self than she had in the last year and she had truly enjoyed the small sense of freedom that shopping for herself had given her. 

Her current wardrobe consisted of clothes her mother had brought for her and clothes Mel had bought her to replace the clothes her mother had given her. These parcels contained items she liked, things that were more her style and she hoped that they would meet with the approval of the men who guided her life in so many ways.

"Thanks so much Lincoln. I can't believe I bought so much!" She looked around at all the bags they had placed on the living room couches. "You're free now. I won't need you again until Monday morning," she said with a small smile.

"I don't mind at all, it was good to see you and Dorothea having so much fun," Lincoln returned her smile. "I will see you Monday," he nodded his head and left her to unpack all her purchases.

Bella searched for the bags from Adam's. The continental delicatessen had been a trip out of their way, but it was so worth it to get the best produce. She knew that in reality she didn't have the time to shop for all the everyday items, but she had enjoyed today so much she had thought she should make it a more regular event to just go and shop for the little things she needed rather than relying on others to provide the brand she liked. She had liked finding new things to taste and try along the way. Something she rarely got from her service.

She smiled, walking to the kitchen; she liked how cosy it felt since the renovations. It wasn't as comfortable as her mother's kitchen, but it was becoming her place to create as she began to cook more often for friends who visited. Putting all the items away and ensuring she did have the extra staples she thought she did in the refrigerator, she returned to the large pile of bags still sitting in the living room.

The time flew past quickly as Bella took a shower and redid her makeup using some of her purchases. She dressed in a sweet polka dot dress that had a tight bodice and full skirt of the era she loved. Then went back to the kitchen and poured herself a cool glass of water to sip on while she prepared the simple dinner.

She was still putting together the small platters when Rob arrived, knocking politely on her door. Bella opened it with a smile and took the bottle of wine he was holding. "Thank you very much, Master, it's one of my favourites," she hummed in a pleasurable way.

"Oh really? Fancy that." Rob grinned and followed her into the apartment. He took a seat at the kitchen bench as she gathered two glasses for the wine.

"How did you know?" Bella asked, placing the bottle before him to pour the wine. 

"The same way I knew that you would make something with an Italian flavour for dinner. I pay attention, little one, and I have gotten to know you very well," Rob winked at her and filled the glasses. Bella blinked and tilted her head curiously. 

"Mel had the opportunity of observing you from childhood, the rest of us are on catch up," he chuckled, "I do try to take note of your likes and dislikes; I think I can guess your preferences in most situations. Aside of the salmon that I had thought you enjoyed. That is the nature of the submissive though, at times they will endure small discomforts to please others." His grin was wide, and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he added, "or endure great pain for others."

Bella giggled self-consciously and blushed. While she and Rob had never engaged in sexual play, they had always flirted. Mel had named Rob his second when she had taken his collar and at the time he had made no secret of the fact that he could and would use her as was his right, but he never had pressed that claim any further than innuendo and being in physical contact. Recently though, she felt he was pushing that further and Bella chewed her lip as it occurred to her that he took note of these little things, and she knew so little about his likes and dislikes. She couldn't even say for sure that his flirtatious attitude toward her had changed.

"I'm just going to wash my hands before I am tempted to touch this wonderful spread you have here," he took a gulp of his wine and wandered away from her.

Bella watched him go. He was as handsome as always in his scruffy way. The first they had met she remembered the feeling of lust that had risen in her. Tall and dark in his biker leathers and heavy boots, his long hair tied back and his too blue eyes twinkling as they did now. She'd had a crush on him from that first moment and, while she understood his reasons, she once again wondered how her life would have been if he had taken pity on her and said yes when she begged for his collar.

He returned and went to her side of the bench and picked her up, kissing her. Then holding her close, he walked back to the other side and placed her on the stool beside him. "That's better, now I can see all of you. I had been looking forward to the new underwear though rather than a dress that covers more of you than usual." He flipped up the skirt to show her legs and smiled, "There that's at least a little better."

"I needed some things for public engagements as well," she blushed and laughed softly, "I can hardly visit a children's hospital wearing a gossamer silk blouse that leaves little to the imagination."

"I guess," he conceded, "It is very pretty, if you like that sort of thing."

"Duly noted that it is not your sort of thing," Bella laughed and picked at the fruit and cheese platter. 

"Tell me about your day shopping? Did you get anything that might be my sort of thing," he waggled his eyebrows, making her laugh.

"I might have," she smiled, her cheeks blooming with colour. "I spent a small fortune today on makeup and pampering packs for the bathroom. A few books and a couple of old movies, as well as a few dresses and some key pieces of lingerie."

"That's more like it," Rob said. "Now tell me more about the day that had made you look so happy while we finish our glass of wine and eat, and then you can give me the full fashion show. Start at the beginning."

Bella laughed and began to recount her day. Starting with the retro shop that Dorothea had discovered and where she had bought her polka dot dress that she now wore and a second dress that was reminiscent of a flapper style with a long waist and handkerchief skirt. It would need some alterations, so they had left it in the store to be made to fit perfectly. Rob stopped her every so often in her story and made her backtrack over certain details, but eventually she got to their last minute trip to Adam's to buy some little extras for this evening.

"So," Rob said, finishing off his second glass of wine and pouring the last of the bottle for them. "By my reckoning, you owe me a fashion show consisting of five outfits including lingerie plus an extra set of lingerie," he nodded with satisfaction. "Let's have a look, shall we," he picked up his wine and held his hand out to her as he stood. She laughed and took his hand, letting him lead her into the bedroom. 

"This is the first one, as you know," she reached around and unzipped her dress, letting the small sleeves fall forward from her shoulders, she shimmied and slowly revealed the first piece of new lingerie. It was a white teddy made up of translucent material with small lace accents. 

"Very nice," Rob nodded and kicked off his shoes before settling himself on her bed, propped up by the abundance of pillows and cushions.

Bella moved to the walk-in wardrobe and teasingly looked back over her shoulder at him as she dropped the straps of her teddy from her shoulders.

"No fair!" Rob called after her with a chuckle but waited patiently as she once again dressed for him. 

This time, she appeared in a pencil straight navy skirt made from a thick material that was elasticated just enough to allow her to walk but maintain its figure hugging shape. The blouse though made from a translucent fabric held cut outs near the neck that dropped into lace inserts and ribbons of embroidered geometric pattern so as to give her some form of modesty. It wasn't until she turned that Rob appreciated the skirt, seeing the wide white zip that ran from hem to waist giving the voyeur a tantalising fantasy of opening it for all to see. 

"This is the more corporate look I was going for work, sort of sexy corporate maybe?" she chewed her lip as if expecting him not to agree with her idea of what sexy corporate was.

"Very sexy corporate," Rob nodded, "No bra with that one I see, so I approve whole-heartedly."

"Well not exactly a bra," she began to remove the blouse revealing stickies, "Some people call these chicken fillets, but the sales girl called them stickies, they support and lift but no bra lines," She explained. 

"Interesting," Rob said non-committally, "But you have great tits, you don't need them you know."

"It's a confidence thing, knowing that I am not high beaming everyone," she said quietly.

"High beaming!" Rob roared with laughter, and Bella turned back to the wardrobe with Rob continuing to chuckle behind her.

"Wait! I didn't get to see the panties are they stickies too?" he roared again. 

"I wasn't wearing any," she said softly, poking her head out teasingly before disappearing again. Bella modelled two other similar corporate looks before slipping into the ball gown she had chosen for an upcoming event.

The dress shimmered in a pale green hue as she stepped from the wardrobe, taking Rob's breath away. He listened as she spoke about having the right hair and makeup, using both hands to pull her hair to the top of her head accentuating her figure even more. 

"Are you okay?" she asked suddenly. "You haven't made the usual quips and jokes about the design or what I am wearing under it," Bella frowned, trying to work out what he was thinking. 

Rob came to his feet and descended upon her, bending to her height and kissing her gently, "You look beautiful, little one, truly breath-taking." He let his hands wander down her body, feeling the delicate embroidered flowers that lined together in chains to swirl about her body. It was a sexy revealing dress but was done in such a feminine, delicate way it did not seem as revealing as it was. 

Up close like this, he could pick out the slight pink tones that softened the green and he was reminded once again of a fairy, the Tinkerbelle persona that Mel had always given her when he spoke about her. It was fitting and suited her perfectly. When he broke the second soft kiss, he saw the confusion in her eyes. His kisses were never full of passion before this moment. His were always the friendly teasing flirtatious kind that stopped short of true intimacy. Realising what he had just done and seeing the look in her eyes, he knew it was time to lay his cards on the table or at least try.

He had hoped to postpone this moment until after Monday's meeting as he did not want to confuse her anymore, but the wine and the atmosphere had made him more careless than he had been in a long time. Bella tried to pull away slightly, so she could look into his face properly. She wasn't sure what was happening and as always when confused, she turned her thoughts inward and silently studied him. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 20



"I'm impressed," Rob said lightly. "I have not seen anything like it, and you wear it so well. You look almost magical, like a fairy or a pixie," his voice dropped. "You are so very beautiful." He released his hold a little, allowing her the room she needed without letting her go completely.

Her mind swirled with questions and images and memories. She couldn't find the words she needed to ask the right questions, so she remained silent looking up at him with wide eyes.

"I am sorry little one," Rob said softly, helping her take off the beautiful dress, "You have learned so much in the last year, especially the last six months. I am a bit slower to learn things about myself and the depth of my love for you." He took the dress and hung it over the high-backed chair in the corner of her room. Sweeping her into his arms, he pulled her to the bed; part of his mind was very pleased that she was now nude as his hands caressed her soft skin. 

"When you returned as suddenly as you did and asked for all the things you wanted, I wasn't prepared, I am not sure I had even considered some of your requests. At first I wasn't ready to acknowledge that I wanted or needed a girl in my life, I worried that we were both too broken to fix. I have watched you, though, and you are far from broken. You have taught me more about living than anyone ever could have. You have helped me heal and opened my eyes to how it feels to love someone so much you want only the best for them. I had resigned myself to the fact that Stephen may be the best man for you." Rob began to explain, knowing he was making little sense as he continued to talk through her silence.

"If you still choose Stephen as your future Master, know that I will support and love you just the same as I always have. But you should know that you have another choice, most probably several other choices," he lifted her chin to tilt her face up toward him. "I hadn't planned to tell you this now, like this," Rob said softly.

Bella was stunned. She adored this man, loved him and relied on him heavily to support and guide her in this world. "You should have told me sooner," Bella said softly. "I had believed this whole time that it was an impossibility after you denied me your collar when I returned."

"I am sorry, little one," Rob repeated. 

"I am not ready now to beg another collar," Bella whispered, "This doesn't change that fact, but I am glad I know." She took a breath, "I have so many questions fighting in my head, I want to say so many things right now that nothing is coming out."

"Dorothea probably knows. She tends to know everything before it even eventuates," he chuckled. "It is nobody's business but yours, so I have not discussed it with anyone until now." 

"Master," Bella said tentatively. "I think I would like to explore this more." Rob looked down at her and furrowed his brow. "The thing about the training," her voice was very soft, and she flushed deeply, "Is that I knew we were compatible. They knew the kind of kinks and limits I had, and I knew what to expect to a degree. I was thinking earlier tonight when you were talking about the wine that I didn't know any of your likes or dislikes."

"You would like to know whether I am good in bed?" Rob chuckled. "If I can rock your world?" His laughter became more raucous. "Of all the things I expected to hear from you little brat that was not one of them!" He held her against him tightly as he shook with laughter. "Oh how I adore you!"

He had expected confusion, surprise, even anger for his earlier rejection; he had not expected this immediate acceptance of his words and he wondered at it and decided not to press his advantage in that immediate acceptance too far.

Rolling her onto her back, Rob pinned her to the bed, holding her hands above her head and gazed down into her eyes. "I assure you, little brat, I am quite capable of making the earth move for you." He dipped his head and kissed her, catching her lip between his teeth and nibbling on it. "Not tonight, though. Tonight I can show you a glimpse of what might be if you take a few days, to think about what it is you want right now. There is no rush... I will not go anywhere, but neither will I throw away our current relationship by rushing into something before we are both ready." Taking both of her wrists in one of his big hands, he let the other drift down to her breast.

"I will give you a fairly large clue about exploring life with me," he smiled and pinched her nipple between thumb and forefinger. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes Master," she breathed heavily, feeling her nipple throb as he released his grip. 

"Good girl," he stood from the bed and beckoned her to him. "Come with me."

Bella stood beside him and took his hand. Feeling confident because of her reaction, he led her out of the apartment and across the elevator to his side of the floor and, rather than into his apartment, he led her to the door at the end of the hallway. When he opened the door, just because it was in a similar location, she halfway expected to see the mirror image of Mel's playroom. Instead, there was a wide expanse of space. He turned on a few dim lights, and she shivered at the tangles of rope and leather straps hanging down from the ceiling like broken spiders' webs above a jumble of large dark furniture.

"Mel and I had many things in common, but enough differences to always make our encounters with each other interesting. We built the club downstairs based mostly on our own desires and needs. It has expanded over time but at the heart of everything is Bondage. Metaphorically and physically. My inner pleasure is driven by a sadistic bastard who will take pleasure in your pain and tears. My heart, however, longs to be everything to another being again. To know that I am loved so much that a girl will strive to please in everything she does."

"I would treat you as I always have at the club with our friends or at the company amongst professionals, but here at home, there would be rules, strict rules and the sadistic bastard I am will mete out punishments as I see fit.

This was a side of Rob she had only once glimpsed briefly, and it might have frightened her a little on some level, but when she looked at the expression on his face as he spoke, it excited her more than she could admit to at that moment. She shivered at the thought of what it would be like to belong to him and imagine him as having the affection and caring of Billy in that paternal way, but also all the control and strict, unwavering demands of Mel and Stephen, if not more so. 

He led her out and closed the door abruptly. "It is not good for either of us to dwell here before our time. I want you to think about all I have said, and all that Stephen will say to you tomorrow. I want you to arrive at that meeting on Monday as strong and level-headed as you have been over the last week. I want you to make the choices you make on Monday on your own. Then if there is the opportunity, we will return to this spot again." He found it difficult to be here with her so close and not voice the demands he needed and wanted to make of her, but once that door was open he was unsure if he could close it again so easily. Taking her hand, he walked her back to her apartment and helped her to bed.

"Will you stay with me until I fall asleep, please Master?" Bella asked quietly.

"Always," Rob said gently and climbed onto the bed, pulling her into his arms. He kissed her then, and watched her as she closed her eyes, and her breathing evened out to the slow rhythms of sleep.

*****

Bella woke alone. Rob had left a note on her pillow, and she smiled as she read, "Have fun with Stephen today, but not too much fun. R"

Lying back in bed, she considered the twist and turns of her life. Up until Friday evening she had considered Stephen as the only prospect for a relationship like she needed; now she knew she had choices. Rob had told her of his feelings. Jake had asked her on a date. She knew from Charles that Mistress Josie still wished to see her. It was exciting to think about what her life could be like and the fun she could have. The question was... is that what she wanted? She knew she wanted another relationship like that she had with Mel, but she didn't feel that overwhelming desire to please anyone as she did with him.

She considered Rob again. She had always felt the desire to please him but not in an overwhelming way, more out of respect and love. She had always obeyed Stephen because she must and, while that softened and was enhanced by her feelings for him, she knew it wasn't quite like what she felt with Mel. Maybe she was chasing a unicorn and that sort of desire and the pleasure of pleasing Mel that accompanied it was something that came in time. She tried to remember that first week of her training and the demands Mel made of her. The hint of blackmail she felt by the sheer fact he was her parents friend and could tell them what a bad girl she was. 

It was only when he withdrew from her after the party that she realised how much she wanted to please him, even needed to please him. To see him smile and praise her was such a special gift from Mel and something she already received from the men in her life without displaying that type of devotion. Mel was a hard man for any other to follow. No one knew her as well as he had before that training. He knew how to get inside her head, long before she was even aware of her submissive nature.

Bella got up and showered, the thoughts still rolling around in her head. She needed to talk to Stephen. The vision of the tall darkly handsome Master swum into her mind and she smiled. He loved her. She was sure of it, but she wasn't as sure of her feelings, and she wouldn't take his collar unless she cold commit totally to his collar and give all of herself and her world to him. She loved him on many levels, she admitted to herself, just as she loved Rob and Kurt in different ways. 

Her mind continued to tumble the thoughts around as she dressed and had a bowl of cereal. She was looking forward to seeing him, the embargo had meant he was strangely absent from her life over the last week, and she had missed him. At seven precisely there was a knock on her door, and she smiled. He was so reliable. She picked up her bag and went to the door.

"Hello, little one," Stephen said cheerfully and pulled her into his arms to kiss her. 

"Good morning, Master," Bella smiled. "I'm ready to go if you wanted to beat the traffic."

"Good idea but I have the Alpha today, so you may need a scarf for your head," he suggested. 

"Sure, I won't be a moment," she scurried off to her room to retrieve a scarf, leaving Stephen to wander after her into the apartment. Stephen followed the hum of a machine and saw she had started the dishwasher. He also noted the two wine glasses that were sitting to drain on the bench beside the sink. 

"You had company last night," Stephen noted. 

"Master Rob came for dinner," she answered honestly.

"I'm glad you haven't been dining alone this week, but I would have thought one of the girls might have come instead," he commented with a slightly acidic tone, surprising Bella and making her look up at him with concern.

"I went shopping with Dorothea yesterday, Rob came to see what I bought," she felt she needed to explain.

"I'm looking forward to today, shall we go?" Stephen changed the subject abruptly and walked toward the door. Following him out, Bella felt the familiar large hand rest on the back of her neck.

"I spoke with Charles on Friday night," she said softly. "I understand abut the restrictions he placed on the Masters who trained me."

"I saw you with him in the club," he said without emotion.

"Oh, I didn't see you," Bella chewed her lip, wondering why he hadn't come to speak with her if he saw her there. She had missed his presence and thought he would have felt the same. The elevator ride was silent as Bella worried at Stephen's dour mood, and he seemed reticent to break the silence. He helped her into the car and took his seat, bringing the Alpha to life and accelerated out of the carpark. With the roof down, Bella sat back and let her thoughts roll around in her head, knowing there would be no opportunity to speak with ease until they arrived.

It gave her time to think about her night with Rob, and she found it hard not to make comparisons with the man sitting beside her. They were so different in their approaches to her. Stephen was so like Mel, always stern and in control, his smiles and praise a rare gift that made her heart sing that she was the cause of his pleasure. Rob, on the other hand, was generous with his praise and affection, and she had no doubt about his moods or if he was disappointed in her. 

Stephen had just needed to get out of the city and the restriction he felt there with Bella. He wasn't happy with Charles's restrictions and, while he would not have approached her himself, he was more than pleased that she had finally approached him. Her suggestion of the cove had suited him perfectly, very few people were there at present, his brother and the managers of the estate were currently overseas, so the main house would be empty. They would be able to discuss their future in the proper manner without being concerned about the interruption.

Bella noticed that the further they drove, the more Stephen seemed to relax. About halfway into the trip, he reached over and placed his hand on her thigh, stroking it lightly, making her look up at him and smile. She loved him and all that he gave her, it should be an easy decision to just say yes to him. She knew him better than she knew any other Master, including Rob, and yet she hesitated. Her thoughts turned inward again, and she barely noticed the castle come into view as she was so lost in her thoughts. It took her by surprise when the car stopped, and he shut off the engine. She looked up at the looming stone castle-like building and smiled.

His mood lifted by being home, Stephen helped her from the car and pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. He then picked her up and carried her inside. With a sense of urgency, he kicked the door closed and strode through the house. He went through the door to his tower and surprising her, he turned to a new door. It had been created to look old with its weathered timber and wrought iron embellishments, but she knew it hadn't looked as it did when she was last here. Her memory tickled at the last time she had visited when the garden was being made and, remembering the stairs on the outside of the tower, she assumed they were entering the garden from this side. She was wrong.

"Don't speak," Stephen commanded as they descended into the darkness. One dim light lit the gloom of the medieval-style dungeon. Stephen placed her on her feet beside a marble pedestal on which sat a black lacquered chest, studded with metal. He worked swiftly, unzipping and pushing her dress from her shoulders to pool at her feet. His hands stroked over her body as he cuffed her wrists and ankles and pressed a ball gag into her mouth when she had made no attempt to protest what was quite obviously occurring. 

"I need you, like this, here in this place," Stephen said gruffly, grazing his lips along her jawline and down her throat to bite at the indent where her neck met her shoulder.

Bella nodded her understanding and consent then allowed him to move her to the centre of the room where her hands were pulled above her head and attached to a chain there. He then went and lit several candles to further light the darkness and show the extent of the room and the equipment it housed. He opened several cabinets along his way, leaving them wide for Bella to see the tools of pleasure and pain at his disposal before choosing one and returning to circle her closely again, his lips grazing over her neck again briefly.

The soft suede flogger caressed her skin with lightly stinging blows, making her dance on her toes as he circled her. Her body warmed quickly, turning pink and as the temperature in the dungeon rose he stripped off his shirt, revealing his muscled torso and a chest liberally sprinkled with dark curly hair. His muscles bunch and once again he circled her liberally, raining blows across her pale skin, watching the increasing pink shades turn ruddy in the candle light. Her muffled whimpers were almost musical, but he needed more, so he stopped and pulled the gag from her mouth, leaving it to hang about her neck as he kissed her deeply, his need to possess her evident in his passion.

Releasing her, he stepped back and considered her, "You are such a beautiful slut," he growled. "It is difficult to know you were with another Master, but knowing that you enjoy the punishment of being such a slut as much as I enjoy giving it makes me almost understand Mel's desire to share you and watch others enjoy you."

Bella had been focused solely on the pain and pleasure he gave her. The way the rippling muscles in his chest and back played as he swung the flogger. The mention of Mel made her brain snap back to the reality of the present and the power of what he was saying. It was true Mel enjoyed showing off not only her body but the power he had over it by offering her to his employees. Images flashed before her eyes of John, Tony and even Jake, though no opportunity had arisen for him to take Mel up on the promise of her thanking him appropriately for his help when he had moved her into his apartment.

Her thoughts of Mel scattered again as the biting blow of a thin flexible cane landed across the soft underside of her breasts. She cried out, and the tears that had been welling in her eyes finally fell on her cheeks. The cane then landed on her ass. In quick succession, two more blows rain on both her breasts and ass, leaving livid red welts and her face tear stained. Her whimpers of pleasure had turned to panting sobs as the heat and pain lanced into her brain.

"Of course you were collared to him then, he could afford to be generous, knowing that you belonged to him, and another couldn't win you away," Stephen's voice softened slightly as he admitted his fear. Bella said nothing, her breathing ragged and breaking the silence with small whimpering sobs. She realised that Stephen could not have known the extent of the public humiliations Mel had rained on her in the week before she had taken his collar and met the big man properly.

With sudden clarity, she realised that this is what Mel used to do. He would expose the depth of his feelings, his want and his need as he spanked her to orgasm in those early days. It was as if he needed to be in the dominant position to be able to verbalise what he was truly feeling and she looked up at the expression of determination on Stephen's face. 

"Did you enjoy being his whore?" He grabbed her by the hair as he asked the question, making her tilt her head back and look directly into his face as it hovered over her.

"I loved him for exactly who and what he was. I would have done anything he asked of me, submitted to anyone he asked me to, even you Master," she cried both from the physical pain and the heartbreaking memory. "You are wrong about one thing, though, he did those things before I took his collar and he had the same concerns about my choice that you do, even though I was a naïve unknown at the time." He bent and kissed her to stop her words, words that surprised him.

Stephen was shocked by her answer. If Mel had ever doubted his Mastery of her, he had never shown it in public. Mel seemed happiest when others were eagerly groping and playing with his prized slave. It was a source of pride to him that others found her so desirable. For Stephen, at the time, she was merely a curiosity. Such a small delicate looking girl seemed a strange choice for a man he knew to be a sadist. He knew better than that now, and his free hand sought out her breast mauling it roughly before pinching and twisting the nipple hard, just to hear her cry and swallow that cry with his kisses.




Possessing Bella Ch. 20



Breaking the kiss, he looked down into her tear streaked face and twisted the imprisoned nipple again. "That didn't answer my question," he growled, and Bella frowned trying to remember exactly what the question was. "You liked being his whore, didn't you? You liked having him watch you perform for him with other men."

"It was what he wanted. It pleased him very much, and that made me happy. Yes, I enjoyed it," Bella admitted breathlessly.

"When you take my collar," he said confidently, "Will you strive to please me so willingly?"

"When I beg a collar, I will give myself completely and utterly to my Master, as I did with Mel," Bella said softly. He heard the hesitation in her non-committal answer and assumed her talk with Charles had stipulated that she could not commit to anything until the training was officially over. The reassurance he required from her was not going to be forthcoming today, he realised. Her obvious affection for Samuel during her time on the ranch had sown the seeds of doubt he could not shake, even after she had reached out to him and asked him to bring her here today.

"Fuck," he growled in frustration and picked up the flogger, circling her again, watching her squirm and twist, listening to the music of her suffering. Stripping off his pants, he stepped before her and lifted her, wrapping her legs around his hips and pounding up into her savagely. She cried out as he impaled her and swung unsteadily from the chain holding her as he fucked her hard and fast for several long minutes before releasing her and loosening the chain so she could drop her arms.

Bending her forward to balance on the chains, he used her own lubricant to open her ass with his fingers before slowly easing his cock into her. He revelled in the tightness of her and the deep whimpers of painful pleasure that issued from her as he slowly forced his enraged cock into her ass. Reaching forward, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and rode her like the pony she had been for Samuel, slamming into her hard to make her cry out her need.

His hand curled around her waist and slapped lightly at her wide open cunt, grazing his fingers over her clit, listening to her cries change in pitch and volume. He was close to cumming when he felt her legs begin to shake, and she lifted her head to beg for release.

"Please. Master. Please. May. I ... come," the words were staccato as he pounded into her ass hard, fast.

"Come, little slut. Come," he growled deeply as he felt his balls tighten and his cum begin to spurt into her. Their cumming was loud and full of emotion until he eased out of her, releasing the chains to let her relax back onto her knees, leaving her head resting on the bench he had pulled forward. He lifted her head, sat before her on the small bench, resting her head back into his lap.

Knowing what he expected, she began to swipe at his cock with long lazy strokes of her tongue as he petted her hair. She could feel him becoming aroused again as she continued to clean his hefty cock, but he stopped her, pulling her head up gently by her hair.

"You have left a big mess," he pointed to the floor between her knees. "Clean that up... pet, and we will go and see the garden."

The use of the word pet was not lost on Bella, and she turned bending down to the smooth new tiles and began to lap at the small puddle of their mixed cum while Stephen pulled on his jeans and waited by the outside door. Once the puddle was gone, she crawled to his feet and was rewarded by his smile and petting of her hair before he helped her to her feet and opened the door to climb the stairs with her, slapping her ass so as to make her lead the way.

The garden was beautiful, and she stopped as she cleared the stairs to look around. It reminded her of the secret garden from a favourite childhood movie of the same name. Stephen rested his hand on the nape of her neck and propelled her to a small stone bench beside a pond filled with lilies and koi fish. Taking a seat, he indicated that she should kneel on the soft green grass before him.

"You will not be begging my collar at the meeting tomorrow, will you?" Stephen challenged in his deep bass, but his tone was soft and surprisingly accepting of this knowledge.

"No Master," she said honestly biting her lip. "It is not because I have chosen another nor is it because I do not love you, I do," Bella added, wanting him to understand how she felt and desperately trying to remember all the words she had planned to use.

"Then why not take it? It is yours if you would only ask," Stephen's voice was steady despite his disappointment and frustration that bordered on anger.

"I can't give myself to anyone else completely yet," Bella said softly, looking down. "Your question in there, the dungeon," she looked back over her shoulder. "It was like you knew what was in my mind. Mel possessed me so completely. I would have done anything he asked, I think, without any thought of my welfare because I trusted him that much to make sure I was kept from any real harm." She tried to explain using the examples he had used earlier. "He pushed into my mind so far he is still there, I still compare everyone to him, and I try not to because it's not fair."

"You will always have a little of Mel with you. That is understandable. You have been making a lot of progress to move on with your life, though," Stephen said, his voice still soft and understanding.

"It was just a year ago that I came into this lifestyle and took his collar. It's less than a year since I lost him," she said sadly. "So much happened to me in just one year and I am trying very hard just to find out who I am now without him, but I am not really without him. His name comes up in almost every conversation, at the club and the company, even here," she looked back over her shoulder toward the dungeon.

Stephen nodded, accepting the blame for his part in her dilemma. "I did not realise," he said shortly.

"It is difficult to compete with a ghost who has left such a legacy," Bella said. "I need to find out who I am without him, not as someone else's girl but as me, Bella. When I beg for a collar, I want to be able to give myself completely, without reservation, without making comparisons and without judgements," she sighed. "Most of all... without people forcing the expectation of being Mel's slave onto me. He never had one before me. I get that, but everyone seems to believe I am some super submissive, and I think in all honesty, I will never live up to the reputation that came with wearing his collar."

"You are wrong," Stephen tilted her chin up to look at him. "Every day you prove your worthiness of that reputation and his love. Many slaves are beautiful and obedient, even more are willing to submit to sadistic sexual exploits. Few consider the ramifications of their actions as deeply as you do. Few would be strong enough to live through the trauma that beset you, let alone submit to the army of dominants Mel left to watch over you. It is a difficult thing to try and make everyone happy while trying to stay true to yourself."

"That's just it... who am I now?" Bella asked. "I can't ever go back to the naïve girl that came to work for Mel. Now I am known as Mel's girl. I'm the girl made rich after the death of a playboy millionaire. I'm the submissive executive and part owner of a male dominated sex club. Before Mel, I was just Bella Biancotti, a business major who was sexually curious. Now I'm just a girl trying to come to terms with everyone else's expectations and never being sure about my expectations for my life anymore. All I have that is one hundred present mine is my family and my silly little business plan that has been amended so much I am not even sure it's mine anymore."

"It is true that I have my own agenda and expectations," Stephen admitted. "I am sure there are a few others who feel the same way. What I want you to understand though is that I will always love you and watch over you, even if it is not my collar you choose. I am not saying I would be happy, but I would be accepting and respectful of your choice. I think I can speak for most of the men in your life when I say, we want you to live up to your potential and to be happy. If time is what you need, then I will support that decision," he said with a note of disappointment in his voice.

"Thank you, Master," Bella said softly. "I know that this is not what you wanted."

"No, it is not," he agreed. "But while you are here in my home, you will serve me as if you wear my collar and belong to me. I have plans to make use of the precious time we have together today as I fear there will be much less opportunity for us in the foreseeable future."



Possessing Bella Ch. 21



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to my second set of eyes, she is a great friend to help me out so much. Thank you also to Margret who also looked over this chapter for me. I hope I manage to surprise some of you as we near the end of this series. ~ellie

*****

Possessing Bella Ch.21

Bella travelled down to the dining hall on the fourth floor with Andrew and their new personal assistant, Chelsea. Chelsea was a tall, slim, confident woman who had a wholly professional approach and a resume that told of her experience with large corporations. Bella liked that the woman did not know her history or anything about her personal life, aside of the fact that she had been Mel's lover and protégé before his untimely death. In their first conversation this morning, Bella had cleared the air about that and invited her to ask any questions.

"Your personal life is your own, Miss Biancotti. It is good that I know certain elements that may encroach into work, but I am not one to pry. If you feel I should know something, I am sure you will give me the information but, as they say, if I know nothing then I can't inadvertently repeat it to the wrong ears," she gave a small devilish grin then, and Bella knew they would get along well.

The dining hall was surprisingly full. Bella had not realised there were so many executives and associates in the company. Dianne was standing beside the door directing the traffic flow into the room. Bella smiled and approached her.

"You are looking fabulous. How are you feeling?" Bella asked quietly.

"I feel fabulous, Honey," Dianne placed a hand on her belly. "Kurt wants you up in the front with him, and he wants you," she said over Bella's shoulder, "and I am assuming you," she looked at Chelsea sizing her up, "To attend a meeting in his office directly following the breakfast."

"Sure thing," Andrew said easily and moved into the room.

"Chelsea, this is Dianne, my friend and personal assistant to Kurt White. Dianne this is my new assistant, Chelsea Daniels."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Chelsea held out her hand to Dianne, who took it, still sizing up the woman. 

"Hello," Dianne replied and kept things businesslike as she continued. "You can go up to the front with Bella." She had heard about the shared arrangement with Andrew and didn't approve at all, especially after seeing the strikingly beautiful woman.

Bella moved through the room, introducing Chelsea to those she knew along the way. She was startled when she reached the front of the room to see Rob lounging there with a cup of coffee in one hand and the other arm around Dorothea's shoulder. 

"Good morning, Miss Biancotti, it is lovely as always to see you," he grinned up at her.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming in? We could have ridden in together," Bella returned his smile and looked curiously at Dorothea.

"Oh, of course, how rude of me, my assistant Dorothea Brown," he said solicitously. "I had left before you were ready, I had an early meeting with Kurt, and then I had to go and pick up Mrs Brown here who was a bit squeamish about getting on my bike. She uses any excuse for a day off. You know how she is," he smirked as if enjoying himself immensely.

"Pleased to meet you," Bella laughed, playing along. "May I introduce my assistant, Chelsea Daniels?"

"Well, how do you do?" Rob took the hand Chelsea was extending to shake his and kissed it dramatically, taking her by surprise.

"I do well thank you," she said, retrieving her hand from his grasp and extending it toward Dorothea, "It's an honour to meet you, Mrs Brown. I knew Mr. Brown quite well in his later years." Bella did a double take and looked again at Chelsea, who was smiling quite naturally.

"Oh dear," Dorothea put a hand to her cheek, "Should I apologise for his behaviour now or after this little circus." Chelsea gave a small laugh and turned to Bella. "Can I get you a small plate and some juice?"

"You don't have to do that," Bella said quickly.

"No, but I am offering to," Chelsea brushed away Bella's protest.

"Juice would be lovely, thank you," Bella agreed and watched the woman move through the crowd toward the buffet table.

"What's this all about?" Bella whispered to Rob.

"You, little brat. You've caused all this trouble as if you had to ask," Rob was in a jovial mood and laughed loudly.

"Me? Oh gosh, what have I done wrong now?" Bella's eyes were wide as she looked at Dorothea, who shrugged but didn't argue with what Rob had said. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

"I'm afraid Kurt has a bee in his bonnet about something and, considering they dragged me out of bed on a Monday morning, I don't think it is a small matter," she looked at Rob. "Have you even slept yet?"

"I'll sleep when I am dead," Rob protested good-naturedly to her mothering tone.

Kurt and Dianne joined them at the table, and he clipped on the hands-free microphone, leaving two handheld microphones on the table in front of Bella and Rob.

"You just slide the button up when it's your turn to use it," he said, and Bella felt ill. She had caused this mess, and now he wanted her to speak to these people? She couldn't talk to a room full of executives. Not even to apologise for whatever she had done wrong. She turned pale and shook her head slightly.

"You just need to greet them, nothing too onerous but you need to be seen as the strong, confident young woman we know you are, to the rest of these people here," Kurt said. "I am already quite ready to punish you for the whole assistant debacle that I knew nothing about, so don't make matters any worse," Kurt spoke to her in a stern, commanding tone. "When I introduce you, you will stand and greet the people who work for us. You will follow my lead and praise them for their hard work and loyalty to the company during the last year of uncertainty."

"Yes Master," Bella said automatically.

"Good girl. I trust you don't need a pep talk too?" he turned his focus to Rob, who laughed raucously and shook his head.

"Ah good, Chelsea. It's good to have you on board. I am glad to see common sense prevailed in the end. I will speak to you both after this meeting," he turned his gaze to Bella, and she knew with certainty that this was somehow about her willingness to share her assistant with Andrew. She sat quietly, gnawing at her lip as Chelsea placed a glass of juice in front of Bella and a large plate of pastries on the table for people to share.

"Oh god, thank you," Dianne said helping herself to the plate. "I could smell these and have been craving one since we arrived.

"Try not to chew your lip, if you have to stand up and talk to people it may look swollen," Chelsea whispered. "Here nibble on this." She slid a cinnamon danish onto a small plate for Bella.

"Thank you," Bella said nervously.

"If everyone could take their seats please," Kurt said, getting to his feet and making his way up onto the small stage. "It's come to my attention lately that certain changes that have occurred over the past year have not been universally accepted." He let the murmur of voices die down as people realised this was not a general meeting where they were all given a pat on the back and told to keep up the good work for the coming year speech they usually received in January when most people returned from the holidays.

"Mel Marino ably led this company forward for over two decades." A picture of Mel appeared at the top of the screen behind where Kurt stood. "He led by sheer force of will. He did it his way and if people didn't like that they soon found the way out was swift." He paused letting that sink in. "What some of you seem to have forgotten is that he didn't do it alone. From the very beginning, he had two business partners. They did not seek the limelight nor did they throw their weight around, but they were there helping to guide this ship of fools through treacherous waters and make it one of the top-grossing corporations in the country." There was a smattering of applause and a general agreement with that fact.

"Rob Collins and Kitty Flanigan were here from the very beginning; these three people were the founding members of this great company. Sadly two of them were taken from us far too soon, but not before Mel and his partner Rob could put in place their vision for the future of this company by giving shares and partnerships to people who would lead the company forward with them and in their memory. I am one of those partners, and I am honoured that so many of you have stayed the course with me and my partners during the last turbulent year."

"The formula for success that these three talented people used has not changed. The formula, the business plan, the success it means for all us, and I am sure you were all happy with your holiday bonuses this year, has not changed. The company is still led by a team of three in partnership. Please welcome to the stage Rob Collins and Bella Biancotti."

Standing Rob put a hand in the small of Bella's back and guided her to the stage to stand between himself and Kurt. Once again there was a smattering of applause and deep murmuring though it didn't sound as affirmative as the last time.

"I don't often stand up and say I'm the boss, and you will do what I say my way," Kurt went on. "I am a reasonable man, most days," he paused. "I hear everyone out, any idea can be a good idea with the right people behind it, but I am telling you right now... this very moment to take a good look at the stage. We are the people who sign your paychecks, who hand out the bonuses and who make this company the workplace it is with all of its benefits and bonuses. I do not do it alone."

"Make no mistake, I can be and will be every bit as ruthless as Mel ever was, and this is my warning shot," Kurt said forcefully. "If anyone here thinks management has softened, think again because due to recent events I will be stalking the halls like Caligula himself and I will sever any poisonous limb from the body of this company no matter how small or how big." He paused looking dramatically around the room of people before him, "Well, at least some of you have the good grace to look shocked, that is something." He finally fell silent.

"Good morning everyone," Rob said amiably. "I expect that is my cue to step in here and be the good cop to Kurt's fabulous rendition of bad cop, but alas I am just as pissed off as he is."" He shook his head. "I come in once a week or so to get the updates from the horse's mouth so to speak, but there is a weekly newsletter that goes out is there not?" he paused as the murmur rose and many heads nodded their assent. "Though we may not see each of you on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis, we do our best as a team to keep you informed of company business. You are all executives and associates, you need that information to be able to function in this workplace properly; am I right?" Again he waited.

"Imagine our surprise when we asked you, the executives, to respond to an invitation we made, with either acceptance or apologies in that very newsletter and only about half of you replied, most of them being the more senior members of the company." Rob smiled at the look of shame on some faces and put in the kicker, "Those that did reply found their bonuses doubled this year, those that did not have come back to work to find a performance evaluation date waiting for them." Worried looks passed between people as he spoke.

"I'm pissed off," he said again. "That never would have happened under Mel's leadership, and it better not fucking happen again, but that is just the tip of the iceberg, my friends. Unbelievingly one of us standing up here on the stage was told that security would be called to escort us from the building if they did not remove ourselves immediately. So take a good like at us because you can be damn sure that if security is called again, it won't be us leaving." He stepped back and let the murmur run on. 

"I guess that means it my turn to be a good cop. I can see that after Caligula and a pissed off Rob Collins have threatened you, you don't need me riding in on my broom like the wicked witch of the west to rant some more," Bella said lightly and heard a few titters at her attempt at humor. "I am the newest member of the leadership team here and must emphasise that it is a team. We three need you, the executives, to support us if we are to make this company even better than Mel could have imagined, and he had big dreams and even bigger expectations for us to live up to." she said honestly.

"I understand that I have not gotten around to every division here as yet, and some of you don't know me at all. My schedule has been given over to working towards a new and exciting business plan, but I will try to rectify that over the coming weeks with the help of our senior executives who know this company so well." Bella wasn't sure what else to say, but neither Kurt nor Rob had taken a step forward to help her, so she continued.

"I will tell you that it was me that was asked to leave the building. It would seem that I made a large mess breaking that glass ceiling this company was rumoured to have firmly in place and when I appeared on the helipad unaccompanied I surprised more than a few people." There was a murmur of chuckling as she made light of the situation. "I am looking forward to meeting more of you and working with you as I begin to take on more responsibility within the company at large." She stepped back, making Kurt take control of the meeting again. 

"Bella may have made light of the situation, but Rob and myself are pissed, and it will take a lot of hard work to win back our trust. She was right about one thing, though; we need a good executive team behind us. We need people we can rely on. If that is not you then by all means be on your way, no hard feelings. Just last week we promoted an assistant who already knew the business and was nearing the end of a business degree. No one is irreplaceable, and those that come close move up the corporate ladder quickly." He was stating the obvious now. "Enjoy the breakfast, but bear in mind that the girls on reception are probably cursing all of our names quite loudly by now." He left the stage and the room quite quickly, ending the meeting abruptly to show his displeasure.

Rob guided Bella from the stage and, barely stopping at the table, he indicated that the three women sitting there should follow them from the room and moved with purpose, propelling Bella toward the door. As they waited for the lift to return to the upper floors, Andrew caught up with them, and when they entered the elevator and turned around, Bella saw Rhys Muldoon and Patrick smile and wave them on ahead.

Bella felt dread as she entered Kurt's office behind him. She knew the pep talk downstairs was only the beginning of what he was angry about, and she gnawed at her lip as she worried about what would come next. Chelsea pulled Bella aside and pressed a small pastry into her hand.

"Look I know it's my first day, and I shouldn't be telling you what to do but all that lip biting makes you look weak and nervous. Something tells me you want to appear confident right now. Every time you realise you're biting your lip pinch off a little bit of the pastry and nibble on it. It's an old trick but it's helped me in the past," she smiled reassuringly.

"I'm not even aware I do it most of the time," Bella said. "I will try it, thanks." She was aware of her bad habit and often gave herself small ulcers on the inside of her lip from biting them too much. It may not have been the best timing, but the advice was sound.

"Gentlemen and Bella come and sit," Kurt indicated the leather couches in front of his desk. "Ladies and Patrick you may bring in chairs from the meeting room." 

"Rhys and I have some concerns about the direction of your business plan, Bella," Kurt began. "Things have been purposefully slow due to the amount of time you were required to spend away from the company over the past few months. That is about to change, and I am pleased." He looked to Rhys to continue.

"Yes, it will be good to get on top of a few things that require some clarification. In some circumstances what we had discussed and what Andrew brought to the table, though not dissimilar, had changed in ways I couldn't fathom as you and I had agreed on going another direction," Rhys commented. "I found it odd during your last absence that you sent me an email that didn't quite line up with the information I had received from Andrew."

"While we understand that you gave Andrew a great deal of autonomy where the business was concerned, we are not sure that your shared vision is the same vision anymore. Tell us about the marble pieces that were ordered recently," Kurt prompted. "I had been led to believe you wanted to work only with glass, metals and precious gems."

"Small amounts of leather as well but I hadn't been looking at marble," Bella shook her head. "Maybe Andrew found something he hadn't had time to tell me about yet," she said uneasily.

"Yeah," Andrew admitted, "I ordered a few sample pieces to show Bella. They never look as good in photos as when you hold them in your hand.

"I see, and the sample pieces Bella asked for that were returned on your say so?" Kurt inquired. 

"They were not of the quality we expect," he said. He was calm and cool under pressure, having reasonable answers for each of the questions they asked him. He was surprised that Kurt and Rhys had taken the time to monitor such small details as this. Neither transaction involved large sums of money.

"It concerns me that you feel that you can speak for Bella, given her position within the company. I find it strange that you feel confident enough in your position as her assistant, as you were at the time, to make these decisions without even so much as an email to her or confirmation from me," Rhys frowned. "I am possibly as invested as yourself, if not more so having come in at the beginning of the business, and I certainly never would have sent these back without consulting with her first," he handed a small rosewood box to Bella. "Personally I think the flaws give personality to the gems. The settings are a little outdated for my taste, but I am led to believe that Bella has a liking for that sort of thing."

"Bella trusted my judgement when it came to the items we were looking at," Andrew said, concern creeping into his voice.

"Andrew has been fabulous at keeping the momentum going with the business. I think that this has just been a small lapse in communication because I have been so busy both before and after the holidays. I took on too much, and I will rectify that this year and be more hands-on with every aspect of the business. I apologise, for the confusion, Master Muldoon. Thank you for saving these though, they are exactly what I wanted," she said, happily closing the box and placing it on the table. 

"I don't think it is you who should apologise, my dear," Rhys returned her smile and looked at Kurt. "I will follow this matter up at our team meetings this week, if you would like to move on, I understand you have an extraordinarily busy morning planned."

"I do," Kurt nodded and scowled at Bella. "Has everybody met Chelsea Daniels?" Kurt stood and went to where she sat. "We have some mutual friends, if I am to believe your resume. I will steal you away to have a long lunch sometime," Kurt said cheerfully before turning his scowl on Bella again, making her jump and bite the lip she had been chewing.

"You are a partner in this firm, Bella. You are starting your own division that will, if Rhys's projected figures are correct, become a large and thriving entity within the company given time. You need your own personal assistant. You will not share one, do you understand?" Kurt's voice was firm and brooked no argument.




Possessing Bella Ch. 21



"I have approved the plans you sent me Friday night for a combined foyer area between your two offices, but I have added an extra desk," Kurt had turned his attention to Andrew. "I will send Chelsea down to the temp pool to find someone who can do the job and who she can work with," again he gave no room for argument. He was the CEO of the company, and he was all about kicking ass today. 

"Let me be very clear when I say this, because I want you understand that I am not someone you want to mess with. If I find any evidence of you making a decision for Bella or using her name and connections to hold power over another, I will ruin you. You were promoted because she likes you, wants to work with you and trusts you. We gave you the position you now hold because she asked us in such a way that, despite our doubts, we agreed. Do not make us or her regret that decision further," Kurt returned to his seat, but before he could go on Rob picked up the thread of that conversation.

"What the problem is old boy, because no one has come out and said it plainly, is that you are confusing your professional and personal life. Yes, Bella is a submissive, but she is not your submissive. You may believe you are a dominant, but you are not her dominant," Rob said in a friendly tone, but his body language told of his anger. "You do not get to tell her what to do or how to do it, and you certainly do not get to make decisions for her," Rob smiled at Bella then. "She has the sweetest, most trusting nature and if you take advantage of that, Caligula over there will be the least of your problems." Rob said, his serious face and tone told of his intent.

"I understand," Andrew said steadily. He knew he had fucked up, and he made no false excuses. He had been so sure of his position as her friend and confidante within the company, he had not even considered that she would not take his advice on whom to hire and seek a second opinion. He wracked his brain to try and remember if he had even asked her opinion before pushing his choice of successor onto her. Lesson learned, he would now have to ride out the stormy seas until things returned to normal.

"Good we all understand each other," Kurt said, the sternness still colouring his voice. "Dianne would you take Chelsea and show her around the building. This next meeting might take a while, so could you order us up some lunch for around eleven. I've been surrounded by food all morning and had no time to even finish my coffee." he grumbled.

"We will see if we can scrounge up some left-overs from the breakfast to tide you over as well," Dianne smiled and left the room with Chelsea. 

"Andrew, I think it's best if you meet with Rhys and Patrick and iron out any other little miscommunications that are causing him to worry, don't you?" Kurt suggested in a way that he couldn't say no.

"I think that would be for the best," Andrew admitted. He liked being a junior executive and had no wish to return to being a personal assistant, especially if it meant leaving Bella's business team.

"Good man," Rhys said. "Let's go to my office, shall we?"

Once the door had closed, leaving only four of them in the large office, Bella looked worriedly at Dorothea, who smiled encouragingly and came to sit on the couches.

Kurt stood abruptly and picked up Bella, putting her over his knee, he spanked her hard as she bit her lip again and did her best not to cry out. His hand landed a dozen times before he pulled her up and handed her to Rob, who cradled the teary girl in his arms for a moment before placing her on the couch and taking a seat next to Kurt.

"You were right that was cathartic," Kurt said amiably to Rob, the levity he was known for creeping back into his voice and demeanour.

"Your most welcome, you kicked some serious ass today Caligula," Rob congratulated him with a slap on the back and Dorothea rolled her eyes at the two of them. He turned to Bella, "How did it go with Stephen yesterday, were you able to tell him how you feel and your wishes for the meeting tonight?" Rob asked gently, not wanting to push her but needing to know the answer before he and Kurt told her of their plans for her immediate future.

"I did, and he was not happy but he at least said that he understood why I felt the way I did," she answered as honestly as she could.

"Kurt and I met yesterday, and we also spoke with Dorothea. We feel that due to the circumstances of Mel's passing and the trauma you suffered as a result of the shooting, we were lax in our duties as your guardians. We allowed you to dictate the terms of your recovery and subsequent return to the world of the living, rather than guiding you to where you needed to be," Rob began.

"Play time is over. Now you must knuckle down and work to become the woman you were meant to be. You will not only work on your business plan, but you will take on a greater role in the running of this company. I will mentor you closely with the help of Rhys, who is now my second and the most qualified to take over should I need to be away for any reason. He is the only person here aside of us that you have to answer to, everyone else needs to know they answer to you," Kurt took over from Rob. "Going to Dorothea when you felt Andrew was manipulating you was good, but you should have come directly to me. Next time something like this happens, and I am not the first person to know about it, I will do more than spank you as punishment." he threatened.

"The evenings you will spend with me. You will learn the proper protocols; you will get to know the people who fill our world, good and bad, and you will learn about the business conducted at the club," Rob took over again. "Your weekends will be your own. After a period when we both deem you are managing the workload sufficiently, you will be allowed to date. While it will always be your choice of who and when, Dorothea has offered to act as an intermediary and social secretary for the time being, so as to advise you on the various functions that you are invited to and the men who may wish to know you better," Rob explained.

Bella sat wide eyed staring at the two men and saying nothing. She saw the freedom she had been longing for draining away before her eyes. It was Dorothea who broke through her thoughts then, seemingly reading her mind as she often did.

"I know you want to be able to live a normal life again, but you must know now that you can't go back to that girl you were before Mel brought you into this word. Even if you walked away now, you are rich and powerful and too well known to ever have that sort of life again," Dorothea hugged her. "What these two lovable rogues are offering in their commanding way is information and experience, for that is the only path to independence you have left to you now." Bella nodded her understanding. She knew Dorothea was right, but it was still difficult to accept that she would always have restrictions on her movements.

"Look at me, I am an old woman, and I take off for the day and suddenly there are search parties. You are not alone my sweet girl. Dianne, Tali, Nyx and especially Sara, we all live with restrictions on our lives but as we grow more aware, they lessen to the point where we barely notice them anymore."

Kurt and Rob both watched the exchange with renewed respect for the older woman. They were prepared to enforce their will over her at the stakeholders meeting tonight, with or without the backing of the other men. Mel gave guardianship to them, and they had allowed the others to have a say because Bella had asked for the training. They had acknowledged yesterday that they had done Bella a great disservice allowing it to play out as it had. 

She had become confused at serving so many Masters; she needed guidance, not training as such, and they had let her down because of their individual grief over losing Mel. It was time to right that wrong and, with Dorothea's help, they would all be better off, especially Bella.

"We would like your agreement to take this plan to the stakeholders meeting and also, we would like to propose a memorial for Mel at the end of March," Kurt said gently, knowing it would be much easier if she arrived at the meeting in full agreeance with their proposal. He worried at the look Bella gave all three of them before she started speaking.

"I would very much like to work with and learn from you, Master Kurt. I had always planned to throw myself into the business now that the training had come to an end," Bella agreed before looking at Rob. "I have learned a great deal over the last few months, Master Rob, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find that the naïve girl I once was is gone and that I have learned greatly from my past mistakes. Perhaps my probation period may not last as long as you think." Bella challenged him with a smile.

"Looks like you have your work cut out for you there, my friend," Kurt chuckled.

"Looks like the work's already been done for me, it's you who will be putting in the hard yards," Rob countered.

"Then why the hell did we spend all of last night coming up with this plan," Kurt chuckled. 

"Who knew she would accept that we knew what was best for her so easily," Rob shrugged, "I expected the little brat to have at least one good tantrum in her. Still, she hasn't seen the schedule and rules yet, so let's not get too cocky." 

Bella was caught between laughter at their bantering and indignation that they would talk that way about her. She didn't have tantrums. She wasn't really a brat. Without realising it, her body had tensed up as she listened to them speak about her as if she wasn't there.

"They tease because they love you," Dorothea said and put a gentle hand over Bella's where it had balled up on the couch and unclenched it gently. "We know you have learned a great deal, but it has been in a bubble, lots of different bubbles. What you need to learn is how to live everyday belonging to someone. Not just at play, like the training and not just at work and then going home to choose what you want to do."

Bella wasn't sure she understood and looked between Dorothea and her guardians. Her confusion was clear on her face, but she couldn't find the words she needed to ask the right questions.

"This is why we made the plan," Rob said, seeing the confusion turn to worry. "Bella, you are a smart girl, you have to know that what you have been doing for the last six months was just play time. You were not committed to the business, nor the lifestyle. You eased in and out of both at two-week intervals without ever having to deal with both simultaneously."

"You need to know the reality of what your life will be like should you take a collar again," Kurt clarified for her. "It will be very difficult for you to maintain your position here and still serve at your Master's leisure. You will need clear boundaries and limitations to differentiate the two. I am the one you must answer to here, regardless of whose collar you wear, and any future relationship you have will need to respect that as a very real part of who you are."

"What Rob and Kurt are proposing is that for all intents and purposes, from this point forward you will be collared to them. Rob will be your Master in all other areas, and Kurt will be your Master, here at the company," Dorothea added to the clarification.

"I will be collared?" Bella had not expected that part of this plan, and she wasn't sure she wanted it. After deciding that she wasn't ready for that sort of commitment, she had been enjoying the prospect of dating a few of the men she had met and getting to know them better.

"Yes, and for the first week or two you will commit to it and the schedule we have set out for you to learn about the life you are destined for properly. You have just been playing thus far, dipping your toes into the lifestyle and then leaving to dip your toes into the business world, practically ignoring the big picture that you own part of and need to know about the running of both the club and the company. You need to know about the people that work for you in the whole of the company, not just your business. You need to know more about the club than that they have a good restaurant where you eat most nights," Kurt as usual focused on the business side of her life.

"I will wear your collar?" she asked again, still trying to shuffle through the emotions in her head.

"It will be a temporary collar but yes, it will be mine. Once you are used to the schedule, you will be allowed to date whomever you like, and my collar will afford you protection from anyone who may try to force their own onto you," Rob explained, watching her closely. "You need to know what it is like and how punishing it can be to live the lifestyle twenty-four hours a day and still maintain your career. Most women cannot sustain them both. You have separated the two quite distinctly over the last six months, and that is not the reality of life."

"Did you think you would be able to have a week or two off every month to play at being a collared girl?" Kurt challenged her.

"No, but I..." Bella shook her head, letting the ideas swirl around. The whole conversation had become very serious and gone were the smiles and laughter she was used to from these two men. Suddenly she felt the weight of what she had asked for baring down her. This was, after all, what she wanted, more of what Mel had shared with her and shown her a glimpse of. Even with him, she had not ever lived day to day for more than two weeks because of her accidents and then the trip to Italy.

"But you what?" Kurt pressed her. "You thought that a master would be happy for you to just do your own thing until you were ready to serve him when you had time?"

She shook her head. She hadn't thought that far or considered the logistics of what it would mean for her to have a Master along with the responsibilities of being who she was here at the company. She could see clearly why they had decided to step in now, especially after she had decided to end the training now rather than continuing with Josie and Leon or anyone else who had said yes. She briefly wondered if Stephen and Jake had agreed to train her as well before Rob brought her back to the present.

"This is what you need," Rob said, "We are not asking, we are telling you that this is what you must do," his voice was hard as he could see her waver in her confusion and indecision. "As always, you have a choice about such things, and we can drag you to it if we need to or let you go and decide to make your way without our help." He didn't like the threat those words contained, but the three other people in the room had decided that this was the best course of action for her. He worried at the disappointment and pain that would be his after having her for a time and having her then take another collar, but it was a risk he was willing to take. 

"It's time to stop playing, Bella. You have played at both your submission and your career for long enough. Mel appointed us as your guardians, not so we could turn you into a spoilt brat, but so we could teach and guide you in the things you need to know. We have dropped that ball, but as of this moment, we are picking it and you up and making good on the promises we made him," Kurt pushed their stance further invoking Mel's name.

"What about the stakeholder meeting? Won't they want some say about what happens to me?" Bella asked quietly, her head still spinning, the thinly veiled threat in Rob's words had been like a physical slap, and she was reeling from the whole conversation.

"Rob owns over half of that club now; he can do as he wants with my support and probably a few others. The rest take too much upon themselves. You asked for their training. Rob and I did not ask them to take a role in your life, and you will be suitably grateful to them at the meeting I trust," Kurt's voice held fire in it again.

"Settle down Caligula," Rob said calmly. "Kurt is correct. The truth of the matter is that we are your guardians, not Jack or Charles or anyone else. What they want has no bearing on what you choose to do or how we choose to exercise that guardianship." Rob took a moment, "This has always been a point of contention between Jack and myself, but for reasons long past that should be forgotten."

"Bella, you said yourself that you are not the same naïve girl that Mel brought to the company and the lifestyle," Dorothea reminded her. "I will admit, it has been a fun experience being your friend and watching you grow as much as you have, but I agree with the Masters on this," she admitted. Bella turned to look at her properly as she spoke, knowing only love and affection from this woman. She trusted her advice implicitly.

"I have known both of these men for a lot more years than I care to admit to, and I love them both like sons. It's taken Rob longer than I thought it would to admit he loves you more deeply than that of a guardian's love for his ward. To his credit, he has not forced that on you as others might. Instead, he has been trying to show you in other ways while you navigated the road you set for yourself." She smiled, and Bella turned to look at Rob.

"I did tell you she knows everything before even the people involved," Rob shrugged.

"Hell, even I knew months ago," Kurt laughed at Rob's stunned expression. "It's good to see that you told her, though, that makes all this a bit easier to negotiate."

"He may be offering a temporary collar at this point, but he will also give you the freedom you crave as long as you are honest with him. He is not the jealous or possessive type," she paused to let Bella make the comparison she needed to. "Like Mel, he knows that if you wear his collar, you will be loyal and committed to it. What they are asking is for a few weeks of hard restrictions until you get used to the schedule they have set for you. It will not be easy and will leave you little time to enjoy any of those freedoms you want so badly, but they will come in time." Dorothea added her explanation to that of Rob and Kurt. 

"I will not stop you from seeing Stephen nor any of the other men you have formed bonds with. Quite the contrary, you will probably see them more often than usual, but you will not be intimate with them until you have shown you can handle all that we have planned for you," Rob agreed with what Dorothea had said.

"If, now that you have heard our reasons for collaring you to us, you are still as agreeable to this course of action, would you like to see the schedule we have planned for you," Kurt offered.

"Yes please, Master," Bella said quietly, her mind still tumbling with emotions. She trusted these people more than anyone, and if they believed this was in her best interests, then she needed to at least try to understand and follow their plan as best she could.

*****

Out of respect, Rob had left following the lunch Dianne had arranged for them to speak with Charles. The decision on Bella's immediate future had already been made and was not open to discussion, but he owed the old man the courtesy of prior information after his talk with Bella the previous Friday evening and obvious concern for her future.He also wanted to speak to Stephen himself about several matters.

Calling Chelsea to his office, he outlined the strict schedules and protocols Bella and Chelsea, within her role, would be required to adhere to in the company. Chelsea took notes on all that she was told and given to do. She created shared files for the various areas they would be required to operate in and had Kurt transfer the rules, requirements and schedules to those so she could create new calendars for each of the people with whom Bella would work. Bella was in awe of the knowledge, skill and efficiency Chelsea possessed. 

"Now you have a few hours left to run Chelsea through your business plan before we meet tomorrow to see what the state of that is and set some immediate goals," Kurt was still stern with her. "Take her and show her the offices and see if Rhys is finished with Andrew. You may want to have a team meeting and explain the new rules to him."




Possessing Bella Ch. 21



Andrew was waiting for them when they returned. He was sitting at the smaller desk near the door of her showroom style office that had been Dorothea's. 

"Oh dear," Bella said, looking at him and as she watched the pained look cross his face and immediately apologised. "Oh not you, sorry, the desk, we will need another one for Dorothea until your office is ready."

"That won't be necessary," Dorothea, who had been sitting on one of the Roman stools looking through a file, declared. "I will be helping out Diane for the next few months, so I will only be popping in and out for the team meetings."

"Speaking of team meetings," Andrew interrupted, "I was looking over the proposed renovations again with Rhys, and he suggested that maybe a small meeting room between our offices. We will be renovating this wall anyway to add a doorway. It would be far better than holding a meeting where ever we can find space." Andrew hated giving up the floor space in his office but, after his meeting with Rhys and Patrick, he knew it was small penance to be able to keep his position within Bella's budding business.

"Yes," Bella agreed easily. "I trust you two have already worked that into the plan?" she smiled knowingly.

"There are two plans now, one with and one without," Andrew nodded. "Pending your decision."

"With the meeting room, please," she nodded. "Now let's all sit and have a chat about where we go from here and how we take all the groundwork Andrew has done and put it into our first retail outlet."

"Would you like me to stay and take minutes of the meeting?" Chelsea asked.

"Yes, I would like you at all team meetings because, as I intimated in your interview, I was looking for someone who was wanting to be part of a dynamic young team," Bella smiled.

"Well then I am certainly in the wrong place," Dorothea cackled, lightening the mood.

"Don't let her fool you, she is younger at heart than all of us," Bella laughed properly for the first time since she had arrived at the dining hall that morning. Bella and Andrew went through each detail of where they were at with suppliers, artisans and finding a space to open their shop, bringing Chelsea and Dorothea up to speed on all the current developments. 

"Tomorrow I will be working with Kurt and Rhys to set some achievable goals toward making this business plan more than an idea on paper. So let's go over this one more time and fill in any holes they could find in the plan with information and targets.

"That will have to wait until tomorrow. Your driver Lincoln is here to collect you, and Mr White has asked to see you again before you leave," Chelsea said without apology. "Mrs Brown, Mr Collins has asked that you accompany Bella home this evening."

"Oh okay," Bella looked at the tablet in Chelsea's hands that she seemed to consult constantly. "I guess it's meeting adjourned then. Tomorrow will be a busy day, Chelsea has the schedule and will send it to you both," Bella said quickly and stood to gather herself to face Kurt again.

"I will meet you at the elevators," Dorothea squeezed her hand. It had been a turbulent day and this evening wasn't promising to be much better. 

Bella walked slowly to Kurt's office. It was strange that she suddenly felt more in control of her life after having her future planned out in minute detail. It was terrifying for her, but she also had a sense of purpose rather than floundering around with half-formed ideas that she ultimately took to someone else for approval. She felt good about the team meeting she had just led and, though she didn't fully understand the intricacies of the schedule and plan that Rob and Kurt had for her, she trusted them. More importantly, the man who had given her so much trusted them to help and guide her. She smiled as Dianne came into sight and noted the extension to her desk. 

"You're stealing one of my staff I hear?" Bella laughed.

"Not stealing exactly, just misappropriating," Dianne laughed with her. "It's been a tough day. How are you holding up?" Dianne asked with concern.

"Truthfully, I feel good. I mean at first it was all too much too fast, and I couldn't think. I am not sure I understand everything that was said, but I agree that its time to take matters, especially here at the company, more seriously," Bella voiced the thoughts that had just gone through her head.

"He's been kicking people's asses all day. It's like he feels he needs to start putting his own mark on this place, and he is cleaning house so to speak. You better go in Honey," Dianne smiled and hugged her before opening the door. 

"Good you're here," Kurt looked up from the files he had been going through. Bella saw the purple spine and knew they were personel files. "Come around here and kneel," he instructed, pointing at his side of the desk. Bella obediently followed his command.

"A very large part of who you are and how you came to this point in your life is your submissive nature," Kurt began. "It will be difficult for you to put that aside while you are here in this building, and I cannot pretend to understand how that will feel." He reached down and took her hands, guiding her to her feet. "That is the last time you will kneel on command in this building, no one is your Master here, not even Rob, do you understand?"

"Yes Master," Bella answered automatically, making him frown.

"You will call me Kurt or Mr White here in this building. You will have to learn to compartmentalise and differentiate between your life here and your life at home and the club, and it will take time," he said understandingly. "I want you to be successful and respected here. I want you to clear away any doubt that others may have that you slept your way up the corporate ladder by showing your intelligence and hard work."

"I guess I did in a way sleep my way into this position," Bella admitted.

"Do you think Mel would have left so much to a bimbo? No, he knew your potential and so do I," he smiled again. "I am still the captain of this ship, though, and I still command you. Do not think that just because I have altered the protocols between us here that I will not punish you if you deserve it or inform your other Master of your discretions."

"Yes Captain," Bella smiled mischievously. 

"I love you, Bella, I only want the best for you," Kurt folded her in his arms. "I honestly believe that what we are doing is the best course of action. I agree it is too soon for you to beg another collar, and I worried at the pressure of that."

"You did?" Bella looked up at him in surprise.

"Dianne tells me I was born to worry. I worry about the details in things. For instance, Mel's choice of wardrobe for his assistant was all well and good but you are a partner and as such should have a more executive wardrobe. Dianne will help with that tomorrow, new measurements will need to be taken, and you can let her know your preferences. Rob may want to be at that meeting, I will speak to him tonight," he chuckled, "Though from memory his tastes in many things mirrored Mel's, so we may have to negotiate that carefully." Dianne buzzed through a message and he sighed.

"I will see you at the club tonight. Don't worry Bella, Rob and I will handle everything," he reassured her as he walked her to the door. "Just remember, we love you and that all of this is for the best."

"See you tomorrow," she waved at Dianne and walked quickly to the elevators to meet Dorothea, who was standing and talking with Patrick. 

"We're late," Dorothea pressed the button as she saw Bella walking toward them. "Let's get you home." They went down in the lift and found Lincoln had pulled up next to it, waiting for them. Dorothea didn't press her to talk, and she was grateful for that. She had so much going on in her mind, her clothes, the different protocols for work and home, the choices being made for her and her impending collaring, albeit temporarily to Rob. She brooded over how Stephen would take the news.

"I can never have a normal life again,' she blurted into the silence of the car.

"Perhaps it seems that way now, but your definition of normal will change," Dorothea took her hand. "I think I lead a very normal life," she winked and laughed softly.

Bella shook her head and laughed with her as the car came to a stop in the car park beneath her building. Stepping from the car, she was surprised to see Stephen waiting for them, and she felt his hand cradle the back of her neck as the three of them stepped into the elevator. No one spoke as it silently rose to the third floor and opened on Rob's side of the floor. Stephen guided Bella into Rob's apartment, where he sat scrolling through a tablet with pursed lips.

"Welcome home, little brat," Rob smiled."How did the rest of your day pan out at the company?"

"It went reasonably well, thank you, Master," Bella said, confusion lacing her voice.

"Come and sit," he threw a cushion on the floor before his chair. "I will explain. Everyone have a seat."

Dorothea and Stephen each sat on a couch on either side of the cushion on which Bella knelt. 

"Stephen and I have spent the afternoon discussing today's revelations and plans for your immediate future," Rob said conversationally. "He agrees that it is in your best interests to learn about the world you have entered into properly. In fact, he has generously agreed to act as my second."

"Your second, Master?" Bella looked at them. 

"You remember when you took Mel's collar. He introduced us for the first time and told you that I was his second and that you were to obey me as you obeyed him?" Rob paused and watched her face for understanding. "Just as at the company Kurt has his second in Rhys. These are the things we do to protect the ones we hold dear to us."

Bella nodded remembering. She opened her mouth to ask a question but closed it again, unable to find the words and unsure if she should talk at all.

"You can speak freely," Rob reassured her "There will be no punishments handed out for anything today. I understand it has been a long and confusing day for you already."

"I will wear your collar, but I will obey and serve you both?" Bella asked, not quite sure of what this meant for her.

"You will wear my collar and serve me," Rob corrected. "You will obey Stephen and serve him with my permission or in my absence. He knows the club better than anyone aside of myself, and he will help you to learn all of the facets of that business. As the club owner and manager, I am expected to be seen and mingle with the crowd, as is Stephen, so we will share the duty of monitoring you there. Also, if one of the performances booked on a given night is unable to fulfill the spot one of us usually steps in and fills the void. It will be a good stage for you to show off your beauty and strength."

Bella bit her lip, unsure if she liked the idea of performing in the club, but she said nothing, preferring to listen during her confusion.

"I will be duty bound to abide by the rules and protocols Rob has set for you," Stephen's low bass cut into her thoughts. "I agree almost entirely with what he has set out for you to undertake, both at home and in the club, and I am looking forward to remaining in close contact with you and what is occurring in your life. While you wear another's collar you will continue to call me Sir, not Master. It will save you some confusion as Rob and I work closely together downstairs."

"Yes, Sir Stephen," Bella said softly, understanding why he had said this.

"As always the choice is yours, but this is my preference for a second. Should you disagree, then now is the time to voice your concerns," Rob said almost formally.

"I agree, Master. Stephen is the best person to step into that position," she said, finally realising why they were so serious. They were worried about her answer. 

"I have sent you that document," Rob said to Stephen. "Get it back to me tomorrow and we will iron out any concerns." He smiled at Bella. "Now come and sit over here," he threw a cushion between his chair and the couch on which Stephen sat, "We have some questions for your lovely young friend here."

"Don't you try and butter me up, Rob Collins," Dorothea shook her finger at him. "I have known you for far too long to fall for that smooth charm of yours." she laughed.

"I told you that you should have gone with beautiful," Stephen shook his head with a sly grin.

"What is it you two gentlemen want now?" Dorothea eyed them suspiciously. 

"Information, dear lady," Rob smiled. 

"Chelsea or Andrew?" she asked without batting an eyelid. 

"Both would be nice, your perspective is always so refreshingly honest," Rob chuckled.

"Chelsea is a Domme who chews up and spits out weak men, preferring only to dally with men who will challenge her either intellectually or physically. She's smart and ruthless and likes to help mould the up and coming power brokers of the business world. It gets her into places and social circles unnoticed. She's been the force behind many successful men and women over the last ten years," Dorothea recounted what she knew of the woman. Bella could see how that description fitted her new assistant perfectly.

"I don't want Bella manipulated by someone else with their own agenda," Rob growled.

"The woman doesn't have an agenda. She can pretty much go where she wants already. I think this is about the challenge of making a sweet submissive girl into a corporate giant to be respected and even feared to a degree. Not that I can see that happening but one never knows," she smiled at Bella's astonished face. "James dragged her into his treasure hunting before he passed. I think she loved the puzzle of tracking things thought to have disappeared, been stolen or destroyed during the world wars. Theirs was an intellectual affair."

"She sounds like a good person to have on board then," Stephen said. "Now Andrew," his voice darkened as he said the name.

"Don't be too hard on him. He knows he fucked up royally, and those are his words, not mine. Trust me, he is paying his penance, and he is much wiser for the lesson. I think he will be a fine dominant one day, with the right mentor. However, you may have to negotiate your time with him if Bella will be in the club most evenings." Dorothea said thoughtfully. 

"Different hats," Rob shrugged. "She is who she is, if she can successfully put on a different hat when she goes to work, then he should be able to as well. Many of the executives saw Bella at the company with Mel, as well as here at the club. You have to be able to keep it professional. I explained that to Andrew today in terms he couldn't have misunderstood."

"Did you?" Stephen asked curiously.

"I just told him what you tell all the morons... Just because she is a submissive doesn't mean she is his submissive and just because he is a dominant doesn't mean he is her dominant," Rob said nonchalantly.

"Well, we can't stop all the men who work there from coming to the club, so I don't see the need to stop him, but perhaps we will pick our times more carefully," Stephen seemed to consider the problem. "You said her weekends will be her own, so we can start there."

"Agreed," Rob said. "Now I believe Sera is expecting you downstairs for dinner, Dorothea. She has been worried about you and brought her medical bag in case you need a check up," he grinned.

"I'm not going on my own then," Dorothea rolled her eyes heavenward. 

"I will take you, dear lady. I believe Rob wishes to discuss some details about the meeting this evening, " Stephen offered. "I will have something to eat sent up in thirty minutes, any requests?"

"Whose cooking?" Rob asked.

"Jake's here but Theo has the kitchen because of the meeting," Stephen said.

"Seafood platter for two?" Rob looked at Bella questioningly.

"Perfect thank you, Master," Bella said, thinking it wold be nice to be able to pick and choose from a range of things.

"Send it over to Bella's place," Rob said, "We will be heading over there in a few minutes anyway so she can dress appropriately for the meeting."

"Sure, shall we go my lady?" Stephen held out his arm to Dorothea. 

"We shall," she grinned. "I am sure Sera is just dying to see her Uncle Stevie," she cackled, and Stephen groaned as he closed the door.

Rob pulled her up to his lap and held her close. "It's been a big day huh?"

"Yes, Master," Bella whispered into his chest. "It's been big and long and confusing and strangely calming. I know that doesn't make any sense, but this afternoon as I was visiting Master Kurt, I felt somehow calmer. As if all the anxiety I had about having to make choices had just melted away. I mean, I know I still have choices to make, but I don't have to make them right now anymore. I can just concentrate on what is before me, one day at a time."

"You are the most precious girl I have ever known," Rob said softly, raising her chin to look into her eyes. He kissed her then gently at first, deepening it into a passionate possession of her mouth. He had been concerned about the confusion and anxiety that usually beset her, and he was surprised to find that their decision to put some solid rules and structure in her life, rather than continue seeing her flailing about trying to be everything to everybody, was exactly what she had needed to find some peace of mind.

"Come then, my little Tinkerbell, we have much to do," Rob picked her up and carried her back across the elevator to her apartment. He opened the door and placed her on her feet just inside the door.

"My parents used to call me Tinkerbella," she said as he put her down.

"I know," Rob said softly, "I also know it was a name Mel used on occasion. It suits you, though, so it is hard to resist," he stroked her cheek. "Stand here for a moment."

"I like it," she tilted her head, watching him move her living room furniture slightly as she thought about it. "It was always a childhood name. He gave me that costume because he knew it would please my parents, not because of his affection for the name." She smiled as he finally sat facing her and the door as he did in his apartment.

"When you come home to me after work, the first thing you will do when entering the door is strip," Rob said without preamble. "To begin with, you will come home to this apartment. It is where your belongings are and where you will dress appropriately for work, home or the club as the need arises. You will learn my preferences for each, though I imagine Kurt and this Chelsea will probably have some input into your work attire. This arrangement will take some negotiating, I imagine."

Bella understood what he had said, despite all the additional rambling, and slowly slid her skirt down, taking the prohibited underwear with it and stepping out of both. She then removed her blouse and the bra she had worn that day not contemplating the turn of events that occurred.

"The rule on underwear is?" Rob asked.

"Your preference is none, we have yet to discuss rules implicitly, Master," Bella said softly, lowering her eyes.

"This is true, and there will be some occasions where stockings may be acceptable, but never pantyhose or tights," he said emphatically. "Now that you are suitably naked, you may greet me with a kiss and kneel at my feet to offer me your service."

This was a little reminiscent of the rituals she learned in the Gor lifestyle, so she sashayed to him and leaned over placing a hand on his chest and kissed him gently, brushing her lips down his jaw and throat as she moved to her knees. Her hand trailed lightly down his chest to her open thighs. 

"How may I serve you this evening, Master?" Bella asked breathlessly, remembering her training well. 

"I want you to greet my cock as well," Rob growled in a husky voice. He popped the button on his jeans and stood to expose his cock to her waiting mouth. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 21



Bella leaned forward to kiss the tip of his cock softly, snaking her tongue out to roll around the head before kissing up and down the shaft, greeting the cock of her new Master. 

"Fuck," Rob groaned and grabbed a handful of her hair, pushing her face into his balls, holding his cock in the other hand. She kissed and licked and nibbled at the soft pebbled skin, enjoying his reactions to her kisses. Pulling her head back and tilting it up so he could look in her eyes, he gave up any pretense of holding back and kicked off his jeans. Sitting back on the chair, he dragged her with him by the hair and pushed her head down over his cock. She opened her mouth immediately and felt the hot hard flesh rub across her tongue as he pushed to the back of her mouth, making her gag momentarily. He pulled her head back and thrust again, this time she gurgled and swallowed. 

"Fuck yes," he growled and continued to direct her movements with his hand twisted in her hair. He hadn't had sex for weeks, and the combination of finally having her at his feet, and her expertise in cock sucking was rapidly undoing him. At a knock on the door, he growled loudly, "It's unlocked, goddammit!" and seeing it was Kurt with the food, nodded his head toward the table growling, "We're almost done here."

He thrust up with his hips, making her take it all several times before growling out his orgasm, "Fucking sweet fucking fuck," he pulled her head back slightly, filling her mouth to overflowing and watching the cum dribble from the corners of her mouth before groaning, "Swallow it."

Leaning back in the chair to catch his breath, he closed his eyes as she gently cleaned his cock of any residue. When she stopped, she lay her head against his thigh, enjoying the feel of him patting her hair. "You are a hell of a little cocksucker, there is little to improve on your technique," Rob said happily, making her smile under his praise.

"Come and eat before this all gets cold, or I eat it all," Kurt's voice called from the dining room, and Bella's eyes flew wide.

"Do you ever stop eating?" Rob chuckled, easily helping Bella to her feet and pulling on his jeans. 

"Relax, Theo put double the amount on," he grumbled and watched as they came to the table. "I see you two have started enjoying your new status already," Kurt laughed as Bella blushed.

"No time like the present and you should try that, she's quite impressive, even by my standards," he indicated the chair where Bella had given him a blowjob.

"Dianne's libido is in overdrive with the pregnancy, maybe when the baby arrives, and she isn't up to it," Kurt said conversationally. "A good blow job can always take the edge off at work."

Bella looked between the two of them, unsure if they were teasing her or not. She took a napkin from the table and spread it out on the chair before sitting and eating with them. They continued to talk conversationally about the fall out at the company during the day of ass kicking, and Bella learned that a few people had been demoted or fired because of their attitude to the new management.Once she had eaten sufficiently, she asked to be excused to have a quick shower and tidy up before the meeting.

"Excellent idea," Rob said. Then walking over to the living room, he retrieved a dress bag that Kurt had flung there when he walked in. "We would like you to wear this tonight. You know the rule about underwear now."

"Yes, Master," Bella said and took the dress bag from him, padding quietly to her room. She let her mind wander while she showered to Mel again and the comparison with Rob. He too seemed to enjoy inviting others to sample her skill or her partially clad body. It was a source of pride for him. She wasn't sure why it had initially bothered her when she realised Kurt had witnessed her sucking Rob's cock or that Rob had to invite him to try her cock sucking skill. 

Perhaps it was that the masters she had served most recently had kept her to themselves, unlike Billy or Mel. She smiled, Mel had made her accept that her fondness for erotic pain was a wonderful thing and that she shouldn't shy away from it or feel like a freak as her ex-boyfriend had told her she was. He had shown her what great sex could be and that there was no shame in wanting to explore it in all its kinky nasty, brutal forms. Billy too had encouraged her exploration. Hunter had taken only what he wanted, and Stephen had assumed he knew her well enough not to ask. She smiled thinking of Samuel. He had asked her about everything and adjusted accordingly.

She dressed in the tight stretchy white lace dress, and her thoughts continued to tumble. Her mind veered back and forth between Billy, Mel and Rob. She hadn't liked the group sex scenes with Billy so much, and she wondered at that. It had bothered her when Mel invited people to join him in his use or exposition of her, but more so because of her naivety; she enjoyed the pleasure Mel got from it. It was something she needed to think about some more when she had more time to explore the change in her relationship with Rob.

She looked in the mirror after pinning her hair into an updo, assuming a collar would be put around her neck later. The dress was something Mel might have chosen. A thin filmy lace that barely covered her ass and crotch, the neckline came down in a low V almost to her navel, and the lace only just covered her nipples leaving the sides of her breasts exposed. It had long sleeves and a low scooped back. She may as well be nude; she gave a half laugh. She could even see the tattoo above her cunt, a lasting legacy from Mel. 

Touching up her makeup and slipping on some high white pumps, she picked up the simple gold collar she always wore to the club, just in case it was needed before the meeting. Looking at it, she smiled and changed her mind. Going back to her dresser she rummaged around and found a white velvet ribbon and tied it around her throat. Nodding in satisfaction at her reflection, she returned to her Masters.

"It's perfect," Rob whistled as she entered the dining room. "Give Dianne my compliments. Elegant yet so fucking sexy."

"Give it to her yourself tomorrow when she badgers you about Bella's corporate wardrobe that even I have to admit needs a revamp," he said seriously.

"Yeah I expected that was coming, I'll set her up a clothing account at Juliette's, assuming Dianne would only want the best," he chuckled. "I think I will need a few things made for the club as well."

"You look beautiful, little one," Rob stood up and kissed her. "I like this, it's a nice touch," he ran his finger around the ribbon encircling her throat. "Well let's get this show on the road, I am sure the rest of the circus will all be there by now."

*****

"And you have agreed to this, Bella?" Jack asked after hearing both Rob and Kurt explain why they had taken Bella in hand to train her properly for both business and pleasure. 

"Yes Master Jack," she said confidently. 

"Then I am glad someone has finally stepped in to take control. All of the mooning about at the beach was bad enough, but then this playing at two weeks here or there was sheer foolishness." He looked at Bella then, "This is all I wanted for you at the beginning of this mess and why I wanted to take you to the ranch. You are a filly who needs a strong hand to guide you, and I am willing to admit that this one has proven himself strong again." He slapped Rob on the back."Kurt is a good man too, though I don't know him as well as the others here. I will be content that you are being taught what you need and not floating around in some dream cloud."

"I agree, as long as she is collared to someone who can take her in hand, I have no problem," Mike said gruffly. "You would do well to return to the Gorean ways though girl." Each of the Masters gave their opinion as seeming to be happy about the fact that Rob and Kurt had stepped in to make the decision for Bella.

"So this is a temporary collar if she is to be able to date in the future?" Josie asked in her deep sultry voice.

"It will remain in place until she either begs for it to remain permanently or she finds another she wishes to serve," Rob said. "I am not adverse to sharing her attentions with others, and that will allow her the opportunity to get to know some of you better, as well as some people she does not know quite so well. While who she dates will be her choice, I will also have the right to approve such things." He knew this would be a sticking point.

"As one who was on the list to train and did not get the opportunity, I am assuming I will be approved to spend some time with the girl when she is made available again?" She walked over to where Bella knelt between Kurt and Rob and helped her to her feet. "She is such a pretty little thing, Gian and I were quite disappointed not to have the pleasure of her company." Bella shivered as Josie ran her nail along the neckline of Bella's dress flicking lightly at the barely concealed nipple. "You would like to come and play with us, wouldn't you sweet Bella," Josie crooned in an almost hypnotic way, and Bella once again felt herself wanting to fall to her knees and beg this woman to use her.

"Yes Mistress," Bella said in a soft voice.

"Then I will make time to talk with your Masters about it," Josie smiled and leaned down to brush her lips over Bella's. "Don't make me wait too long long, angel," Josie straightened and went back to her seat, knowing exactly the effect her little flirtation with Bella would have on the men in the room.

Kurt relaxed, he had expected Jack to argue and push forward a claim to be the best choice for Bella. He had arrived here tonight ready for another fight in a day where all he had done was yell at people and threaten them, he felt deflated that it was finally over. He got up and went over to Rob's desk. He poured himself a scotch and sat back, only half listening to Rob go through the usual club business. Thankfully he kept it brief and suggested that the next meeting they pool their ideas about Mel's memorial night and make a firm decision so that they could organise a guest list and catering.

The men began to file out, and Jack went to Bella, picking her up, so he didn't have to stoop to her height. "I meant what I said, little missy; I am happy for ya. I think you will do well to listen to and learn from all of the men in this small group. Just remember, you are always welcome with me and Dusty, if life throws ya a curve ball and you need a haven, you call me and I will be here in a flash," his voice was sincere, and he kissed her forehead as he put her down.

"Thank you, Master Jack. I am so lucky to have friends like you to look out for me," Bella smiled.

Once everyone had gone, Rob took a box from his desk drawer and opened it. A circlet of delicately interweaving leaves of gold shone brightly and from it hung a small pendant with the swirling black and white halves of a yin and yang. It wasn't until Bella looked at it more closely that she realised the black had the head of a jaguar and at its opposite the head of a white lion.

"This represents your commitment to both of us," Rob said seriously, standing beside Kurt. "You are mine, and you serve me, but you must also be just as ready to serve Kurt at the company. It will not be in the same way but the commitment and loyalty you show him must be. It will be difficult at first to keep the two separate, and we understand that."

"You had said I would be wearing your collar," Bella said, looking at the beautiful band of golden leaves. 

"This is my collar," Rob smiled. "I have changed only the pendant to include your other Master," Rob explained. "Should you ever decide in the future to beg my collar properly, then it will change again to what it always was." He picked it up from the box and walking back around the desk placed it around her neck. "It is us that asked you to agree to serve us this time, and we are honoured that you accepted."

"Nicely done my friend," Kurt said, still seated behind the desk. "Don't be disappointed Bella. No one has worn his collar since Kitty, and it deserves the proper protocols and rituals to be observed before being worn again."

"I better get this girl to bed now that is done. I hear her boss is a hard-ass," Rob said to Kurt.

"Yeah, I better make a move as soon as I finish this fine scotch," he held up his almost empty glass. "I have an early morning meeting with some little airhead who thinks she can run my company for me," Kurt downed the drink and stretched as he stood from the chair he had been lounging in. 

"See you tomorrow then, Caligula," Rob chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm just gonna see Stephen before I go, see you both tomorrow." Kurt left through the restaurant door while Rob and Bella went through the saloon bar to the elevator. Travelling up to the apartment, Rob held her hand and smiled down at her. 

He opened the door to her apartment and with her head full of everything that had occurred in the last twelve hours Bella walked through the door and into the apartment. She heard his belt whistle through his pant loops a second before it stung her ass, making her squeal and turn to look at him with wide eyes.

"What is the rule when we come home?" he growled at her. She immediately went back to the spot beside the door and stripped off her dress. "Better," he said. "If we have a guest with us allowances will be made depending on who that is. I will have a complete list of rules for you to study by tomorrow night and some appropriate choices for clothing at home if something must be worn." he said as he guided her to her bedroom.

"Now wash your face and brush your teeth so I can tuck you in," Rob instructed, and Bella wandered to the bathroom feeling like a scolded child. When she returned to the room, he had turned down her bed and was resetting her radio alarm clock to a new station.

"I've always preferred the natural look," he smiled and gathered her into his arms, pulling her into his lap. "It took us both a long time to get to this point, and now all I want to do is tie you up and fuck you senseless," he said with a growl in his voice, making her smile and shiver in anticipation. He bent his head to kiss her then so deeply that when he finally broke the kiss she was breathless. "I hate to rush things though as that will only leave us both unsatisfied and wanting more." He stood with her in his arms and turned, placing her in bed. 

"Sleep now, little one. Tomorrow your training starts both here and at the company," he leaned down and kissed her again. "I will be here to wake you up and help you get ready in the morning." He kissed her again and groaned, "If I don't leave now neither of us will get any sleep, and I have a big day and even bigger evening planned for you, my beautiful girl," he stroked her hair from her face and smiled. "Close your eyes and sleep now."



Possessing Bella Ch. 22



Authors Note: Thank you once again to everyone who leaves comments and feedback on my writing, it is much appreciated. Thank you very much to Aisielynn who continues to my second set of eyes, she is a great friend to help me out so much. I hope you enjoy it. ~ellie

*****

She had the most delicious dream, and tingles ran through her body each time an insistent unknown tongue swiped over her clit and cunt. She murmured sleepily and woke with a start as that tongue became teeth grazing over her clit. She squeaked in fright finding her legs were being held wide, and the insistent tongue and teeth were real. Her hands were loosely bound to the bedhead, and she couldn't lower them below her shoulders and a shadow loomed above her belly in the darkness.

"Relax little one," Rob's voice soothed, "You were so deeply asleep I decided to wake you up in the best way possible."

His head dipped down again, and she felt the drag of his tongue across her clit again making her moan with a croaky voice still filled with sleep. She was fully awake now and aware that she had been bound with soft scarves. His hand pressed down on her inner thighs opening her up completely to him as he expertly ate her. She hadn't felt this in such a long time, and she arched off the bed as he pushed two fingers into her hot slick cunt. 

With his fingers fucking her, his teeth clamped around the base of her clit, and his tongue whipped it until she cried out begging for release. Unwilling to lift his head to answer, his free hand trailed up her body to her breast and he grabbed the nipple roughly, twisting it hard, pushing her over the edge until she was coming hard, her body quivering in spasms until he released her.

She lay panting as he moved up the bed, kissing her deeply. "Good morning, my sweet girl," he fed her his fingers, watching with lust filled eyes as she sucked them clean. "You even taste sweet," he murmured, his voice full of heat. He untied the scarves at her wrists and kissing her deeply again, pushed her down the bed to ease his raging cock that he had barely kept in check by putting her to bed the night before.

Bella squirmed down the bed as he rolled to his back. Leaning over him, she took his cock in one hand and lapped in long slow strokes over his balls and up the shaft of his cock, taking her time and getting to know the hot hard flesh of her master. She was suitably rewarded with his groans of pleasure and his hand twisting into her hair to encourage her exploration of him. She lapped and rolled her tongue around the head of his cock while one hand came up to gently massage his ball sack. 

Taking just the head into her mouth, she fluttered her tongue underneath his cock along the large throbbing vein before sucking him deeper. His hand tightened in her hair, but he allowed her to move at her pace this time. She bobbed her head slowly, opening her throat and swallowing him a little more with each movement until she pressed her nose into his belly and she felt him thrust his hips up to ensure she had every last bit.

"Fuck! Fucking hot little cocksucker!" Rob growled loudly and, unable to stay passive any longer, he rolled to his side, taking her with him and trapping her between his legs. His hips began to thrust as he fucked her mouth, making her gag and gurgle in surprise until she relaxed to the rapid rhythm of his movements. It was only minutes, though it felt much longer to Bella, before he filled her mouth with cum.

Rob rolled to his back when he could no longer take any more of her sucking mouth on his softening cock. He pulled her up into his arms, kissing her deeply, tasting his cum and smiling. "The very best way to start the morning," Rob grinned at her and held her close.

"Thank you, Master," Bella said softly against his neck, making him smile. Perhaps she had learned more in her training than he had given those other masters credit for.

"Come, now that you have had the first course, the rest of your breakfast awaits," Rob said, rolling from the bed and walking out of the bedroom, expecting her to follow. She watched him curiously. She couldn't think of another time she had seen him fully naked, and the dim light didn't give her much detail about his physique. She wasted no time in following him. 

He was walking to the kitchen as she moved around the corner from the small corridor leading to her bedroom. While not as toned and muscled as Stephen, he obviously looked after himself and it was difficult to gauge his age. She guessed the mid to late forties as Mel was, but she couldn't be sure. 

"Is it just that you never tried coffee or that you don't like the taste?" Rob asked, returning to the table with some juice for her. 

"I've never been keen on hot drinks of any description," Bella answered, "Not even soup unless it's more like a stew," she grinned. "My mother makes a type of minestrone you can stick a fork in and it will stay upright," she laughed.

"It's a healthier option, but loaded with sugar," Rob said. "We might have to look at a different brand in the future." Breakfast consisted of a dry muesli blend with Greek yoghurt and a platter of fresh fruit. "You already had your serving of protein this morning," he winked at her as they began to eat.

Under his supervision, she showered and dressed for work and though he grumbled about her choice of corporate wear, he settled on the navy skirt with the long zip in the back and the white blouse she had bought to go with it on her last shopping trip.

"Kurt's asked me to come in and meet with you and Dianne about your corporate wardrobe," he rolled his eyes heavenward with a pained expression. "I need a few hours' sleep first after you leave for work so let him know I will be in to have lunch with you, and we can meet with Dianne after that."

Bella picked up her tablet and checked her schedule, but his name was already against the 12.30 slot, and she smiled. "You knew you would need to come in again today?"

"I knew that I wanted to come in again today," he corrected her. "Chelsea is a lovely girl, by the way, very helpful." He grinned. "Now you had better go before I decide to make you late and get your first official masterly spanking from Kurt."

"Sleep well," Bella kissed him goodbye, and the elevator doors closed, leaving her to concentrate on work. Lincoln was waiting for her as the elevator opened onto the carpark and the ride into the company that early in the morning was swift with the lack of traffic. Bella arrived at her office thinking she had time to spare, only to find Kurt waiting for her.

"Good you're here," he looked up from the blueprints he had rolled out onto her desk. "Here's what I am thinking," he began pointing at the blueprints, and she hurried over, dropping her bag and tablet beside the desk. "You are a partner in this company, and you will begin acting like it. At present I occupy this corner, there is Rhys and Rob is there, I will relocate you to here in an office that mirrors the floorplan of ours but with your specialised interior. You can choose your fixtures for the kitchenette, and bathroom on this side, and the bedroom and small boardroom on this side. We'll put Andrew here." He jabbed his finger at the plans. "Agreed?" 

"Yes Master," Bella said quickly. "It will be a lot of work just to relocate me," she said, her insecurity creeping into her voice. 

"I am in the process of restructuring after the meeting yesterday, and I need to make sure those that aren't toeing the line know it. It won't take long to move you. I will hire an army to get it and the other changes needed in the structuring done in record time. Get Chelsea to pull some samples that will match what you have in here already, so you don't get overwhelmed with choice and get your decisions back to me as soon as you are able, if not today then yesterday," he grinned at her then. "Things need to happen fast in this place, so you better get used to it and get your business moving."

"You're the captain of this ship, I am here to serve," she grinned back at him. "May I call you Captain?"

"You want to call me Captain Kurt?" he laughed loudly. "That's a bit too cheeky, even for you, little one."

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that," Bella laughed, "I'm so sorry, Master. In no way was I comparing you to Captain Kirk of all people. It was just that you used the captain of the ship allegory a few times yesterday, and I liked it."

"No," he said sternly, "and you are forbidden to mention this conversation to Rob." He grimaced and rolled up the blueprints. Bella's laptop buzzed to life, and bringing up a blank page, she wrote bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, boardroom, and accessories as a reminder, then looked up at Kurt as he opened a file and spread out a few of the sheets inside. 

"In the last two weeks we have gone through everything you and Andrew have done thus far with a fine tooth comb, which is how we picked up his errors in judgement," Kurt explained. "The ground work has been fairly impressive so far, but you need more people on the ground, particularly artisans. I am going to give you an associate. He's a good man who has expertise in antique jewellery that is what I think you lack at present. Andrew is sourcing modern pieces, while you tend toward the more classic pieces in the designs you choose. I think he will be able to fill the obvious gap between you quite easily and will give Andrew a hands-on mentor."

"I see," Bella chewed her lip.

"You are going to be far too busy to see to it all yourself and Rhys has far too many plans of his own to be here every minute of the day on this project," Kurt explained, frustration creeping into his voice. "Playtime is over Bella. Now the real work starts, and I expect you to be able to keep up." He waited for her to look at him. "I know you can do this, and we are here to help. You won't be doing it on your own, but you will be driving this business. You need a bigger staff. You can't do it all yourself, or rely so heavily on Andrew, find the gaps and fill them."

"I also want you to think about having a soft opening in a secure location in a month's time," Kurt said, making her gasp. "I have a specific location in mind, and we will be meeting with the owners to negotiate terms this afternoon. You will have final approval of the location of course."

"A soft opening?" Bella asked. 

"Yes, only a small amount of advertising to select customers and see how many bumps and kinks need to be worked out of initial start-up. It is a very specialised market you are trying to tap into here and your best form of advertising is going to be the word of mouth."

"A month?" Bella breathed unbelievingly. Then took a deep breath and looked around her office. "Okay, well I would like a new design for my new office, and if negotiations go well with the owners of the floor space you are looking at agree to terms, this can be relocated there. I built it as an example of what the showroom would look like. If I have a legitimate showroom, I can afford to change direction with my office and make it more comfortable for longer meetings."

"Fine," Kurt said, impressed at how rapidly she on took everything he said this morning. The constant anxiety and confusion that usually beset her seemed to be being held at bay.

"Good, these will be your focus areas for this week and possibly the next, also, to this, I would like you to start familiarizing yourself the different divisions of the company and which senior executive oversees them. Your small division comes under Rhys's leadership. He has the largest portfolio, and I expect in time you will begin to lighten his load as you take on more responsibility here and learn to delegate matters in your own business."

Bella continued taking notes as Kurt talked her through his expectations of her over the next few weeks. By the time, Chelsea appeared at the door to offer them coffee she was exhausted just thinking about all she had to do and she had several pages of notes to decipher. 

"Not for me thank you, I have some work to do before the executive meeting," Kurt packed up the current file he had been showing her and left it with the pile of files he had brought in on her desk. "These are all your copies. I will see you at nine." He kissed her forehead, "I have had an extra desk moved into the office next door, Andrew and Owen can share it until the renovation is done. This is your office. You shouldn't be sharing it." With that, he left hoping he made his feelings about Andrew's position in her business and the company clear.

Bella smiled at Chelsea and shook her head, "How good are you at reading abstract notes?" she asked with a small laugh.

"Define abstract," Chelsea grimaced.

"Come on in and I will explain just how busy your day is going to be," Bella grabbed the blueprints and spread them out on the desk again. Andrew arrived a few minutes later, and Bella was glad these were both people who believed in getting to the office early. She waved him over and studied the blueprints for a moment to get her bearings.

"As of yesterday everything we had planned is changed," she began. "We will need to get hold of Natalie Fuller again. Andrew will have the number," she said with authority then she began to explain about the relocation and the intended soft opening in a month's time. Owen arrived shortly after eight and Bella welcomed him briefly and immediately drew him into the conversation around her desk. She had just finished explaining that the two associates would be required to share an office until the renovations were done when Owen stopped her.

"This is all well and good, but I am sure I don't need to be part of the discussion about soft furnishings and the like. A standard company office is fine for me. Can you tell me when Miss Biancotti usually arrives for work?" he asked, looking around for a chair finding this standing around a marble table very strange for an office. In fact, the whole office was strange to him.

"Miss Biancotti arrived at six this morning," Andrew smirked. Owen turned to Chelsea seeing the tall, beautiful woman as the most likely to be Bella and began to apologise to her.

"Oh dear, you're not off to a good start here, are you," Chelsea said commiserating with him. "Would you like to resign before or after you apologise to Miss Biancotti?"

"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself when you first arrived. Hello, I'm Bella Biancotti," she held out her hand to him. "I tend to get caught up in projects and forget myself." She smiled warmly.

"You're yanking my chain," he gave a half laugh, looking at the three of them. "He's played some good pranks on me before, but this is a good one." Owen laughed louder as he walked from the room. "You almost had me believing you there, the tall one could have pulled it off maybe, but no way that little girl is Bella Biancotti."

"I don't think his mood is gong to stay to that jovial somehow," Andrew laughed.

"I have to get to the executive meeting now. Can you guys start on this and get Natalie or someone to do a few mock ups for me. I will send you my dreadful notes to decipher if you can," Bella said, gathering her tablet and a few files before following Owen from the office.

"Hi Dianne," Bella said, approaching Kurt's office. Owen stood at Dianne's desk waiting to see Kurt. 

"Bella, you look great. That's just the sort of thing I would have chosen for you. I hope Rob's in a generous mood today when we meet," she grinned. "Go on in, he is waiting for you."

"This prank just gets better and better. Did he put you up to that?" Owen laughed again.

"You think Bella is the prank?" Dianne blinked then gave a soft laugh of her own. "I think Kurt will want to see you after all."

She opened the door for him and ushered him inside, following behind. The four men looked up expectantly.

"You got me good this time, you bastard," Owen guffawed. "Lure me over here with a promotion and dangling a pretty salary in front of it and expect me to believe this child is a partner here." His laugh wasn't as loud as it had started out as Kurt's face remained serious.

"You're fucking lucky you're good at your job, Owen," Kurt said in a deep voice. "Rhys might have you back on his team if you agree to stop being such an ass."

"Did you even make it to yesterday's breakfast?" Rhys groaned.

"Of course, I did," Owen's voice went up an octave.

"Fuck you've been at this company as long as Rhys and me, we have all been friends for years. Have you ever wondered why you're not an executive yet?" Kurt lost it, and his voice raised. "You're a fuck up. You arrive late, you do a little as possible, and you don't pay attention to company business." He stood, taking full advantage of his height. "You're gone this time. Your expertise is first class, but you've been coasting along for too many years now. Get out."

"You can't do that," Owen said with the realisation no one was laughing but him. 

"Sure I can. I run this company, you have just insulted a partner and, if I know you, her whole team before wandering over here to share the joke with me." Kurt was angry, after all the butt kicking he did yesterday this was just too much. "You didn't go to the breakfast meeting yesterday or you would have seen her on stage, known who she was and heard what I said would happen to the next person who didn't recognise one of us."

"This was your chance to step up, get the promotion you are always moaning about," Rhys said. "You fucked it up before you even started."

"She can't be, she's so young, she looks as if she should still be in school," Owen said uncomprehendingly. 

"I assure you she is," Kurt murmured darkly. 

"Now that we all understand who I am," Bella stood and looked at Owen. "You do understand now, don't you?" She asked and waited for him to nod. "I am willing to give you a chance to prove your expertise is worth all of this drama. Ask Andrew, who you also met this morning, to show you the small box of flawed pieces Rhys returned to me yesterday. I would like a full evaluation of each one on my desk by this evening. They are imitation period pieces, this I know, it is the settings and gems I am interested in."

"Take her offer and I will give you two weeks probation," Kurt said in a hard tone. "Or just leave. HR will forward you a one month pay out of your salary. The choice is yours, now get out."

The meeting ran across the morning, where Kurt had spoken earlier of restructuring the company he had meant it on a grand scale and had brought the executive team into the conversation. The company had been growing steadily for a number of years and, in addition to Bella, it was worth considering adding another senior executive position to lesson the workload for Kurt, who had still not entirely given up the divisions he oversaw before taking over the leadership after Mel's passing.

Bella was in awe of the depth of knowledge each of these men had of such a vast array of businesses and charitable organisations. She became overwhelmed with the prospect of studying each of these men and their divisions. So she listened silently, trying as best she could to take in everything they said and make notes along the way.

She left the meeting with barely an hour to spare until Rob would arrive for lunch. Hurrying back to her office, she was relieved to see Natalie sitting with Andrew and Chelsea, and the blueprints spread out on the floor. Several style boards surrounded them, showing pictures and swatches of fabrics in various themes.

"I'm so glad you had the time to come," Bella greeted Natalie happily. 

"For you, I would drop everything," she smiled in return, "It's always so much fun here." 

"Patrick let us into Rhys's office to get the layout straight in our heads. Blueprints do nothing for me," Chelsea admitted.




Possessing Bella Ch. 22



"Then I called Dianne and asked about your style at home," Andrew said, indicating a board labelled cosy Italian farmhouse. That Bella had to admit was much more her mother's style than her own. "Then I called Dorothea, who said Vintage Modern," he pointed to another board. Bella was happier with that description.

"And that one?" Bella pointed to a board labelled Urban Jungle. 

"Sort of a combination of both of us merging the new jewellery you haven't mentioned yet," Chelsea fluttered her fingers at her throat and smiling as Bella blushed and fingered the collar and pendant that now hung around her neck. "And some of the floral fabric from here and the vintage furniture from there with a bit of a modern concrete twist in the display cases."

"Team effort then?" Bella tilted her head, looking at the style board. "I like it for the bedroom and bathroom, but the office needs to look like an office. The other partners don't have over the top themes," she said thoughtfully. "I do like the idea of maintaining a few display cases, though. Some of these items will remain here with me."

She discussed her likes and dislikes for a while longer before excusing herself to visit the bathroom before her lunch date. Tidying herself up, she put on a fresh coat of lipstick and returned to find Rob waiting for her.

"You're early, Master," she said startled. 

"Not by much. It was nice to meet you, Natalie, give some thought to my suggestions. My office now please, Bella," Rob walked away expecting her to follow. He made his way along the corridors, greeting people as he went, not waiting for her or even turning to make sure she was behind him. He opened the door for her and slapped her ass as she walked past him into the well-appointed space.

Closing the door heavily, he advanced on her. "Same rules apply when we enter my office," he stepped back and watched as she quickly stripped her clothes and folded them into a small pile beside the door.

"You have such perfect tits, round perky with high tight nipples," he said almost dreamily. Returning to where she stood, he lowered his head to kiss her, fondling her breasts lightly, noting how quickly aroused they became, he smiled. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a gold chain and held it up. Lowering his head further, he sucked one nipple into his mouth, pulling on it with suction and then letting his teeth graze over it as he let it fall from his mouth. The clamp bit into the sensitive flesh a moment later, and she whimpered, biting her lip. 

"I hear you have been causing drama again today. That when Kurt fired a man, you rescinded that and offered him probation." Rob's voice was a low growl in her ear, and his breath was hot on her neck. "He says you should be punished to learn the lesson of who is Master here and has asked me to make sure you find it difficult to sit when we meet with him after lunch." Rob's eyes smiled as he delivered the news. Placing his fingers on the chain linking the clamps and her chest he pulled her over to the large desk. 

"I came in early to drop off some equipment I thought would be handy now that I will be here more often, imagine my surprise in needing to punish you on the very first day," Rob chuckled, still lightly pulling on the clamps, ensuring it wasn't hard enough to dislodge them. "Kneel," he commanded, and she sank beside him. "Ah here we go," he said, extracting a leather crop from the drawer at her eye level. "Kiss it and ask me to punish you," he said, the growl returning to his voice and his eyes glittering as they looked into hers.

"Please Master, punish me, I wasn't thinking of how Master Kurt would feel when I offered Owen the chance. I was stupid to do it," Bella whispered and leaned forward to kiss the crop, taking in the smell of new leather.

"Thoughtless perhaps," he swatted her tits, "Stupid no, my slave if far from stupid." He swatted her twice more hard to make his point. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes, and he was momentarily stunned by how beautiful she truly was like this, in her place at his feet. "Display," he commanded, and she raised her hands to her neck and widened her thighs. "Fuck she was almost perfect," he thought to himself, "a far cry from the girl who had only just begun her training with Mel last year."

The crop bit into the soft sides and flesh underneath her breasts several more times, making her cry out softly and blink tears to her cheeks. Picking her up by the hair, Rob dragged her over his lap and began to crop her ass with six hard fast strokes across both cheeks.

"This is hardly a punishment for you though, is it my little pain slut?" he rested the crop on her back and ran his hand down between her legs. "Such a hot and wet girl, when I need to punish you properly, I will have to come up with something diabolical." He continued to play with her cunt as he felt the shiver run down her back at his words.

Bella squirmed in her heat and need. He brought her so close to the brink so quickly she closed her eyes tightly and breathed deeply. She heard another drawer open and close. She felt cool metal press against her lips, and she opened her eyes to see a golden butt plug being pushed into her mouth. 

"Get it nice and wet, little one. I haven't brought any lube with me today," he growled but she could hear the pleasure in his voice as his other hand moved from her dripping cunt up to the tight dark star of her ass. The gooey finger prodding there and forcing its way in. 

He took his time, relishing the possession of the fuck toy across his lap. He watched as the cold gold metal of the plug was forced into her and listened to her cries and whimpers as she squirmed below him. Seeing the flat faceted glass gem of the plug's end replace her dark asshole, he growled in pleasure and took up the crop again striking her another four times, enjoying the louder cries. 

Again picking her up by the hair, he stood and lifted her onto the desk, to lie on her back so he could see her tear-streaked face. Pulling her legs up over his shoulders, he leaned down to kiss her, doubling her over and, with practised hands, freed his cock and thrust into her hard and deep and pulled the clamps from her breasts. He swallowed her cry of pain with relish and holding her ankles forward stood again and fucked her as hard as he could. The heat of her striped cheeks felt warm against his thighs as he slammed into her time and again. 

Bella had begun coming as soon as he entered her and the clamps were pulled off. She exploded with force and floated barely cognizant of what was happening on a cloud of endorphins. Spasm after spasm wracked her and her eyes rolled as the waves continued. She was jolted back groggily as he pulled her from the desk to her knees and tilted her head back, spurting cum into her mouth and over her face

Rob collapsed back into the chair, releasing his grip on Bella's hair, letting her fall to the floor. He looked down at her face, streaked with tears and cum and smiled. Now she was perfect. He knew he had used enough force that the lines that marked her tits and ass would last the rest of the day, and he was quite pleased about that. It was good for a girl to bear her Master's mark.

Though he didn't have a kitchenette or a boardroom attached to this office, there was still a small anteroom for sleep or play and a bathroom. He went to get a cool washcloth to help revive his beautiful girl and clean her up a little.

Once she seemed reasonably recovered, he retrieved a large insulated box from the anteroom and brought it to his desk. He passed her the travel makeup bag he had found at home and praised her for her forethought of being prepared. While she went to the bathroom to repair her makeup and hair, he unpacked the lunch he had brought with him from the club restaurant. When she returned, he lifted her up to his desktop again. 

"You can sit up here and be the prettiest desk ornament for me to look at while we eat," he grinned and saw her try to kneel up, he corrected her. "No cross your legs, you will be more comfortable to eat," he helped her to the position. He liked the way the position left her cunt her wide open and exposed to his gaze.

They ate quietly, both enjoying the lingering afterglow of sex. Rob, she noted seemed particular about maintaining a healthy diet for her, but she didn't mind as the food was so yummy. 

"Feeling better now?" he asked as she finished the last of her salad. 

"Yes, thank you, Master. I hadn't realised how hungry I was," she said happily.

"We ate very early. Next time I will pack you a snack you can eat between meetings," he said. "We better not keep the boss waiting; you may get dressed."

They met with Kurt and Dianne in his office, and Bella blushed as she stripped to have her measurements taken again by Dianne.

"You've been busy," Kurt murmured to Rob, noting the glittering disc wedged between Bella's ass cheeks that told of the plug she held.

"Well if you're gonna do a job, may as well go the whole hog, so to speak," he chuckled. "It wasn't a punishment for me after all." He admired the still red stripes that decorated Bella's body as Dianne turned her this way and that.

"While you're doing all these renovations, I would like a bar set up in my office, small fridge, glasses, etc.," Rob said. 

"Planning on doing some entertaining during your rare visits?" Kurt smirked.

"Just one person really, and you may find I will visit more often," Rob chuckled. "I'll be here for lunch every day this week."

"Just don't go overboard, I need her functioning at one hundred and ten percent now," Kurt warned. "I'll kick you out myself if you become too much of a distraction. Work is my domain. The club and home are yours."

"I hear ya, but she's my new toy, and I just want to play with her all the time," Rob complained petulantly.

"Somehow I doubt that novelty is going to wear off, so take it easy okay?" Kurt pressed his point.

"Yea alright, but give me this week to get her bad diet under control and then I'll cut it down to a couple of days," Rob agreed and then saw Kurt's raised eyebrow, "Okay two, two days is my final offer."

"It's like bargaining with a child," Kurt chuckled. "Just take it easy okay. Don't keep using her to the point of exhaustion. We're expecting her to take on a lot, and I am not so sure she is as strong as she pretends to be."

"Luckily I have made her an appointment with the doctor, tonight, a personal trainer three times a week and, as you can see, I have her diet well in hand," Rob said smugly.

"Proper rest, ensure that, and the rest will fall into place," Kurt said. "Try and limit your play time to after work hours not during, that includes punishments that become playtimes."

"Spoilsport," Rob grumbled.

"I could always do it myself if you'd prefer," Kurt leaned back on his desk, still watching the two women before him. "A change can be good now and then, and Dianne is a bit fragile these days."

"Do what you need to do, I don't need an excuse to spank that cute little ass," Rob chuckled, watching as Bella stepped from the small table and began to dress again. "Ah good, let's go shopping," he said in a game show voice. "I'll have her back in a few hours and trade you for that one," he pointed at Bella.

"Have fun, my love," Kurt kissed Dianne, "Let me know if the fashion police pick him up and you need bail money."

"Fuck you. You wish you looked this good," Rob smirked and went to kiss Bella. "See you in a few hours." He held the door open for Dianne

"I have so much to do," Bella looked at her watch once they had left.

"You do," Kurt said thoughtfully and walked towards her. "The most important thing you have to do is realise that Rob and I are here to help you. If you are not honest and become exhausted or overwhelmed without seeking help, you will be punished severely for not being honest. We will consult, but you are now serving two men in two distinctly different ways. You will be honest at all times, about your workload here and at home."

"Yes Master," Bella said. She smiled then before adding. "I have learned from my mistakes, I will tell you if I become overwhelmed," she said seriously. "I finally understand that the punishment for pushing myself too hard is far worse than admitting I need help."

"Good girl," Kurt kissed her forehead. "How are you going with those new office decisions?"

"The team is on it, and if I could get back to them," she hinted strongly.

"Go, go, go. Far be it from me to hold up your projects," he chuckled and opened the door for her.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "I know you don't have time to babysit me, and I really will do my best to keep up with everything you have planned for me here. I need this challenge, I need to know I can be..." she took a deep breath. "Thank you," she repeated, and she turned and walked away without waiting for him to respond.

Kurt watched her go. He had understood her submissiveness could be a barrier to any leadership position she tried to undertake. It wasn't until he saw the welts from her lunch with Rob that he realised how much she was truly taking on being on the executive track as well as having a demanding Master to please. Even Dianne, who worked harder than most, had a far less demanding role and, if he was honest with himself, Master by far than Bella was taking on. Time would tell if they expected too much, too soon from her.

Bella raced back to her office, her mind running through what she had to do today and prioritising each item as it came to her mind. By the time she got to the doorway, she was a woman on a mission. Andrew, Chelsea and Natalie had remained clustered around the blueprints with a mountain of copies and style boards surrounding them, trying to make final decisions. She couldn't wait to see what they had come up with and clear away the mess with a few decisive choices, but she had a bigger dragon to slay first.

"Did Owen come and get the small black box of pieces from you, this morning?" she asked Andrew as the small grouped looked up at her arrival. 

"He did and went into our office next door," Andrew replied. "He hasn't come out, not even for lunch."

"Right. I will be back after talking to him. Pick the idea you each like the best and present it to me and why you think it suits our team and the business we are about to launch. Remember, I am not just an executive but a partner here, and my office should reflect that." She turned and walked to the office next door and entered without knocking. If he was sleeping or playing solitaire on his computer, she needed to know now rather than later.

"Miss Biancotti," he stood from his desk to greet her.

"I would prefer that you call me Bella please," she said without any emotion in her face or voice. "Can I assume you have decided to join the team?"

Owen looked at her for a long moment before answering. "I'll be honest; I did a bit of research on you before accepting your offer. There was a range of opinions regarding you, Miss Bian..., Bella." He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "The reports were all glowing. Strong, tenacious, intelligent along with the more obvious young and beautiful." He attempted a smile, but Bella remained stony faced. "I am not too big to admit when I am wrong, and I apologise for the manner in which we met," he tried again.

"I haven't had the opportunity to take some time out to do any research on you. It was enough for me that Kurt told me you were an expert in gems and precious metals," Bella said simply. "What you revealed, incidentally in your conversation with Kurt and Rhys, is that you have just been cruising along on your reputation alone and doing very little to keep it. So this is your chance. Possibly your only chance to prove you are as good as they say," she willed herself not to chew her lip as she paused. She needed to maintain a strong stance with this man.

"These are good," he picked up the small lacquered box. "With a small bit of tweaking they could be better, but they will never be authentic looking because the artist hadn't studied the era he was trying to copy."

"Explain," Bella said, moving closer to see the pieces in the box. 

"This is a beautiful stone, it's been cut well, but the artist has over complicated the setting which takes away from the beauty of the gem," Owen began by picking up a square cut emerald. Warming to his theme, he spoke of clarity, colour, and carat, as well as suggesting that the stone itself was more suited to an art deco setting rather than the overworked Victorian setting it had been given. In other settings, supposed rubies had been replaced by lesser stones and the flaws in some of the better stones could be hidden simply by adjusting the setting in which they sat.

He spoke not only from a purely clinical point of view, but he also made remarks on how to fix the flaws in both the stones and the settings in each of the pieces. In the end, he offered to use some of his contacts to have some of the better pieces redesigned. 

Bella looked at the quick sketches he had made on the pad on his desk as he spoke of how a piece should look or be reset and knew there was more to this man than the people he had been working with realised.

"I currently have two young and creative jewellery designers on staff. While we will grow and perhaps require more in time, I am hoping not to outsource too much. I would like to promote our main product as original one of a kind pieces," Bella explained. "Rather than using a well-known and, I assume, easy to recognise designer or artist as you call them."

"Are they any good?" Owen asked sceptically, looking at the box again.

"I took a gamble on these, they hadn't sold at a recent estate auction, and I had them sent over to see if I wanted to purchase them. I had thought from the pictures of the pieces that the designers may be able to reset them and perhaps use the flaws in the stones to our advantage in unique pieces." She tapped the pad he had drawn on. "I like this, though. Choose five when you have done the write-up and draw up what you think is the best treatment for them. I will make the time to take you to the workshop to meet the designers and discuss having them made."

"You have a workshop?" he asked speculatively. 

"It is small and not equipped as well as it should be, but yes and," she realised Kurt hadn't told her about the shop space he was hoping to negotiate for, "by the end of the week we should have our first shop space to begin fitting out."

"There are some examples of the jewellery artists' work in the display cases in my office, if you want to see their level of expertise," Bella offered. She had relaxed into the same familiarity she had with the other members of her team after talking about the jewellery with this man. "Andrew has a manifest of what is on display." There were a few pieces made by Rob Collins, and the glass tiara created by Pete Cross, as well as the staff designers.

"I am assuming you understand the type of jewellery we create will only partly be mainstream. I am looking to corner the market in lifestyle related jewellery in this city, as most is custom made by individuals who are choosy about their clientele, as far as I know. Most use modified necklaces and the like rather than purpose specific collars and chains and decorative rings for piercings. I am also thinking cuffs may be a good market if we can insulate them with padding or soft leather of some description."

"This project sounds far more interesting than I was led to believe it would be," Owen nodded. "I think I would enjoy seeing your office, Miss," he took a breath, "Bella."

"Good come and join the team, I will give you a small extension on the task I set you so you can get the drawings done," Bella walked with him back to her office.




Possessing Bella Ch. 22



Returning to her team, she sat on a chaise and said, "Okay wow me." Bella smiled as Chelsea stood first and presented what she believed held the essence of what they were working toward as a team. Andrew, who had helped with her original design for this office, had his take on what he thought would work, and Natalie came forward with a new fresh approach. It was based on both of the other designs and strongly rooted in the fact that she was a woman, so there were more feminine touches to make the overall effect softer.

"That one," Owen said from over her shoulder. 

"Why?" Bella asked, chewing her lip.

"That one is too much of a power player. Too masculine. People will think you are trying too hard and write you off as fake," he had pointed at Andrew's choice. "You are powerful, no need to rub it in people's faces, but you are also the only woman in a position of power and you don't want to come across as masculine and having to conform to what the company says an executive is supposed to be." He indicated Chelsea's choice.

"There are a lot of people who, like me, will meet you and see a little girl and think it's a joke," he said with a hint of regret in his voice. "Better to have your own style. You need an office that is unapologetically you. Not a girl trying to fit into a mould of what people think she is or should be."

"Thank you, everyone, I can see the work you have put into the ideas," Bella looked at the three designs again, and she could see merit in all of them as well as in what Owen said. "Natalie, as always, you are a life saver. Could you give me another day tomorrow?" She got up as she spoke and took up her tablet to check her schedule. She stepped over a style board that had been discarded in the rush to do the presentations and she stopped to pick it up. One photo, in particular, had caught her eye.

"This," she said, pointing to a photo of a light and airy office. "It has elements of all your ideas and could work well if we put some slim glass display cases here and here," she nodded as she thought out loud. Natalie tilted her head and nodded. "Right, Natalie, let's have another look at the boards." She took her tablet and came back to sit with Natalie.

"Andrew, can you find the manifest and show Owen the pieces we have here? Chelsea, can you see if you can get Kurt on the phone without interrupting anything too serious? I have a couple of quick questions for him. Then can you find some time in my schedule tomorrow or Thursday for us to go to the workshop, at least an hour, though it would be better to have two," she said, hope colouring her voice even though she knew it was a tight schedule.

"Mr White is unavailable until later this afternoon," Chelsea interrupted her conversation with Natalie. "If we can move your lunch meeting on Thursday to a slightly earlier time, we may be able to squeeze in a trip to the workshop," she reported after having spoken to Andrew about the travel time between the office and the workshop site. 

"Thanks," Bella said, "I'll see what I can do about the lunch, leave that one with me and I will let you know in the morning." She realised that Chelsea was being respectful of her relationship with Rob by not trying to move the lunch meeting herself, and she was grateful for that. 

Now that she had a reasonably clear picture of what she wanted in her mind and buoyed up by Natalie's enthusiasm for the project, the decisions were made reasonably quickly. "I just don't have the time to choose every piece and colour myself, this time, around," Bella said after some time. "Could you and Andrew put together all of the fixtures and fittings for each room so I can, at least, give the renovation team the basics to start with. The furniture and accessories are secondary at this point. Break it down as much as you can to give us some time to make final decisions on the big pieces."

"Great, I'll get on that and try to have some figures for you by tomorrow lunch time?" Natalie said.

"You're fabulous," Bella smiled.

"Oh my invoice will tell you how fabulous I am," Natalie laughed. She enjoyed working with Bella. She thrived on the urgency and the quick decision making. It gave her a bit of a thrill to try and second guess the young woman's needs and find that her taste was superb. In the end, all the work they had done this morning was valuable only in that she knew the layout well, and she had met the expanding team. The fact that this original layout would need to be relocated to a shop front meant that she would be working with Bella and her team for some time, and she was excited by the prospect.

"You're worth every cent," Bella laughed with her. "I have a million other things to get to, so if you'll excuse me." Bella stood and went to her desk. Her team went on with their tasks and left her to work on tasks Kurt had set for her.

When Rob and Kurt walked into her office later that afternoon, Bella looked at the time and realised she would have to be more organised if she was going to accomplish what she needed to each day. She straightened and smiled, moving toward them as they entered with a smile. Rob pulled her to him and kissed her. 

"How has your afternoon been?" Rob asked, looking at her critically. She looked a little tired, and he once again considered his earlier conversation with Kurt.

"It's been productive," she said easily. "How was your shopping trip?"

"Productive and educational," he said with a grin, making her laugh softly.

"You wanted to talk to me before Rob took you home?" Kurt interrupted the chatter.

Bella disentangled herself from Rob's arms and smoothed over her skirt. "You mentioned this morning about a shop space you thought might be available for a soft opening," she replied quickly. "I would like to be able to tell Natalie where that is so we can look at whether all of this is suitable and what adjustments may need to be made to make it workable."

"Ah yes," Kurt looked around. "You know this is wholly uncomfortable as an office to meet in, I am glad you have decided to change things for your new office." Giving up trying to find a comfortable space in the room, he looked at Rob, "Why don't you both come to my office for a quick meeting before you leave and we can negotiate some floor space and a shop front?"

Bella was confused but, after gathering her bag and tablet, allowed herself to be guided from the office without asking any further questions. Rob seemed to be unsurprised by the question and walked with his hand resting between her ass and the small of her back.

Once they had taken a seat on the couches provided by Kurt's office, he turned her, "The clientele you are hoping to service with your business are the same clientele that the club services, correct?"

"Yes, Master?" Bella nodded, still not sure where this was going.

"It would stand to reason that the best placement for your business is in direct contact or at least in the line of sight of those who frequent the club," Kurt prompted further. "The workshop is already taking up part of the first floor, wouldn't it make sense to also have her first outlet there as well?"

"Makes perfect sense to me," Rob said as if it was already decided.

"You both own the building so you can negotiate the details, but I would strongly suggest the shop that is on the corner of the street and the arcade in which the foyer and elevators are situated for the best possible exposure to the club members." Kurt was speaking as if this had been something he had given more than a little thought to. "You could extend the rear of the business to make space for a small workshop for on the spot mending and adjustments and still keep the larger workshop where it is on the same level, so it's close at hand but not so close that customers can demand instant results."

"What will happen to the business that is there now?" Bella asked, knowing that a small business was situated along the street side of the building on the ground floor.

"It's a flight centre and can easily be relocated. We have that arcade that was part of that buyout package for Frankie in the city that has space open at the moment. Give them a discount on the rent, and I am sure they will be happy to move on," Rob said, considering the easiest solution. He could see the worried look in Bella's eyes and the lip that was once again caught between her teeth. "You will not be pushing them out, trust me this is a much better proposition for them."

"I could take the space in town," Bella said, concern evident in her voice.

"You need the traffic generated by the club. You won't have access to the same sort of customer in the city," Kurt said. 

"They will probably feel the same way," Bella said worriedly. "What if they don't want to relocate?"

"We will make them an offer they can't refuse," Rob said with a sly grin, but at Bella's look of horror he explained. "A month of free rent on the new place or something. Though I think they may jump at the chance to move, the arcade we are offering space in is quite exclusive."

"Let Rob handle the Flight Centre, that building is his business in addition to his part in running this company," Kurt said easily. "I'll have a rental agreement drawn up once you two have negotiated how much space she needs and the street and arcade frontage."

"We'll head home and have a look at what you need," Rob said, ending the conversation.

"Yes Master," Bella smiled. "Thank you, Master," she said to Kurt and then frowned and looked at them. "It doesn't feel right to call one of you by name, but it may get confusing calling you both Master."

"You will get used to it," Rob waved away the concern. "Go and let your team go home. They need the rest as much as you do." He watched as Bella turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.

"You'd already made up your mind. Why not just tell me and I could have had it cleared out within a week," Rob grumbled at Kurt.

"This isn't the club or home. She can't be so submissive here nor I think does she want to be treated as one when it comes to her own business. Yes, I had already made the decision, but she needed to feel part of that decision to be able to own it and work with it as part of her plan. Not my plan or your plan, her plan," Kurt explained. 

"This business is one of the only things that's hers alone. The company, the club, even where she lives were given to her by Mel, even our roles in her life. She believes she has this and her family, the rest is just what everyone else has given her or how they expect her to be." He paused. "They are her words, by the way, not just my impression." He didn't say they had come via Dorothea.

"I see," Rob said thoughtfully. "She is, however, submissive. You can see how relaxed she is in the last day or two despite all the changes we have forced upon her. She thrives on it and blossoms under the domination of men who offer her structure in her life."

"We all have to adjust our thinking now. She is a partner here, an executive and she needs to be able to take some control here, on her terms. She can't be bowing down to every dominant in the company. She needs confidence in her knowledge and skills, and that starts with this business," Kurt said with conviction.

"Another reason you do not want me using her here," Rob nodded. 

"I never said that. I just said go easy," Kurt shrugged. Without the friendship and support he enjoyed from Rob, his life would be infinitely more difficult as CEO of this company.

"No, but if what you say is true, then she needs to keep personal and professional separate," Rob could see once again why Mel had chosen Kurt as his successor. He wasn't often seen to compromise, he stood up and told people exactly what he wanted and when, and would kick asses if he didn't get the desired outcome. Rob respected that the man had a way of seeing difficult situations from all angles and chose to go about getting the outcome he desired by convincing others they were making the decisions when ultimately Kurt had subtly changed their thinking or pushed them down the pathway that led to his desired outcome. 

"That little charade was as much for my benefit as hers wasn't it?" Rob chuckled. "Wait, don't answer that. I get what you're saying. I still want her diet regulated, but I will consider some alternatives to coming in and enjoying her submission here." He continued to chuckle. 

"That was for her benefit," Kurt said, "If I got the desired result from you as well, then that is a bonus," he said with a perfectly straight face.

"Yeah don't push it. You're the boss here. Just tell me this stuff straight, and we won't have a problem to get the results you want," Rob said it lightly, but his meaning was clear. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a beautiful young woman who lets me do naughty things to her to take home and play with." He grinned and went in search of Bella.

Kurt shook his head and laughed. For a man with a hands off, laid back attitude to business, in general, Rob read every report and quite possibly knew more about the company than he did. In the year since Mel had taken Bella as his own and been at the company less often then been murdered in unthinkable circumstances, the two had become close friends. Leaning on each other to fill the void that Mel had left in their lives and despite the respect they had for each other, they were still defining the boundaries between business and friendship.

*****

They walked into Bella's apartment together, but she stopped at the door, noting a new solid looking polished wood box that matched the furniture in her living room had appeared beside the door. She began to strip, placing her clothes in the box, closing it once she was done. Watching from the chair that he had decided was his within her apartment, he considered her in light of everything he had learned about what was expected of her at the company. 

"Crawl to me," he said seriously, watching her drop to her knees and lean forward onto her hands. She crawled slowly, her hips swaying as she kept her head high, looking at him. She climbed his body from the floor, pressing her body between his legs and against his cock as she kissed the bare skin of his neck before reaching his lips. His arms wrapped around her tightly and he pulled her up into his lap, kissing her deeply for a long moment.

"Seeing you at the company today has made me realise that it will be hard for you to be who you need to be in both situations," he said after breaking the kiss and looking down into her eyes. "When you are with me I expect full submission, I want your obedience, honesty, trust and love. I want and expect that no matter where we are." 

"I understand, Master," Bella said, worriedly thinking she had done something to upset him at the company. "I am sorry, I get carried away with the work I am doing. It has been some time since I had a Master to please there. I have been trying to learn from many Masters and still maintain a focus on my business plan."

"You did nothing wrong today, little one," Rob said gently, tilting her head up to look into her eyes. "I believe it will help you separate what you need to do at the company from what I expect from you outside of the company if I give you your time there uninterrupted. At least, until you become accustomed to this new agreement you have with Kurt and me."

Bella tilted her head but said nothing, pulling her lip between her teeth as she listened to what he was saying.

"Having said that, I will need to know that you are still living the way I wish even when you are there. I am concerned about your health and fitness and had planned to be there this week to ensure you stopped and took the time to eat a healthy lunch, not a snack you pick up between meetings," his voice was serious. "I do not want to delegate this to anyone in your team and the only man there you should be answerable to now should be Kurt, who will not have time."

"I will stop to eat, Master," Bella said equally seriously. "I have made a concerted effort to make the time for the food I enjoy since returning to work."

"My concern is that the food you like is not always what is best for you, little brat," Rob chuckled. "Also, there have been several times, including the incident at the ranch, where your tendency not to eat at all when you are anxious or upset have affected your overall health."

Bella blushed and lowered her eyes, knowing that what he said was true. She didn't know how to reassure him that she would do as he instructed and take the time to eat something for lunch.

"I need you to start looking after this sexy little body so I can abuse it in the nicest possible way for both of us," Rob stroked a hand over her breasts to her cunt and wedged it between her legs. Before he would go any further, though, there was a discreet knock on the door and with a groan, he picked her up and placed her on the floor to kneel near the chair.

Bella was surprised to see the doctor who had cared for her when she returned from Italy walk into the apartment. He had a large case in his hand that he set on the floor. He shook hands with Rob, "I'm glad you called. A check-up is way past due," he smiled and turned to Bella. "Hello lovely girl, you are looking healthy and happy, so that is a good sign."

"Hello Doctor," Bella had straightened her posture and tried not to chew her lip.

"I've set up the study for you," Rob said, picking up the doctor's case and carrying it for him into Bella's home office.

"Thank you," he went to follow Rob into the room, waving Bella into the room with them. 

Bella endured over an hour of poking and prodding, accompanied by in-depth personal questions. The check-up Bella realised was more in the way of a thorough physical examination as she was given a pap smear test, along with having several vials of blood drawn. He checked the Implanon rods in her arm, asked about any side effects she may have experienced. Often he would direct his questions to Rob as her new Master.

"Are you planning to do anything about this?" he poked the tattoo Mel had left to brand her as his forever. "Laser therapy is quite painful but bearable for a girl like this. It would take several treatments over a year or so."

"It's not an issue for us," Rob said easily." I may even add to it if she remains mine," he said thoughtfully. "This is a probationary period," he explained at the curious look from the doctor. 

"Well aren't you a lucky girl, being looked after so well during your probation," the doctor patted her thigh.

"It's me who is on probation." Rob laughed and, when both Bella and the doctor's eyes widened, he only laughed louder. "She's a popular girl, and I am fortunate that she has agreed to be mine for a short time."

"In that case, you should seriously consider a man who is so attentive to your overall well-being," the doctor lectured Bella. "You may get up now," he patted her thigh again. "The results should take at least a week to come back, so shall we make an appointment for next Wednesday?" he directed his question to Rob. "I will call earlier if anything of concern arises."

"Wednesday evening will be fine," Rob said agreeably, pulling out his phone and making note of the appointment. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"I am glad you called," the doctor began to pack up his case, safely storing the samples and specimens. "I have often wondered how she was recovering. It was a dreadful trauma she suffered, and I expected that the after effects would have lingered much longer, but she is strong of mind and body it seems."

It took several minutes, and Bella sat listening to the men talk about her recovery and the hurdles she had overcome to get to where she currently was. Rob spoke with pride about her strength and resilience. She blushed as the doctor seemed impressed by what she had accomplished in such a short amount of time. He wished them both well before he left with a smile and a confirmation of their future appointment.




Possessing Bella Ch. 22



Rob checked his watch and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. "That took longer than expected but it's better that he was thorough," he said, placing her on her feet and leading her into the bedroom. "You can touch up your make-up and hair for dinner. We will be eating downstairs with a guest," Rob instructed as he walked into her wardrobe. He had taken a good look at what she had available earlier this morning before he went into the company to meet her. Mel had superb taste, and Rob was quite pleased with what he found.

Bella went to the bathroom to freshen up and redo her makeup. Seeing the doctor again had brought up a lot of memories of when Mel was alive, as well as the dark time following his death. She looked at her arm where the needle had drawn her blood and frowned. The last time the doctor had used a needle on her it had brought her the darkness of oblivion she longed for, albeit temporarily. She tore the tape and cotton ball off and threw it in the small trash basket, rubbing away the memories that came along with it. Taking a shaky breath, she willed herself to push the memory of the darkness away as she fixed her hair in a plain clip. She walked back into the bedroom and when the smile she gave Rob didn't meet her eyes, he frowned at her.

"Come," he held out his hand to her and gathered her to him once she was close enough. "Tell me," he said softly as he lifted her chin to look into her eyes.

"It was just strange seeing him again," Bella said softly, her eyes lowering despite his fingers holding her chin up. She rubbed her arm self-consciously. "A lot of not so good memories," she said trying to keep the sadness from her voice. Rob threw down the dress he was holding and picked her up before sitting on the bed and pulling her into his lap and wrapping his arms around her.

"I know, little one. That is what makes him the best doctor for you, he knows your history and has a good idea of what it is you need both physically and mentally because of that history," Rob explained. "The memories will fade as we get to know him in new ways. Until then, you need to trust that I know what is best for you."

"Yes, Master," Bella said softly. 

"If you make us late, there will be consequences, so get dressed now," he indicated the dress he had thrown down onto the bed beside where they sat and stood with her. He stepped back, watching her pull the dress up her lithe legs and over her hips. The tight synthetic interlock material contoured to every nuance of her body and, when she finally pulled it into place, he was pleased. 

"Shoes," he indicated a pair of high heeled strappy sandals and enjoyed watching her bend and twist to put them on and buckle them around her slim ankles. Once she stood again, he moved forward, making small adjustments and playing with her breasts to make the nipples press against the material as if wanting to escape. "Beautiful," he murmured and kissed her softly. 

Bella smiled, hearing his praise and feeling his hands move around her to tighten on the cheeks of her ass a moment before stepping back and abruptly ending the kiss and taking her hand to walk from the bedroom.

They went down to the club, and Rob guided her into the restaurant. They were seated immediately, and Rob smiled. "No menu's tonight, I would like you to have some red meat, so I ordered ahead for us."

"Yes Master," Bella said easily. She didn't mind, especially if it was on its way to the table because she felt hungrier than she had in some time.

"Good evening," Bella looked up to see a woman had approached their table. She was tall and, although slim, was toned and muscled. Her bronze skin looked even darker against the long straight white blonde hair, and she became mesmerised by the startling blue eyes.

"Tiffany, so good to see you. Thank you for coming in," Rob stood and kissed her with the familiarity of close friends.

"Always a pleasure, I have been looking forward to it," she replied and took a seat at the table. "I hope Jacob is chef tonight."

"He is, and I have ordered your usual," Rob smiled widely.

"Excellent. It's so nice to come to a place where I have a usual," she laughed lightly and turned her attention to Bella. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you."

"It's nice to meet you too. I hope you have heard only good things," Bella said, feeling at a loss. "I am sorry... I am not sure I know who you are exactly," she admitted quietly.

"That's not nice, Rob," Tiffany frowned at him. "Even for a grumpy old man like you," she shook her head. "I'm Tiffany Finch, and I'm a wellness warrior." She introduced herself more formally.

"That sounds interesting. What does a wellness warrior do exactly?" Bella asked, not wanting to sound dumb, but she couldn't help but think of the wildlife warriors or the warriors of virtue that had been part of her childhood.

"It's a holistic approach to personal training. I consult on the physical and psychological state of my clients and make suggestions where needed. Things like diet and exercise, work-life balance and that sort of thing. Healthy mind, healthy body," she explained with a smile.

"Will I be one of those clients?" Bella asked as the pieces fell into place for her.

"Rob is, and I expect he would like you to be," Tiffany said, liking the young woman sitting across from her. She wasn't sure what she had expected, but this curious questioning was delightful. "I'm not sure you need a wellness warrior on your team, but if you would like to give it a try, I happen to have an opening. I understand you work in the city?"

"Yes, in the Marcol building," Bella confirmed for her.

"That's not far from my dojo, you could come after work and learn a little self-defense," Tiffany suggested. "I believe your Master would like you to learn how to defend yourself." She watched the girl chew on her bottom lip as she thought about this.

"Then, of course, I would enjoy visiting your dojo. I have never done any martial arts before, my exercise was always more dance related," she said with some trepidation.

"Ballet?" Tiffany asked.

"I did ballet and tap from the age of five until I left school," she smiled. "I was the wrong body type to get those beautiful long lines of the prima ballerinas," she admitted with a small shake of her head.

"I have a barre at the gym, we could work on that as well if you like," she offered.

"It's strange to miss it, all that hard work and pain, but I do. I would like that," Bella said with a small smile. The food arrived, and the plates were put in front of them, forestalling any further conversation for a minute or two.

During the exchange, Rob had leaned back and let Tiffany lead the conversation. In the end Bella would do as he wished, they all knew that but the lessons he was learning from Kurt about giving people ownership of the decisions while getting what he wanted appealed to him and seemed to be working in this case.

Bella listened more than she joined in with the small talk during the dinner. She ate the small, lean ribeye steak and roasted vegetables, finding she enjoyed it immensely. There was something fresh and light in the thin sauce that had accompanied it. Dessert was a raspberry sorbet that was offset with beautifully plump fresh berries. While it was not the ice cream or chocolate cake she had been craving, she felt very satisfied after eating it.

"So what do you think, little one?" Rob broke into her thoughts. After such an early start to a busy day, Bella had begun to feel fatigue press in on her when Rob asked her what she thought of training with Tiffany two afternoons a week. 

"Oh I'm sorry, of course, I can do that," she looked at them slightly startled. "When would the classes begin," she asked, trying to sound more upbeat than she felt and knowing it didn't carry in her voice. "I've only just returned to work, and I'm afraid the days will be long and busy until I settle in again, especially with the renovations I am required to manage as well, so maybe if I could start in a few weeks time?" she asked hopefully.

Rob frowned at her answer and looked at her critically. She looked tired; it would take her time to get used to the punishing schedule he and Kurt had set out for her. However, exercise and diet were important if she was going to have the energy to maintain the pace long term and still serve him the way he wished.

"Two weeks," he agreed grudgingly. 

"Thank you, Master," Bella said sincerely. If every day was like today, she didn't know how she could make the time to add a trip to the gym as well.

"Why don't you stay and have a drink," Rob said to Tiffany. "I am sure you will like the entertainment on offer tonight. I think Stephen is in the saloon bar tonight, if you'd like some company until I return, but I think this little one needs to be tucked in for the night."

"I'm sure Stephen wouldn't mind walking me up to my apartment, if you'd like to stay Master," Bella suggested quietly, feeling bad at having interrupted their evening.

"Don't be silly," Tiffany said easily. "It will give me a chance to catch up with a few old friends that I saw on my way." She smiled looking at them both. She'd been pleasantly surprised by Bella; the girl had a brain unlike so many of the girls in this club. She was sweet natured as well as pretty, and Tiffany could see how she had captured so many dominants attention. She had been around the lifestyle long enough to have known Kitty, who had given up her career for Rob and Mel. She could see the similarities between the two women both in personality and stature. The trio walked together to the salon then Rob and Bella continued up in the elevators.

Stopping just inside the apartment door, Bella slowly undressed, feeling the weight of the evening pressing in on her. If she had the time she would like to add to her journal, so much was happening in her life every single day now that she doubted that even tomorrow she could remember it all with any clarity. Almost on an automatic pilot, she dropped her panties into the ornate wooden chest and sank to her knees. She looked up at Rob as she crawled toward him and he smiled gently at her, beckoning her into his lap and cuddling her close.

"It will take time for both of us to adjust to the pressures and time constraints of this arrangement," he said softly into her hair. "I will be more aware of your position in the company and Kurt's role in your life," he said unapologetically, but showing he understood it was difficult for her to walk in both worlds in the way he expected.

His words jogged a memory, and she looked up at him as if to speak, but waited in case he wasn't finished what he was saying.

"Speak," he smiled and lifted her chin a little higher.

"I was wondering, with my schedule being so tight, if we could come and have lunch at the workshop on Thursday," Bella blurted out quickly and chewed her lip, hoping he wouldn't mind her wanting to alter the schedule already.

"We?" he questioned.

"My team and I. Originally I just wanted to show Owen the workshop and introduce him to the artists we have, but now with the store possibly going into that space as well, we could maybe make it a once a week thing, possibly. I mean, please Master," Bella wasn't sure from his expression if he was unhappy about her request or not.

"I expect that you may need to be here more often because the store will be here," he chuckled. Noting the shadows under her eyes, he picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. "Clean up and get ready for bed while we talk, little one," Rob said gently, placing her on her feet. Taking out his phone, he made a note of the change in schedule for Thursday.

"Ah there's my girl," he commented as she finished cleaning her face of make-up. Bella looked up and smiled as she continued to clean up and brush her teeth. When she was done, Rob pulled her into his arms again. He put her to bed then pulled the covers up, covering the body he longed to play with.

"These first few days are difficult for all of us," he said quietly, sitting on the bed and her stroking her hair. "Kurt and I will find a way to make it work best for everyone, and you will become used to the demands placed on you both here and there." He leaned down to kiss her deeply. In truth, he had heard her hesitation at taking on anything else new when faced with working with Tiffany tonight, and he had learned some important lessons from Kurt today about keeping her work and home life separated.

It had been so different with Kitty, who had eagerly given up her career to help him and Mel start this club. They had been inseparable and such was their bond that the original ménage a toi became a couple and the idea of having a second was born to give Mel his place in their relationship. He had hoped, for Bella's sake to have a similar relationship with Stephen. Today he had realised just how different life would be for him now and the compromises necessary to ensure Bella's well-being, as well as his own. 

Lost in his thoughts, he hadn't realised she had drifted off to sleep. He rose to return to the club. His thoughts firmly on the schedule he had laid out for her and wanting to know more about Kurt's plans for her. He knew her well enough to know that she would accept anything they asked of her, to her detriment at times. The last thing he wanted was for her to become burnt out or collapsing from exhaustion within the first weeks of becoming his.



Possessing Bella Ch. 23



 Authors Note: Due to the timing of the completion of this series, this chapter has not, as yet, been through the careful hands of my wonderful proof-reader and friend AisieLynn. I will endeavour to replace it as she has time to work on it for me. I hope you will forgive my eagerness to bring you the conclusion to this long running series and bear with the few bumps in the writing. ~ellie. 

 Possessing Bella Ch. 23

 Bella opened the journal on her laptop and considered where to begin. So much had happened in the last few weeks, and with the time to consider it all she suddenly wasn't sure what she wanted to write. Her new office had been finished in record time, and she had loved what Natalie had done with the design. She couldn't believe the entire space was hers. She would never use the bedroom space as the other executives did, so it had been created as more of an open space with a futon couch and large closets taking up one wall and a small gym created in the rest of the area. 

 After negotiation with both Tiffany and Rob, Bella spent forty-five minutes each day following a set exercise plan that Tiffany would put in place each Monday when she visited to give her self-defence lessons. This arrangement gave Bella more flexibility of when and how she managed to fit this into her busy schedule.

 Kurt had been ruthless in his changes in both staff and direction within the company and the sense of urgency Bella felt around understanding her role in the company and living up to his expectations had eased into a mild sense of anxiety. She felt that she could never learn about all facets of the company. Two new executives had been promoted, and both Kurt and Rhys had divested half of their portfolios to them. The freeze on any changes within the company that had seemed to be in place over the last year had quite obviously lifted. The demotion and firing of the people who been the most vocal opponents of the new executive leadership after Mel's death left many opportunities for those willing to put in the hard work to achieve them.

 Bella still met with Kurt every morning; it had become almost a ritual for them to breakfast together which saved her precious time in the morning and met with Rob's approval. True to his word Rob had renegotiated her proposed schedule with Kurt so that neither area of her life overshadowed or interfered overly with the other. She met with one of the executives each day for lunch which were catered for by the company cafeteria that seemed to Bella to have more of a restaurant menu than any cafeteria she had ever known. She never ordered for herself, and she felt Rob's influence on the healthy choices she was served each day.

 Rob, she had found liked to have some control of each element of her life in a similar way to Mel and what he had put in place for her before they had left on their trip to Italy. Even though Kurt was essentially her Master while at the company, Bella knew that Rob had a great deal of influence at the company and what was expected of her there. He came in at least once a week for conferences and showed up unexpectedly with or without a reason.

 Like Mel, Rob also enjoyed setting out her wardrobe, he was adamant about her diet and exercise during the week, and he used her to the point of exhaustion most evenings. He loved her; she was sure of that, but he didn't tell her as Mel had. She loved him equally, and she tried to show him by being the best submissive she could for him, but she admitted to herself in those moments when she looked at their relationship critically she had never quite told him either.

 After writing for an hour, Bella sat back and looked at the screen and smiled. She did love both of her Masters very much but the only person who she had told that she loved in a very real way since Mel's death had been Stephen. She let his image fill her mind. He kept her at arm's length now even when they were together and the only physical affection to pass between them had been a soft kiss on her forehead.

 She had spent the last two Sunday mornings with Stephen; he took her for long drives out of the city, and they stopped for brunch somewhere small and quaint. They talked about her plans for the business and the soft opening that was rapidly approaching and he made her laugh with stories of Pete and his trip to Italy. They had made tentative plans for tomorrow, but she had agreed to go to a Valentine's Day charity ball tonight, and she was unsure how she would feel in the morning. Looking at the time, she closed her laptop and stood to stretch raising her arms over her head.

 She smiled, she felt better than she had in a long time. She was limber, and it took only a little time to recover from a scene with Rob. She seemed to have boundless energy as well and admitted that the diet and exercise were paying off greatly. It was the weekend, though, and she could splurge a little. As she padded into the bathroom to get ready for her day with the girls, she dreamed of the sugary treats she was no longer allowed to keep in her kitchen.

 *****

 "Good morning, Lincoln," Bella said smiling as she handed him her small overnight bag.

 "Good morning," he replied with a smile matching hers. He opened the door to help her into the car before placing the bag in the boot. "Sounds like you have a fun weekend planned," he commented.

 "I am really looking forward to today," she grinned. "Do you have plans for the weekend?"

 "Nothing too grand," he replied easily. Bella knew he had a partner, but he didn't speak about them often, and she didn't like to seem nosy, so she let it go without comment and settled back into her seat. She couldn't wait to see the girl's again and spend the day with them. She hadn't seen them nearly enough over the last six months and to spend the whole day as well as the evening with them having fun was going to be heavenly.

 "Have a wonderful time, Bella."Lincoln waved away the valet parking as he pulled into the entrance to the hotel. He popped the boot and attentive porters opened her door and retrieved her luggage for her.

 "You too," she giggled with excitement as she spied Dorothea in the foyer. "See you on Monday. Have a good weekend." She hurried inside stopping to hug Dorothea before approaching the concierge. She knew that Dianne had handled most of the arrangements for her friends, so she smiled a little shyly before saying tentatively, "I believe there is a booking for Bella Biancotti."

 "Of course, Miss Biancotti," the concierge said without hesitation. The check-in has already been completed for you, here is your key," he handed her the small plastic card that worked both the lifts and doors explaining the layout of the hotel in the process. "I'll have your luggage sent up to your room, your friends are waiting for you in the Cuvee Lounge." He waved his hand indicating the direction she should go. 

 Thank you," Bella said cheerily and turned to look at Dorothea and indicating they should go and find their friends, she frowned as the older woman shook her head.

 "You go on ahead I am waiting for someone to drop something off that I need for today," She explained.

 "I can wait with you," Bella said happily, content to sit with her friend rather than leave her alone.

 "Oh let an old woman have her secrets," Dorothea laughed, "Go and see the girls, they have missed you."

 "If you're sure," Bella said slowly but stood back up. Dorothea moved to push her towards the Cuvee Lounge. "Okay, okay," she laughed finally and walked toward the door to the lounge. Before entering she looked back and thought she saw a man that looked like Owen enter the foyer with a large group of tourists, then she lost sight of both the man and Dorothea in the crowd. She shook her head laughing at herself; this was definitely not his sort of place. She stepped into the lounge and was immediately crash tackled by the ever exuberant Tali.

 There was a flurry of kisses and hugs as she greeted five of her dearest friends. These women had accepted her as one of their own and taught her so much through their friendship in the last year. She loved each of them. 

 "Now can I have another drink?" Sera asked plaintively.

 "Yes, go and order another round for everyone and charge it to my room," Dianne smiled indulgently. "One for Dorothea too this time," she called after the girl who had jumped up and practically run to the bar. 

 Dorothea watched as Sera halted misstep and turned to look at her as if deciding whether to hug her first or get the drink she wanted so badly. In the end, her love for the woman won out, and she ran over and hugged her hard before running off to the bar. Laughing Dorothea took a seat and put a large flat velvet box on the table in front of her earning the curiosity of ten pairs of eyes.

 "It's so good to see you all together like this," she said happily. "We need to do spa days more often." Dusty flicked her ponytail in agreement and hugged Bella, who had sat beside her.

 "I agree," Dianne laughed. "I seem to be swelling by the day, and the heat is wearing me down. I could use some pampering on a regular basis."

 "Kurt would build you your own spa at the moment, I swear he thinks you have suddenly become more fragile than fine bone china," Nyx shook her head. "I have never seen a more doting man. I have to admit it took me by surprise."

 "Not just you," Dusty said in her deep throaty chuckle. "But then so few of us go down that road that we don't often see the effects of impending fatherhood on the Master's we know."

 "He wants a son so badly, leaving a legacy and all that," Dianne said softly concern in her voice as she placed a hand over the small belly she now had.

 "He will love her all the more if it's a girl. There is a special bond between father's and daughters that can't be explained," Dorothea patted Dianne's hand and grinned. "No matter what sex it is that baby is going to be very well loved by a lot of people."

 "They're bringing the drinks over, I don't think they trusted me to bring them on my own," she shrugged. "Ooooh presents!" Her eyes took in the velvet box on the table. "Is it for me?"

 "It's for everyone, and before you ask, no you may not open it yet," Dorothea gave Sera a gaze that told her not to whine or pout. The waiter followed her over placing the glasses in front of the women starting with a mocktail for Dianne. "To good friends and fond memories," Dorothea lifted her glass, and the others toasted with her. 

 "The trial opening of Bella's business is next weekend," Dorothea continued with a smile. "I wish you every success in the world my sweet girl," she raised her glass, and the others followed adding their good wishes as well. 

 "I certainly hope you can all come to opening night. I've sent invitations to your Masters," Bella said nervously. "I am worried that if you don't come, the place will be empty." She gave a nervous laugh and took another sip of her drink.

 "You couldn't keep us away," Tali grinned, "I've even heard them talking about it at the club with other members so I doubt you will have to worry about people coming to see what you have on offer. I am so curious, I think you should give us an advance viewing, I mean being your BFF's and all."

 "Ooh yeah let's do that!" Sera chimed in. "We could come on the Thursday night before you open to everyone."

 "I am going to be pushing it to be ready for Saturday night," Bella said half in panic. "I just couldn't be ready earlier, and I want you all to get the full impact of the showroom when it's complete."

 "It's okay girls I have a little teaser for you right here," Dorothea smirked and patted the case in front of her making Bella widen her eyes in surprise.

 "I didn't..., I mean what pieces did you bring? It's just that the stock is all..." her voice trailed off as Dorothea reached over and patted her hand. 

 "This isn't from your stock for the opening night. This is something a little extra I have been working on with Owen. He's such a creative designer you were right to put him in charge of the workshop as head designer and consultant." That appointment had been a bone of contention with a few people in her team including Kurt and Rhys, but she had stuck to her guns, and it was working out better than she had expected.

 "You girls are like family to me, sisters, daughters, friends and I wanted something to commemorate that friendship. To quote Willie Wonka, you have no idea of the marvels that await you inside Bella's store, but I thought you all deserved a sneak peek at the quality and charm of the pieces created there." She opened her box and displayed the seven golden bows she had made for herself and her friends. While a quick cursory glance would have made them seem identical, there were subtle but very real differences.

 Each bow was made of gold filigree edged in a solid gold making it look almost tri coloured in the lighting of the lounge. Each bow had at its centre three small rings the two outer ones diamond encrusted and the centre ring created by a band of emeralds. It's beautifully rounded loops held on a diagonal aspect with the tails of the ribbon smaller than the loops filling up the space between. It was in the filigree design that the bows differed, and Dorothea looked at them closely before handing them to each of the girls announcing their names.

 "Oh my," Sera said reverently taking the delicate object and looking at it. "It's beautiful and its got sweet little cherubs in the design, it's just beautiful," She spoke in a more grown up voice than many of the women had ever heard her use before making them look up at her curiously and see the tears forming in her eyes. 

 "Now Sera, you promised to behave today," Dorothea admonished, and Sera sniffed and poked her tongue out before looking at everyone else's bow. Dusty had a pony and Tali a puppy, Nyx had a dancer on hers and Bella a fairy. Dianne laughed lightly when she saw hers boasted a rabbit though most of her friends were not entirely sure what it signified and Dorothea's held a tiger.

 "It's a brooch," Dorothea said happily, "but it has a special clasp that can be hooked to a collar or a cuff easily if your Masters approve."

 "What a wonderful Idea," Tali enthused. "It's like we all belong to some special club now. I always wanted a cool group of friends like in the movies. I came so close to starting a sisterhood of the traveling pants with some friends but then I stopped wearing pants, and that ruled me out of that." There was sadness in her voice, but the rest of the table giggled.

 "Well we sure as shit beat the real housewives of anywhere," Dianne grinned bringing more laughter from the table. 

 "Dianne you can't possibly watch that garbage!" Dusty seemed appalled.

 "Pffft, do you know what long hours Kurt pulls in that company since, well since he took over," she flicked a glance at Bella. "Trash TV keeps me amused and think about it, pool the worth of each of our Master's and we out rank all of those snooty bitches without the attitude." They became raucous as they laughed and joked about the well-known television franchise. Even if most had never watched it, they all knew what it was from general media hype surrounding it. 

 "Ladies your lunch table is ready for you in the restaurant upstairs," the concierge had come into the lounge to alert them to the time.

 "Isn't it a little early for lunch?" Bella whispered to Dianne as they gathered their things and followed the concierge to the wide curving staircase leading up to the first floor.

"It's an early lunch because we will be having high tea up on the balcony near the pool at about three," Dianne explained linking her arm with Bella's as they walked.

 "That sounds awesome, but I will have to exercise even more next week just to work off this one day!" Bella pulled a face.

 "Don't be silly you're looking better than ever," Dianne admonished. 

 "We can't all have the natural glow of impending motherhood," Bella teased, "Some of us have to work at it. You should see the diet and exercise regime I am on Monday to Friday." Dianne laughed easily, but she had to admit that whatever Rob had her doing was working. She looked great, and her eyes sparkled with a vitality that had been lacking for some time.

 "Relax everyone I have already ordered for us," Dianne announced as they took their seats at the table. Bella sat between Nyx and Tali this time.

 "She will always be a Domme won't she," Tali giggled. "I think most of the Masters are a little intimidated by her still."

 "I'd forgotten about that," Bella looked across the table at Dianne. "I always see her with Kurt, so I guess I just don't think about it. I never really knew her before she was his."

 "She was a force of nature that's for sure, but she took on too much and overextended herself," Nyx filled in some blanks for Bella. "In the end, Mel and Rob stepped in to save her by buying out her business and the crippling debt it carried in return for a year of her servitude. That's when she met her Master, and as they say, the rest is history. She chose her place, but I expect old habits to die hard."

 "I guess," Bella said and considered her friend again chewing her lip. 

 The lunch consisted of several courses that were made up of taster plates from the kitchen. It was a wonderful idea Bella thought as they got to try a little of many things rather than having to choose just one from what was obviously an elaborate menu. She was also enjoying the musical chairs that allowed her to speak to all of her friends over the course of the long lunch as they moved often between the courses.

 Eventually, they moved on again up a few floors to the day spa retreat where they changed into white bikinis. Dianne lamented the small belly that told of her pregnancy, but Bella placed her hand over it smiling. "You look absolutely perfect like this, all glowing and beautiful." She was tall and well-proportioned not the type anyone would ever call skinny, but she certainly wasn't fat even now when the baby bump was quite obviously just that.

 The indulgent spa afternoon started with a full body brushing exfoliation followed by an aromatic one-hour essential oil massage. They then relaxed poolside in the sun until the high tea was served.

 "Gosh I have never eaten so much in my life," Bella shook her head, "It all looks so delicious. I have no idea how I will get into my ball gown now or get through the dinner at the ball!"

 "It's wonderful isn't," said Sera agreed whole-heartedly popping a small sugary meringue into her mouth. 

 "You told me you were craving sugar," Dianne teased as she helped herself to the tiered plates of sweet morsels.

 "I think you have managed to cure them," Bella laughed and shook her head when offered tea. "You know I would love a coke if it's not against the spa rules," she said quietly. 

 "I'll see what I can do," the young woman said pleasantly knowing that anything these women asked for would be found and delivered. 

 The time seemed to fly by and before she knew it Bella was relaxing again under a facial and gentle head massage. Then they were indulged with pedicures and manicures. Bella had never felt so relaxed and spoilt.

 "I hope you enjoyed your stay ladies," the manager of the spa addressed them as they readied to head back to their rooms and prepare for the evening ahead. "Miss King, there is a message for you," she handed a precisely folded piece of paper to Dianne and left them to go on their way.



"Please escort Bella back to her room you will find a surprise waiting for you both there. R." Dianne handed the message to Bella to read before following their friends to the elevators.

 "This was such a good idea getting rooms here for the night," Tali said, "I'm so relaxed right now I could have a nap before getting ready for tonight."




Possessing Bella Ch. 23



"We have time," Nyx nodded, "I have a book with me I'd like to read a few chapters of, we'll meet you down in the Cuvee Lounge about six?" She suggested. Nyx and Tal had adjoining rooms at the request of their Masters. Surprisingly Sera readily agreed to some downtime, and Dorothea and Dusty seemed happy to try and find an episode of The Real Housewives to see what they had been talking about earlier. All of their rooms were on the same floor but at various intervals and as each peeled off to their individual rooms Dianne continued with Bella wondering what the surprise was.

 "I hate these doors," Bella sighed as the light remained red after swiping the card. Then she squealed as the door opened for her and Belinda stood there with a smile. "Belinda! What are you doing here?" Bella gasped.

 "Same old thing until I start my new job next weekend. A girl's gotta make a living," she grinned and stepped back from the doorway allowing them into the luxurious suite.

 Bella had liked Belinda from their first meeting at her parents anniversary party. Since then she had run into her time and time again at the club and when Stephen had her make the costume for the Pet Masters Guild party. She had even stayed with Rob for a while after the death of Marie and the threats to the club. She wasn't like the regular girls who worked in the club, so the Masters used her often for make-up and costuming jobs. When Bella had asked her if she was interested in leaving the club and working in her new store, she had jumped at the chance. She would still be able to see her friends but wouldn't feel pressured to waitress in what essentially was a fetish club where she was expected to allow certain behaviours and comments that she felt uncomfortable with as she got older and more body conscious.

 "Of course, you do, I am so glad to see you," Bella hugged her.

 "This is Julie. I am not sure if you remember her," Belinda introduced the second woman in the room. "She did your mother's hair for that party last year."

 "The Queen of Hearts never looked more radiant," Julie laughed merrily. "How is Rosie?"

 "She's in Italy with my Dad celebrating their anniversary this year," Bella answered returning her infectious laugh.

 "Congratulations Dianne," Julie came forward to hug her. "I am so happy for you and Kurt."

 "Thank you, we miss you at the club," she returned the hug and the good sentiment.

 "I think there is just a small window of opportunity for a girl like me there, and I missed it. In my case that was for the best I am happy now, I'll tell you all about it when we do your hair and make-up."

 "I was hoping to just hang out for half an hour or so before getting ready for tonight, but I have a great idea." She went to the house phone and called the day spa, "Any chance you could squeeze in two more mani-pedi's in the next half an hour?" she asked sweetly. "Yes just charge them to the same account. Excellent, they will be there in a minute."

 "We can't do that," The girl's protested in astonishment almost simultaneously.

 "Of course, you can darlings. It's all set all you have to do is go down to the fourth floor and tell them I sent you," Dianne gave them no choice as she ushered them out of the door and then flopped on the comfortable couch in Bella's suite.

 "I think the girls were right," Bella laughed, "I'm not sure how I haven't seen it before, but you enjoyed controlling everyone and everything today didn't you?"

 "What do you mean? The girls were right about what?" Dianne sat back up and looked at Bella, concern evident in her voice.

 "I didn't mean anything bad by it," Bella hastened to reassure her and went to sit with her on the couch. "It's just that Nyx reminded me that you were a Domme before I met you and that being organised and in control of these type of days with us is something you enjoy. You like things to run smoothly in just the way you want them. You set the schedule; you ordered for us, the food and at the spa, then when you get a lovely surprise like Belinda and Julie being here, you send them away until you're ready." Bella gave a half laugh unsure if she had offended Dianne. "If I had to guess I would say you did that because Rob sent them not Kurt whose instruction you would follow without question."

 "I did do all of that, didn't I" Dianne blinked as if the thought surprised her.

 "It's not a bad thing it's just who you are, and we love you for that," Bella said still unsure of Dianne's reaction.

 "I love that man Bella, truly, madly, deeply, I love that man," she admitted. "You're right had it been a K rather than an R on the bottom of that note I wouldn't have even contemplated sending those girls away for half an hour," She admitted sadly. "Is it so obvious that I am different to all of you? I've tried not to be so demanding with you all," she said miserably, "I didn't realise I was doing it today at all."

 "You're one of the most confident, amazing women I have ever met. That take charge way you have about things is how I have always known you, how everyone has always known you and we love you for it. Just as we love Sera for her child-like ways and Tali for her exuberance and Dusty for her quietness well that and her sarcastic wit. Every single one of us is different, and I think that is the best thing about this group of friends, were different, but we love each other anyway." Bella was appalled that Dianne had revealed such insecurity.

 "Do you remember one night back when I had my accident at the club you stayed over to look after me while Mel and Kurt were at the club?" Bella asked and watched and a small smile played over Dianne's face, and she nodded. "I knew then that you were more Domme than submissive, but I didn't have an understanding of what it was back then."

 "Love can do strange things to a woman Bella; you know that as much as I do. There isn't much you wouldn't endure for the one you love, I never really understood that before I knew Kurt and I am not sure I would have stayed at the company or as a submissive if he hadn't chosen me," she admitted.

 "Were you aggressive like Josie?" Bella asked suddenly curious. 

 "Possibly though I would like to think I was a bit more subtle in my desires," Dianne arched an eyebrow. "Is there a reason you ask? Thinking about taking Josie up on her offer?"

 "I'd never really thought about a woman in that way before. I guess it's just that the attraction wasn't there, but she has a presence about her that when she talks to me up close and personal as she has done a few times recently, I get all weak-kneed and feel like I should be ... well doing whatever she wants basically." Bella blushed. "Then when Nyx reminded me that you were a Domme once, it made me think of that time when you stayed with me, after the accident and suggested, well it doesn't matter it was a long time ago." Her blush was burning her face. She stood and went to look in the fridge for a cool drink even though she doubted she could fit anything else into her overfull tummy.

 "Bella," Dianne said recovering from the mild shock Bella had given her. "Don't run away, please. I want to know more about what you are thinking," Dianne said gently.

 "I don't think I am thinking, that's the problem," she answered holding up a bottle of sparkling water, "Would you like a cool drink?"

 "No, what I want is for you to talk to me," Dianne walked to the small kitchenette and stood with her hand on her hips. "Nyx mentions my being a Domme and stirs these latent feelings Josie arouses in you and yet that one memory pops into your head?" She summarised what Bella had said trapping her in the small space between the refrigerator and the sink. 

 "I know, it's weird, right? I'm sorry I don't know why I blurted that out," Bella kept her head down not wanting to look at her friend. "Let's just forget I said anything at all." 

 "Oh no honey," Dianne pinched Bella's chin lightly and raised her head to look at her. "There is no way we can just forget this conversation." She lowered her head and kissed Bella then. Her lips were soft, and the kiss was not deep or overpowering, but it told of her desire. She took Bella's hand and led her back to the couch. "When I was a Mistress, like Josie I preferred women, the occasional young man was interesting, but I enjoyed the softness and flexibility of women."

 They sat together on the couch and Dianne told Bella about her relationship with Kurt and how she had fallen under the spell of such a driven man. "He never flaunts or forces his power over me but rather expects it and I give it willingly. He respects me and my opinions both at the company and the club. He admires my strengths and props up my weaknesses, how could I not love such a good man?" She asked rhetorically. 

 Bella listened quietly, understanding that in the beginning a woman like Dianne was a challenge to him and how he grew to love her strength and power as she grew to love his. He was the Master, of that there was no doubt, but in many ways, theirs was an equal partnership, more so than most marriages she knew of.

 "Despite all of this, there is an occasional craving," she reached up and stroked Bella's cheek letting her nails tickle along her jawline to lightly pinch her chin and bring her face close enough to kiss again. To tell you the truth it has surfaced often recently. Being pregnant has made me incredibly horny," Dianne said in a husky voice making Bella swallow loudly. "I think a small scene could be mutually beneficial by sating your curiosity and my cravings in the same time if we act on these feelings, don't you?"

 Bella felt a shiver of anticipation, dread and excitement ran up and down her spine and stunned to speechlessness she relaxed into the soft kiss of Dianne wondering if she could agree to what Dianne was suggesting. She wasn't sure it was such a good idea. A soft tap on the door announced the return of Belinda and Julie.

 "To be continued," Dianne grinned toothily and went to open the door for the ladies fussing over their nails and accepting the gratitude owed to her for the treat. "Thank you, girl's I so needed that rest, and now I am full of energy and excited about tonight." She linked her arm through Julie's. "Meet you back here when I'm ready," she said with a knowing smile to Bella, who was still stunned by what had just happened. 

 Bella went the rough the motions of getting ready and making small talk with Belinda. After washing her hair this morning and the body cleansing and showers she had enjoyed in the spa she needed a little time to clean up. Less than an hour later, she was dressed and ready for the ball. She was unsure whether to go to Dianne's room or not feeling odd about their conversation and then berated herself for feeling that way. She was still her friend, the same Dianne she had always been, and this one conversation shouldn't have changed that. It was the intimacy of the kiss; she decided in the end that made her stay put.

 Not long after Dianne swept into the room in a figure-hugging dress that showed off every curve including her baby bump. She looked sensational, and Bella smiled happily as she spun showing off the dress.

 "You look amazing," Bella laughed before twirling her own figure-hugging dress for Dianne.

 "And you look good enough to eat," Dianne laughed and linked arms with her. "Let's go met our friends and our men." She suggested and walked Bella out of the room.

 *****

 The inaugural charity ball to support the foundation set up to help children in crisis in Mel's name had been a rousing success. The friends that had spent the day together were seated at various tables with their Masters and other friends, but they managed to table hop throughout the evening and bump into each other throughout the night. Each girl wore their bow as a brooch eliciting enquiries from many about its origin and meaning. The publicity from the brooches alone had people inquiring as to how they could get an invitation to the opening of Bella's store.

 "The party at the club is in full swing little one so I will have to go soon, are you sure you will be alright here?" Rob asked taking her hand as she sat at the table between Rob and Kurt finishing off a Shirley Temple. 

 "It's all taken care off. Dianne tells me that Bella will be spending the night with her," Kurt chuckled. "She has cravings; you know how it is."

 "Can't blame her for that," Rob laughed. "I've suffered those craving myself. You three have a good night; I'm glad she is in safe hands." He leaned down and kissed Bella, who was once again stunned to speechlessness. "Enjoy yourself, little one, that's what the weekends are for," he grinned then he stood and left the ballroom. 

 Bella looked at Kurt and tried to form the words she wanted to say. "Tonight?" She asked nervously.

 "Dianne said you and she spoke about it earlier," Kurt studied her face surprised by her reaction.

 "We did sort of," Bella said quickly not wanting to make her friend a liar.

 "But you didn't agree to spend the night with her," Kurt said.

 "She suggested that maybe we could end my curiosity and her cravings together, but I didn't realise she meant tonight. I never had time to answer her before we were interrupted, so she probably just assumed because of the whole conversation. I mean I started it, but I was just sort of, well curious," she took a deep breath and tried to straighten out her muddled thoughts.

 Kurt's large arm wrapped around her shoulder and he murmured in her ear, "You always have choices, Bella, always. No pressure okay?" he waited for her to nod before releasing her. "Now what do you think the chances are of finding me an extra dessert," he grinned changing the subject.

 "I will go and ask the event manager," Bella laughed. Kurt was such an amazing man, and she felt closer than ever to him after working with him so intensely for the past few weeks. She knew she didn't want to complicate that relationship just to satisfy her curiosity. It hadn't occurred to her at the time that getting intimate with Dianne would include getting intimate with Kurt. She felt silly not to have realised that would be the case.

 Deep in thought she wandered toward the entrance to the function room in search of the event manager, seeing him she smiled and gave a small wave indicating she wanted to speak with him. Returning her smile he walked toward her and they met in front of the large doorway to the room. I know this is a terrible imposition, but it seems my dancing partner and I missed dessert, and I was wondering if it would be possible to get one more of each if there are any left?"

 "I think we could manage that," he said affably, recognising the young woman from the VIP table in the centre of the room. "I will have them brought to your table."

 "Thank you, so much," Bella beamed and turned to go back into the function when she ran directly into Binatang. "Oh gosh, I am so sorry," she stepped back and looked at him.

 "You were leaving, and I came to take you home," he said with a smile. "I am given to understand you are available to others on the weekends, so I will have you for tonight." It was an announcement rather than a question.

 "No!" Bella said in a startled voice, "I mean I am sorry, but you have been misinformed Master Binatang." She corrected herself quickly. 

 "Are you saying that the men here are liars, Pet?" Binatang challenged her.

 "It is true that the weekends give me a freedom to choose who I spend time with. The choice, however, is mine," Bella tried to sound stronger than she felt. However, her nervousness around this man made her voice uneven, and butterflies spring to life in her tummy. She knew he had a cruel streak, and she did not want to experience it first-hand.

 "You should thank me then for relieving you of the burden of that choice. You will come with me because I was good to you at the Pony Show and proved myself worthy of your trust," he gave a sickly smile and wrapped his hand tightly around her wrist. "Now I believe it is time we were leaving." Bella looked around wildly searching for a familiar face, someone who would help her. Finding none, she stood her ground despite her nervousness.

 "Thank you for your kind offer and consideration, but I am afraid I am already committed to another for tonight who allowed me the freedom of choice that I am due," She said with only a small tremor in her voice. 

 "Then they were foolish to leave you unattended and will pay the price with loneliness tonight," Binatang seemed unconcerned about the previous engagement she mentioned.

 "NO!" Bella said loudly refusing to move from the spot she had stood making him tug her arm hard, before turning to her with an angry expression. By now she had the attention of a small group of onlookers. "Who I spend my time with on the weekends is my choice. The fact that you cannot honor that and have no regard for the other men and women here who I have chosen to spend my time with is why I would never choose to leave with you, Binatang." She said purposely dropping the Master from his name. She felt sick; she was making a scene, and the humiliation of it added to her anxiety and the rolling nauseousness in her tummy.

 "You ungrateful little slut," Binatang raised his hand as if to strike her, but a tall man that Bella didn't know stepped between them forcing Binatang to release her wrist. 

 "Steady on there mate, I think the lady has made herself clear, let's say you and I walk it off for a bit," he put his hand on Binatangs shoulder and guided him from the room with some force. The small crowd that had gathered to watch the short scene looked at her as she stood trembling watching Binatang escorted out. Bella felt her whole body burn with the blush of humiliation, and she turned and fled to the bathroom.

 Locking herself in a stall she put her face in her hands and cried. How had everything gone so wrong, she wondered. She'd managed to send mixed messages to Dianne and possibly Kurt in the process and now the whole scene with Binatang. Did she have the right to deny him when she hadn't actually committed to anyone else tonight? It was supposed to be her choice but... she pulled a wad of toilet paper off the roll and dabbed at her eyes. Now to top everything off her make-up was ruined and she just wanted to go home. 

 Bella realised she couldn't go home. She had given Lincoln the night off, and almost everyone else was here having a good time or at the club. She could go up to her room at least. She pulled herself together and left the stall fixing her make up as best she could in the mirror. Grateful for the less than perfect lighting in the function room Bella returned to her table and asked Kurt for the key card to her room.

 "It's like I hit a wall," Bella said, "I'm just so tired that I think it's time to turn in. Could you tell Dianne I am sorry and that I will talk to her Monday about everything."

 "I'll walk you up," Kurt suggested easily.

 "That's not necessary its only a short elevator ride.

 "True but I heard that some drunk guy accosted a girl as she was leaving a little while ago, so it's better to be safe than sorry," he had begun to stand and missed to mortified expression on Bella's face. 

 "That's over now Bintatang was escorted out," she said quietly. "May I just have the key card, please?" She asked in a quavering voice.

 "No," Kurt said firmly realising what had happened without being told. He took her hand walked quickly to where the Rhys stood talking in a small group. "Find Dianne and let her know that I have left for a little while and that I will return for her." He then marched out of the room holding tightly to Bella's hand.

 "I'm sorry," Bella whispered as the elevator doors closed.





Possessing Bella Ch. 23



"I expect you to have nothing to be sorry for again," Kurt said abruptly. He was angry, Binatang was a constant thorn in his side. He had his finger in so many businesses it would be difficult to cut ties with him, but that process would need to start. 

 Bella remained silent mistakenly thinking that his anger was with her. She went to apologise again but instead took a deep breath and followed him from the lift to her room and followed him inside.

 "Here's my take on why you are suddenly so tired all of a sudden and correct me if I am wrong," Kurt said still fuming. "Binatang told you that you would accompany him home tonight and tried to make you leave, but one of our friends intervened, and there was a small scene before he left."

 "None of our friends were there," Bella said softly feeling sick about the incident still. "I refused several times then he went to strike me and a big man I didn't know stepped between us and walked him out of the room."

 "What did this man look like," Kurt scratched his cheek quite proud of the fact that Bella had refused to go with Binatang not once but several times.

 "Tall, black suit and tie, dark hair, not much of a description I know," she sighed, "He wore a blue tooth ear piece if that helps."

 "It helps," Kurt said calming down realising one of the security men had intervened, and it shouldn't be hard to track him down.

 "I always ruin nights like this. Honestly, I just want to go home, but I gave Lincoln the night off," Bella's voice had begun to quiver again. 

 There was a small tap on her door and looking at her quizzically Kurt went to answer it. Dianne came in grinning, "I didn't want you to start without me," she announced. 

 "Nothing will be happening tonight, my love," Kurt said abruptly the affection lost in his tone. "We'll discuss it later."

 "What's wrong?" she moved through the doorway and hugged Bella as he sat next to her. 

 "I am just not feeling the best," Bella said softly, it was a half-truth, but she didn't want to refuse Dianne what she wanted right at this moment. 

 Kurt could see the anxiety and distress build again in Bella with Dianne's embrace. Maybe going home was for the best he agreed. Better than sleeping alone in a strange room and sharing with them was out of the question now. He considered Dorothea, but she had left early with Charles and Sarah. He pulled his phone out of his pocket with a smile. It was Valentine's Day, and he could play cupid if he wanted to. He stepped out onto the balcony to make a call.

 "Dianne," Bella swallowed. "When we were talking earlier I had no idea you meant tonight."

 "If you are not up to it tonight, I understand, sweet thing," Diane's voice dropped lower and became husky. "You can't help feeling unwell."

 "I can't Dianne," she blurted despite her misgivings about upsetting Dianne. "I don't want to stay with you and Kurt. Kurt and I have such a special relationship I just don't want to change that, just to satisfy a curiosity," her voice was soft.

 "But you have served Rob so happily," Dianne seemed confused by Bella's reluctance to serve Kurt in the same way.

 "Rob and I have always had a physical relationship. He was Mel's second," Bella explained. "Kurt is a Master, and I willingly obey him, but he is part of my family, my friend and a Master, in that order. Work is so good right now I don't want to complicate it."

 "I see," Dianne said her voice heavy with disappointment.

 "As usual, Bella has thought beyond the moment to the consequences of her actions unlike other people who try and force their choices on her," Kurt said having listened to the whole exchange and making both women jump. "You can pack your things, Bella. Someone will be here to take you home shortly." 

 He took Dianne's hand and helped her to her feet embracing her softly before moving to run his hand down her torso to the baby bump. "I would like you to go and rest now in our room," he said quietly. "As I said we will talk about it later." He said all this without rancour, but it was a command, and Dianne knew she had overstepped the line in her excitement.

 "Yes, my love," she reached up and stroked his face with a smile. "We'll talk more," she embraced Bella, "I love you," she said demurely and left the room.

 "Once you have your things we will go down and check-out, by then Stephen should be here," Kurt held back his smile at the look of happy surprise on Bella's face.

 "Thank you, Master," Bella said sincerely. She had barely used the bag during the day, so packing took mere minutes. 

 They were in the lobby barely five minutes when Stephen pulled up at the valet parking in front of the hotel entrance and waved off the staff indicating he was picking up the woman just inside the doors.

 After helping her into the car, Stephen had a brief conversation with Kurt at the rear as he put her bag into the boot then he climbed into the driver's seat. Bella relaxed back into the soft leather seat hoping Kurt hadn't told him what a mess she had made of everything again. 

 "Thank you for coming to get me, I know the club was busy tonight," Bella said softly.

 "There are enough men there to handle anything that arises, I am not irreplaceable," Stephen said stopping at a red light and turning to look at her. "It was a tough night for you I hear. Was that the first time you refused a Master?" 

 "I'm sorry," Bella dropped her head. "I messed up a wonderful evening again."

 "The only person who would believe that is Binatang," Stephen chuckled. "I'm proud of you. It was a wise choice to refuse. Have we all not told you often enough that everything you do is your choice? Those choices have consequences it is true, but it is always your choice." 

 "I'm afraid the consequences of my refusal may outweigh the reasons for my refusal. Binatang is everywhere I seem to go lately, and he is friends with all of my friends. I'm afraid I have upset more than just Binatang," Bella said sadly. She knew she had disappointed Dianne tonight and possibly Kurt though she wasn't sure; she didn't want to tell Stephen that part of her misery. She looked out at the passing scenery and realised they were on the highway. 

 "Where are we going?" She asked in confusion.

 "Home," Stephen said, "Isn't that where you wanted to go?"

 "Yes, but I meant to my home. My apartment," she said unsure of herself.

 "I guess you should have been more specific then," Stephen said with a smile. "Relax little one, I was driving to your parents' house. That is always what you called home up until this point. I can turn around if you prefer," he offered.

 "My parents are in Italy," Bella reminded him. 

 "I know, still it is home is it not," Stephen pressed.

 "I don't have my keys with me," she sighed.

 "I have a key. Joe gave it to me in case you ever needed to go home," he said as if it was a natural thing for Joe to have trusted him with the keys to his house. "The next exit is coming up would you like me to turn around?"

 "No, going home right now sounds good," she said quietly. "Thank you, Sir Stephen."

 "Relax then, Kurt will let Rob know in the morning where you are and what happened," he reassured her. "Close your eyes if you need to, you're safe with me." He reached over and placed his hand on her thigh. "You look beautiful tonight; this dress is lovely." He stroked the soft material covering her thigh. "I feel like I should recognise it from somewhere, but I can't remember seeing you in it before."

 "It's new. I had it made for tonight," she smiled. The idea for the design of the dress had come from one of the old black and white movies she loved, but it had altered slightly to suit the occasion. Still it was nice that it seemed familiar to him. 

 "It's lovely, he repeated and placed both hands back on the steering wheel, rest now," he said soothingly.

 *****

 Bella woke in her childhood room wearing only lace panties. She vaguely remembered being carried up to her room and her dress being removed while she was half asleep. Stephen had put her to bed and left her to sleep she realised. She was pleased and disappointed at the same time. Still they were here together alone maybe she could talk to him about the distance that had grown between them.

 Not finding her overnight bag in the room she opened her closet and rummaged through the old forgotten clothes still hanging there. There was a reason she had left all these clothes behind, and she pulled a face as she finally pulled out a floral dress that her mother had given her as a gift for Christmas years ago. Still it was better than going naked in case the neighbours happened in to look in to see who was here.

 She padded down the stairs barefoot finding the house empty. Heading to the kitchen door, she looked out and found the driveway empty. She wondered if Stephen had driven all the way back to the city after putting her to bed last night. She went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to find it empty. She smiled at her mother's careful management of her household and felt for her father who would have eaten all of the frozen leftovers before they left. Searching the cupboard she came up with a jar of Tang and made herself a glass reliving childhood memories of the gritty orange taste.

 Trusting that Stephen would return for her she went outside and around the house to revisit her tree. Content to sit for a while and watch the world go by, she considered the evening before and the extraordinarily busy week ahead she had planned as she perched on her favourite old branch. It took her by surprise when she heard her name being called. Looking down from her perch high in the tree and seeing nothing she frowned. 

 "Bella, up here," Stephen called again directing her to look up, and she saw him standing at the window of her room. "Would you like to come in for some breakfast?" he asked in a booming voice.

 "Yes, thank you, I'll be right down," she called back smiling. 

 With the ease of familiarity, Bella climbed from the tree and went into the kitchen. She smiled seeing that Stephen had obviously found the small convenience store in the tiny town. She sat down and devoured a warm croissant filled with ham and cheese. It wasn't the best quality, and she realised how spoilt she had become by living above a restaurant that catered to her meals. Still the juice was better than the glass of Tang she had made herself earlier.

 "Why don't you tell me what happened last night, before I hear it from the man who intervened on your behalf," Stephen said in a tone that said he would not be happy to just have the incident brushed aside. "It would be better if I heard it from you."

 Bella glossed over the fact that Rob had left minutes before and her uneasy conversation with Kurt before going into detail about her search for the event manager and being accosted by Binatang. She rubbed her wrist absentmindedly as she spoke of trying to stand her ground and say no before the intervention of the tall stranger.

 "Are you injured?" Stephen took her hand and inspected her wrist. There was mild bruising to back up her story though he was sure there were reliable witnesses to the incident.

 "No, I am just so embarrassed to have made a fuss on such a perfect night," Bella flushed pink.

 "From what I understand very few people even realised anything had happened, you didn't shout or scream you just stood your ground and a security man noticed what was happening and had come closer to see when he raised his hand to you. No one had any idea you were in distress until then," Stephen shook his head. "Until you returned to the table and asked to go home that is."

 "People turned when I raised my voice a little to say no, they were watching," Bella protested not accepting Stephens words. "Even Kurt knew about it when I returned to the table."

 "A few people out of hundreds? None of whom recognised you from what I understand, Kurt had heard only that a girl, not you, a girl had been accosted in what appeared to be a lovers tiff." Stephen said. "I would have preferred if you had screamed and shouted and drew a lot more attention when someone is trying to force you to go with them against your will. What he did was tantamount to kidnapping." 

 Bella stared at him wide-eyed her lip catching between her teeth. She hadn't considered that at all. She frowned at the idea. She had been with several Masters, been handed over, swapped and shared for so long that maybe she had lost track of what was normal even in the lifestyle.

 "People have turned a blind eye to much of what Binatang does and how he operates for a long time now, I believe that is about to change. Rest assured he won't bother you anymore," Stephen said seeing her worry expression and the lips disappearing between her teeth. I have spoken with both Rob and Kurt; they know you are here with me this morning." He smiled reassuringly.

 "I know about the misunderstanding between you and Dianne as well," he added wanting to clear the air entirely about the night before and any residual feelings she may have that she had upset anyone but herself. "I would like to hear what happened exactly."

 Once again Bella recounted the story from the evening before, blushing deeply as she admitted how Josie made her feel when she spoke to her the way she did.

 "Josie is an alpha if she were anything else she could never have held her own with the stakeholders for long. Even Mike tolerates her because she is such a strong woman, some might even say ruthless. Dianne was never like that. She always had a softer side, it's what got her in trouble, in the end, business wise. She made decisions with her heart rather than her head, but that is also why she and Kurt make a perfect team," Stephen enlightened her. "Once again I believe you made the right choice not just for you but for Kurt as well." He stood and began to clear away the detritus of the breakfast filling a plastic bag to take with them when they left the house. 

 "I hope they understand that too," Bella said softly.

 "Kurt does, and I imagine he has explained it, Dianne," Stephen said pulling her to her feet and wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. "I am proud of you. You should tell people what is going on in that head of yours more often."

 Bella breathed in his scent. This was the first time he had hugged her in what felt like forever. The tall solid, comfortable feel of him was bliss, and she melted into his embrace happily. Tilting her head to look up at him she almost purred under the softness of his smile. He bent his head then to kiss her. It was a gentle, tentative kiss rather than the hungry, needy ones she had so often enjoyed and when he pulled away she was reluctant to let him go.

 "Stay here," he murmured darkly and walked away from her into the living room. Bella took a deep breath reliving the familiar tingles she got from those initial days of falling in love with Stephen. Her mind was brought back to the present as Stephen walked back in carrying a large box.

 "Happy Valentine's Day, little one," Stephen said with a smile laying the box on the now empty counter.

 "Thank you!" she smiled relief flooding through her. "I have something for you too back at my apartment," She admitted. 

 "There was no need to do that," Stephen seemed startled by her response.

 "There was every need," Bella smiled pulling at the ribbon on the box. Opening it and pulling back the tissue paper she found the most exquisite corset and matching skirt. The cream coloured brocade was embroidered with pale coloured blossoms and leaves of the apple tree and interspersed with these were rich, golden apples. It was breathtakingly beautiful and would be perfect for the opening night of her store. "It's perfect," she gushed and fingered the embroidery of a golden apple. "May I try it on?"

 "I would be disappointed if you didn't," Stephen chuckled and watched as she pulled the shapeless sundress off and began wriggling into the loosely laced skirt. He stepped behind her to begin tightening the laces that ran the length of the garment. She would only be able to take small steps, and stairs would be an issue for her in the tight skirt, but it was a small price to pay he thought, and his hands danced over her ass as he continued to tighten the laces to a skin tight fit. She had pulled the corset over her head as she felt him tying the laces of the skirt and he helped her pull the long corset down over her hips before beginning to tighten lacing again.

 "You will need help dressing if you wear this on the night," he murmured into her ear as he stood behind her tying the laces of the bodice.

 "If," she asked breathlessly, astonishment clear in her voice. "of course, I will wear it, it is exquisite!"

 "Your Masters may feel differently," Stephen stepped away from her at the mention of the men she now served and allowed her room to spin and twirl. 

 "I am allowed a great deal of freedom when it comes to my business," she said not taking notice of the tone of his voice or the increased distance he had put between them. "I'm going to go up and get my shoes from last night and look in a mirror. Bella gave him a wide smile.

 "The shoes are there," he indicated the box. Bella frowned and went back to the box feeling along the base of it until she discovered a cut out a corner and lifted it to reveal not only shoes but cream and gold lace panties and stockings. She almost squealed with delight and picking up the shoes began to walk in small steps towards the staircase.

 Stephen followed her, amused when she realised that the stairs would be almost impossible with the tightness of the skirt. He gave her a minute to sigh and turn towards him before swooping in and picking her up. He carried her up to the landing enjoying the feel of her small body in his arms and her arms around his neck.

 "Thank you," Bella said softly and nuzzled his neck hearing his responsive soft groan before he put her down on the landing.

 She went quickly into her room standing before the full-length mirror and twisting trying to see the rear of her dress. The high-heeled shoes gave her the lift needed to make her legs looks longer and more shapely, and she reached up piling her head on top of her head to see how it looked. The gold chain with the black and white pendant she wore glittered in the sun, and she found Stephen staring at it with a frown.

 "I love them," she said quietly letting her hair fall back and touching the pendant at her throat. "They have taught me so much in the last few weeks but more than that they have given me the confidence to stand my ground with people like Master Binatang, I don't think I couldn't have done that three weeks ago." She moved towards Stephen surprising herself with what she was saying. "They are like my family, and I know that seems strange and almost incestuous, but it's true none the less. I love them both so much, but I am not in love with either of them," she admitted for the first time. 

 Stephen said nothing but his jaw worked as he battled his emotions and love for the girl who stood in front of him. 

 "I wasn't ready to make any real choices when I came back from the ranch, they could see that and when I asked you to allow me more time they saw what needed to be done because they love me too," She sighed knowing what she was saying was coming out all wrong. "I had to learn more, do more, understand more. I had to grow up and take some responsibility for my life before I could offer it to anyone else." She tried to sit on the bed but found it difficult in the tightness of the skirt.

 "Let me help you," Stephen said and moved behind her again looking over her shoulder into the mirror. He began unlacing the bodice slowly, thinking about what she was saying. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 23



"I can see now why I needed self-defense lessons," she gave a dry laugh. "The other things too, I thought I was doing well with food, but I have so much more energy since going on a healthier plan and not skipping meals. It was the right thing for everyone, this," she fingered the pendant around her neck. 

 "Maybe," Stephen said noncommittally. Three weeks ago he had been ready to start his new life with Bella. Her inability to commit to him immediately had been hard to take, but the agreement to accept Rob and Kurt as Masters albeit temporarily had stung his ego. "Continue," he said as he took the corset off over her head. "It's rare you let me know what is going on in that pretty little head of yours."

 "I had a crush on Master Rob when I first met him. He was the epitome of that bad boy biker that most girls fantasise about. I asked him to collar me when I came back from the beach shack, but he refused. He was smarter than me," she sighed. "He's like a father figure, and I know how wrong that sounds but..." she waved her hands around trying to find the words. 

 "Like Sera and Charles," Stephen offered.

 "Sort of," she agreed. "Kurt is like an older brother or cousin or Uncle; they are family to me now. One day when I have learned enough to stand on my own two feet and make smart choices I will leave the comfortable home I have with them for someone I am in love with but until then I will wear and honour this."

 "I would expect no less from a girl like you," Stephen slid the skirt down her legs, and she stepped out of it. "I understand what you are saying, and I appreciate the explanation more than you can know, but I love you. I want you to be mine and mine alone. I don't wish to share you, not even with Rob, so until you feel like you can come to me fully, we will remain, close friends, nothing more." He turned and faced the closet looking through the meagre and childish offerings there.

 "My overnight bag is still in your car I believe it has a suitable dress in it for the drive back," Bella said sadly. It was Valentine's Day, and she had tried to reach out to him by explaining how she felt. She missed his touch and urgency of his need for her that had been such a part of their physical relationship before she took the dual collar of Rob and Kurt. She heard him re-enter the house with her bag and watched as he placed it on the bed. She dressed swiftly feeling awkward now standing in front of him naked. She wondered how he managed to turn off the feelings he had for her so completely that he didn't feel any desire for her naked body and embarrassed she hid it beneath a sensible dress and low shoes.

 They locked up the house taking everything they had brought with them and began the long drive back to the city despite the fact that it was still early. She had hoped that he would treat this like the training she had been attending, that he would still want a physical relationship after she had explained how she felt about everything but each time she considered him the phrase, "We shall remain as close friends," stung her. Trying not to show that she was upset she reminded herself that things could be worse, and a girl could never have enough close friends.

 "Could we go past and pick up Dorothea on the way back please, Sir Stephen?" Bella asked quietly as they re-entered the city limits.

 "We could, but she is not home today, I believe Charles and Sera took her to breakfast this morning," Stephen answered. "I also believe you are expected back for lunch today, being Valentine's Day and all," he smiled.

 "Nobody mentioned anything about lunch? It's not because of the mess I made of the ball is it?" She began to gnaw at her lip.

 "You made no such mess, little one. I have told you that already," he chuckled. "Did you check your planner for this weekend, I am sure it would have been on there. Chelsea is very efficient and a lovely girl."

 "I'm sure there was nothing scheduled for today on purpose," Bella picked up her phone and went to the calendar, the lunch date was there, and she wondered why she hadn't noticed it before. "Gosh I will need to change, would you come up with me while I change? I expect you are going to be at the lunch too," Bella asked.

 "Of course," Stephen agreed with a smile. 

 *****

 Twenty minutes later they pulled into the parking garage of Bella's building. Stephen held the large box containing her new dress and her overnight bag while Bella cradled the dress she had worn the night before in her arms. While logically she knew Stephen's arms were full she frowned at the absence of his hand on the back of her neck while she rode the elevator with him and she felt the distance between then widen further.

 Once inside the apartment, she offered Stephen the use of the guest bathroom and anything he wanted in the kitchen while she hurried to shower and change into something suitable for the club. She chose a thin vinyl lace up vest and matching micro mini in pale pink, thinking that the laces holding it together at the front may tease Stephen slightly. Gathering her phone which she was never without and the small gift for Stephen she went back out to the living room.

 "This is for you," Bella held out the small carefully wrapped gift and went to kneel beside him with the gift and watched as he took in her outfit without comment. 

 "Thank you," he said with a small smile. "You didn't have to give me anything on today of all days." 

 "I love you," she said simply as if that explained everything. The fact that she used the word so loosely these days was unimportant to her as she watched his face. It was a simple gold tie clip but at its centre, it held his emblem. It was a replica of the emblem that hung around his neck and appeared over the doorway at the Abbey, his home. "I noticed you wear them when you are working in the club," Bella added as he looked at the intricately detailed emblem. 

 "Thank you," he said again and leaned down to kiss her forehead. He fixed it to his tie, and she realised he had been to the room he shared with Jake next to her own to shower and change. "Shall we go?" he offered her his hand to stand up, and she unfurled from kneeling to stand beside him, still hopeful of recapturing that one moment of intimacy they had shared when he had kissed her at the house.

 It wasn't to be, but as they rode the elevator down to the club, she felt his hand curl around the back of her neck and felt reassured that all was not lost. When they walked into the restaurant, Bella could only see her friends, the Masters she assumed must have been in Rob's office and she stalled in her walk unsure of which way to go.

 "Go and see your friends I will tell Your Masters that you have arrived," Stephen said putting a slight emphasis on "Your Masters." Stinging from the comment, Bella went to sit with her friends.

 "Oh my God, Rob is so mad! What did you do?" Sera said in a stage whisper from across the table.

 "Nothing that I know of," Bella lied blushing after a quick look at Dianne, who shook her head imperceptibly. 

 "Well whatever it is it's a big deal," Tali said, "Josie left Gian with us, and she rarely does that."

 "Hi Gian," Bella said with a smile. "It's nice to see you again," Bella admitted that it was true that Gian was rarely a few feet away from her mistress at any given time.

 "It's nice to see you too," she smiled. "I never get to be part of the subs group, so this is fun for a change."

 "Apologies from your Master's they will not be joining you just yet," David said approaching their table with several waitresses. "Please enjoy your starters." Seafood salads were placed before them. 

 "My goodness it's an aphrodisiac salad," Dorothea said looking at her plate. "I thought it was pretty obvious that your Masters could get lucky any time they wanted; they don't need this." The table burst into fits of laughter, and the chatter about their masters commenced. Even Gian joined in unabashed about having a Mistress rather than a Master. It seemed they were all demanding regardless of their sex.

 *****

 "Jack," Charles turned to his long-time friend. "Consider this: What if, as you say, there was no harm done, and we let this incident pass."

 "There was no harm done because..." Rob began to rage again, but Charles held up his hand. 

 "You have spoken now let me," He said in the same calm voice. "So we let this incident pass, and he decides he has an eye for another highly prized girl. Let's say your Dusty," Jack opened his mouth to argue, but again Charles put up his hand. "Now we all know Dusty can hold her own. I wouldn't doubt that there are a few among us who would rather keep her bite at arms-length. Let's just say, for arguments sake that he doesn't have enough brain power to turn on a dim light and he accosts Dusty and there is no one around to think it is anything more than a Master disciplining an unruly pony girl. She possibly the strongest of all our girls and I would say given the right conditions he could try to beat her into submission and take her for a ride."

 Jack looked at his friend in horror. Then he looked at Rob, who had sunk back into his chair to hear the old man out. A few of the other Masters were obviously reconsidering their views on the dismissal of Binatang from the membership at the club.

 "Sera and, I dare say Tali, who knows him well enough, would be easy sport for a man who believed he was above the laws of our lifestyle. I have destroyed men for much less than this and I understand Rob's decision here. He has the numbers to just do it without our approval and yet he has included us in that decision for obvious reasons. He wants our support," Charles said evenly. 

 "It will have big repercussions," Mark said, "Not just here at the club but in many of our businesses. He is wealthy and not without influence." His lawyers brain swinging into gear as he considered the proposition more fully.

 "I have weathered worse, we all have over the years," Josie said with a shrug. "Blackball the little bastard, we'll all survive it."

 "What if I could come up with a way to do this where we didn't have to survive it," Kurt broke his silence. "Where we could get this incident to work for us?" The shareholders all looked at him with interest.

 "Well I would need to get some real data from you during the week to flesh it out but here is the basic idea," Kurt began as he allowed his business acumen to shine through. There was a reason Mel had left the company and Bella's career in his hands and by the time he stopped talking they all had the evidence of that."

 "It's ambitious," Mark said. "legally speaking we would have to tread very carefully here. Corporate law can be a bitch."

 "Yeah but you're a bastard that never lets anything go unread," Mike chuckled. "I'm in if you think we can pull this off I want to be the one writing the contracts that Mike will try to find the blunders in and work out the kinks." He gave his brother a steely look.

 "A lot of people will benefit from this, not just us but it's risky so let's just keep it all here in this room," Kurt said.

 "I can set you all up with a private server and single operator devices," Leon said, espionage and risk were his forte after all. He may have failed Mel, but he wouldn't fail these men again.

 "Sounds good," Kurt agreed. "While I share your anger, my friend, this is the best way even if it will take time." Rob grunted but nodded in acceptance. "I think we have all left our girls alone far too long on Valentine's Day so as soon as Leon gets the devices up and running we'll meet again," Kurt spoke as if he was leading the meeting which wasn't lost on Rob. Just like Mel, he chuckled to himself, always thinking two or three steps ahead of everyone else in the room.

 "Josie," Rob said, "Can I have a quick word before you go?" he indicated the comfortable chairs closer to his desk.

 "Sure but as I said, you have my support if you want to just blackball him," She said easily.

 "This is a different matter," he smiled, "But thank you I appreciate that." He waited as the others left and Kurt came to sit with them. "It would seem you have brought out our girl's curiosity," he grinned. 

 "How lovely," Josie purred at the change in topic, and a slow smile appeared on her face. "She is a very sexy girl, but I am assuming you both know that and have sampled her for yourselves." 

 "I can tell you all the rumours about her are true," Rob gave a knowing smile while Kurt said nothing. This had been his idea but now faced with the Mistress Josie, he was unsure of whether the idea was a good one or not. "We were wondering of you would consider spending a few hours with her, upstairs in the playroom."

 "Mel's playroom?" her eyes widened, and she felt her arousal rise.

 "Technically, it is Bella' playroom now," Rob corrected, but we thought you could surprise her for Valentine's Day, with or without Gian as would be your preference."

 "Gian could spend some time with Dianne if you prefer to meet Bella alone," Kurt added.

 "Surprise gifts like this tend to be a bit lacking in thought for the recipient's feelings. Let's say we give her a choice and if she agrees I am sure both Gian and I would enjoy the experience, especially if as you say all those rumours are true," she smirked then, "So she is an Italian princess and also a witch who is a masochist into the bargain?"

 "Sounds like a fair appraisal except, for one thing, she stops short of being a true masochist, she has hard limits, limits you will abide by," Rob said with an edge to his voice. 

 "Lighten up my friends I am a banner waving member of the SSC, or have you forgotten the early days of the club and some of the thugs I personally ejected," her voice rose with her indignation.

 "I would have liked to see that," Kurt chuckled. "Don't mind him he's just got his grumpy pants on today," Kurt grinned.

 "That's understandable given the circumstances. I will go and get the girls," Josie said and stood stretching her long legs and left the room. 

 "Interesting woman," Kurt watched her leave the room.

 "What is it with you and seducing strong, ballsy women?" Rob asked. 

 "Dianne was never that ballsy, there was always a soft side that could be exploited," he grinned. "I have to admit though I wouldn't mind finding Josie's Achilles heel. I fully understand Bella's attraction to the woman."

 "Dianne wanted to speak to Charles and asked for some time, I allowed it," Josie explained as she came back with Gian and Bella holding hands with each girl. She turned to Gian first and spoke diplomatically so that Bella could hear both her question and Gian's answer. "These Masters have asked if I would stay a few hours and allow their girl, Bella, to indulge her curiosity and attraction to me. If she consents would you like to join us?"

 Bella gasped and looked wide-eyed at her Masters her lips disappearing between her teeth.

 "Oh yes, please, Mistress," Gian replied eagerly.

 "Bella," Josie turned to her and smiled slowly, lowering her voice to a seductive purr. "Your Masters think I might be able to provide you with the perfect Valentine's gift, and I would like very much to see your playroom." Josie leaned forward and brushed her lips over Bella's and leaned close to her ear. "Would you like to play with me for a little while, we could just go upstairs right now and have so much fun," the purr in her ear almost undid Bella. There was an undeniable attraction and need that she felt to serve this woman whenever she spoke to her. Not trusting herself to speak she nodded her consent.

 "Oh no that won't do darling girl, we need to hear you say it," she put a finger on Bella's chin and pulled her lip from between her teeth. "I don't want your Masters to think I am forcing you to do anything you don't want to."

 "Yes," Bella said breathily, "Yes please, Mistress." 

 "Lovely, now thank your Masters for such a thoughtful gift, and you can show me this wonderful playroom I have heard so much about," Josie purred and straightened to her full height.

 "Thank you, Masters," Bella blushed deeply. 

 "You will need this." Rob went to his desk and took a Master card for Josie. "You can leave it with Bella; your card will allow you access to the ground floor again."

 "Thank you, I had thought the opportunity may have been gone and I was so looking forward to playing with your girl," she took the card from Rob's fingers. "This is very much appreciated." She walked towards the door and held it open, "Come girls," she smiled widely and walked through the salon bar to the elevators.

 "Floor?" Josie asked.

 "Three, Mistress," Bella said softly.

 "Such beautiful manners, you are going to be such a delight I can tell," Josie pressed the elevator button with a long-taloned finger.

 Bella walked towards the door behind Josie, and as the woman unlocked it, she sank to her hands and knees as she always had done when entering this room.

 "So well trained, I expected as much with your reputation, come then," she opened the door and went into the room. "Well, well, well, so much to explore and play with, happy Valentine's Day to me," Josie said smiling as she looked around from the doorway. Taking slow, deliberate steps she went to the large leather chair and the pet basket there which to her mind seemed to be the staging area of this room. Noting the small wooden box she flipped the lid open and eyed the training collar and cuffs it held. 

 "How convenient," Gian help Bella with these while we have a little chat. Josie sat back into the leather armchair and studied the cute girl before her. "Stand up girl, you don't have to crawl around like a bitch for me," Josie instructed and when Bella had gotten to her feet she began to quiz her on her kinks and limits as well as preferred safe word once she realise that the rumours of her tolerance for pain seemed true. Gian Bunched Bella's hair up into a ponytail and looked at her Mistress questioning. Josie shook her head and held up two fingers, and Gian went about tying Bella's hair into two high pigtails. 

 "Perfect," Josie purred standing and approaching Bella. "Pigtails for a little piglet," she stroked a nail from her chin down her throat to the laces that held the tight pink vinyl covering hr breasts. "So cute and pink, she loosened the laces to allow the top to fall open slightly while holding its place around her body. Her nipples poked through the web of laces and she felt rather than saw the long taloned nail of flick over one of the sensitive buds before pinching it tightly. Bella let out a small sharp squeal as the nails dug into her flesh. 

 "Delicious," Josie purred bending to kiss Bella as she teased the other nipple similarly. "I imagine you taste like cotton candy when you wear that colour, piglet," Josie purred and ran a hand down over her skirt and beneath a talon pulling aside the thin lace of her G-string and parting Bella's lips to swipe along the already wet surface and graze over her clit. Flicking the clit twice before retrieve her hand she smiled and held it out to Gian. "Tell me how our little piglet tastes," she said never moving her eyes from Bella blushing face.

 "She loves it," Josie smiled, and Bella flicked her eyes to Gian, who had stepped forward and taken her Mistress's finger into her mouth and sucked on it happily. "Perhaps then I should find out myself," Josie withdrew her hand from Gian and once again pushed her finger into Bella's slit cruelly scratching over her clit as she did so then pushed the taloned finger into Bella's cunt before retrieving it. She licked the length of it like a miniature cock before pushing it into Bella's mouth to have her suck her shiny residue from it. "What a genuinely sweet little piglet," she finally said. "Now we explore the room," Josie walked deeper into the room expecting the girls to follow her.




Possessing Bella Ch. 23



Josie's hands stroked over equipment as she walked in a wide circuit around the room and stopping in front of the many shelves and cabinets to inspect the contents. She selected a variety of items which she handed to Gian. With her arms overloaded Gian fervently thanked her Mistress for each item as Bella watched on unsure of her role or the proper protocols with the two women. 

 "Oh how unexpectedly lovely," Josie purred opening a tall cabinet at the far end of the room. "This will do quite nicely." She looked around at the equipment nearby as if deciding what to use. She had talked very little on their walk around the room but as if finding her comfort zone she began to speak more freely. "Gian you may put those things here," she patted one of the benched beside the cabinet. 

 "Now my little piglet, you look cold," Josie advanced on Bella and flicked her erect nipples. "Let's see what we can do to warm you up shall we?" her talons lightly scratched Bella's skin as she undid the laces holding the vest like top in place and helped Bella to remove it. She cupped Bella breasts her thumbs rubbing over the erect nipples and pressing in on them. Other hands were at her hips and Bella realise Gian had stepped behind her to remove the skirt as she had been held mesmerised by Josie's gaze. She stepped out of the skirt and underwear as they were lowered down her legs.

 Josie continued to kiss and fondle her lightly as Gian softly took Bella's hands and raised them to her collar and clipped them by the cuffs into a display position. She pressed against Bella's back as she did so letting her hot breath fall on Bella's neck and shoulders. "She such a cute girl Mistress," Gian murmured past Bella's ear. "May I play with her too?"

 "My girl likes to top sweet little subs like you," Josie Purred tilting Bella's face up to her own. "As it is a special day I believe it is only fair that I share me good fortune, don't you?" She placed a finger on Bella's chin pulling her lip from between her teeth again. "I understand this may not be what you were expecting so I will give you the opportunity to deny my girl her pleasure if it makes you uncomfortable."

 "I have agreed to be yours for this short time, Mistress," Bella said nervously, "If that includes submitting to your girl under your instruction, then I agree." She honestly wasn't sure how she felt about Gian she only knew the power of seduction Josie wielded over her.

 "Lovely," Josie said, and Bella smiled more at her overuse of the word than her reaction to the words she had spoken. "Well then, our piglet should be pink don't you think?" She said stepping back and watching as Gian went to the small pile of equipment on the bench and picked up a suede flogger. 

 "Yes Mistress, I do," Gian said excitedly. She returned to Bella and kissed her deeply, "Thank you Piglet," she grinned and stepped back starting to wield the flogger. It was unusual for Bella not to be bound to an immovable surface when being flogged and she stumbled slightly in her heels as Gian warmed her body to a rosy pink. She found her balance however when re realised Josie was undressing directly in front of her.

 The beautifully tailored business like dress opened to reveal a right purple demi bra that was little more than a reinforced shelf that supported her ample breasts and up to create the cleavage she enjoyed teasing her fellow stakeholders with. As the dress moved down her body, a matching suspender belt framed her sex as it held up silk stockings in a neutral tone. 

 Bella bit her lip and whimpered softly as the flogger fell, again and again, the whole time her eyes remained fixed on the Mistress. She let out a gasp as the silk and lace slid down her legs, the flogger wrapped over her breasts, and she swayed in her stance. 

 "Do you like it," Josie asked fluffing out the small nest of pubic hair that had been shaped into a heart. "Gian shaped it for just this morning. Almost a premonition that we would be on display to a new little piglet," she gave a deep throaty laugh and moved forward to inspect Gian's work with the flogger. Her talons lightly scratched over some of the dark pink stripes the suede had left on her skin. "Not bad," she commented and held her hand out for the flogger. "The spreader please, Gi," she gave a small sly smile as she bent to kiss Bella.

 Josie wielded the flogger powerfully, and Bella struggled to stand in place as Gian bent to her feet and secured a spreader bar in place. Her skin was burning and her body tingling with an odd mixture of pleasure and pain when the flogger landed between her legs making her jump awkwardly and almost fell if it had not been for Gian's presence and steadying hands. Clicking her tongue in disapproval Josie had Gian move a short, slim padded bench behind Bella and she was laid back onto it carefully. Her legs dangled from the end of it and her head only half rested at the other end.

 "It is time for you to show me what a greedy little piglet you are," Josie announced moving behind her head and unclipping her wrists from her collar and attaching them to the legs of the bench. "I understand this may be new to you so Gian will teach you what to do by doing to you. What she does, you will mimic, do you understand piglet?" 

 Bella frowned and looked down her body to where Gian now knelt between her legs and looking up nodded, "Yes, Mistress." Her view was immediately obscured as Josie straddled the bench and settled over her face. Bella felt a soft hand on the inside of her thighs but unable to move her own waited as the first feathery touch of a tongue opened up her slit and she mimicked the movement on the cunt above her.

 Long swipes of her tongue were followed by fluttering concentration on her clit before scooping any hot fluid from the hot wet tunnel of her cunt. She could feel her body quivering as she mimicked Gian's movements as best she could. Gian started to use her fingers on Bella and unsure of what to do she continued to lick and flutter her tongue in a similar way to what she had been doing. 

 "Gi has made this an unfair contest I see," Josie said breathily reaching down to pinch Bella's nipples making her squeal in her sodden cunt giving her thrills than increased her arousal. Perhaps we can even the playing field yet, Josie ground her cunt down over Bella's nose and mouth as she twisted her nipples cruelly making her cry out and sending delicious vibrations into her.

 "Oh yes," Josie purred throwing back her head and alternating between slapping Bella's breasts and racking then cruel between torturing the sweet pink buds. The muffled sounds alone heightened her drive towards her climax, but the girl continued to use her delightful tongue despite the crushing movements Josie made over her face. Josie was impressed and gave vent to her need arching and pressing down onto Bella's face and gripping tight to the nipples she pulled up and away from her body making Bella arch and shake in her need. "Cum my greedy little piglet, cum for me," she yelled as he shook with her own climax. Moving her cunt to cover Bella's face with cum she finally stepped back and inspected the girl.

 "What a mess you are, my greedy little piglet," Josie smiled looking down on the face of the girl who now wore the evidence of her Mistress's pleasure like a mask. She smiled wider as Bella whimpered at the continued assault of Gian on her cunt. "I really mustn't neglect poor Gi when she had been so good to my little piglet should I," Josie purred and walked to the open cabinet they had stopped beside. Selecting a medium sized vibrator and a strange looking belt she knelt behind Gian and began to fuck her with the vibrator until it was nice and deep and the girl was squirming back into the thrusting hand.

 "Do not drop this," she said pushing it all the way in and moving her hands to tie the belt around Gian's waist and through her legs holding the Vibrator firmly in place. She then pulled Gian's head from Bella's cunt and kissed her wide open mouth. Licking Bella's cum from her lips with a deeply satisfied purr.

 "I doubt that we have satisfied our greedy piglets appetite," Josie said conversationally to Gian as she moved back to the cabinet. "Undo her hands and help her to kneel," she instructed over her shoulder as she considered the equipment at her fingertips. "I personally don't care for cock, but it is my understanding that you love it, piglet. I am told you are one of the best little cocksuckers around," she turned hefting a sizable flesh coloured dildo. "Gi enjoys cock in an entirely different way of course," she moved to fix the dildo securely in place in the front of Gian's belt. She doesn't get to play the top very often, so I let her have her fun on occasion. "Why don't you show me what a greedy little cock sucker you are," Josie purred and stroked her cheek softly before watching as Gian advanced with the fake cock jutting out from her pelvis.

 Bella's had retreated fully into that space in her mind where the pleasure and pain mixed to make her a slave to a dominant's power. Jose had an aura about her that Bella found irresistible and she couldn't deny the woman anything she asked. Her lips parted at the end of the strangely life-like cock, and she began to bob her head as Gian rocked her hips. 

 "You can do better than that," Josie purred near her ear a moment before Bella felt the fall of the flogger on her ass and Bella groaned as she swallowed the cock deeper. 

 "She is a cock hungry piglet," Gian commented and held her head by the pigtails to fuck her mouth with smooth long strokes.

 The flogger fell several times between her legs and she cried out opening her mouth and throat wider for Gian, the action making the drying cum on her face crack and flake away in patches. Tears from her occasional gagging and spittle added to the mess of her face as she knelt trembling at the feet of another sub. 

 "Lovely," Josie said pulling Gian a step away from Bella and looking down on the girl. So looked so sweet and vulnerable and Josie smiled enjoying the girls submission immensely. "Remove the spreader," she ordered and waited as Gian quickly fell to her hands and knees behind Bella to comply. 

 "Stand," Josie held out a hand to Bella to help her to her feet. She ran a finger down one side of her face and purred, "Such a messy little piglet," her fingers followed the trail of spittle down over her breast. 

 "I'm sorry, Mistress," Bella breathed thinking her tone held disappointment. 

 "Not at all little piglet, I love filthy, dirty, nasty little girls, and if we had more time, I would perhaps show you just how much but alas time is not on our side today. Perhaps you will come to my playroom next time, hmm?" She offered and saw the girl bite her lip. She considered that this might be a one-time thing but in case it was not she would hold back on some of the more confronting kinks she enjoyed with Gian. 

 Josie fixed nipple clamps to Bella's already tortured pink nubs and holding the chain in one taloned finger walked back toward the entrance to the room. She picked up the leather belt from the small box there and sat slouched in the leather chair. In this position, her ass rested right on the edge, and she parted her legs widely indicating that Bela should kneel between them.

 "Now my greedy little piglet, you are going to eat me again because I know how hungry piggies can get. You will need to remember everything Gian taught you early because she will not show you again. Instead, I am going to let her fuck you with that cock you sucked so greedily," Josie purred sitting forward for the moment to pull Bella's face close and kiss her softly and intimately. At the end of the kiss, she bit Bella's lip. "I have wanted to bite that lip for you for some time," she gave a slow smile. 

 "Thank you, Mistress," Bella whispered and quivered in the intimate closeness of their faces.

 "You are such a delight," Josie said flicking the clamps to make her whimper softly. She then guided Bella's mouth down her throat and across her chest to her breasts and let her suckle at each one giving her instruction on how she liked lips, teeth and tongue to be used. After long minutes, she used Bella's pigtails to guide her slowly down to her cunt and lay back in the chair holding Bella's face close as the girl began to lick and suck. You may raise your hips her Gian," she said dreamily as she relaxed into the softness of her piglets tongue.

 Gian was not soft at all as she thrust into Bella hard and fast making her squeal in surprise and sending the shock into Josie, who moaned appreciatively. Gian held her hips tightly digging her nails into the flesh there, and the clamps on her breasts swung with each hard thrust making Bella whimper and murmur as she worked the please the Mistress. Leaning her shoulder to the base of the armchair she raised her hand to Josie's hot wet cunt and squealed loudly as the crack of the leather belt landed on her back and top pf her ass disturbing Gian's rhythm and making her attempt to raise her head slightly.

 "No hands," Josie growled breathily, and the belt landed a second time leaving a long red welt and making Bella scream into her cunt a second time. Josie was pleased when it also whipped over Gian's breasts in its arc before landing on the greedy piglet she held between her legs. The scene continued for some time before nearing her final peak she growled, "Clamps" at Gian, who immediate reached forward and pulled them free of the girl they held between them. 

 Holding her head firmly as she ground up against Bella's wide screaming mouth Josie came for the first of many ricocheting orgasms that rolled over her body. Bella struggled and squirmed as the cock continued to pound into her and Gian's hand reached around to flick and rub at her clit. Unable to ask or hold it back Bella came hard, and long her whole body shaking and jerking with the impact. Gian too came, this time, the bouncing of the vibrator inside her against the best finally undoing her resolve not to come unless instructed. She hoped that her mistress would be in such a good mood after this tryst that she would not be punished for it.

 Josie eventually pushed Bella away from her oversensitive clit and the girl slid to the floor and off the shining cock that Gian had been fucking her with.

 "Do you not clean and thank a cock that has fucked you so well when you're done, piglet?" Josie scolded Bella.

 "Yes, Mistress," Bella roused herself and crawled to wear Gian knelt with the fake cock jutting up from the belt on her pelvis. "Thank you, Gian," Bella said lowering her head and swiping her tongue over the cock in long licks. The belt flicked out and landed on her raised ass. "You will call her Miss when we play like this. I think she had earned the title don't you?"

 "Yes, Mistress," Bella said quietly and looked up at Gian, "Thank you, Miss, for fucking me so well."

 "You are welcome, Piglet, you are quite a delicious little treat. Thank you, Mistress," Gian looked at Josie with love and tenderness. 

 "You may remove the belt and have her clean you delicious pussy. She has earned it I believe," Josie settled back into the leather chair again basking in the afterglow and content to watch, for now, giving an occasional flick of the belt to remind them both that she was watching. Unable to be on the sidelines for long, Josie moved behind Bella and began playing with her tight little cunt. She teased at her clit with one hand while she force two then three fingers into her eventually adding a fourth and wondering if the tiny girl had ever been fisted. Gian by this stage was coming hard as orgasm after orgasm rocked her body. 

 The girl between them was so close to being the perfect slave that Josie could help but give vent to her darker needs and pushed Bella to another orgasm with her hand before abruptly pulling them away as the girl was still cumming and pulling her by her hair to roll over onto her back. Standing above her she parted the lips of her cunt and pissed over Bella's torso avoiding her face until she lay in a small puddle of pale gold fluid. Surprise registered on her face but not shock as Josie reached and again pulled her up by her pigtails noting that she was still quivering in orgasmic release.

 "Now you're a perfectly filthy little piglet, just the way I like," she pushed Bella's head up against her cunt as she knelt in the puddle of piss. "It seems that you like it too my greedy, dirty little piglet," Josie dragged her back to the chair keeping her mouth glued to her cunt. She allowed herself the leisure of letting Bella suck and lick her softly as she watched her love, Gian clean up the mess and gather all the items from the other area to place into a cleaning bin near the door. 

 Holding their folded clothes lightly, Gian waited with a happy smile for her Mistress to have her fill of the piglet. She was beyond grateful to have been allowed to play as hard as she did and floated on the afterglow of both her orgasm and her Mistress's pleasure.

 "Were you at my home," Josie said pulling Bella's face up and looking into her eyes. "You would stay exactly like that for the evening, beautiful and filthy," she purred. "You would wear a curly tail and ring in your nose, and I would love you entirely too much." She sighed, "Alas I much return you to your Master, but you will consider coming to spend a weekend with us," she said as a statement rather than a question.

 "Yes Mistress," Bella said simply. She would, of course, consider it, but she needed time to process what had just happened to her. "Please use my apartment to freshen up Mistress," she invited still unsure of her role and position with this woman.

 "Thank you, Piglet. We would like that," Josie helped her to her feet and followed her from the playroom admiring the belt markings on her pale skin.



Possessing Bella Ch. 24



 Authors Note: Due to the timing of the completion of this series, this chapter has not, as yet, been through the careful hands of my wonderful proof-reader and friend AisieLynn. I will endeavour to replace it as she has time to work on it for me. I hope you will forgive my eagerness to bring you the conclusion to this long running series and bear with the few bumps in the writing. ~ellie. 

 Possessing Bella Ch. 24

 Rob had gone up to check on Bella late on Sunday night and found her asleep on the couch in front of the television that was replaying the start sequence of an old movie over again. She woke as he turned off the television and he smiled.

 "You had a good time I trust," he said coming to sit beside her and she snuggled into his side.

 "Mmhmm," she murmured sleepily. "It was exciting and very umm, satisfying but I am still trying to work out exactly how I feel about the whole scene. It was different," she said thoughtfully becoming more awake as she thought about it. "Thank you, Master," she said remembering why she had been with Josie and Gian in the first place.

 "How you feel about what exactly?" Rob repeated her words with a frown.

 "I got the feeling she was more interested in what she had heard about me than she was in the real me," Bella said her thoughts rolling around the scene in her sleepy mind. "It wasn't what I expected, not that I knew what to expect but," she paused trying to frame her thoughts.

 "Can you tell me about it?" Rob asked and after looking at him for a long moment told him about the scene, skimming over some parts and giving details in others. As she spoke, it became clearer in her mind that Josie was more interested in her reputation and the cache she would feel at having used the girl who was intimate with the most powerful of men in their elitist world.

 "She wasn't cruel," Bella said quickly realising how she must sound. "She was perfectly lovely," she smiled using Josie's favoured word when describing her, "It was just, different. Like it was a test of what she had heard about me, at least in the beginning, maybe, in the end, it was more about showing me what she enjoyed."

 "It's understandable," Rob mused. "Given all that has occurred in the last year if you tried to write it into a book it would seem incredulous to anyone who lives this lifestyle." He pulled her onto his lap. "I think even I have fallen into the misperception of the girl who can do everything." He wrapped his arms around her.

 Bella chewed her lip and looked up at him. She felt a shift in his mood to one of regret and she felt guilty of having made him feel that way. She wasn't sure what to say, so she snuggled into his chest and listened to the strong heartbeat of the man who loved her and cared for her so well.

 "It was unfair of me to disregard how much your business means to you. My expectations and needs could never be met by a girl with such a demanding career," Bella gasped and looked up at him. She opened her mouth to apologise, but he put a finger to her lips. "I love you, and that will never change, but we both need more in a relationship. We barely see each other for more than breakfast and dinner." He smiled sadly "You need a man who will is there when you wake with night terrors and will soothe you back to sleep."

 "It's rare these days that I wake like that," Bella protested.

 "The club is my life," Rob continued brushing aside her comment, "I work all night and sleep most days, I need a girl who can keep those hours and can be there with me, warm my bed and serve me when I need not when it is convenient for us both."

 "Am I such a spoilt brat?" Bella asked tears forming in her eyes.

 "Yes," Rob chuckled. "but I love you little brat, there is no other like you, and you bring me great joy, but if you are honest with yourself, you need more too. You need someone tall, dark and brooding, who will watch over you while giving you the freedom to be the corporate giant you are becoming. There is another man meeting that description that you once considered begging the collar of," he said meaningfully.

 Bella knew what he was saying, but she felt so conflicted when it came to Stephen now. He confused her with his attention and statements that he still loved her while keeping a distance between them. She wasn't sure if she could commit to him yet. She worried about being caged and kept away from the people she loved. He had been adamant about not sharing her once she took his collar.

 "I think after the opening Kurt, and I will free you to date whom you like," Rob watched her as she stared at him teary eyed taking in his words. "We will always be here for you. We are now and will always be your guardians regardless of the collar you may take. We are a family of sorts, and we know you have the skills necessary to choose your own path. There will be many like Josie, who wish to test your legend as the girl who survived," he warned. "Trust those close to you already, Stephen is a good man, and he loves you deeply despite his mood this last month."

 "He would keep me caged," Bella said quietly. "I am not sure I could give up the few freedoms I have." 

 "I think you might be exaggerating that slightly," Rob chuckled. "Be honest with him and you will find things are not always as they seem."

 Bella said nothing else as Rob picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. "Get ready for bed, I will trust you from now on to look after yourself properly. If I find you have lapsed in any routine we will have to start the process all over again," he kissed her forehead and smiled. "Sleep well little brat."

 Bella went to bed feeling saddened by her conversation with Rob. She had learned so much and gained confidence in her choices and abilities under his and Kurt's guiding hands. She knew that without them she would probably be in one of Binatang's cages hoping for rescue. She knew he was right in what he said but she was disappointed that she didn't try harder to make him happy, there must have been something else she could have done to make it work. Her thoughts tangled in her mind making sleep elusive for her. Eventually, she got up and wrote in her journal.

 *****

 Dorothea walked into the Marcol Building and rode the elevator up intent on being there for Bella during this week when she was anxious about the opening. She wandered through the newly appointed offices of Bella's team enjoying the splashes of colour she had Natalie had implemented. This was division was definitely run by a woman, Dorothea grinned. A year ago she would have laughed if someone had told her that this bastion of Male dominance could have been infiltrated by a woman and a submissive woman at that.

 She'd taken her medications and was feeling good, a few hours of light work would be good for her despite her doctor's orders to rest more. She smiled at Chelsea as she walked past her desk not stopping to interrupt the phone call that kept her from greeting the old woman.

 "Dorothea!" Bella exclaimed delightedly looking up from her desk as she entered the office. "I'm so glad you're here today. We are going over to the store to see how the refit is coming along. Owen says the alarm system should be finished today, and we can start moving the display stock in."

 "That sounds exciting," Dorothea moved forward to hug Bella, who had come out from behind her desk as she spoke. "I can't wait to see how it all looks, knowing Natalie it is perfection."

 "She's just been fabulous," Bella said, "I don't know what I will do without her when the outlet is finished." 

 "So keep her on. You will need her expertise again for the next outlet," Dorothea said nonchalantly and took a seat in a bright floral chair.

 "Gosh, do you think I could? What if it's not the success we all hope it will be?" Bella said considering what sort of a position could be created for Natalie. "My team is already much bigger than I expected and while Kurt hasn't said anything, I think he might if I kept Natalie on full time when a second outlet is still a dream."

 The new team she had here at the company were wonderful. Owen had suggested strongly two young men from his former department who had good knowledge of the trade and were more than eager to take the up the opportunity to work in the new division. Getting in on the ground floor meant that they would be on the fast track to promotions as the division grew and they were working as hard as everyone else to make sure it was a success. She had also hired six girls to work in the outlet and in addition to Owen she had hired two other jewellers. It was a large staff for one outlet, but she hoped it wouldn't stop at just one.

 "In that case, you could keep her on a retainer and lend her to me for a project I am working on at the moment," Dorothea said. "That could work out quite nicely. I'll talk to Kurt about it, leave that to me."

 "Lucas and Boyd are here," Chelsea announced entering the open door of the office. 

 "Good, we'll be going then, tell Lucas and Boyd to meet us there," Bella said coming to her feet. "You'll come with us this time, just in case, there are any last-minute issues." Bella went to her desk and gathered her briefcase throwing in her tablet and a few documents. 

 When they got to the garage, Lincoln was waiting, and they made the journey to the store rapidly arriving before Lucas and Boyd, who had had to find parking. Dorothea was content to following at the rear of the team watching and taking in everything as they toured the new outlet that would open in just a few days. She was so proud of what Bella had achieved in such a short time. She often kidded herself that Bella was the daughter she had never been able to have but, in reality, Mel, Rob and Kurt were more like her pseudo sons and Bella the age of a granddaughter if she ever had one. 

 Dorothea watched Bella with glistening eyes as she went through the outlet inspecting every element with a fine tooth comb. Each of the team hung on Bella's every word, and she felt her failing heart swell with pride. She had come such a long way since those first days with Mel. Such a scared little rabbit she had been, running off every time the big bad wolf raised its head and howled at her.

 Dorothea sat on one of the Roman stools and watched the team, Owen had stepped up in this new environment. The man who just cruised through life in the company going through the motions of the day to day work seemed to be bursting with creative energy. Bella's gift was listening to her team, she spoke little and chewed her lip thoughtfully as she took in everything everyone said to her and in some cases what they didn't say directly. She had realised that this man thrived on holding the pieces in his hands, working with the gems and precious metals and despite so many misgivings she had been right. The Bella of a year ago or even six months ago would never have stood her ground against Kurt and Rhys like to push through his promotion here and Dorothea was proud of the young woman she had become.

 "Let's start stocking the displays," Bella said excitedly. "I have come up with a detailed map of the spaces and where I would like displayed in each one. The mainstream pieces along the street aspect and the fetish pieces along the club foyer side." Bella had initially been horrified when Rob had evicted more than just one small business from the premises to give her more space, but he had taken her to see the mall in which they had their stores, and she was pleased that they were happy with their new locations. It had allowed her to expand the small onsite workshop for immediate repairs and resizing as well as space out the counters. The large marble furnishings would have looked too bulky in a small space, and now that the renovations were complete she was thrilled with how it all looked and the impact it would have at the opening.

 Dorothea smiled as Bella walked toward her trying to look brighter than she felt. "I have some special pieces upstairs that I would like displayed on opening night, and now that the alarm system is in place, I can bring them down," Bella said helping Dorothea to her feet. "Why don't you come for a walk with me and I can get your opinion before I bring them down."

 The women walked from the store and rode the lift up talking about the big night coming up. Once they got into the apartment, Bella led Dorothea into the comfortable study and sat in an armchair to lift one of the small boxes on the small occasional table and open it running a finger lovingly over the collar it contained. Mel's collar. 

 "I don't want to create a shrine to him or anything," Bella began to explain as Dorothea also took a seat, but I want him to be part of it all even if only in a small way. There is a special display cabinet where I would like to house this," she turned to show Dorothea what she held, "and this." She touched the pendant of her guardians still hanging from the collar about her neck. "I will wear a golden apple on the night," she said and opened a second box turning it on the small table between them to show her the beautifully crafted golden apple.

 "It's beautiful, but I would have thought that you would want the protection of your Masters," Dorothea said dubiously having heard about Binatang's attempted abduction at the ball.

 "Those that matter know I have the protection of Rob and Kurt. Those that don't would not respect the collar regardless of my wearing it," Bella said not needing to explain that further to this woman. "Rob and Kurt are releasing me this weekend from that collar, so it's as good a time as any to choose one that suits my circumstances. This is meant to show that while I will be available that I am committed to my business. Not all Masters like their subs to have careers of their own," she said sadly.

 "That is true for the majority I would think," Dorothea laughed lightly and began to cough. 

 "That's the other reason I wanted to talk to you before the weekend," Bella began and chewed her lip. "You're not well. You tire too easily, Sera hovers around you anxiously and well, the brooches last weekend," she paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "If something is wrong again I don't want to be the last to know like last time. I'm not the fragile little doll everyone thinks I am. I won't fall apart if... well if it is anything serious."

 "The pacemaker isn't doing as well as predicted," Dorothea said without preamble. "My heart is failing, and I don't want any more surgery. I am an old woman, I have lived a full and wonderful life, I don't want the time I have left to be spent in hospital rooms when surgery could just as easily shorten my life as prolong it."

 Bella's eyes welled with unshed tears, and she swallowed in a noisy gulp. "So Sera and Charles know this?" she asked in a small voice trying to hold back her sadness and despair at losing her truest friend and ally.

 "Yes, as do Mike and Nyx," Dorothea said calmly. "They have been helping me put my affairs in order. I do not want you to lie for me but if you could hold off on telling your Master's please I would appreciate it. They would try and force their will on me and make me have the risky surgery." She shook her head. "I want to do this my way and my doctor says with enough rest and if I am careful I could have another year or two up my sleeve." She grinned trying to take the pain away from the news she was delivering.

 "Will you let me help you too?" Bella said visibly pulling herself together and dashing an errant tear from her cheek. 

 "I would like that," Dorothea agreed, "but after the opening when things start to settle down a bit for you." Dorothea stood then and embraced Bella, "Speaking of which we should be down there making sure everything is perfect, and these pieces have pride of place."

 *****

 Stephen stood in the small corner created by the doorway and the first of the display cabinets. He watched the sea of people ebb and flow as those who did not get personal invitations tried to see what the fuss was about as they made their way to the club for dinner. He smiled as Bella came into view again. She glowed with a pale pink blush created by the constant compliments she received on various items and the store itself.

 She looked stunning in the dress he had given her as she hurried between friends and acquaintances thanking everyone for coming to the opening of her first store. Rob appeared beside him leaning on the door frame. 

 "She is certainly a girl to be proud of," Rob said casually. "Look at the respect and admiration she commands, even from the hard-asses in the crowd," Rob chuckled. "The man who owns her collar when she is ready could not possibly hope to keep to her to himself, her legend grows daily and quite soon will eclipse even the great Dorothea Brown."

 "James managed to keep her love and devotion despite that legend," Stephen added knowing well how devoted the men that James mentored were to his submissive wife. 

 "Therein lay their true strength. He could share her with those he trusted and know that he would retain her heart and devotion. He never showed or voiced his jealousy though no doubt it rose on occasion. How could it not when you have a love that great." Rob said looking directly at Stephen. "The dress was perfect for this opening. The gifts show how well you know her, and love her."

 "I do," Stephen admitted watching as Bella opened a case to show one of glass pieces Pete had made for her. Her face took on a soft look as she handled it with care. 

 "Then my friend you need to come to terms with who she is, instead of who you want her to be. She won't willing submit to a caged existence. She may love a range of people on different levels, but she will be as devoted to any collar she chooses for herself as Dorothea ever was," Rob clapped him on the shoulder and moved into the crowd before Stephen could argue the point.

 Over the last month, Rob had compromised a lot to accommodate Bella's life alongside his own. He believed that she knew as well as he did that their love for each other was not the stuff of legend. He needed his girl to mould to his life, not the other way around. He wanted someone who was available to him when he needed her not when she could fit him into her busy schedule. He did not begrudge Bella her career, in fact, he was proud of all she had accomplished, he though needed more than she could give him and still maintain the life she wanted. 

 They had spoken a great deal during the week, and he was confident that she understood now the benefits of a proper diet and exercise. He knew that she had a good understanding of what the various sectors of the lifestyle offered her and she had a keen insight into what she was asking of any Master from whom she might choose to beg a collar. Not many men even those that loved her would compromise as he had for her. She understood that he had found her dedication to the company and Kurt's demands difficult. 

 After tonight they would allow her to start dating if she wished, Rob hoped that Stephen would step up. He was working less at the club as his own business was taking off alongside the charity organisation he ran. Though he had not spoken about it often, through Bella he and Kurt had become aware of just what he had built for himself after Mel's death. Through the company, they had set up a trust for the charity to inject funds in Mel's names annually. With the charity receiving several anonymous donations, as shown in the previous year's annual report, Stephen had been able to put his funds and energies into his own business, and it was taking more of his time away from the club. Together he and Bella would be a formidable force in the business world as well as the lifestyle. 

 Rob approach Belinda, who wore the black cocktail dress with a golden apple over her heart that Bella had chosen for the shop employees. He had been enjoying her company on occasion since the time she had stayed with him during the days when Lewis Arfor targeted the club and its employees. While she worked in the club, she chose tasks where she didn't have to be on display and available to the members. Rob was pleased when Bella gave her the job here in the store, keeping her close enough to be available to him. She did not like the intense pain in the submission that Bella did, but she did have the patience and appreciation for Nawashi, which pleased Rob.




Possessing Bella Ch. 24



"It's quite a turnout," he smiled at her.

 "It's wonderful," she gushed, "I'm so excited for Bella. I think many will return when we officially open for business on Monday."

 "I have no doubt of that," Rob chuckled. "It was wise not to do sales or take orders tonight. It leaves the stock for all to see. I have no doubt she could have sold out of some of the more specialised items." He leaned into her ear and murmured, "Come down and see me when it's over and you can tell me all about it," he stepped back and gave her a sly smile, and she nodded with an answering smile. 

 ""I would like that, Master," she said quietly. She had missed his company over the last few weeks. He made her feel safe and cared for and loved not for what she could give him but for what he could give her.

 Rob interrupted Bella as she spoke to a couple and kissed her forehead, "I'm going down to the club now. Congratulations little one this was spectacular. Stephen is by the door should you need any help." He indicated the large looming figure near the door. 

 "Thank you, Master," Bella said excitedly and gave him a wide smile.

 Rob went to the door and stopped beside Stephen, "Bring Bella and Belinda down to the office when it's done, we'll toast tonight's success." Stephen nodded saying nothing and watched as Rob left. 

 Stephen continued to watch Bella as both dominant and submissive alike fought for her attention. Rob's words continued to roll around in his mind, and he searched the crowd for Dorothea but frowned when he couldn't see her. In fact, many of the stakeholder and their girls had begun to move down to the club to make room for others who waited outside without invitations for the opportunity to have a sneak peek at the new store.

 "Isn't it all wonderful!" Stephen was brought back from his thoughts by Tali, who bounced up to him excitedly. "Master said we could come back Monday and get something pretty for me," she said in a high excited voice. So many lovely things I don't know what to choose!"

 "You found the precious pet range, I take it?" Stephen chuckled.

 "Yes! I want them all, but Master said no, I can choose just one," Tali almost pouted but grinned again, "My birthday isn't too far away, though." 

 "That is lucky then," Stephen laughed and commiserated with Mark, who groaned and rolled his eyes, knowing he would spend a great deal of money in this store. "I don't suppose you saw Dorothea leave did you?" he asked.

 "She went home with Sera earlier, I think Charles is still here, down in the club," he said with a shrug. 

 "She's been spending a lot of time with Sera lately," Tali commented, "Maybe we should invite her over for dinner too. Can I, can I, please, please?" She turned to her Master and bounced excitedly. 

 "I better get this girl home, it's been a bit too much excitement for her I think," Mark chuckled and led Tali out of the store and toward the front entrance of the building. The store remained full right up until the finishing time of midnight. It took Stephen lifting Bella to a seat in her tight skirt and standing beside her threateningly while she made the closing announcement.

 "Thank you, so much for coming to this preview this evening. The store will be open for business on Monday. I look forward to seeing many of you return next week," she smiled as there was a polite smattering of applause and people slowly made their way toward the door. The two security guards that were regulars from the Club entrance held the door for people to leave without letting any further curious visitors into the store. The staff cleaned up the glasses and champagne bottles loading then into crates and taking through the back of the store to the service elevator and down to the club kitchen.

 Bella locked the front doors and turned off the lights setting the alarms system before following Stephen and Belinda through the back to the service elevator and down to the club. It was almost one thirty by the time she stepped into the kitchen and the welcoming embrace of Jake.

 "Congratulations! I snuck up earlier, and the place was packed," Jake said wrapping his arms around her.

 "Thanks it was great, better than I could have dreamed," Bella smiled.

 "Rob and Kurt are waiting for you," he let her go but take this you could probably use it," Jake grinned and handed her a platter of hand wrapped spring rolls, and prawn toast. He gave Belinda a cheese and fruit board to carry and followed them in with an antipasto platter. All of her favourite things.

 "This is wonderful thank you," Bella gushed suddenly feeling very hungry.

 "I wish I could take all of the credit, but he ordered it." Jake indicated Stephen. "Still I managed to pull it together in record time."

 "Ah good, we can call off that search party," Kurt said easily as the small party walked through the door of the office.

 "Familiar story around here, no one wanted to leave," Stephen chuckled.

 "It went well then?" Kurt said. 

 "We possibly could have sold out of some things on the first night, if we hadn't decided to go with just the teaser, sneak peek," Bella said. "We'll see how many people come back when they are available for sale.

 "They will come back," Belinda said confidently, "At least the people I spoke to will for sure. They were all very excited by the range you had available for on the spot purchase and your willingness to take personalised orders. That's where the real drawcard is. Dom's like to put their initials on everything thy own including their girls," she giggled. "I saw so many tattoo's tonight it was incredible and in places I would rather not have been shown," she let out a soft melodious laugh. 

 The small group laughed and chatted easily dissecting the night and eating the finger food provided so thoughtfully by Jake and Stephen.

 Kurt stood with his glass in hand and raised it to Bella, "Congratulations on your successful opening and here's to many more." The others raised their glasses and murmured their agreement as Bella beamed under their praise.

 "I know there is a story to the name, but I've never heard it," Jake said as everyone drank to her continued success. "Why did you call it The Golden Apple?"

 Bella took a breath and explained, "There is a myth I studied or heard at high school where the spiteful goddess of discord, threw a golden apple into a banquet on Mt Olympus that she had been excluded from, on it were the words "For the fairest of them all." Three goddesses claimed the apple as their own and a mortal, Paris was asked to judge who the apple should belong to. Each goddess tried to bribe him with their gifts, Hera offered to make him king of Europe and Asia, Athena offered wisdom and skill in war, and Aphrodite, offered the world's most beautiful woman. Paris traded the apple for Helen, and we all know how that story went."

 "Every woman wants the golden apple, and every man wants a woman like Helen," Jake mused

 "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder my friend," Rob said with a chuckle

 Bella felt her high begin to wear off. She had worked hard and slept little in the past week putting all the final touches on the store she had dreamed of for so long. "This has been a big day, and I hope you don't mind if I go up to bed, it's almost three O'clock," she began to stand awkwardly hampered by the tight skirt.

 "I'll take both you and Belinda up. It's too late for her to be travelling home alone tonight," Rob stood as Stephen helped Bella to her feet. "That means I leave with the golden apple and Helen," he laughed loudly following the girls from the room as the other men groaned.

 "Let's get a drink and see who the stragglers are tonight," Kurt suggested as Jake piled up the remains of the platters and put them near the door for the kitchen staff to carry back in.

 "Sure," Stephen said easily.

 "I think I will go and make sure they are shutting down the kitchen properly and getting the prep done for Sunday breakfast," Jake stretched, "I'll take a raincheck for next time." 

 "Suit yourself," Kurt shrugged, "Just remember even God rested on the seventh day."

 "Pot, kettle, black," Jake called over his shoulder as he walked into the restaurant.

 "Have you talked to Dorothea lately?" Stephen asked Kurt as they sat in the comfortable leather armchairs of the saloon bar watching the slow parade of the late night members.

 "I assume she has been helping Bella with the opening from home or here," Kurt said unconcernedly. "She hasn't been in at the company much this week, but that is not unusual. Is there something to worry about?"

 "I just have a feeling. I'll check it out tomorrow," Stephen said with a shrug. "It's probably nothing."

 "Keep me in the loop," Kurt said, "There isn't much I wouldn't do for that little lady," he said with feeling. Dorothea had rescued both he and his mother from a violent home situation and had shadowed his young life, making sure he had the best opportunities possible. He worked his way through college on a half scholarship and her husband James, impressed with is hard work, had got him a job in a newly formed company. A company he now ran as part of a three-way partnership. He hadn't realised his mother was a submissive until that point in time, and that was how he and his mother had come under the watchful eye of Mrs Dorothea Brown.

 He knew many of his friends and acquaintances had similar stories gratitude and affection for James and Dorothea. They were well regarded even by the younger new generation coming through the club. At James funeral people the great cathedral overflowed with mourners he dreaded the day Dorothea followed him to his final resting place.

 "Speaking of little ladies, shouldn't you be getting home to yours?" Stephen asked.

 "Since becoming pregnant she sleeps like a rock, and tomorrow is the seventh day," Kurt said with a grin. "I'll be home for breakfast in bed."

 "It's a good life for some," Stephen chuckled.

 "Bella loses her restrictions and collar this weekend," Kurt said pointedly. "She can date reasonably freely for once."

 "That would explain the conversation I had with Rob earlier," Stephen scratched the side of his face, feeling more than just a five o'clock shadow on his face.

 "We're her guardians, it's only natural that we have a vested interest in who she dates and the collars she might consider," Kurt said. "She over thinks things when left to her own diversions, and I expect she won't exchange one perceived cage with a slightly open door for one threatens to take away the freedoms she currently enjoys."

 "I hear you," Stephen said somewhat abruptly, "I heard when Rob gave me the same speech." His tone was of a man who didn't want to discuss the subject, yet he knew that to own Bella would mean always being answerable to these men in some way. It irked him, yet he loved her and still wanted her like he had not wanted any other woman in his life. Tonight he realised that he would need to put firm boundaries in place when it came to her guardians once he had collared her.

 He had no intention of taking away the freedom she had to work or see her friends. In truth, he hadn't minded her interlude with Josie last weekend either. It was her devotion to another man's collar he couldn't abide and since they had begun to tentatively explore their burgeoning relationship she seemed to constantly wear another man's collar. He had been content to give her time given that the training was over, and he would not have to see her kneel at another's feet again until her guardians stepped in and collared her again. He had not been impressed and had raged in his private moments over the events that seemed to forever put distance between them. To him being a second, even to Rob, had been hard to bear.

 The question of caging her confused him, and he wasn't sure where it had come from, but he would find out when he saw her for lunch. If as Rob and Kurt had intimated, she was to be uncollared again. Then it was time that they spoke seriously about the future again.

 *****

 "Hello Stephen," Dorothea answered her phone with a smile in her voice. "To what do I owe this early morning pleasure?" She asked.

 "Can I not just call to see how you are?" Stephen chuckled.

 "I'm doing well thank you very much. I haven't changed since you saw me last night. Would you like to tell me the real reason you have called so early?" Dorothea challenged him.

 "You may have seen me last night, but I don't recall seeing you there. I think you have been conspicuously absent from all our lives lately including Bella's," he challenged her in return. "Also, you seem to be spending a great deal of time with Sera, and I am concerned about you."

 "Oh, you are so sweet worrying about an old woman like me. I am just working on a few projects of my own and Sera's enthusiasm is so motivating, so I have asked her to help me," Dorothea said easily. 

 "Would you like to have lunch with us today? I am planning on taking Bella out to the cove. You have always liked it out there on the cliffs," Stephen invited.

 "Oh I would love to, but I already have plans with Mike and Nyx today," she replied with a cheery voice. "Maybe next weekend if you both have some free time," she suggested. 

 "It's a date," Stephen chuckled, "If you're sure you can fit us into your busy social life."

 "I will always make time for the ones I love," she laughed and hung up the phone before she began coughing again.

 Stephen looked at his phone after it went dead. There was something not quite right with Dorothea, but he had done what he could for now. He gathered his few things together and went to get Bella. He knew that despite the late night she would be awake as always at a reasonable hour. 

 After knocking he was surprised to find her still in her robe which looked like it had been hastily wrapped around her. Recovering his shock, he followed her into the apartment.

 "Good morning, little one," Stephen said softly, "Did you sleep at all?"

 "A little," she said wanly. "Good morning, Sir Stephen." She smiled and went to the kitchen. "Can I get you coffee or anything, I'm afraid I have gotten off to a slow start this morning." She poured herself a glass of juice as she spoke.

 "How about you go and shower, and I make you breakfast for a change?" he suggested seeing just how fatigued she was.

 "You don't have to cook for me," she gasped livening up slightly. "I will be fine in just a few minutes I promise then I can make us both something."

 "Go and shower little one. You will feel better for it," he ordered advancing on her as she sipped the juice. "Take the juice with you, the sugar will give you a little energy until you eat." He steered her in the direction of the bedroom and kissed her forehead. "Do as I ask," he turned and walked away from her back into the kitchen.

 Stephen was disappointed with what was available to him in Bella's kitchen. He knew Rob had put her on a healthier eating regime but the lack of even bread to make toast with had surprised him. He found fresh fruit and natural yoghurt and muesli and while it was not his choice of breakfast food it would do until he could have something sent up from the early staff in the club kitchen. He believed in moderation in all things but as he inspected the juice she had been drinking he shook his head. Rob had not let her indulge in any of her preferred food over the last month by the look of it.

 He had to admit, as she came out of the bedroom and walked toward him that she looked wonderful. She had regained all of the weight she had lost and had become toned and supple in the process. She took a seat on one of the high stools and crossed her legs as he watched on appreciatively. He pushed a small bowl toward her and smiled.

 "Are you feeling a little better now?" he asked softly.

 "I am, thank you, Sir Stephen," she said taking up the spoon and beginning to eat the yoghurt and muesli combination he had prepared. There was a soft knock on the door, and she swung her head toward it with a frown. She had not been expecting anyone else.

 Stephen went to the door and ushered in Jake, who smiled widely and presented breakfast for three. Moving to the dining room table, Bella was delighted to find her favourites underneath the clotches.

 "Gosh thank you this is exactly what I needed," she said biting into a still warm, thick piece of cinnamon toast.

 "I managed to get to the opening last night, but you were so busy I didn't get to tell you how fabulous it was," Jake enthused. "I am going to make an appointment with the guy who was talking about designing emblems to match a man's ideas. That's an awesome service." 

 "Owen is so creative, he would be the best one to sit down and discuss it with," Bella nodded excitedly enlivened by Jake's enthusiasm, "he's the workshop manager so he will be available in store by appointment." She added in case Jake didn't realise that Owen wouldn't be in the store full time.

 "Yeah he said, but I think it will be good to create one, we don't all have a family coat of arms to fall back on like the big man here," he chuckled. "While we are on the subject of fallbacks, though, and before you fall back into spending so much time with Stephen now that you are uncollared again, how about that date I mentioned?"

 "I wouldn't call him a fallback," Bella laughed lightly diffusing the look of consternation that had come over Stephen's face. "I enjoy the time I spend with Sir Stephen." She paused for a moment and rushed on. "The problem with dating you is that it would be hard to find the time. I work all day, and I am exhausted during the week and your biggest days at work are the weekends. I'm not like most submissives, and I can't just blow off work or be like a zombie during the day because I went out the night before."

 "The store is open now, and you have stolen some of our best girls to work in it so you can afford to take it easy there now," Jake shrugged showing that he had no real idea of what she did at the company.

 "You've been such a good friend to me, and it saddens me to say no, but I have to," Bella said with feeling. "I just know it wouldn't be right for either of us."

 "Well if you change your mind it could be a lot of fun, you don't have to consider the collar of every man you spend time with," he said knowing what she was getting at. "Just think about it, you know where to find me." He turned to Stephen then and chuckled, "One less shark in the pond for you to worry about I suppose."

 "Suits me," Stephen smirked and helped himself to more bacon from the platter. He had been dreading her new dating status and her response to the first invitation she had received pleasantly surprised him especially given Jakes closeness to her.

 "It's Mel's Birthday and a year since we lost him at the end of next month," Bella said softly. "If I am honest I don't think I will be dating anyone just now," she looked up at Stephen as she said it and then looked down at her food again wishing she hadn't said that in such an abrupt way but unable to take it back. Since learning of Dorothea's illness, the anniversary of that day that Mel was shot had been coming into her mind more often. 

 With time to process it, she had been able to accept Dorothea's decision to live her life as she wanted. To die in the way she wanted and she had come to terms with the fact that everyone dies one day. Dorothea's day was closer than most people knew about their demise and in some ways it was good that she knew so she could get her house in order, unlike Mel who had put many things in place without seeing the long term results of those decisions. She hoped he would have been proud of her and what she had done with all that he had given her. She was done playing games and flitting about in both the lifestyle and work. She knew what she wanted or, at least, she thought she did, but she needed to get past this one last obstacle. Then she hoped to be free to make some choices about her future.




Possessing Bella Ch. 24



"I've been away from the kitchen too long, and I am thinking you two might need to talk this one through without me," he grinned. "Just leave the plates in the kitchen I will get the girls to come and get them later," he suggested.

 "Thanks," Stephen said he eyes never leaving Bella.

 "Yes, Thank you so much for breakfast, Sir Jake. It was just what I needed," Bella said quietly. "I am sorry about the date. It just isn't a good idea right now."

 "Don't worry about it, you obviously have a lot on your mind," Jake said easily and left them to talk.

 "Nobody expects you to live like a nun while you are uncollared," Stephen said, shocked by what Bella had said more because of the cold, hard tone in which she said it rather than the words themselves.

 "I imagine you are right," Bella smiled trying to take the coldness out of her voice. "I also think that to be seen to be dating a kaleidoscope of masters would be frowned upon. So you see, the choice is mine to make, if I date Jake, and not Arek, both men I know and love in some way, how can I justify getting to know one and not the other better. Where does that sort of thinking stop when I have met so many good men and women," she said without emotion despite the smile on her face.

 Stephen said nothing as she spoke. In truth he was quite pleased with her choice for his own reasons but keeping her at arm's length for another month to six weeks would just about drive him crazy. 

 "It took Master Rob only a few weeks to work out that a sub with a demanding career was an unappealing proposition. He uncollared me last week rather than put up with the lack of time and control he likes. He seeing Belinda again," Bella admitted not realising how much this had upset her until she saw them together last night as he walked them both up to bed. She to his bed.

 "I see now why you were so quick to refuse Jake's invitation," Stephen nodded. Believing that while she was being so honest about what she was thinking, it was the best time to talk to her about his concerns. 

 "Yes," she said quietly. "He keeps the same odd hours as Master Rob. It could never work even if we wanted it to." She looked up at him then, and he saw the flicker of doubt cross her mind as she regarded him.

 "You think the same about me now too?" he asked. "This is why you have told Rob and Kurt I will try and cage you?"

 "I didn't mean..." she gasped and stopped talking to take a breath and steady herself. She knew this conversation would come sooner or later. Sooner it was, she decided and framed her thoughts as he gazed her giving her time to think. "That isn't what I mean at the time, no," she said slowly.

 "You have always made time for me, and I can see now how hard that must have been at times to manage, and I am grateful to you for it, more than you possibly know. I have been a spoilt brat over the last six months, and I have only realised in the last week or two how awful I have been to everyone especially, those I love." She blushed and looked up at him from beneath her lashes. 

 "That didn't answer my question," Stephen said stunned by her confession and thinking it was not true, but he stayed silent waiting as she gathered her thoughts again.

 "On the last night at the ranch and a few previous occasions you said once I was yours, took your collar I mean, that you wouldn't share me," she said. "It made everything seem so final. That once I wore your collar that I would have no more choices or exploring or work even, I would just be your submissive. Then as work became so busy and with Kurt and Rob stepping in and I saw you less and less I thought that maybe you had moved on too," she admitted. "Until last weekend when you spoke about that complete commitment and refusal to share with anyone or anything."

 "Firstly, collar or no collar I would never seek to stop you from furthering your career. I have only ever tried to help you there, with introducing you to Louise and showing you Pete's creations," Stephen said clearing up each misapprehension as he went. "Secondly collar or no collar, everything you do is your choice, taking a collar merely means that I have a strong influence on those choices and that there would be consequences for not heeding my wishes. The choice though as always remains with you. I would not stop you exploring the lifestyle if you so wished but if you wore my collar, it would be my choice with whom and when you may do that exploring confident in the fact that you would be safe, and they would honour the collar you wear." It was his turn to take a breath. 

 "I will not share your collar, though, nor will I share the power to influence your choices that having you wear my collar would give me. I will not be second to Rob and have him continue to countermand my instructions nor will I be second to Kurt, though I will bend to his expertise when it comes to your career." Stephen's voice has darkened into a low rumble. "Furthermore, I have been building my own business and spending less time at the club, so your concerns about managing a submissive with a career are forfeited."

 Bella chewed her lip taking in his words and thinking that they all made perfect sense but unable to find the words she needed to say so as his voice grew to more of an angry rumble with each sentence. His last point made her eyes well with tears as he explained that he had rearranged his life around her choices. The fact that he was handing over much of the responsibility he had at the club to Theo for a while now was not lost on her and had begun as a result of his time supervising her training schedule. Still he seemed content to be working more on his own business now, and she was glad about that because of it's charitable arm and the good work they did as well as the business venture itself which was taking off.

 He came around the table then and picked her up from her chair wrapping his arms around her and kissing her deeply, passionately and walking with her to the living room. He sat in the large armchair and pulled hr down into his lap kissing her again.

 "I will not push you as I once did. I heard what you said about Mel's birthday, and memorial, and I agree that it is a time to remember him. I have an alternative for you to think about though if you are willing," Stephen said.

 Bella leaned into his chest enjoying the thrill his kisses gave her once again and enjoying the intimacy of their closeness. She had missed this all because she had misunderstood his words. Still she knew that the time spent with Rob and Kurt had been a necessary part of her development both here and at work. While she had been toying with the knowledge that she might beg his collar he had voiced her concerns about the memorial.

 "Bella do you love me as you once did?" Stephen asked in a soft, tentative voice as if unsure if he wanted to hear the answer.

 "I feel like I have loved you for the longest time, Sir Stephen," she smiled. "That hasn't changed." She reached up and stroked his cheek and was rewarded with a tender kiss.

 "Now that you know I had no intention of caging you I would like for us to give our relationship some proper consideration. I will not push you to beg my collar before the memorial, but unofficially I would like us to be together, here during the week and at the cove on weekends," he said surprising her. "As you said it took you and Rob several weeks to realise just how difficult sharing a life could be. It is only fair that we give the same time to our relationship before you start looking for another by dating." 

 "Unofficially?" she asked a little confused as to what that would mean exactly. 

 "I will give you no collar not even a temporary one. I will trust you to honour an agreement made between us without the physical reminders until after the memorial," he said evenly. "No one has to know but us what we are doing and in this way, we invite no commentary from the people who care about us. You can, of course, tell them if you wish but that choice is yours, and the consequences will be to invite them to comment or criticise your choices." 

 "No one will fault us for spending time together, we always have," Bella said thoughtfully. "If questions come up about a collar I will answer truthfully that I am waiting until after the memorial to make any decisions."

 "You agree to this arrangement then?" Stephen asked making sure he had her full consent before saying or doing anything else.

 "I do, Sir Stephen," Bella smiled feeling good about the choice he had given her. Within the next six weeks, she would find out how true he was to his words today or whether his jealous streak ran deeper than just not wanting to share her collar.

 "Thank you," he said in a low murmur and kissed her passionately the hunger of his kisses returning and making her tingle. "It's Sunday, and we will go to the cove, go and get your phone and shoes," he instructed smacking her ass as she got to her feet making her squeal delightfully.

 *****

 Bella was happy despite her misgivings about his jealousy when she was at the ranch. His explanation about not wanting to share her had seemed reasonable when the spoke to her about it and while the agreement they had now seemed duplicitous, it would, at least, allow her to find the answers to any unresolved questions she had about their relationship without having to commit to his collar immediately. His hand rested on her thigh as they drove and she smiled at the intimacy of his touch that she had missed over the last month.

 "I feel like I haven't been here for such a long time," Bella said softly into the silence of the car as the abbey came into view looking more like a castle than ever.

 ""Just over a month I guess," Stephen acknowledged her thought. "There have been quite a few changes in that time," He added as the car crunched down the gravel drive and pulled up in a new flagstone forecourt. "Let me show you around," he said eager to show her how his business had begun to grow.

 The door she noted had been newly stained and polished to perfection, and as he opened half of it, she realised it was split at the centre to allow a wider procession of people to enter. The entrance room had also been split, and she stood in a large foyer now rather than the huge hall that once greeted her when she arrived. 

 "The front part of the Abbey is being restored back further than its original stonework to mimic medieval times. It turns out there is a big market for this type of a venue beyond the Brotherhood of the Cove and their re-enactments. One of the women who came to the last battle is an event coordinator. She said there would be a great deal of interest in having a venue like this so close to the city," Stephen said as she looked about in amazement, it seemed like a construction site when she had thought the great room was complete. 

 "I looked into it a bit more with her help and hired an engineering and architectural firm to draw up some new plans for the interior. I'd only ever concentrated on the living space while we were getting the exterior finished and waterproofed. It's a work in progress, but we are getting there," he said proudly. 

 "Is the great room is still behind there?" Bella asked pointing at the wall that now stood in front of her. 

 "It's a temporary wall," he admitted, "Have a look but you will need to have a bit of imagination still." He placed his hand on the back of her neck and guided her through a makeshift door beyond the temporary wall. The enormous room was still intact but at the end of it now lay a partially built grand staircase leading up to the second level. 

 "It will be breath-taking when it's complete," Bella said almost reverently looking up to the great cathedral ceilings in this part of the Abbey. Still looking at everything despite the dust and grime of construction Bella was impressed with how much work had been accomplished in such a short space of time.

 "We're going to restore the smaller chapel, through there and on that side create a banquet hall and professional kitchen," He said guiding her carefully toward the back of the abbey where his residence lay. "It will take the rest of this year I expect to get most of the plans done but with some steady donations into the Rehousing and Retraining Foundation work we have going on here we have quite a lot of semi-skilled labour at our fingertips for the builders to work with. It's a win-win for the men and women the foundation assists. They get the helping hand to get back on their feet, and I get the labour I need to complete the project faster."

 "What will they do when the Abbey is fully restored?" Bella asked curiously. 

 "There are years of work on the grounds and then we will always need staff for events that are held here," he said as if he had answered the question many times.

 "It's amazing," Bella said as the entered the kitchen at the rear of the house.

 "Hello again," a strangely family female voice said making Bella turn quickly to find the source.

 "Bella you remember Anissa, you met her at Master Kolton's home during the gathering," Stephen smiled at the woman.

 "Anissa! Yes, gosh how are you?" Bella grinned and went to greet the woman who held her arms out to her. "I'm so surprised to see you here." 

 "Anisa and her Master are here as the caretakers while Jared and Sophie tour the world with Pete," Stephen said conversationally. "Where is Thomas?" Stephen looked round. 

 "Where do you think? Talking someone's ear of about the builder caste of Gor," she rolled her eyes heavenward.

 "He's a good man that tells a good tale," Stephen said with a smirk.

 "I have your basket ready, and I believe most of your men have arrived and are down at the new battleground looking for a reason to draw their swords and play war," she said with a grin. "Thomas couldn't wait to show them all the plans for the land."

 "You're a bit cheeky when not under the Gorean rule, I might have to talk to Thomas about that," Stephen's voice lowered.

 "Thomas would be more than happy to enact that rule here but I am not sure your workers would enjoy it, or the sight of me in a casmisk," she chortled."

 "True," he agreed, "but make no mistake about who is Master of this Home," he said rumbling his deep bass voice at her and she quickly lowered her eyes and placed her hands behind her back. "I do not expect the protocols of Gor to be observed here, and we are friends Anissa but do not mistake that informality for a lack of concern for the respect due to a Master."

 "Yes Master," she answered demurely, and Stephen guided Bella into his tower. 

 They walked down through the dungeon and Bella breathed in all the scents she associated with sex, leather and furniture polish and something undefinable but present in the air that made a small shiver run up her spine. They passed through the space however and exited into the walled garden. A month had given the new plants time to settle into their new beds, and they thrived here. Even at this time of year, they seemed to be lush and green with several smaller shrubs still flowering in the warm days.

 Stephen spread out a blanket and invited her to sit with him. Unpacking the basket slowly he commented on the food. Neither of them was particularly hungry after the late breakfast, so the nibbled at the delicious lunch Anissa had packed for them, and Stephen spoke about his expectations of their new agreement.

 "I have no wish to interfere with your career or work at the company," he reassured her. "As always Kurt is the best man to guide you there and have no issue with him maintaining that role in your life. Likewise, you should maintain a presence in the club and know the members, so working with Rob two nights a week should not be too onerous and allow you to maintain the close relationship you have with him." Stephen was very business-like as he detailed his thoughts and expectations. "I've noticed that you tend not to use the office space in your apartment much," he said in an inquiring voice.

 "I prefer my laptop, and I like sitting in either the living room or dining room when I have time, not that I have had much time to do any work from home recently," she explained.

 "I would like to use that space then when we are there during the week, my office in the club is not always conducive to concentrating on other business matters," Stephen said.

 "Of course," Bella agreed easily, "I may have to purchase a different chair for you, but the desk is large."

 "I'm sure I can manage any changes I need, thank you," he smiled widely. "I will keep any changes to your apartment to a minimum until such a time as we formalise as we formalise our relationship." He knew he had said he would not press her to beg his collar, but he could not help but mention it at moments like this, he did not entertain the idea that it would not continue beyond the memorial.

 "You will move into my apartment?" she asked trying to work through all he had said in her mind.

 "Not entirely just yet, my belongings can stay in the small apartment next to yours for the time being, aside of a few items, like a toothbrush perhaps," he chuckled easing her concerns. "I don't want you to feel trapped or caged by this. I want you to have the freedom to make choices while exploring how good we could be together. What I want more than anything else is for your consideration and at times, consultation in making those choices."

 "If I had accepted Jakes offer of a movie date?" Bella asked carefully.

 "I imagine there will be many offers for you to choose from," Stephen chuckled. "I would like you to ask my opinion about them, but I would not stop you from accepting because of our informal agreement. There are others I can enjoy the company of if you choose to go out on a date." He continued to chuckle as a surprised expression briefly fluttered over her face. "I am not saying I would be pleased if you chose to date only that I allow you that freedom of choice as you would understand that I would be free to enjoy similar diversions."

 "That would only be fair," she finally said quietly. The thought of Stephen considering other girls and dating them unsettled her, but she could see his point, and it would be truly selfish of her to expect otherwise. She had just never considered that side of it before, and his response came as a surprise.

 "I will compromise on many things for you Bella, but as I said to Anissa earlier, do not mistake that for weakness or lack of concern on my behalf. I will be your Master in every sense of the word though you will still address me as Sir until things are more formalised," Stephen's voice had deepened taking on a very serious tone.

 "Yes Sir Stephen," she whispered quietly his words rolling over in her mind. 

 "Do you still agree to this arrangement, at least until the memorial?" Stephen asked tilting her face up to his in the hopes of reading her expressive eyes.

 "I do, Sir Stephen," Bella said quietly but confidently. Everything he had said since breakfast had made her realise that the cage she thought he offered her was of her own making. He leaned over and kissed her deeply pulling her to him and holding the kiss for a long time. She felt the familiar thrills run up her spine as his passion for her came through the kiss.

 Stephen groaned and pulled Bella to her feet pushing her back toward the dungeon door. He guided her down the steep steps carefully before flinging open the dungeon door and pushing her roughly through. The door slammed, and Bella turned quickly to find him advancing on her, the smile he wore did not match the growl of his voice as he ordered her to display.

 "You will stand perfectly still," he commanded as she laced her hands behind her neck.

 Yes, Sir," she said softly watching him warily unsure of the rapid change in his demeanour. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 24



His hand wrapped around her high ponytail and reefed her head back before lowering his to kiss her hard bruising her lips in the process. His free hand ran down over her breasts and stomach dipping under her dress to find her G-string panties. He growled unhappily into the kiss and bunched then in his hand pulling up high making her gasp in pain as he yanked several times until the came away from her body and she whimpered into his kisses.

 "It has been difficult to keep you at arms-length these past weeks," Stephen said as he stepped back unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it from his black jeans. "I realise that situation was not entirely of your making and as you have said it did have its merit but my discomfort during that time requires compensation." He shrugged the shirt down his arms and threw it into a chair in the corner.

 "I am sorry, Sir Stephen," Bella said softly.

 "You will be," he informed her. "While Rob and Kurt have offered me a conciliatory pat on the back, you, my sweet little slut need to compensate me in an entirely different way. He went to a corner and picked up a short flexible whip. He flicked it at her testing its reach, and it bit into the exposed side of her breast and back making her yelp. "Lovely," he murmured and approached her undoing the clasp on the halter top of the dress and letting it hang down over the wide belt to expose her breasts.

 Bella quivered as he circled her feeling the coarseness of the plaited leather whip caress her skin. He stepped back and the whip struck her again on the other side of her body, the tail wrapping around and created a livid red welt across her breasts. She bit her lip in an effort not to cry out and whimpered loudly.

 "You have five seconds to remove what remains of the dress or risk it being damaged," Stephen's deep bass warned, and he watched as she scrambled to comply stepping out of the dress and kicking it away before resuming her stance.

 "Not content with having two masters to instruct you, you also sought out a Mistress," the whip cracked against her ass and curled around her hip. "Such a needy slut, two Masters and two mistresses," he said with a knowing smirk. Gian had been bubbling with excitement when they had come back to the club that evening to relax after their tryst with Bella.

 Bella gasped, he knew that she had served both Josie and Gian? It wasn't common knowledge that she had done that, she didn't think it was anyway. Her mind whirled as the whip landed on her ass again, making her stagger a little in her stance. Stephen stepped forward and caught her pressing up against her back.

 "I told you to remain still, whips can be dangerous on moving targets," he murmured in her ear. "If you cannot remain still on your own I will help you," he growled and discarded the whip forcing Bella to a sawhorse and pushing her down along its length. He quickly cuffed and secured her wrists and ankles slapping her ass between each one leaving large red handprints with the force of each slap. He spanked her several times as he circled her ensuring she was secure and dipped his hand between her open legs feeling her hot, wet cunt. 

 "So my needy little slut, I haven't heard a thank you out of you yet," he slapped her red ass again.

 "Thank you, Master," Bella said without thinking earning her another slap harder than the last.

 "Have you had so many masters you forget who you are with?" His bass rumbled over her.

 "I am so sorry Sir, please forgive me," Bella pleaded in a voice that cracked with disappointment.

 "Bella," Stephen squatted down beside her to look into her eyes, "I love you, and I can forgive you anything, but there will always be consequences," his smirk told her this would be a long painfully pleasurable afternoon. He stood then knowing her face was at his waist and undid his belt. He smiled as he drew his cock out before her eyes holding mere inches from her face.

 "Contrary to what you believed I am not adverse to you exploring your interests," he said as he fisted his cock stroking it slowly just out of her reach. "The idea of seeing you dominated by a Mistress is appealing on some levels. It is difficult to see what you want just out of your reach but when you claim it as your own it's so satisfying," he let go of his cock, letting it dance before her eyes as he pulled his belt through the loops of his pants.

 Staying where he was his hand travelled down her back and dipped between her legs again teasing at her cunt and forcing her to rub against the small wooden beam of the saw horse that split her body in two. He delighted in her whimpering as she squirmed below him and craned her neck to get closer to his cock. He continued to tease her pushing two fingers into her and finger fucking her until her body shook with her impending orgasm, and then he stopped.

 "Almost painful isn't it, to get so close to what you desperately need and then have it taken away," Stephen growled and squatted down beside her again. He was pleased when she whimpered and looked up at him. 

 "Yes, Sir," her voice was high and trembled with her need as he stroked her hair from her face.

 "I don't just want you, Bella, I love you and have needed you painfully over the last month, but I had to wait for you to come to me, I need to know you want and need me in the same way," his voice was thick with emotion. "I want you to know what it is like to almost have it all and have it dangled just out of reach."

 "I know," she said tears forming in her eyes. "I have hated the distance you put between us when we saw each other over the last weeks. I felt that more so than any punishment you could devise down here in this dungeon." She admitted sadly. "When you told me last weekend that we would remain just friends, my heart ached like I have never felt before," she began to cry softly. "I know and understand the punishment."

 Taken aback by her confession Stephen quickly unbound her and pulled her into his arms kissing her deeply. He rolled her to the floor and entered her then without preamble the teasing having affected him as much as her. He drove into her in a furious need to possess every inch of her.

 Bella wrapped her arms and limbs around Stephen as he took her hard, and fast she felt her climax wash over her suddenly, and she arched up against him her cunt wringing out his orgasm as it clenched and pulsed around his cock. He hadn't bothered to try and hold back his cum, and he howled out as he came feeling the emotions they had been toying with heightened at that moment. He gathered her into his arms and lay on the floor with her held tightly against his chest, while they both considered what had just occurred and unwilling to break the silence.

 Only when the cold of the stone floor began to seep into him did Stephen roll away from Bella and stand helping her to her feet. He kissed her tenderly and smiled brushing an errant curl from her face. "Get dressed, little one, it's cool down here in the dungeon, and I don't want to be the cause of you being unwell."

 "Thank you," Bella said simply. Then she reached up to touch his cheek softly, "I needed to hear all of that," she explained. "I needed you to tell me." She blushed and went to pick up her dress from where it lay discarded on the floor as he watched with a bemused look. 

 "Are you okay?" he asked softly as they mounted the stairs after dressing quickly.

 "I feel better than I have in some time," she smiled up at him and seeing his look of concern laughed lightly. "I love you," she stood on her toes and reached a hand up to his cheek to guide his head down to kiss her. His low rumble almost seemed to purr as he lowered his head to kiss her. 

 He put his hand on the door and whispered, "Before we go out there, and you meet my men who will more than likely be waiting for me you should know I am the Lord of this land and the Brotherhood of the Cove." He said with a little edge to his voice. "The king of this castle so to speak and they will refer to me as such."

 "Yes, Sir Stephen," Bella said tilting her head in confusion as to why this would bother him so much as to warn for of it. 

 "They are not all into the lifestyle, but they hold to the knights code which is important to me, to us as a group," he tried to explain but decided not to explain further. He opened the door guiding her out into the brightly lit living area where six men stood up immediately and looked at them expectantly.

 "Greetings my Lord," the nearest of the men said coming forward to grip Stephens' arm in a warrior's greeting. "We stayed hoping to talk to you about the battlefield if you have time."

 "They stayed to meet the Lady Bella," Thomas chuckled from behind them coming to his feet. "The battlefield is going to be perfect. Arek has done a good job of the plans I hope he can pull it off."

 "True enough," another man said also gripping Stephens arm in friendship and smiling at Bella. He took her hand in his and held it to his lips brushing them lightly over the surface. "Greetings my Lady, I am Sir Tristan, but most people just call me Tris," he said with an infectious grin. 

 "Put her hand down Tris," Stephen said good-naturedly. "She is way out of your league. Everyone this is Bella, and this is, Tris, Lance, Gerry, Boris, William and Ed." He went through the names quickly waving a hand at each man as he said their name. She smiled as each dipped their head in acknowledge of the introduction.

 "Why don't you go and see if Anissa needs any help in the kitchen while I talk to the men for a minute," Stephen suggested. 

 Bella knew it was a command from his tone and unable to resist even though she knew it may cost her some form of punishment she dipped into a small curtsey and smiled sweetly as she said, "Yes my Lord." Then she hurried off to the kitchen.

 Bella found Anissa taking inventory in the large pantry and though Anissa refused any help she was happy to have the company and answered all of Bella's questions about the renovations to the Abbey and its surrounding grounds. There was an old farm house on the new block of land bordering this one that Stephen had bought. It was being demolished and rebuild in a similar stone to the abbey, and she and Thomas would move in there and run a small hobby farm to help supply the abbey with its needs. It would also mean continued work for the men and women who relied on this place to get back on their feet.

 "Thomas has fallen in love with the whole idea of this place. The knights code and helping those less fortunate while indulging full time in a life very similar to that of the Goreans and their homes," Anissa said. "You work hard for the good of your city and caste. He is getting a bit old for the builders game nowadays, but the farming appeals to him especially if he can have his own forge and horses."

 "Is it like Gor for the women too?" Bella asked.

 "Well it won't be for you, my Lady," Anissa grinned. "You will be treated like a delicate flower and be expected to behave like a sweet and innocent young woman. The serving girls, on the other hand, may wear more clothes than the slaves of Gor, but they can be bawdy or flirty and can expect to be groped and propositioned often."

 "You should look at the plans for the grounds, they are quite extensive, and I believe that Arek has brought a neighbouring property so he can be close by during all the landscaping work he has set out. I wouldn't be surprised if this Brotherhood Stephen has begun here with his friends doesn't become big enough to rival the gatherings of Gor," she said. "Perhaps with the interest of both Arek and Thomas, there will be more than a bit of an overlap."

 "I'm not so sure about that. The whole Gorean notion of survival of the fittest and enslaving the weak doesn't quite fit with the charitable side of the Brotherhood here," Bella said thoughtfully.

 "If you try to see it regarding Lords and peasants rather than Masters and slaves it's not so hard to find the common ground," she explained her thinking in more direct terms.

 "I guess," Bella said unconvinced. She yawned, "I am so tired it seems like forever since I have slept properly."

 "Would you like some coffee?" Anissa offered looking at her critically.

 "No thank you, I never developed a taste for it," she admitted. "I'll be fine. I will sleep on the drive home."

 "They will be ages yet if recent conversations are anything to go by," Anissa smiled. "The is a small couch under the covered walkway on that side of the house," she pointed toward a large doorway. "Go and lie down for a bit it will make you feel better, it looks like you may need the rest." Her finger ran along the red strip visible on Bella's back and side disappearing beneath the halter top of her dress.

 "You might be right," Bella said sliding from the stool with a blush, "Wake me when they're done." She walked in the direction Anissa had pointed and found the small couch. It was more comfortable than it looked and she easily dozed off in the warmth of the afternoon.

 Bella wasn't sure how long she had been asleep but her arms tangled around Stephen's neck as he lifted her from the couch and carried her through the living area and up the stairs of his tower. She nuzzled into his neck as he held her close and she was reward by him pulling her closer and holding her tightly.

 He placed her on her feet and stood behind her as she took in the three hundred and sixty degrees view the top of his tower afforded them of the sunset. The inky black night sky rose up out of the dark waters of the cove and pushed the sun towards the hills of the surrounding hinterland. 

 "It's beautiful," she whispered daring to disturb the silence of the moment.

 "Did you enjoy your rest?" He asked equally as quietly.

 "I feel very refreshed," she smiled. "I didn't realise how tired I was until I sat talking with Anissa for a while."

 "Good, I thought we might stop on the way home to eat. If you are up to it," he said in a questioning tone.

 "I'm not dressed to go out anywhere elegant, but a café maybe," Bella said softly looking down at her short dress that was looking the worse for sleeping in it.

 "I have something you can wear," he murmured into her ear, "but I would be just as happy if you wore nothing at all." He smiled seeing her blush and giggle self-consciously in the darkening evening light. As the last of the light died from the sky, he guided her down into his bedroom. 

 "This," he said removing a large box from a chest, "was originally what I had planned to give you for Valentine's Day so you could have it for the grand opening." He placed it on the bed near where she stood. 

 "The dress you gave me was exquisite and more than generous considering," she gasped lifting the lid from the box. A long black cigarette holder and a three strand pearl necklace sat on top of the tissue paper covering the dress. "Breakfast at Tiffany's!" she picked up the two items and peeled back the tissue revealing the slinky black dress. It was beyond thoughtful that he had remembered one of her favourite old movies they had once watched together and its appropriateness for the launch of her new jewellery outlet. She put down the pearls and holder and picked up the dress hugging it against her body. 

 "Thank you," she whispered putting it back down and throwing her arms around him. His height made it impossible for her to kiss him spontaneously, so she buried her face into his chest. "Thank you so much."

 "Happy uncollaring day," Stephen said uncertainly and picked her up to kiss her rather than bending down to her height, loving the feel of her small frame in his arms. 

 "May I shower quickly please," she asked.

 "Yes, I will shower while you dress because if I come in with you, it will be anything but quick," he chuckled putting her back on her feet. He continued to chuckle as she quickly undid her dress and stepped out of it on her way into the bathroom. 

 Half an hour later they left the Abbey and rode to the restaurant where they had shared their first kiss. Bella smiled at the memory despite the emergency dash to the hospital to see Dorothea at the end of the meal. Her mind clouded as she thought about her dearest friend and the knowledge that her days were numbered.

 "What's wrong," Stephen asked helping her from the car. 

 "I just remembered the first time we were here," she smiled up at him, and he nodded letting it pass assuming she had remembered the end of the evening. Stephen was greeted like an old friend and shown to a table near the dance floor. He and Bella ate a perfect meal and drank a beautiful wine with it. She seemed more thoughtful than usual, and he worried that the memory of Dorothea this place had evoked had stayed with her.

 Pulling her onto the dance floor he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close lowering his head to whisper, "Stop worrying and enjoy the music." His lips brushed softly over hers, and they danced until desert arrived. 

 "I will have to do extra time in the gym this week after today," Bella laughed lightly as she ran the spoon around the plate picking up the last morsels of Pavlova. "I wanted to finish work early, at least one day this week to go and see Dorothea, but I am not sure I can skip gym now."

 "Why can't you see her at work?" Stephen put down his spoon and looked at Bella critically as she froze with her spoon in her mouth. He could almost see her berating herself in her expression as she slowly lowered the spoon. 

 "She resigned to work on some personal projects," Bella said trying to keep her voice light. "She still pops in from time to time but I miss her, and I know she will want to hear about our agreement. You did say I could tell someone if I wanted." She hastily added trying to steer the conversation back to them.

 "I think that is an excellent idea," Stephen could see the anxiousness in Bella as she spoke about Dorothea and he was more certain than he was that morning that something was going on with Dorothea. "We should have her over for dinner tomorrow night, and we can both tell her," he suggested testing her reaction.

 "Oh umm, Monday's aren't always the best days. I'll call her tomorrow and see when she can make it," Bella offered to try and hold off the inevitable conversation. Dorothea had not asked her to lie for her, but she had pressed upon Bella that she didn't want her Masters to know of her ill health yet.

 "I see," Stephen murmured not pushing her and thinking about how to approach this subject differently. It was obvious that something was going on, and he wanted to know what it was. He let Bella change the subject to her early morning start and taking the hint that she wanted to leave he paid the bill, and they left heading back into the city. They were both relatively quiet listening to the soft music as they drove and contemplating their individual thoughts regarding Dorothea.

 "Sir Stephen," Bella said quietly into the darkness of the car as they reached the city limits and she knew they would be home soon. "In all these months that I have been learning about the lifestyle and the company there are two things I know absolutely," she took a deep breath. "Love can make you endure unbearable things," she turned to look at his profile knowing she had made him wait longer than he should have for her to come to him ad agree to be his. "The other is that love is nothing without trust and honesty to back it up."

 "I agree with that," Stephen said unsure of why she had begun to speak in this way.

 "The problem is that keeping secrets can warp those truths a little at times. I don't want anything to warp or strain the relationship we are beginning to explore properly," she said it in a rush having made up her mind to tell him about Dorothea and praying that he wouldn't push her to do anything she didn't want to do.




Possessing Bella Ch. 24



"You weren't honest with me tonight were you," he asked not wanting to entertain the idea that it had been anything that had occurred between them earlier in the day that had brought this thoughtful confession out.

 "I was honest in what I said but," she fought to find the words. "There is more in what I didn't say," she admitted.

 "I will miss her when she is gone," Bella said in a small voice and Stephen felt a knot tighten in the pit of his stomach. He fought back the impulse to rage at Bella and make her tell him everything right then and there. His jaw clenched, and he gripped the steering wheel tightly letting her talk. 

 "She came in to do the showroom inspection with us on Wednesday, but she looked pale, and she got tired so quickly, so I took her up to my apartment to get a few pieces and confronted her. Her heart is failing, and the pacemaker is not doing the job as well as we all had hoped it would. She doesn't want more surgery, and she is terrified that you and Rob and I think mostly Kurt will try to force to have it. She is putting her affairs in order and spending time with the ones she loves. The doctors say if she looks after herself she could live another year or more. She doesn't want to spend that time in a hospital, so she asked me not to tell anyone else yet. I agreed to let her tell people in her own time," Bella let a tear roll down her cheek, after holding that in for days she finally let herself contemplate a future without Dorothea in it, and she placed her hand over the hand Stephen had dropped to her thigh as her voice quavered.

 Stephen understood now why the old woman was keeping her distance while showing up at the big events on the calendar. He also understood now why she had been spending so much time with Charles and Sera, who had been protecting her and cared for her. Despite her little girl persona, Stephen knew first hand that Sera was a trained emergency nurse who could handle any crisis with professionalism and efficiency.

 Pulling into the car park and turning off the engine he sat back in his seat. "Thank you for trusting me and being so honest. You are right secrets can warp and twist even with the best of intentions. I won't betray that trust," he said stiffly. "I want to but I won't," He reassured Bella. "Come little one, it's been a long day, and you need some rest." His plans of having her kneel at his feet and questioning her about Dorothea having evaporated with her confession. Now he just wanted to hold her and tell her everything was going to be alright except he knew, in this case, it wasn't. 

 They went up to her apartment, and he smiled as she undressed hanging the gown in her closet and storing the pearls in the lacquered box on her dresser. Unbuttoning his shirt and shrugging it off he followed her into the bathroom and took a new toothbrush from the draw joining her at the twin basins. Bella watched him in the mirror thinking it was so strange to be doing these normal things with a Master. She couldn't think of another time one had stood with her like this preparing for bed.

 Climbing into bed, Stephen pulled her toward him and kissed her. He rarely slept more than an hour or two each night, but he had no intention of letting Bella go yet. He kissed her running a hand down the length of her body before sliding it around her hip to cup her ass. 

 She smiled into his kisses and squirmed against him enjoying the softer side of him. She nuzzled into his neck and whispered, "How may I serve you tonight, my Lord?" her hand trailed down his torso to his cock and she felt it twitch under her hand.

 "Cheeky little wench," he growled smacking her ass. "I was in two minds as whether to punish you or reward you so I will do both," he threw off the covers and rolled to his back taking her with him. He pushed her up to sit on his cock, and she ground her cunt down onto him. He smirked slapping her ass again, then lifting her hips and positioning his cock so she could grind down onto it properly. "Fuck me," he commanded and slapped her ass hard making her squeal delightfully and begin to move over him. With some encouragement from his smacks to her ass, she got into a steady rhythm, and he moved his hands to her breasts alternately slapping them and pinching and twisting her nipples as he pulled them out from her body to make her whimper loudly. 

 Bella felt the thrill of being allowed to fuck him even as each slap to her ass reminded her of his dominance. The warmth of the pleasurable pain filled not only her ass but her cunt as well as she rode his sizable cock. When his hands transferred their attentions to her breasts, she felt the butterflies in her stomach, and her limbs begin to quiver as she drove higher towards her climax. Here in her soft bed without any of the torturous equipment of his dungeon or the playroom, she was rapidly scaling the heady heights of her need for release and her need for him. 

 Her rhythm faltered, and she felt him take hold of her hips and buck up into her hard until she began to come letting her grind down over him and massage her clit against the hard muscles of his pelvis.

 He gritted his teeth trying to hold back his climax staying perfectly still below her and watching the beautiful sight of the woman he loved trembling in ecstasy at the end of his cock. He gave her a moment more then picked her up using her hips as leverage and pushed her down the bed widening his legs to accommodate her. 

 "Clean your mess needy slut," he growled wrapping a hand into her hair and guiding her head to his groin. She began lapping at his thighs and then his balls driving him nearly crazy with desire by the time she put her lips to the head of his cock and began to suck him slowly rolling and fluttering her tongue to tease him all the more. Unable to remain passive any longer he tightened his grip on her hair and began to force her mouth up and down his cock as a faster pace. Feeling her swallow around his deep thrusts, he began to buck his hips, and he pushed her head down over him. 

 "Swallow. It. All." He growled on each thrust as he filled her mouth with cum and groaned loudly as she sucked him dry and continued to suck long after he had stopped coming making it almost painful to keep his cock lodged in her mouth. Pulling her mouth from his cock with a satisfying pop he dragged her up the bed and rolled her to her back pinning her down with her arms above her head and gazed at her with hard eyes. 

 "There are things I have been longing to do with you, my little fuck toy that only a true pain whore would enjoy," he growled, transferring her hands to hone of his larger ones and raking his nails down the side of her throat and over her breast squeezing it to elicit a whimper. "It is difficult not to indulge in them all right now, but you must sleep, or you will be no good to me at all," he smirked and flicked her nipple before releasing her and pulling her into his body to spoon. 

 "Thank you, my Lord," she smiled and squirmed happily into the curve of his much larger body.

 "If you think being cheeky will get you another spanking tonight you are wrong," he murmured into her ear and kissed her shoulder. "I will save up all these moments during the week and punish you in the dungeon for each one."

 "As you wish," she paused before adding, "My Lord."

 "Pain whore," he chuckled

 "Yes, my Lord," she agreed and content in the arms of Stephen she drifted off to sleep.



Possessing Bella Ch. 25



 Authors Note: Due to the timing of the completion of this series, this chapter has not, as yet, been through the careful hands of my wonderful proof-reader and friend AisieLynn. I will endeavour to replace it as she has time to work on it for me. I hope you will forgive my eagerness to bring you the conclusion to this long running series and bear with the few bumps in the writing. ~ellie. 

 Possessing Bella Ch.25

 Bella woke to find herself pulled closely into Stephen's arms and his worried expression hovering over her in the dark. She no longer felt the need to apologise or explain, and she smiled stroking his cheek and accepting the soft kiss of relief he offered her. The nightmares had become more frequent as Mel's memorial approached, and she was grateful to have the warmth and love of the man beside her. She snuggled into his chest relaxing as he stroked her back. She was beyond happy; she couldn't believe how good her life with Stephen had become.

 The agreement they had entered into had been surprising to Bella at first. While Stephen demanded the respect and power due to him in a dominant-submissive relationship, he was also relaxed within the confines of their relationship. As if the constant concern that she would choose to keep another's collar had disappeared and allowed him to show her a side of him that was usually reserved for those he was intimate with. She realised she had only briefly caught glimpses of the softer side of him in the past as he watched over her training and helped her navigate the pitfalls and dangers of living within this lifestyle as a single woman. 

 Each day he was there when she woke and he left for work as early as she did, travelling down to the cove for the mornings and returning to work from the office in her apartment or his office in the club in the afternoons. While he lectured her about burning the candle at both ends, he seemed to understand her drive where her career was concerned and gave her a lot of independence about how late she needed to work except on Fridays. The weekends belonged to the Lord of the Cove. They drove down on Friday evening and came back on Sunday evenings, in which time they slept very little and played very hard between hosting their friends. She smiled at the constant stream of people who visited the Cove on a Sunday.

 With Rob's return to the club full-time since Mel's death, much of what had been Stephen's role had been handed over to him as the owner. Mel had trusted Stephen completely during the time that Rob had been reclusive and when he had returned it had been difficult to define new boundaries between them. As Stephen took on the role of Bella's watcher Rob assumed even more, of the general managers role enjoying the challenge of updating and renewing certain aspects of the club.

 With Stephen's help, Theo was now training another manager to lighten his load further, and he had negotiated his withdrawal from working weekends at the club with the proviso that he would be available for the large events and holidays throughout the year. Stephen remained a major presence from Sunday to Thursday, but he made his own hours, usually while Bella was either still at work or asleep. Bella herself worked with Rob and the club managers two nights a week finding that she enjoyed the hostess role in the restaurant where she could meet and greet everyone and socialise with her friends.

 The Abbey at the Cove had rapidly become a much bigger part of their lives than the club had been, at least for Bella. She enjoyed the expanding group of friends who came often on Sundays for lunch and to inspect the renovation as it progressed. Arek was a constant presence as he worked on the landscaping of the huge grounds. He and Stephen bickered and teased each other like brothers and she wondered at the often about their friendship and the slight tension that ebbed and flowed between them. They were competitive with each other to the point of being aggressive at times and Bella often wondered why they would choose to spend so much time together.

 She and Stephen had become a couple in the true sense of the word and Bella was amazed at how easily they were able to slide in and out of each area of their lives. She belonged to him heart and soul now and after the memorial when she had said her last goodbye and thanked Mel and his friends for all they had done for her she would beg his collar. She had been planning git in her head for the last few weeks and wanted the moment to be perfect.

 She smiled acknowledging how different she felt about begging for Stephen's collar now compared to when she had begged for Mel's. She had been excited by the new world Mel offered her and also terrified of it and him. She had lived in a constant state of confused bliss then and while she admitted that she had loved him, it paled in comparison to the relationship she had with Stephen now. 

 "I can hear you thinking again," Stephen chuckled and smacked her ass lightly. "It will be time to get up soon anyway so talk to me about what is going on in that busy little brain of yours."

 Bella turned her head to look at the clock and sighed softly. She leant up on one arm and ran her other hand over his chest. Would it make a difference if she told him that she wanted his collar, the real tangible one, now rather than after the memorial she wondered chewing her lip as she looked at him? He knew how she felt about him now. Their relationship had evolved and deepened rapidly into so much more than she expected. She knew she wasn't just a possession to him or a toy to be played with, why shouldn't she tell him that she was ready to commit to a future with him now rather than in a few days when she could be accused of being emotional and acting on that alone.

 "Talk to me," Stephen said propping himself up on several pillows to half sit and pull her into his arms again. "The dream was bad?" he asked. He had been dreading the memorial and its effect on her. He dreaded losing her again to the dark pain that had crippled her for long.

 "I was thinking about Mel again," she began quietly. This wasn't the perfect time or place she had planned in her mind but she tried to find the right words to say what she needed to in the best way to help him to understand that she was ready to beg his collar and that it wasn't a reaction to the dream or the memorial preparations. "I'd known him most of my life, he was familiar and I trusted him because of that. He gave me a choice to beg for his collar but he admitted to me while we were in Italy that he wouldn't have accepted it if I had said no. He pushed me to accept it. I'm not sure I realised it at the time but I can look back and see now that I was thrilled and excited by what he had shown the naïve girl I was then but I was also terrified and that's why I ran from him so often." Bella sat up looking directly at Stephen, wanting him to understand how differently she felt now.

 "I mean I loved him, I truly did. He told me how much he needed me, wanted me, how special I was," her voice died off. "I think I needed that from him, to know that he loved me and wanted me so much. I'd never felt that sort of obsessive desire before though and as much as I was excited by it, he also terrified me." She said guiltily. "In the end, my excitement and curiosity about the lifestyle, a place where I could fit in and be myself are what made me beg his collar. I wanted to learn it all and experience everything he offered me."

 Stephen frowned but said nothing. He had known little of Bella before he had become her watcher down at the beach house during her recovery. The little he did know had come entirely from Mel himself. He listened as she continued to speak enjoying her honesty about what she was feeling about the upcoming memorial.

 "He seemed to know what I needed and wanted instinctively and it was very overwhelming. I found myself doing things I would never have done without his pushing me to it. That first week before I took his collar was a type of introduction to this lifestyle. A week, that was it and I had to choose between Mel, the lifestyle my career everything I had at that time or return home to my parents having failed to make it in the city," she said softly. "It was a strange time and I was so confused about everything except that I wanted to know more, do more and understand more and I loved him or thought I did."

 "Your reaction after his death tells of how much you loved him," Stephen said becoming angry with Mel, what he did to her was against everything they preached to the new Masters at the club. Still he had known her for most of her life and perhaps there was more to what he did than she realised, it was a difficult time for her he acknowledged.

 "Yes, she admitted I did love him. I am not sure I understood then what real love was, though. Love shouldn't make you feel scared or forced to perform. Love even between a dominant and submissive should still be caring and safe and honest and even tender," she looked up at him. "I'm not saying this at all the way I planned in my head." She chewed her lip disappointed that she had made of mess of it.

 "Sometimes talking is the best way to work through things. With Mel's memorial only days away it's understandable that all of these feelings are coming to the surface. You loved him deeply it's okay to be confused and uncertain right now," he stroked her hair.

 "That's just it. I've never been more certain or clear-headed about anything," she turned to look at him taking in his handsome face. "I love you. I love our life here, and at the Cove. I love that we both have demanding careers and manage to make it work. I love that you listen to me when I waffle on about the silly things that run through my mind. I love that I never knew that love could feel this way until you showed me," she took a breath enjoying his startled expression. "I would love to wear your collar if you would still offer it to me." She finished lamely. 

 Stephen stared at her for a long moment, and she chewed her lip nervously. He wasn't sure he had heard her properly and he was too stunned to risk asking her to repeat it in case he had heard her incorrectly.

 "I know I should have said that kneeling at your feet and begging fervently for you to accept me but once I started talking," she shrugged and shook her head. "I had planned to wait until after the memorial," she said quietly.

 "I love you too," he said pulling her to him and kissing her softly. "Stay exactly where you are he commanded nestling her head on his shoulder and picking up his phone.

 "Nothing's wrong," Stephen smiled into the phone. "Why would I worry about the time when I know you don't sleep," he chuckled as Kurt slowly calmed down. "I need Bella to have the day off, it's important. I'll fill you in at the club tonight," He paused listening as Kurt brought up her schedule on his tablet and agreed to the day off while frowning at Bella as she gasped in shock. "Great tell Rhys I'll owe him one for covering for her, thanks." He hung up the phone and grinned down at Bella. "You and I are playing hooky today, get up and get dressed we have a lot to do."

 "The sun isn't even up," she nuzzled into his neck confused by his sudden need to get up and move when he hadn't answered her. 

 "Not a good way to start after begging my collar, lucky I didn't just agree if this is the sort of behaviour I can expect." He smacked her ass but couldn't hide the grin on his face. "Now up and shower and wear that dress your mother gave you when you got your car. We're going to take it for a drive."

 Bella got up and went to shower considering what had just happened. Had she messed it up so badly he was about to be punished? Maybe h just wanted to take her to the Cove and have her beg him properly. Several thoughts ran through her head but he kept urging her to hurry and she quickly got ready to leave.

 An hour later after a hurried breakfast, they were on the road with Stephen in the passenger's seat content to let Bella drive while he made a few calls. Bella loved her Sunbeam and was always disappointed that she didn't get to drive it more often. At such an early hour of the morning, the traffic was light and she made the trip in record time.

 "Did you wear your lead boots this morning?" Stephen laughed as he got out of the car and put his arm around her waist pulling her close.

 "It not exciting unless you play a little with the speed limit," she blushed. "I just love driving that car."

 "You love a lot of things I have noticed, I am glad that I am one of them," he kissed her lightly and then hurried her through the abbey to his tower thankfully not meeting anyone along the way. Now that Anissa and Thomas had moved into the farmhouse and the workers were now housed in that part of the estate he and Bella had the living areas of his home to themselves mostly. The rooms closer to the main house would be used by staff in the future, when the guest rooms were finished and available to people wishing to stay but, for now, they lay empty.

 "I had always imagined that if you begged for my collar that you wold ask me here, in the great hall or the garden, maybe even on the rooftop at sunset," Stephen said as they descended the stairs to the dungeon. "You took me by surprise this morning, and that is not an easy thing to accomplish," he chuckled lightly unable to stop smiling despite himself. "It never occurred to me that you would present yourself with sleep-tussled hair and wrinkled sheets covering your beautiful body while offering it to me."

 "I'm sorry," Bella blushed and allowed him to help her remove the dress. "I wasn't thinking about that part of it at all."

 "I realise that you had not planned it that way or at that time but it gives me the opportunity to bring you here, to my domain and have you beg me properly," he said. He turned and went to sit in the large wooden throne-like chair that dominated one corner of the room. Bella watched as he removed the arm from one side and withdrew several boxes, one long and thin and she smiled realising why he had not answered her back at the apartment and felt silly expecting him to just produce a collar on the spur of the moment in her bedroom. Sitting in the large chair, he looked bigger and more imposing than ever and she walked slowly to stand before him and sink into a kneeling position.

 "This is what you asked for so eloquently earlier," he opened the case and held it before her. Small gold ingots barely an inch in length, were held together by small rings at each corner to form the chain of the collar. On the central ingot standing out in platinum relief were the crossed swords of his crest behind a stylised heart shape sculpted to perfection. Each of the other slim ingots were finely engraved with similar images but included floral decorations as well. It was beautiful and Bella looked up considering the man who offered it to her. A man she had come to love as she had no other.

 Bella, having made the decision sometime before that she would beg his collar, even if she hadn't planned to do it quite as soon as this. In preparation, she had sought out the quote she had used the first time when she begged Mel's collar. Diane had given it to her then and she liked it even more now. She had changed a few bits to make it fit her new love and she willed herself to start speaking as she gazed from the collar up to Stephen's face. He had stopped smiling and seemed to be considering her seriously as she took long moments to gather her scattered thoughts.

 "Loving someone as I do you is not just about what is going on in my heart but my mind as well. I can see clearly how our life is now and how it will be in the future. I accept and want that and everything that comes with it. I will be true to you, whatever the pain, because not loving you would be a pain much greater," she paused and swallowed nervously as she voiced her choice to be his.

 "I choose a man who compels my strength and makes enormous demands on me. I choose one who does not doubt my courage or my toughness or, believe me, naive or innocent. I choose a man who has the courage to treat me like a woman." Her voice started to break in her anxiousness to speak with her heart as well as her head. "I accept and understand who you are and what you ask of me and I offer you the gift of my submission and trust you to cherish it and hold it close to your heart. May I please wear your collar My Lord to show all others that I belong to and with you always."

 "I am not such a fool as to wait for a second longer," Stephens smile appeared again and he took the collar from its box and secured it about her throat. "Mine," he growled deeply and pulled her up by the collar kissing her fiercely. Here was the perfect place and with the sight and sound of her in his dungeon, begging his collar he gave rise to his dark need to dominate her right there and then. He pushed her back from him catching her by the collar alone, trusting in the maker for its strength. "That is not the only jewellery you will wear for me today," he dragged her behind him to a bench on the far wall and opened a drawer taking out a glittering gold chain. 

 "You chose this, you begged for this life because you are a pain whore, a fuck toy and you want to serve my sadistic needs," he said darkly pushing her back onto the bench to lie at his waist height looking up at him. Hold onto the legs of the bench with both hands and do not let go," he instructed as he pinched her nipples hard, twisting them painfully to hear her whimper and yelp. "You knew what serving me would entail, and still you embraced it and begged for it," he continued to speak as he clamped both of her nipples with the gold chain. 

 "Yes, My Lord," she whimpered feeling her eyes well with tears already as she felt his hand force her legs wider and after a moment of fondling the cold metal of the clamp surround her clit. She cried out and blinked the first tears to her cheeks, and he yanked on the chain to test the firmness of the clamps. 

 "Fuck," he groaned and pulled her from the bench to kneel at his feet. Freeing his cock he tangled his fingers in her hair and brought her face to it giving her no time to play or worship it as he normally did he pushed it into her mouth eager for the release that had been building since they had woken up that morning. He stared down at her turned on all the more by the tears and drool that fell from her face as she gurgled trying to keep up with his thrusts into her mouth. He went deep and held her head tight to his pelvis until she bucked with the need for air and pulled her off his cock reefing her head back to look down into her face as she gulped in large breaths. The sight of her messy and tear streaked undid him and he fisted his cock unloading jets of cum onto her face to mix with the tears and drool.

 Using one hand still tangled in her hair, he pulled her to her feet and released the clamp on her clit making her howl for him as he quickly shoved two fingers into her slippery wet cunt. She shook in her need as he pumped his fingers roughly in and out of her.

 "Beg me," he growled, "beg to cum on my hand."

 "Oh god," she sobbed breathlessly, "Please let me cum, I'm a whore, a slut a fuck toy anything you want, please My Lord, I need to cum," she begged her body shaking with her need. 

 "Come then pain whore," he rammed his fingers into her hard and held tight to her hair as she arched and jerked in an erotic dance on his hand. When she had almost stopped shaking so hard, he grinned and pulled his hand from her wiping it over her belly and under her breasts roughly knocking the clamps still holding to the soft pink buds tightly.

 Looking into her wet messy face, his still erect cock harden impossibly, and he dragged her through the crowded dungeon to the stocks and placed her head and arms securely into the padded holes then kicked her feet apart. His belt whistled through the loops of his jeans and immediately cracked against her ass. Kicking off his jeans and freeing his cock entirely he used the belt twice more while lubing his cock. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 25



He eased his cock into her ass slowly, while he enjoyed her pain he didn't want to damage her beyond repair. Once fully embedded he gave a few slow thrusts before leaning forward to unclamp her nipples and begin to fuck her hard. Turned on by the sight and sounds she made he held tightly to her hips and fucked her hard so she would feel it for the rest of the day along with the bright red welts across the cheeks of her ass.

 As he felt his climax approaching he curled a hand around her hip and teased her bruised and swollen clit to bring her to climax as he withdrew and emptied his cum all over her back and ass. Perfect he muttered as he flipped open the cross bar on the stocks and let her collapse to the floor with him. 

 They lay there for some time before he groaned and got to his feet pulling her up beside him. "You are so beautiful like this," he ran a finger over a wet track on her cheek. "You are the most amazing woman I have ever known. You are every inch as much a lady as you are a needy slut and I adore you." He smiled softly his hands gently gliding over her breasts. "While I think you look delectable like this, I am not sure the greater public is ready for this look just yet," he grinned. "Go up and shower, I will clean up and be up there in a minute," he smiled. 

 "Thank you, my lord," Bella said softly and started up the winding staircase filled with the pleasure of being his for now and always.

 "We have a lot of distance to cover today so you will need to be faster than that," he said catching up to her as she reached the upper level of his bedroom and bathroom and smacking her ass.

 *****

 "Why are we here again?" Bella asked pulling into her parent's driveway. They had arrived back from their trip a few days before to support her at the memorial for Mel. 

 "I forgot to give your father back his keys," Stephen said easily. "Don't worry so much I am hardly going to tell them I have collared their daughter and plan to use her as my personal sex slave," He chuckled at the wide-eyed expression she turned on him.

 "Bella baby," Rosie came bustling out of the house opening her arms before Bella could even get out of the car. "It's so good to see you I know we just saw you but it feels like too long already. Have you eaten, it's passed lunch time?" she barely paused before answering her question. "No, of course, you haven't come inside I have made something nice for lunch," she wrapped her arm around Bella's waist taking her inside. "You too Stephen, a big man like you, needs to eat," she said decisively.

 "Let the man get out of the car first Rosie," Joe chided her and offered Stephen, his hand. "Good to see you again. Unexpected but good," he tilted his head in an inquiring way.

 "We can talk after lunch," Stephen said easily. "Oh and I forgot to return your keys to you, they came in handy, thank you."

 "Hang on to them, it's good to know there is a spare set where Bella can find them if she needs," Joe waved away the keys. He liked Stephen and trusted him to do the right thing with both the keys and his daughter. "I just got a new toy for the shed. I don't suppose you'd have the time to look it over with me after lunch?" Joe invited hopefully.

 "Maybe just a quick look," Stephen chuckled, "We are just doing a flying visit that happily coincided with lunch. I'm starving," he said as he entered the kitchen much to Rosie's delight.

 They chatted about the trip to Italy and Bella's business as Rosie fed them with oversized portions of lasagne. Once they had finished eating Rosie began clearing the table, and Stephen stopped her clearing his throat nervously.

 "If you could leave that for just a moment, please Rosie," again he cleared his throat. 

 Bella had never seen Stephen nervous before or heard him clear his throat in such a way. He was always quietly confident in everything he did, and she looked at him curiously while her mother sat back down at the table.

 "Bella has given me a reason to believe, hope might be a better word, that she would accept a proposal from me, and I would like to ask your blessing," he cleared his through again. "What I mean to say, Joe, is could I please have your daughters hand in marriage," he placed a small ring sized box on the table.

 Joe looked at his daughter, surprise and shock written all over her face. "Bella," he said and when she didn't turn to look at him, he tried again. "Bella?" he touched her arm lightly, and she turned her stunned look on him. "is this something you want?"

 Bella nodded having no words. This was the last thing she had expected today, girls like her didn't get married they got collared, she was speechless. "I do, I really think I do," she said breathlessly.

 "That's good enough for me," Joe said leaning back in his chair happily, "What do you think Rosie?"

 "Oh," she dabbed at her eyes emotionally. "My baby's getting married," she waved her hands as if to fan herself.

 Clearing his throat yet again, Stephen stood and moved around the table to where Bella sat and turned her chair to face him. Getting down on one knee he looked into her eyes and asked softly, "Bella Lucia Biancotti, will you marry me?" He opened the small box he held displaying a beautiful diamond engagement ring.

 "I never dreamed... I didn't think... Yes," she said finally through her swirling emotions. "Yes, I will marry you." Stephen wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly.

 "Oh Joe," Rosie sobbed dabbing at her eyes with a napkin, "he's such a nice boy."

 "This will be the only time you find me on my knees at your feet," Stephen murmured into her ear making her giggle.

 "We'll have the engagement party here just like we did with our anniversary," Rosie said excitedly. "You men go and tinker with that silly car and Bella and I can work out the details," she shooed the men out to the shed and asked Bella to help her clear the table. 

 "Don't get carried away my love, I am sure they have their friends and Stephen's family to consider, and we are a long way from the city," Joe warned in a stern voice.

 "I thought that the old abbey down near Sanctuary Cove might be a good spot for the wedding, but it would work for an engagement party if you have your heart set on one," Stephen suggested smiling at Rosie.

 "I know the place, it was a bit run down the last time I went past it, a few years ago now," Joe frowned trying to remember something important about the Abbey.

 "Its undergoing big renovations, I believe that its main drawcard will be to host weddings and the like, it's quite beautiful down there looking over the cliffs, especially at sunset," Stephen tried to allay Joe's worries. "Why don't you drive down and have a look sometime."

 "Sure I'll contact the owner, see if he minds," Joe agreed still trying to remember why the abbey seemed so familiar.

 "No need just give me a call, I'm available most days to show you around the abbey," Stephen said helpfully.

 "Ah yes, that's it, I forgot, the Abbey of the Cove or the Brotherhood of the Cove," he rubbed his head still suffering from jet lag days after the big flight home. "Bella isn't that where...," he bit off he words realising too late the connection between the abbey and the charity Bella wanted to support anonymously. "Right," he nodded as it all came back to him a fraction too late, "You own that place don't you? I'm sorry still suffering a bit of jet lag I'm afraid," Joe tried to recover from his gaffe.

 "I see," Stephen said looking at Bella with a raised eyebrow. 

 "Vince left me so much, and I didn't want or need it, so I had Dad make donations to several charities I knew did good work," she said quietly. "He looked into each one and made the donations anonymously so that I was wasn't pursued for further donations by all of the charities I chose. Yours was one of them." She admitted honestly. 

 "In that case I would be doubly interested in having you come down and look around at the work we do there," Stephen wasn't sure how he felt about the fact that she had not told him about this earlier and possibly wouldn't have if Joe had not accidently mentioned it. "I am there most mornings or Bella and I often travel down on the weekends if that is easier for you," he added.

 "Not this weekend," Bella added quickly seeing her mother about to seize on the opportunity to see more of her daughter. "We have booked you into that hotel you stayed in the last time Stephen invited you to the city."

 "Oh I thought we would stay with you again like last time," Rosie said crestfallen. "You will need us close on such a sad occasion." She closed the distance between them hugging Bella to her.

 "Now, now, my love," Joe said sternly, "She has someone who loves her to look after her when it is over. It is enough that we will be there."

 "I will be fine Mum," Bella smiled at the familiar phrase her father used often on her emotional mother and felt her mother disengage the crushing embrace. "I am expected to attend a private wake after the memorial held by some of his business associates, and I don't want you cooped up in my apartment with nothing to do but clean out my closet or something."

 "We had a very romantic evening the last time we stayed in that hotel," Joe winked at his wife who giggled and blushed. 

 "Go on to the shed, then you two and let us clean up this mess," Rosie began picking up plates from the table her flushed face reminding Stephen of Bella's constant blushing and making him smile with affection for the older woman.

 "You're a lucky man Joe," Stephen clapped him on the shoulder, "I can see where Bella gets her beauty from."

 "Funny, I was about to tell you how lucky you were," Joe laughed and led the way to his shed.

 They stayed another hour at her childhood home in which time she and her mother marvelled at her ring time and time again and talked about possible ideas for an engagement party. They left in a flurry of hugs and kisses and promised to spend at least a small amount of time together before the memorial.

 Bella began driving back to the city but each time Bella moved her hand she stared in wonder at the ring nestled on her finger. Girls like me don't get engagement rings she kept saying to herself thinking of the gold collar that now lay about her neck. Distracted beyond belief after the first few kilometres by the diamond catching the sun and glittering brightly as she gripped the steering wheel she pulled over at a small service station.

 "Could you drive please, Sir Stephen?" she asked quietly preferring to let him drive her car rather than consider taking off the ring. He turned to frown at her in confusion as she undid her seatbelt. Seeing his expression she placed her hands back on the steering wheel and looked at the ring. "It's so shiny and pretty in sunlight, I can't concentrate properly on the road," she smiled softly.

 "You can take it off if you like, for the drive back, I have the box," he offered with a chuckle. "We may have to go through the collaring and engagement scene again for your guardians tonight, but the most important people needed to know first."

 "No!" she snatched her hand back from the wheel cradling it in her other hand against her chest making him chuckle louder. "Girls like me don't get rings like this. We get collars," she verbalised her thoughts. "Why?" she whispered, turning to look at him. "Why propose? I would have honoured your collar without this," she extended her hand gazing in amazement at the ring.

 "I love you," Stephen said simply, "I want to share that with our vanilla friends as much, if not more than I want to share it with the people in the lifestyle," Stephen said. Leaning over to hold her hand and twist the ring on her finger. "I want us to build a life together that includes both worlds and all that comes with it. You are correct that most girls in the lifestyle do not marry their Master's, but you might be surprised at who is married as well as collared. Did know that James married Dorothea very early on in their relationship."

 "I didn't know that," Bella said considering what he had told her.

 "I will drive back for you princess," he teased stepping out of the Sunbeam. "Do we need fuel while we are here?" He enjoyed the few occasions he had sat behind the wheel of her car. Joe was an expert restorer doing the research to identify and locate the original parts and accessories for each project he worked on. 

 As Bella sat in the passenger's seat she considered having to go through a collaring scene similar to when Mel had collared her. It seemed so long ago now and she had almost forgotten how she was introduced to Mel's friends by begging his collar in front of them, followed by her introduction to club patrons within a golden cage. She'd never seen or heard of any other collaring like that since then and she wondered what would happen tonight when they faced Rob and Kurt. By the time they pulled into the parking garage she felt almost sick with worry and she sat in the car twisting the ring on her finger while Stephen held the door open for her.

 "Come on little one," Stephen chuckled, "You can't stare at the ring all night," he chided her not understanding why she hadn't moved from the car. It was only when she looked up that he saw the worry in her eyes, and he pulled her up into his arms and walked without talking to the elevators.

 It wasn't until they got to the apartment that he spoke. "Placing her on her knees before him as he sat in a large comfortable armchair he looked at her and felt his own anxiety about the worry in her expression and the way she had been twisting the ring.

 "Tell me," he said with more of an abrupt tone than he had intended to, bringing her head up to look at him.

 "Will you want me to beg in front of everyone like Mel did and then blindfold me and put me in the cage like Mel did?" She said in a rush having thought about it for some time. 

 "No," Stephen said evenly. "Mel was a big man with a big personality. He ruled both the club and his company and had almost a rock star status amongst the lifestyle community. He and Rob had given people a safe to indulge their lifestyle and their fantasies, and he was to most people larger than life. When he finally took a girl for his own it was a big deal and being the showman he was; he gave them a show." Stephen said and watched as she chewed her lip thinking about what he said but sensing that she was still worried he continued.

 "I have never invited such scrutiny of my personal life. I enjoy having my home and friends far removed from the club and its regular patrons. Had I not taken you there I doubt even Rob would have looked at the Abbey close enough to know what I did there," he said considering it as he spoke. "We might need the formality of re-enacting your collaring for Rob and Kurt because they are your guardians and their roles in your life will change now and it is the right thing to do, just as asking your parents' consent to marry you was the right thing to do. Old fashioned maybe but the right thing non-the-less."

 "I understand," Bella seemed to finally let some of her anxiousness go and smile at him. "I think it would also be the right thing if we told Dorothea before the rest of our friends," she said thoughtfully.

 "I agree," he said checking his watch but not elaborating. "Now you have about thirty minutes to get ready. 

 "Yes, my Lord," she stood and hurried to her bedroom. She stood in front of her closet considering all the clothes she owned. Stephens preference for corsetry narrowed her choice somewhat but she wanted to look particularly lovely for him tonight and she rifled through several things. She pulled out a cream coloured corset made of a shimmering translucent material, the whalebone partially hidden by strategic beading. With it were a matching beaded G-string and a diaphanous skirt that wrapped around to secure in the from where it was as short as a micro-mini but cascade around her thighs to be almost full length at the back.

 Once she was ready, she looked at herself in the mirror and wondered if the outfit was too over the top for a weeknight at the club. It was too late to do anything about it now she thought and went out into the living room where Stephen waited. He too had changed and looked elegantly handsome in his black shirt and tie. He had traded his usual suit pants for leather and Bella quivered longing to touch them as he stood to approach her. Feeling less worried about being over-dressed she stood still as Stephen tightened the lacing of her corset to his liking and murmured in her ear, "You look beautiful my little princess of pain," and squeezed the bare cheek of her ass beneath the fall of silk until she whimpered softly.

 Stephen groaned and stepped back leading her from the apartment and down to the club. He knew Kurt had already arrived and that Dorothea had also arrived for an early dinner with Charles and Sera. They girls in the foyer had texted him after each arrival as requested and even though he knew he had their approval he did not like being in the spotlight as he knew he would be tonight with the news that he had collared Bella. He called Theo as the entered the elevator.

 "Could you have Mrs Brown meet Rob and Kurt in his office? I will be there in less than a minute," he said stiffly in his deep bass making Bella look up at him. 

 "Dorothea is here?" Bella squeaked in happy surprise.

 "It is only right," he smirked repeating her words back at her.

 They walked into Rob's office, having quickly passed through the foyer and salon bar to find Kurt fussing over Dorothea. He had taken the news of her condition worse than anyone had expected and when he had tried to insist that she have the surgery and possibly prolong her life he had met with disapproval from everyone else who defended her right to choose her fate.

 "Bella has begged my collar, and I have taken her as my own," Stephen said without preamble, neither asking their permission nor inviting any argument.

 "Well it's about fucking time," Rob said leaning back in his chair. "You'll understand that we need to hear it from her, though, formality and all being her guardians." He chuckled. "Kurt stop fussing like an old man and get over here," he grumbled.

 "Seriously," Kurt said in a dry voice, "Fussing like an old man? You couldn't have come up with a better insult that that?"

 "Well I could, but I didn't want to offend Dorothea," Rob smirked sheepishly.

 "Alright let's hear it, little one," Kurt looked at her expectantly. "Why did you finally beg the big oaf's collar?

 Bella burst into a fit giggles, taken aback by the jocular mood after worrying about the event so much all afternoon. She contemplated what she wanted to say as she had that morning and now faced with a more informal discussion rather than having to re-enact the begging process she couldn't find the words. 

 "I loved Mel," she began, "but I think I was more in love with who he was and this new world that he wanted to share with me. We had such a short time together as a couple that we never got to explore those other things that deepening feelings beyond that initial attraction. I think coming up to the memorial that I realised that the love I felt for Mel though very real was based on the adrenaline I felt when I was with him. It was such a fast-paced thing fuelled by excitement and fear." She paused and swallowed being as honest with them as she was with Stephen when they lay in bed talking in the dark of the early morning.

 "I am not sure I understood then what real love was then. Love shouldn't make you feel scared or forced to perform. I have never once considered running away from Stephen as I did so often back then." She blushed deeply but carried on regardless.




Possessing Bella Ch. 25



"I love him," she said simply. "I love our life here, and at the Cove. I love that we both have demanding careers and manage to make it work. I love that he listens to the silly things that run through my mind and takes them seriously, even acts on them," she turned to face Dorothea, "Like having you here for this." She smiled, "I want this, I know the timing is bad with the memorial, but I am not acting on impulse or emotion about that. I'm am surer than I have been about anything since, well for a long time." She touched the collar at her throat and smiled. "I am ready to commit to this and a life with Sir Stephen."

 "Good enough for me, but," Rob said with a grin, "You know there is always a but," he chuckled.

 "As your guardians," Kurt continued for him, "It is our place to protect you from gold diggers and scoundrels like the good Sir Stephen so we will need to have a longer conversation about your portfolio, particularly in light of that rock you have attached to your finger."

 "Well fuck me," Rob whistled. "Nice pick up there." He congratulated Kurt.

 "My god when did you two morph into Tweedledee and Tweedledum," Dorothea exclaimed and stood up going to Bella and hugging her. "I am so happy for you, let me see the ring!"

 Stephen had said nothing during the whole exchange, but when Bella looked up at him, he wore a smile and did not seem unhappy about being called a scoundrel by Kurt.

 "You've done well, Sir Stephen. Congratulation," Dorothea said with feeling as she moved to embrace him as well.

 "I thought so," Stephen chuckled. Reaching out a long arm and pulling Bella to his side. "Why don't you two beautiful ladies go and ask Charles to order some champagne to celebrate while I make sure Tweedledum and Tweedledumber spell Gold-digging scoundrel right on the prenup," he laughed. 

 "That's a bit unfair," Rob said with a smirk, "Come here little Brat." He held out his arms to her. "I couldn't be happier for you." He pulled her into his lap and kissed her. Kurt too picked her up and embraced her tightly.

 "You realise how many girls will want one of those now too," he picked up her hand and looked at the ring she wore. 

 "Let's go order that champagne so the men can talk about how lucky Sir Stephen is," Dorothea took her hand and the went out into the restaurant.

 Bella and Stephen remained in the restaurant all evening entertaining a variety of guests who sat with them at times including most of the stakeholders and their girls who oohed over her collar and ring. By the time, Stephen finally took her upstairs to bed she was exhausted and fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

 Stephen stroked her hair back from her face revealing his collar and smiled. This girl was everything he had ever wanted in a submissive and life partner. She was his world and if they could get through the memorial, this weekend he knew that everything else would be plain sailing. 

 *****

 Bella sat quietly between Stephen and her father in the front row of the memorial for Mel. The event was held in the function room of the Marcol building and was attended by invited guests only. While the crowd was quite large, there was also an intimacy in the room because of a shared need to acknowledge the man who had left such a legacy in his wake. Right up until the moment, she stepped onto the stage Bella had not known if she would speak at the memorial. She hadn't felt brave enough or worthy enough to face the people who knew him so well, loved him and respected him. It was as she listened to one after another of his friends and associates speak of the tragic accident that she decided to tell her story.

 Standing before the sea of faces she smiled shyly. "I would firstly like to publically acknowledge that without the strength and kindness of one man here today, I may not have been here myself. I hope that at some time in those dark days follow the incident that I thanked him properly but here and now I would like my family and friends to know what Leon Watt did for me and thank him for being there when no one else could have been." She paused and a rippled murmur of surprise ran through the crowd and smiled at the man who obviously shared their surprise at her words.

 "As I have listened to so many people today I realise that there is little understanding of the actions of some very brave men, so I have decided to tell you my story, and if Leon wouldn't mind, I could use his support again right now." She looked at him and seemingly unsure of himself he stood and made his way onto the stage. He stood partially behind her, close enough that she could feel him there and placed a hand on her shoulder.

 "I know that it is easier to refer to Mel's death as an accident, I use the word incident more often than not but it is time we acknowledge that his death was no accident. It was murder. Premeditated and vengeful murder." Bella began with what had caused her to stand up on the stage in the first place.

 "I cannot say exactly what led to the cold-blooded shooting that occurred on that lonely road a year ago only that it occurred unexpectedly for Mel. A tree had come down on the road and Tony our driver had stopped the car as we came around a bend and almost crashed into it. I didn't understand what the noise was when Mel dove over me and pushed me to the floor of the car shielding me with his body. I didn't understand why I was wet and sticky with blood but felt o pain. I couldn't fathom why Mel wasn't moving, even when Tony had opened the door with his gun in his hand and told me to stay down. I know now I was in shock and the heroic actions of both Mel and Tony, who drove for such a long time with mortal bullet wounds need to be acknowledged, for both of them acted heroically that day and saved my life." Once again she paused and looked out at the sea of faces who hung on her every word. The real story of what happened having been buried under rumour and myth for some time.

 "I had thought the muffled voice I could hear was Tony talking to Mel but he had called Leon who immediately swung into action. He was there when we got to the hospital. I remember him pulling me from the car before the doctors and nurses took me from him. I remember seeing them pull the unconscious bodies of Tony and Mel, the men who had risked everything to save me, from the car, before being wheeled inside. Through all of that, the thing I remember most is the hand that never let go of mine. Leon never left my side even when I ran like a mad woman through the hospital searching for Mel and finding him in intensive care." She swallowed and her tears glistened unshed in her eyes as she remembered that horrible sight.

 "Each time I woke from a drug-induced stupor he was there, holding my hand until Rob Collins arrived and brought me home to my family and friends. The one tangible thing I had there, this hand," she patted the hand on her shoulder, "Kept me from going insane, kept me safe and kept me alive. I am forever grateful to this man and while we are here to remember Mel, we should also celebrate those hero's among us who do amazing things every day just by being themselves, people who make a difference every day to the world around them just like Mel did, but without the fanfare."

 "I know you would have saved us all if you could have, but you saved me, and I will be eternally grateful to you for that." She turned and kissed his cheek embracing Leon. Then they walked off the stage.

 "I had no idea you felt that way," Leon said as they moved slowly back toward their seats. 

 "I know, and I am sorry it took me this long to tell you," she gave a half smile and embraced him again. "You couldn't have stopped what happened, or saved Mel but what you did for me was beyond anyone's expectations. You saved my life, and I would like us to be better friends now that I can look at what happened and not feel so afraid."

 "I would like that too," Leon smiled for the first time, his guilt over the whole incident dissipating slightly with her story. He knew that she had avoided him and he had hated the thought that she associated him with not getting to them quick enough in Italy to make a difference or that his outlandish public playboy persona at the club had caused her to think badly of him in the months following the incident.

 "I'm glad because I think my parents and maybe a few other people might want to meet you after that," she laughed lightly. "I'm am sorry that I left it until now to tell you, but I haven't been ready to think about it clearly until recently."

 At the end of the memorial Rosie and Joe did indeed seek out Leon and thanked him for his role in saving their daughter. 

 "You must come to dinner," Rosie insisted, "Tell him, Joe, he must come and eat, I will cook anything you like. I'm a good cook," she said to convince him.

 "Now, now, my love," Joe put a restraining arm around his wife's waist. "Let the man answer before bombarding him," Joe smiled and added, "Yes, I am afraid you must come to dinner."

 "I would like that," Leon agreed, "Perhaps I could come with Bella and Stephen."

 "Perfect," Rosie gushed. "I will go and see when they are available," she walked off in their direction before Joe could stop her. 

 "Tell me," Joe said conversationally as they walked toward the exit with the remains of the guests. "Do you like vintage cars?"

 "Not the old ones so much, I like cars with a bit of grunt," Leon grinned. 

 "I've just started restoring a 1967 Mustang," Joe said testing the waters.

 "Eleanor," Leon whistled.

 "I think you and I are going to be great friends," Joe laughed slapping him on the back. "You know I restored that little Sunbeam Alpine Bella drives?"

 "Very nice," Leon approved. "I wouldn't mind seeing your workshop sometime. Have you ever worked on James Bond-type car? You know gizmos for shooting flames and hidden gems in the hubcaps."

 "Oh no, not another one that likes to tinker with cars," Rosie said approaching them.

 "A man's gotta have a hobby," Leon said easily liking both Rosie and Joe very much. "We'll talk more about the Aston Martin," Leon grinned. "If you will excuse me, though, I have a wake to attend and it just wouldn't be the same without me."

 Stephen and Bella drove her parents back to their hotel before going on to the club where the wake was being held.

 "You did well today," Stephen said as they pulled into the garage of her building.

 "I was angry that they all kept calling it a tragic accident. It wasn't an accident. There was nothing accidental about it. I wanted to tell them that," Bella said softly. "In all of my dreams about it I am trapped in that car, and I keep reaching out for that hand," she continued. "I have been thinking about that hand a lot lately," she admitted. "It was time that I thanked him properly for being there."

 "You did well," Stephen repeated helping her from the car. She was surprised when Stephen took her up to her apartment rather than the club and she looked up at him inquiringly as they exited the elevator.

 "It's more of a man thing downstairs," he opened the door for her, and she was surprised to see her friends including Belinda and Gian all sitting in her living room and chatting happily.

 "Thank you, my Lord," she said quietly and kissed him. 

 "I trust you girls will all be well behaved tonight," Stephen said in a serious voice then left them to their wake while he went down to join the men in Rob's office.

 *****

 Dorothea's health continued to deteriorate and to ensure she was present for the wedding Stephen hired more tradesmen and landscapers to push ahead the restoration of his abbey in record time. It had put a substantial drain on the Abbey's finances, even with the huge donations that had come from Kurt and the company. He knew that holding events at the Abbey would make back far more than he paid out in the long run, so he forged ahead with their plans.

 Bella had cancelled the originally planned engagement party much to her mother's distress and had begun to plan a wedding. Or rather as a consolation she introduced her mother to the Wedding co-ordinator at the Abbey and allowed her mother to organise her wedding with the stipulation that she gave Bella choices and that Bella chose her own wedding dress.

 Bella was happy and despite the frantic pace of their lives, she and Stephen had made everything work for them. As Anissa had predicted, more of an overlap occurred between the Brotherhood of the cove and the Gorean men. Even Mike Millar became a frequent visitor participating in the most recent battle between the Brotherhood of the Cove and the Knights of Stowe. With the medieval festivals and battle days being such a huge success word quickly spread and as the interior renovations came to an end he hired more promotions staff to handle the traffic on the Abbey's website and promote its availability through the wedding shows and events marketing days. 

 "Are you happy?" Stephen asked as they stood on the top of his tower watching the sunset. 

 "Deliriously," Bella laughed and turned in his arms to kiss him. It was the first weekend that they had been at the cove entirely alone in some time. The Abbey's interior was now complete with the new bed and breakfast room upstairs and the domed library restored to its original glory. The entrance foyer and the grand staircase were the stuff of fairy tales and the banquet hall ceiling was festooned with ribbons and strings of lights in the shape of small candles. Every detail in the castle like Abbey had been carefully placed, and it looked exquisite, nowhere more so than the chapel.

 The original tiny chapel had been expanded and lengthened at great expense, but again Stephen knew this was for the best in the long term, the pews were original for the most part, and the others had been purchased from similarly aged buildings that were upgrading to a more modern ethos. It was the stain glass windows though that Bella adored, each one framing a pious looking medieval knight or a saintly looking young woman in flowing robes. The colours of them poured into the chapel in the afternoons and gave Bella the feeling of walking through a kaleidoscope. 

 After months of construction work, two medieval festivals and the ever present group of friends arriving on Sundays, Stephen had been frustrated in his need to be alone with his bride to be here in his home. After putting off all invitations offered or asked for by friends he had picked her up early from work and Friday afternoon and sped down to the Cove knowing that this would be their last opportunity to be alone there before the wedding and short honeymoon he had planned. He smiled as she winced while stretching up to place her arms around his neck.

 He had spent the last twenty-four hours satisfying his lust for his soon to be wife down in the dungeon and the walled garden confident that they were entirely alone. He groaned and pulled her tightly against him. 

 "Already?" she murmured rubbing against his growing cock and purring. 

 "What do you mean already? It's been at least an hour," he chided her, and she grinned. "I'm always ready when it comes to you," he bent his head to kiss her as his hands travelled over her nakedness beneath the blanket she held wrapped around her body. He swallowed the whimpers she emitted when his nails grazed over the welts lining her ass. "I am not finished with you by a long way this weekend," he grinned. "You have become far too cheeky lately, princess," 

 Stephen had begun calling her princess when they had first started living together. It had always been Pete's name for her and he enjoyed using it when she was a brat. While Pete was more than happy that his brother was marrying Princess Bella he had not wanted to return for the wedding and change his plans to see more castles. He had toured extensively in Italy and Germany with Jarod and Sophie and was about to travel to Scotland where his sister lived with her husband and children. While disappointed not to have him home for the wedding Stephen also felt some relief. He wasn't good with change and the idea behind the trip with Sophie and Jared had been to avoid any distress when Stephen started the big interior renovations he had planned and their older sister had welcomed the opportunity to have Pete live with them for a few months.

 "Okay enough torture," he said finally. "If your teeth chatter any louder I might worry that they will fall out. Let's find some food and look at the wedding stuff your mother has sent for us to approve."

 Bella stopped in their bedroom and pulled on one of Stephens shirts rolling up the sleeves and letting it hang on her like a dress. When they were alone like this, she enjoyed being able to wear the comfortable oversized shirts that seemed to please him as much as the figure hugging clothes she wore every day.

 Bella went to the kitchen and considered her options for making them something sustaining to eat. Smiling she began to peel some potatoes. They had other people cook for them so often that when they were alone, he liked to keep things simple and she had introduced him to the joys of having typically breakfast foods in the evening. They discussed the plans and last minute changes while she made chunky hash browns, eggs and toast to go with the small steaks that had been left for them by Anissa, who still maintained the residential part of the abbey until Sophie and Jarod's return this week.

 Stephen picked up the folder that had been left for them and flicked through it scanning notes left by the wedding co-ordinator and Rosie. Stephen had very strong ideas about the wedding, and it was him that had worked with Rosie on creating exactly the wedding he wanted. The only thing he had left to Bella was her dress and that of her attendants after choosing a basic colour scheme and urging her to take the medieval theme into considerations. For a man used to being very much in control of all aspects of his world, working with Rosie had been difficult and often he had invited Joe to arbitrate on his behalf rather than deal with a dramatic outburst.

 "I'm sorry about mum," Bella apologised again. When she had first cancelled the engagement party and moved the wedding to a closer date, she had offered her father an open chequebook claiming that she had more money than she could ever need or use. He had claimed that it wasn't necessary but as things blew out he understood why she had done it. Being Italian parents they wanted to give their daughter the best wedding possible, and Rosie argued constantly with Stephen over the fact that they would be paying for their daughter's wedding. His job she had informed him very early on was to take care of the bar tab and provide a wonderful honeymoon for her only child. 

 "Now that I have a few of your father's secret moves I quite like sparring with Rosie," Stephen chuckled. "They only want the best for you and luckily for me, they agree that I am the best."

 "Do they now?" Bella laughed. She loved the fact that Stephen made such a big effort with her parents and had allowed Rosie to be so involved with a wedding he had obviously planned in his head the moment she had said yes.

 "Do you think they would let you marry anyone who wasn't?" Stephen pulled her into his arms and kissed her. 

 "Let me finish cooking, my Lord," she laughed and wriggled out of his arms. While strict protocols were observed in the club and with their lifestyle friends, so much of their time was spent with people, particularly here at the cove who, while not entirely vanilla, were less formal in their approach to dominant and submissive lifestyle. There was never any doubt as to Stephen's dominance of their relationship, but Bella had been able to relax and let more of her personality shine through. 




Possessing Bella Ch. 25



Stephen watched her with a smile. Even he had been surprised by how wonderful their relationship had become once she had let go of all the fear and worry she had about serving and pleasing so many Masters. Rather than resenting the amount of time she spent at the company he appreciated her commitment and enjoyed the conversations they had over dinner about their days apart. Sex through the week though was never as satisfying as when they were here and even though they had come to eat and take a break his hunger for Bella was such that all he wanted to do right then was bend her over the bench he sat at and fuck her senseless again.

 He groaned and restrained himself secure in the knowledge that they would not be returning to the city this week. He had insisted that she take the week before the wedding and the three weeks following the wedding as leave from the company. He had been surprised when she had not attempted to voice some concerns about that the time away from her business. He flipped through the portfolio again knowing what it contained as he had monitored every aspect of the wedding ceremony and banquet. 

 They had almost finished eating when there was a loud banging on the glass doors that led to the covered patios making Stephen frown and turn toward the darkness outside. "Bloody Arek," he mumbled and rose to go and unlock the door. Arek pushed past Stephen and was followed into the room by Mike and Mark Millar, who stood either side of the big man. 

 "Don't you look adorable," Arek grinned at Bella and picked her up putting her on his shoulder and turning back to Stephen. "There is just something infinitely sexy about a girl in a man's shirt and nothing else, nice choice my friend." He smacked Bella's ass as it sat over his shoulder grinning. "Now as it I see it, you have two choices, SteelHart. You can fight off those two goons in which time I would have made away with your bride to be, or you can come and have a bucks party like every other red-blooded man and bloody well enjoy it."

 "You fuck," Stephen growled and felt a hand fall onto his shoulder and saw Arek walking with Bella to the side door.

 "So fight it is then?" he stopped and asked. 

 "You can't expect me to leave Bella here alone," Stephen growled angrily. 

 "The girls will come in as soon as we leave," Mark laughed, "We're not totally devoid of feeling."

 "Fine," Stephen grumbled, "Put her down."

 "Good choice," Arek smiled widely. He placed Bella on her feet and took the shirt from her, "You little princess have two minutes to run into that tower and find some clothes of her your own and some shoes for him." He threw the shirt she had been wearing at Stephen and popped her on the ass again pushing her toward the tower.

 "Yes Master," Bella squeaked and ran into the tower. "Thankfully Stephen had not stopped to take her luggage up to the bedroom before going down to the dungeon when they arrived the evening before, and she grabbed a dress pulling it over her head then she ran down to the dungeon grabbing their jackets and his shoes before returning out of breath to the living room. 

 "Not so fast," Arek stopped her from approaching Stephen, "I'll take those for you." He took the shoes and jacket tossing them to his friend. "She did well," he looked at his watch. "My offer of a cart full of gold for her still stands," He smirked at the fuming Stephen.

 "Save your money," Mike said lightly, "Assassins have notoriously short life spans. Given a little time, you can assert your rights as best man." He managed to keep a straight face as Stephen obviously did not see any humour in the conversation.

 "What's taking so long?" Jack asked guiding Dusty, Nyx and Tali into the abbey. 

 "Shit," Stephen cursed. He had hoped that this was just a Gorean prank and that he would be able to leave as soon as they all got too drunk to care. Seeing Jack made him realise this was a bigger party than he had thought. He had specifically said that he did not want a bachelor party. 

 "It's a rare event to have a bachelor party amongst our friends I wasn't gonna miss it," Jack laughed reading the big man's mind. "Shall we go?" Resigned to his fate, Stephen let the men escort him out into the night. 

 "We're not having much of a party tonight but tomorrow morning we will. Lincoln is bringing Dianne down, and Charles is bringing Dorothea and Sera," Nyx informed her. "They weren't allowed to come tonight, just in case," she rolled her eyes in the direction the men had walked in. "So it's just us to keep you company."

 "Just you is wonderful," Bella laughed embracing her friends. "Your dresses arrived on Friday, Mum put them up in rooms you will be staying in," she said excitedly. "Would you like to see?"

 "I'd like the grand tour first," Dusty said. "I always see you in the city I haven't been down here since the renovations."

 "Me either," Tali bounced about happily. "I mean I have been here but not had a grand tour."

 "We'll the best way to do that is to come in the front door," Bella laughed. "Follow the path around to the front and I will run through and turn on some lights and open the door for you like the lady of the house."

 "This isn't a house it's a freaking castle!" Tali exclaimed.

 The tour as it turned out took most of the night as they inspected all the detail that Stephen had put into each room. Bella commented on how the chapel windows looked in the day time and the trouble Stephen had gone to find period furnishings. When they got to the domed library upstairs, Nyx declared she was moving in and that it would be her room.

 "Oh they're beautiful I am so jealous," Tali said in a quiet voice showing her amazement at the red dresses with gold trim that Dusty and Nyx would wear at the wedding. They were done in a medieval style and while they had both had fittings for the dresses they hadn't seen them fully complete until now.

 "I'm sorry Tali I could only have two bridesmaids," Bella felt guilt at her friends exclusion.

 "Oh don't be sorry, Sir Stephen has given me a very special job on the day," she grinned. "It's a secret though so I can't tell you."

 Bella laughed, "Okay, I won't ask what it is then." She loved her friends so much. "I have a secret too. I am not having the final fitting until Thursday but would you like a sneak peek at my dress?" she asked Tali but looked at all of them. She had kept it a secret from everyone aside of her parents and the designer. She opened a second closet and walked in removing a long garment bag and hanging it from a hook high on the wall. 

 The pale gold material glimmered metallically in the dim light of the room as she opened the bag making Tali gasp delightedly. The heavy embroidery and multiple layers allowed for a great deal of embellishment and she smiled as she stroked over the beading of the tight bodice. 

 "I'm so glad it's not white," Nyx breathed. "It's perfect for you and Stephen. Red is more my colour, but I guess you have done well there too."

 At the end of the grand tour, Bella led them back to the living area and found a bottle of wine for them to share. They sat comfortably on the couches and tried to guess where Stephen would take her to honeymoon.

 Dusty smiled slowly as she finished her glass of wine. "I'm guessing Stephen has a private dungeon for you somewhere here, are you sure you gave me the full tour," her deep voice held a teasing note watching her friend blush deeply. "What's in there?" She pointed at the door to Pete's tower.

 "That's Pete's tower, it's where he lives when he isn't off exploring the world," Bella laughed. 

 "So that means you live in the other one with the king of this castle," Dusty looked over her shoulder.

 "I know where it is you can see the entrance from her secret garden," Nyx said in a stage whisper, and the two women looked at Bella. 

 "You can keep the dungeon," Tali wrinkled her nose, "but a secret garden like in the book? Please Bella, please, please, please, I have to see it."

 "Why don't you scamper off and find another bottle of wine and I bet we can convince her," Nyx grinned.

 "I don't think, I mean well you surprised us tonight, and it's a bit messy down there," Bella said softly. "I'd don't think you want to go there if you think about it."

 "We don't care about a little mess," Nyx said as Tali came back with the bottle. "You seem to forget who you are talking to here. Plus you don't want Tali to get all droopy and sad. It's not a pleasant sight."

 "Oh alright but just a quick look as we pass through to the garden if you promise not to look at anything too closely or comment," Bella blushed a deeper shade of pink.

 "I'm not promising any such thing," Nyx said, and Dusty nodded agreeing with her. "I might not like the slave whip myself, but I get it if you're into that sort of thing," she shrugged.

 Bella flicked the switch lighting up the garden and led the girls into the tower. "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer the view from the top it's quite spectacular," she offered.

 "After we see the garden," Tali bounced on ahead down te stairs to the dungeon and stopped on the bottom step not moving, "Holy crap!"

 "Oh God," Bella groaned and pushed past her moving to the door to the garden, "Come and see the garden Tali, it's much nicer out there." Tali hurried through the crowded space, but the other two lingered a little longer before joining Bella in the garden.

 "It's magical," Tali whispered sitting on the swing that hung from Bella's tree. The evening was cold, though, and they soon went back in hurrying through the dungeon and back up to the warmth of the living room. Having not slept for a couple of days and after drinking the wine, Bella dosed off on the couch as her friends talked around her. 

 She woke up in the morning in the same position with a blanket placed over her and her friends also stretched out in the same room. She smiled, it had been so long since no one had been there to put her to bed and she wondered how Stephen was feeling this morning after his buck's night. 

 "So you're awake?" Anissa asked from behind her as she sat up and at the sound of talking the other girls began to awaken.

 "Oh breakfast, yes please Anissa," Nyx said softly. 

 "Go and shower and change before people start arriving," Anissa instructed. The caterers have been here for an hour setting up and prepping. "This is why I don't drink very often," she groaned and stood up heading upstairs the bedrooms.

 Bella went into the tower and changed into something suitable feeling refreshed after sleeping so well. When she came back down her mother was there fussing over everyone and trying to take charge of the brunch she had only received an invitation to the day before. Nyx was having none of it and had forced Bella's mother to sit down and relax with a cup of tea and talk to the other guests saying that she and Dusty were in charge of this bridal shower.

 Bella had grimaced but joined the group of women in the marquee sitting for some time with her mother keeping her in her seat and letting Dusty and Nyx get on with the job of greeting guests and organising everything they had planned. She knew that this week her main job would be to reel in her mother's drama queen antics as the wedding approached and let Stephen handle any hiccups and the final details. She socialised with all of her friends grateful that Dorothea had made the trip down with Sera and Charles and rubbing Dianne's huge Belly making her promising not to go into labour during the wedding.

 By the time she saw Stephen again, it was well past lunchtime, and he looked as if he had endured a hard night. He avoided the marquee entering the Abbey and heading up to his tower by the side door. When he eventually reappeared an hour later he was immaculately dressed and looked exactly as he always did. Tall, handsome and in control. Once the men had begun to arrive the brunch that had turned into lunch began to drift apart, and many people left for the long drive home. 

 Bella and Stephen had a simple dinner of leftovers and went up to their bedroom early. Stephen appeared exhausted to Bella's surprise, and she imagined that the men had made him endure a night where he had little control of his actions. He cuddled her into his body as they climbed into bed and for once he was the first to sleep.

 The week before the wedding went by in a blur of activity from dawn until late at night. Stephen seemed to spend more time with Arek than he did with Bella, who seemed to spend most of her time calming her mother's nerves and dealing with the daily drama of such a highly strung woman. Initially, Bella had been surprised by Stephen's choice of Arek as best man given their history during her training, but Stephen had laughed when she had first raised the question.

 "In all that you know about the men of Gor did you think I would give you to someone that I didn't trust completely?" Then he seemed to consider her for a moment and added. "He's like the brother I never had in Pete, we argue, we fight, we've even come to blows more than once, but I trust him more than most people. He's a good man with a strong code of honour and I respect that. The fact that he is a little jealous that I have you is a bonus that I will flaunt, and he will grumble over until he finds a woman of his own." He smiled, but his voice took on a serious tone, "Should anything happen to me, I know he would look after you and protect you." He could see the horror in her eyes and held her close reassuring her that nothing would happen and that it was just the role of a best man or second like Mel and Rob had given her.

 Arek teased and flirted with Bella mercilessly, even more so if Stephen was present but he had never stepped over the line with her since her time with the Gorean enclave and Bella knew that the love and respect Stephen felt was echoed by him. He was at the abbey constantly during the week before the wedding doing anything and everything Stephen asked of him without a serious complaint though he teased often about a large invoice he was writing for services rendered.

 When the day finally came, Bella approached it with a sense of relief that the craziness would be over, and they could once again live their lives as they had been blissfully wrapped up in each other and building their businesses.

 She had spent the night before her wedding in a room beside her parents on the upper floor of the Abbey. They had decided to have a late morning wedding so that Dorothea and others with similar issues could enjoy the lunchtime festivities and those that were so inclined to stay into the night and enjoy the wedding party and a buffet style dinner could party on without concern for disturbing the less robust guests.

 It felt strange after so many months to wake up alone in a large bed. She got up and looked out at the rising sun and smiled. It was going to be a beautiful day. She had possibly an hour before the chaos would begin and she felt at a loose end. Her mother's superstition of not seeing the bride the night before the wedding had rankled Stephen but he has acquiesced after her father had stepped in and for once come down on her mother's side.

 There was a quite knock on the door, and she turned toward it a moment before it opened quietly. Arek put his finger to his lips and slid inside the room closing the door behind him.

 "Firstly I must tell you of the urgent need to skip this circus and elope with me," he grinned. "It's your last chance to say yes," he chuckled when she shook her head.

 "I would it's just that I happen to be in love with Stephen, strange as that may seem to you" she giggled. 

 "You could learn to love me," he said in a parody of being mortally wounded. 

 "Oh but I do love you, it's just a matter of degrees that's all," she said still giggling.

 "Oh well if you're determined to go through with this then you will need this," he grinned and presented her with a sapphire topped dagger in a leather case with a small strap. "It goes around your thigh to guard your chastity. It's your something old, something new something borrowed, something blue. The fact that it has the additional bonus of surprising that big poser when he tries to feel you up later makes it perfect don't you think?"

 "Borrowed?" She asked.

 "Well yeah, I'll be taking it back at some point tonight. Having me feel around under your dress will annoy him just the right amount," he smiled evilly. "Can't let him have all the fun now can I?"

 "I already have a garter," Bella laughed.

 "So put this on the other thigh. Come on, let me have one last dig at him before you two turn into frumpy old married people," he said with a note of disappointment that she did not think the idea was as funny as he did. 

 "Fine," she agreed with a laugh, "but you are taking full responsibility for this."

 "I wouldn't have it any other way," he guffawed bring Rosie into the room with her hands on her hips.

 "Out!" she commanded imperiously pointing in the direction of the grand staircase.

 "Yes, Ma'am!" Arek replied quickly and winked at Bella. She could hear him still laughing as he descended the stairs.

 "Well since your awake you had better shower and put on a robe," Rosie sighed. "I will get everyone else up." That was the end of her peaceful morning as she was poked, pushed, pulled, primped, pampered and pawed in the name of being a beautiful bride. She even ate a light breakfast while someone was handling some part of her body. 

 Half an hour before the ceremony, Joe stepped in and shooed everyone out and down to the chapel including Rosie. You have barely spoken to Lucia and she flew all this way, for Bella's special day," he had said to make her move from the room. Once she was gone, he pulled a bottle of champagne from behind a curtain and smiled, "Just a small glass to steady the nerves." He popped the cork and the three girls picked up glasses for him to fill.

 "Thanks, Dad, I needed this little bit of calm before going down there," Bella said softly.

 "Nervous?" He asked.

 "Not about getting married but there are so many people down there and everyone has gone to such a big effort and," she took a deep breath, "What if I mess it up?"

 "You couldn't possibly. I have never seen a man more in love," Joe said and hugged her to him. "I couldn't have given you to anyone less devoted."

 "I'd have to second that," Dusty said and joined the embrace pulling Nyx in beside her.

 "Let's get this show on the road," Nyx said uncomfortably, "That photographer will probably keep up on the stairs an extra half an hour." She drained her glass and took Bella's from her hand.

 "Dusty, you won't let me do anything stupid will you?" Bella held her hand a moment longer and looked worriedly up at the tall woman.

 "Never ever," she smiled and left the room with Nyx.

 As predicted the photographer stopped them and repositioned them several times on the stairs. Eventually, they stood before the doors waiting for the photographer the set up inside a few minutes longer then the doors opened and an ocean of people turned towards them. Nyx seemed to stand still an impossibly long time Bella thought as the music began. The opening chords of the music were familiar but were not Pachelbel's Cannon that she had agreed to for the entrance music.

 As Nyx moved off, Dusty stopped at the entrance and waited as a hauntingly beautiful female voice filled the hall. She immediately recognised one of her favourite songs and one of the first songs she and Stephen had danced to on the first evening he had taken her to dinner. Dusty moved off into the aisle and Bella could finally see beyond the tall woman to Stephen and greeted his wide smile with one of her own.

 "Just wait one minute here and take it all in," Joe whispered and she took a deep breath. When they finally moved, she found it easy to step to the beat of the slow melodic song. She was halfway up the aisle before she realise that Tali stood with a small orchestra and sang, "One step closer. All along I believed I would find you. Time has brought your heart to me and I have loved you, for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more."




Possessing Bella Ch. 25



It was so incredibly beautiful and touching Bella felt her eyes well up and she swallowed against the lump in her throat. The ceremony itself became a blur as she clung to Stephens' hand and moved at each prompt by the priest. They had kept it as brief as possible knowing that not all who had come cared for such things while still having the main events in the service to please her parents. She gazed up into Stephen's eyes as they said their vows and felt her worries melt away. 

 The strings had played classical music in keeping with the wedding's theme throughout the service but as the ceremony came to an end. Tali once again stood before the band and sang in her haunting beautiful tones as they exited the chapel as husband and wife stopping for more photographs.

 "I love you Mrs Cross," Stephen murmured into her ear as she stepped onto a small box so that he disparity in their height was not as great for several of the pictures and she laughed lightly turning her face up to him.

 "I love you, my husband," she said softly and being at a height where she could finally kiss him spontaneously she leant forward to brush her lips over his with a smile. 

 *****

 Authors Note: This is the end of this series of Bella's story. I realised I have not answered every question that readers might have but as usual I enjoy leaving a few strands unwoven just in case I wish to revisit the story at a later date. I hope you have enjoyed Bella's story. ~ellie 



Possessing Bella



Jack honked the horn and waited until Dorothea and Stephen appeared before leaving for the return trip to their ranch.

"I'm going to stay a few more days; I love it here and I need to recharge my old batteries with some quiet contemplation," she hugged Bella, "You will be in good hands with Stephen. Let your mother feed you for a day or two before you go to the city, everything you're thinking about will wait for you."

Stephen opened the car door for Bella and Dorothea let her go, "Take care of her Stephen she is precious."

"I know," he smiled and got into the driver's side. "Buckle up, Bella." He waited until she had buckled in before starting the engine and driving away leaving Dorothea to enjoy her solitude. "You looked tired, try and get some sleep before we get to your parents. I don't want you to get in trouble for not looking after yourself. Dorothea is right you are too skinny at the moment."

"Thank you," she said softly, "I am sorry Dorothea bullied you into driving me home I am sure you have better things to do than chauffeur me around."

"It actually nice to have your company," Stephen smiled.

"Let's see if you feel that way after I start snoring," Bella reclined her seat slightly.

"Rest, little one," Stephen chuckled, "I'll turn the stereo up to muffle your snoring if it gets to loud."

*****

Rosie fussed around the car before it had even come to a complete stop. Bella was grateful that Stephen had woken her up twenty minutes before arriving and thanks to the preparedness of Dorothea she had all she needed to look and feel refreshed in a small bag at her feet in the car.

"Baby you're here!" Rosie exclaimed as if it was a surprise and motioned to Joe, "Look who's here. Look who's here!"

"Hey, there Elliebellie," Joe said as she climbed from the car. "Thanks for bring her down Stephen. Can I tempt you to stay for dinner?"

"How could I pass up the chance to taste the legendary cooking of your wife? You know Kurt brags constantly that she keeps him supplied with the best macaroons in the country." Stephen smiled and accepted the offer graciously. During their brief telephone conversation, Rob had urged Stephen to stay with Bella, explaining from personal experience just how easy it is to slip back into grief and melancholia even when everything seems so much better. Stephen didn't think that would be the case with Bella but had not argued the point rather agreeing to stay as long as her parents would let him.

Reaching into the back seat of the car, he produced a bottle of red wine and a small bunch of flowers. "Our friends had warned me to expect your generous hospitality," he said amiably..

"If we are opening that you might have to stay the night," Joe looked approvingly at the bottle. "Rosie leave Bella alone for one minute and come and say hello to our new friend. The bed in the spare room is made up isn't it?"

"Of course what sort of house do you think I am running here!" Rosie moved to embrace Stephen and kiss his cheek as if they were old friends already.

"You are just as beautiful, and Kurt told me, now if your cooking is half as good I may just steal you away from your husband," Stephen flattered her and enjoyed the blush his words elicited.

"Everyone wants to steal my wife," Joe threw his hands up, "Let's go inside and raid the fridge Elliebellie, your mother went shopping as soon as you called. All of your favourites are stocked in there." His arm wrapped around her shoulder as they walked inside, and he leaned closer asking, "How are you doing really?"

"I feel good Dad, better than I have since..." her eyes clouded over, "Well you know." He squeezed her shoulder and nodded. 

"Don't you touch my refrigerator Joe, you're on a diet remember?" Rosie exclaimed hurrying after them. 

"She's trying to starve me!" Joe complained loudly.

"Don't worry Dad I will sneak you some treats," Bella winked and Rosie huffed in exasperation at the two of them.

Stephen chuckled watching the scene. He had believed that the lovely submissive nature of Bella had come from an authoritative patriarchal family, and though he had heard of them from both Kurt and Mel during the aftermath of the anniversary party when Jake had been dispatched to move her entire apartment in one evening, he still hadn't been prepared for the warm, loving scene he was witnessing. 

Managing the club as Mel's right hand in the years of Rob's absence had given him a good understanding or so he thought of what brought women to embrace their submissiveness. Girls from broken homes, or violent pasts, girls with father complexes who craved that authoritative control but once again Mel had surprised him by his choice of Bella. She did not fit the typical masochistic profile that Mel had always favoured. She did not lack self-confidence nor did Joe seem like the strict disciplinarian he had expected. Yet he knew the petite young woman before him to be the bondage slave to one of his closest friends.

He shook his head at the juxtaposition of the different facets of Bella's life and idly wondered about how she acted in the professional world of Mel's company. She was a business major if he remembered correctly, and he tried to imagine her in business suits and high heels rather than the revealing outfits she wore to the club or plain summer dresses she wore at the moment. 

Once settled in their rooms they went out to the courtyard and sat in the cool shade of the trees. It was Bella who finally broke the comfortable silence. "I'm sorry I have been unbearable for the last few months," she addressed her parents.

"Hush now," her mother waved away the apology, "You had good reason. We all loved Mel." Rosie's eyes began to mist.

"Now, now, my love," Joe started but Bella finished for him.

"Not in front of Bella," she giggled. "It's okay really. I am doing okay. What is it they say? You can't go backwards, only forwards, and I have put my life on hold for too long. Mel died; I didn't, and a wise friend told me recently that life was for the living. I will always love him, you know, and hold his memory close to my heart but it's time to embrace the world again." Bella looked at the concern on her parent's faces and knew they weren't convinced. She looked to Stephen for help.

"I for one would just be happy if you would eat more, you have gotten far too skinny and frail looking. Not the tough little Bella I knew at all. So what's on the menu for dinner Rosie I have been looking forward to this the whole drive up here," Stephen tactfully changed the subject.

"Just some pasta I am afraid, nothing special," but she glowed with pride at the compliment to her cooking.

"She has been fussing over pasta al'ama," Joe said in a stage whisper to Bella, who smiled widely.

"Oh goodie I love that!" Bella enthused. "She's making duck. It's one of my favourites!" She translated for Stephen.

"Great can't wait!" Stephen enthused, "It will go great with the red I brought with us."

"How long are you staying Elliebellie? Your mother has bought enough food to feed you for six months, all your favourites!" Joe chuckled.

"Now that I have made the decision to re-join the land of the living I sort of want to get back to it," she said softly not wanting to disappoint her parents with such a brief stay. "And I was wondering if I could ask your professional advice about something, in the morning maybe?" She let her eyes flicker to her mother who was perched on the edge of her seat, but had stayed silent due to the hand Joe had placed on her shoulder to still her complaints.

"No time like the present," Joe smiled, "Come to my den and I will put on that funny white wig you love to laugh at."

Bella chewed her lip but as her father got up and put out his hand to her she followed. Stephen had to admit he was impressed by the man. His subtle domination of his wife and daughter showed in the way he calmly spoke in a tone that brooked no argument and in the physical gestures he exchanged with his wife to still her emotional outburst at Bella's seeming eagerness to return to the city. 

If he had not been scrutinising Bella's family life, he may have only seen the loving warmth with which he did these things, but Stephen was in no doubt the man was king of his castle. He turned to make small talk with Rosie asking about recipes and such for a friend of his Jake, who was a chef always looking to change his menu and experiment with food.

Standing within her father's study Bella felt like an errant teenager again. This had been the room that she never argued with her father in. She admitted her misdeeds and took whatever punishment he laid out for her. It seemed strange to be here asking his advice but somehow fitting. This room reminded her of his intelligence and business acumen. How he had left a partnership in a large corporate firm and struck out on his own to start a private practice not long after she was born affording her the life she enjoyed in this idyllic country town as she grew up.

"Have a seat Bella," he laughed, "You're not a child in here for a scolding."

For some reason she was suddenly nervous, it had all made so much sense in her head as she thought about it over the last few weeks but now she was here in this room she was at a loss for words.

"I am rich," she suddenly blurted as a place to start, "Thanks to Mel I mean."

"Let's call it independently wealthy," Joe smiled, "and yes, thanks to Mel you are extraordinarily well provided for. Where is this going?" he asked shrewdly.

"I don't think I can take working at Mel's company surrounded by our friends and the memories. I am doing okay," she hastened to reassure him, "But I wondered about the logistics of buying a small franchise or company of my own. I mean do I have enough capital? I have a business degree, and all and know how everything works, but I have learned the reality of small business is often nothing like they teach in textbooks." She let out the breath she didn't realise she held as she finally got to her point.

"It would depend on the business. Did you have something particular in mind?" Joe was contemplating the young woman who sat on the other side of his desk trying to look at the situation from the viewpoint of a lawyer rather than a father.

"I was thinking more the retail side of things, a specialist shop rather than manufacturing," she said hopefully, "Maybe something fun like reasonably priced designer gowns or costume jewellery or a combination of the two."

"I would guess with the income you have received quarterly from the dividends of the stock you hold in Mel's company that you could afford to open your own designer house or jewellery shop," Joe said .

"I was thinking that when I go back I would talk to Kurt about maybe going to visit some manufactures and retail business to see how they run first. Make sure it is the right thing for me to invest in," she said quietly.

"That's a smart way to approach it," Joe approved and was proud of his daughter's obvious maturity in her thought processes. He had worried when the conversation began that she was about to ask for something frivolous or dangerous, flying lessons in her own private jet or some such.

"It would mean a fair bit of travel, and you know mum," Bella didn't need to finish the sentence as she saw her father nod and look thoughtful. 

"You could take her with you on a trip or two," Joe suggested.

"Maybe, but it's something I would like to do on my own, something that is just me, you know? I went from here to working for Mel, I always had someone looking after me." She looked her father in the eye and straightened her shoulders, "I want to see what it's like to make some big choices in my life, for good or bad and know that I still have a home and income if it doesn't work out." She smiled crookedly, "Seventy-five percent of first businesses fail, but I would really like to try. I won't travel alone; my PA will come with me I am sure if I fill her in on everything."

"So in essence," Joe smirked, "This is more about me handling your mother than it is about business advice." Bella blushed deeply and chewed her lip. "Well as your father I am proud that you grew up to be an intelligent, thoughtful young woman, and I will help with your mother as much as I can, but we both know how she will react to extended absences especially after what happened in Italy." Bella grimaced and nodded opening her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand to still her.

"As your lawyer, however, I would warn you against making rash decisions and council that all business dealings of a personal nature, outside of the company, where your interests are held in the safe hands of Kurt and Rob, come through me. That is not negotiable Bella, Joe fixed her with a stern look and said, "No businessman would act without the advice of a lawyer."

"I understand," Bella smiled.

"Good, now I will invest the dividends you earn in some short term investment bonds, say six to twelve months. That will give you plenty of time to travel and explore all of your options," Joe was all business like as he tapped on his computer. "Twelve months would be better to ensure you had ample capital without touching the larger amount already invested in long term investments."

"Thanks Dad, and thanks for not treating me like a wounded bird just now. I really am okay. I just wish everyone else would stop walking on eggshells around me. It was horrible, and I still jump at loud noises but I am okay and I am ready to start living again," Bella said with conviction.

"Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself?" Joe laughed and came around the desk. "We better get out there or your mother will be cranky that we ruined the meal. Do me a favour?" Joe watched as Bella nodded, "Eat as much as you can and drink lots, she will be easier to convince if you are not continuing to starve yourself."

Bella laughed and agreed. Joe needn't have worried Bella was hungry, and the food as usual was superb. She felt really good about the decisions she had made within the last twenty-four hours and having convinced her father of her return to a rational state of mind she just had to overcome the hurdle of convincing her guardians and protectors, Rob and Kurt.

"I am sorry everyone; I think I need an early night," Bella said and stood unsteadily from the table as they sat chatting amiably after dessert which she had forced down to please her parents. She had relaxed and let her wine glass be refilled several times during the course of the meal. She rarely drank much, and the effect made her feel so deliciously warm and cosy that her eyes had started drooping. 

"Still waking up with the dreams?" Rosie asked concerned. 

"Less often now," Bella smiled and headed for the stairs. 

"I think you might need a hand," Stephen moved to her side and wrapped an arm about her waist. "I'll be right back," he said over his shoulder as he guided the drunken Bella up the stairs.

"You know your very handsome," she said looking up at the tall hulking man supporting her as they reached the top of the stairs, "I wish you had been around when I was picking up one night stands. You wouldn't have left me high and dry I am sure. Vanilla is a truly yucky flavour now, and I used to love it. It's funny don't ya think?" Bella spoke totally oblivious to the look of horror on Stephen's face. 

"You picked up men? In bars?" there was incredulity in his voice. 

"Yeah, seemed like a good idea at the time," she said sleepily, "Dud fucks all of them. Dorothea explained vanilla would never satisfy me again. Then Jack and Dusty came with their idea, and I thought what the hell, there has to be at least one dominant out there that won't treat me like a fragile bird with a broken wing and give me what I need."

"Go to sleep," Stephen growled holding in his temper making her open her eyes again to look at him. 

"I am tired of the pity in everyone's eyes and the egg shells everyone walks on around me. I can't just be put on a shelf like a broken toy. You get that right?" She sounded as if she was desperately trying to convince him, and he was shocked by her words, "I loved Mel but he is gone, he left me, I want to feel something again, know that intense pleasure he gave me again, it doesn't have to be love, just someone who can fuck my brains out the way he did." She giggled at her own crass words and covered her mouth.

"Sleep Bella," Stephen stroked her hair watching as she closed her eyes.

"Your very handsome," she whispered sleepily, "I bet you could rock my world."

Stephen said nothing but waited until her breathing changed into the deep rhythm of sleep before leaving the room. He entered the kitchen where Rosie and Joe were cleaning up with a smile. "She doesn't usually drink much does she," he said with a small laugh.

"No, but red wine is good for the body, ask any doctor," Rosie said. "It was good to see her so relaxed and happy. Did you see she ate the whole plate of pasta and dessert? I think we might have our girl back from her dark days," Rosie impulsively hugged Joe her eyes misting yet again.

"Now, now, my love, let's not make our guest uncomfortable," Joe embraced his wife.

"Actually I was just thinking how comfortable I have felt here since our arrival. The legends of your hospitality are all true I am glad to report," Stephen smiled at the couple. 

"Well I will let you men do manly things and have an early night too," Rosie wiped her hands on a dishtowel and kissed her husband goodnight, "Sleep well, Stephen," she embraced him briefly and head up the stairs, as well.

"Want to see what I got Bella for her birthday?" Joe asked with a mischievous grin.

"I didn't know she had a birthday soon," Steven admitted, "But lead on I am curious for sure."

The men walked out to the garage where Joe proudly unveiled a Nash Healy roadster. The time passed quickly after that as car enthusiast Stephen pumped Joe with questions and got his hands dirty tinkering with the engine. A high pitched scream ripped the air, and Joe cursed shaking his head and putting an arm out to stop Stephen from running back to the house.

"She suffers nightmares about the shooting," he said sadly. "We better finish up out here though she will come down seeking company if the lights are still on."

Stephen grunted and washed up before helping Joe with the car cover. They were making their way back to the house when Bella appeared in the back courtyard. "I am a night owl; I can keep Bella company if you want to head up to bed," Stephen offered.

"All right," Joe agreed. "There is a range of movies in there if you want to watch one." He hugged Bella, "Why don't you choose one for him, you can watch until you fall asleep again."

"Okay Dad," Bella murmured sleepily and wandered back into the house followed by the two men.

Stephen sat on the couch as Bella selected a movie. The opening credits began to roll, and he saw her head toward one of the single recliners, "Come sit with me, little one," Stephen gave her little choice with the tone of voice he used. If she wanted people to begin to treat her normally again that was fine by him. He quite liked the look of surprise on her face as she turned to regard him momentarily before moving to the couch he sat upon.

Smirking at her, he threw a cushion on the floor next to his feet and indicated that she should sit there. He watched the mixture of emotion play across her face as she knelt on the cushion with her back to him facing the screen as the movie started. Stephen reached out and played with her hair with a whispered, "Good girl." He watched as she relaxed under his gentle petting and barely took note of the movie as he replayed her words earlier. Rob's possessive guardianship was the only thing stopping him from disciplining her for her reckless behaviour but perhaps he would discipline the old girl after all for condoning it.




Possessing Bella



Bella started to droop and leaned into his leg as she grew sleepy eventually resting her head on his thigh. Turning off the television Stephen carried Bella upstairs and put her back in bed before heading to his own room. He had never truly understood Mel's attraction to the girl; she always seemed so small and fragile to Stephen who standing at six foot six and being broad as well towered over her in both size and strength. After spending several days with her over the last month, she had been at the beach house and seeing her with her family at home he had to admit the appeal of her seeming vulnerability that masked a strong, intelligent young woman. For the second time that evening he acknowledged that she was not the typical girl who came through the club.

*****

They had left the following day after lunch and driven back to the city loaded down with Macaroons for Rob and Kurt, as well as themselves. The closer they got to home more uneasy Bella felt, and she began to fidget. Stephen broke the long silence that had settled upon them after they had run out of pleasantries about her family and the food. Concern tinged with the simmering anger he felt, he confronted Bella with her words of the night before.

"How could you be so reckless, Bella," he finally asked, "One-night-stands? Seriously you thought that was a good idea?" 

Bella gulped, "I had hoped I dreamed telling you that. Please don't tell Master Rob. If you're this angry, he will only be ten-fold worse."

"I won't," Stephen snapped, "But you will. If you were one of the girls, that I am responsible for, you would have already been punished. I will leave that to Rob. You will tell him what you told me last night, all of it! Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir Stephen," Bella whispered feeling tears spring into her eyes.

"Did Mel teach you nothing about personal safety? About speaking up when you have needs? How could you be so reckless?" He repeated himself.

"No one would touch me, or talk to me properly. Everyone just looked at me with pity or their own grief. They were all too worried I would have another break down to truly listen when I said I didn't want to live in that apartment anymore that I didn't want to be in his office anymore. They moved me to the office that looked exactly the same and an apartment that was the twin of the one I left!" tears coursed down her cheeks, "It was easier to leave," she stifled a sob of self-pity.

Stephen stayed silent taking in her words and realising how hard it must have been to say what she needed and have it mishandled in such a way. "Just tell him what you said to me the way you said it," he growled he wasn't sure if he was still angry at her or himself for not noticing her disappointment and sadness when they moved her apartment to the one next to Rob's. "You can leave out the part about how handsome I am," Stephen said with a perfectly straight face making her gasp and blush deeply.

They remained silent each lost in their own thoughts until he pulled into the parking garage of the club and her home. "Be brave little one, be honest and give a full explanation. I believe you have it in you to be strong enough to talk with Rob about this and win the argument," Stephen said softly.

"Why would you think that?" Bella turned to face him in the car.

"Mel told me, and he was a difficult man to impress," Stephen smiled.

They got out of the car and headed for the lifts. Bella felt her stomach lurch considering what she needed to confess and tell Rob. It all seemed so much easier when she was at the beach but here in this place where she had learned to obey and accept, all the confidence that she had held about returning and picking up the pieces of her life seemed to be disappearing before her.

The lift ride went all too fast, and she found herself standing within her own apartment. It was hard to be here and not think of Mel, and be upset at the cruel twist her life had taken and angry at him. The anger bubbled up inside her, and she hardened her resolve to make the changes she needed or to walk away for good.

Stephen came in a few minutes later followed by Rob, and Bella stood to face them. "Welcome back, Bella. You're looking good," Rob smiled and closed the distance between them to kiss her cheek and search her eyes.

"Hello Master Rob, thank you," she smiled in return, "Do you have a little bit of time, maybe we could talk... please?"

"Of course, I cleared my schedule when Stephen rang and said you were on your way back. How are you doing really?" Concern was evident in his voice and face, and she could see the pity in his eyes which just fuelled the anger she felt at the whole situation. She stepped away from him and took a deep breath.

"Could we just talk as friends, not Guardian and ward, not Master and slave not any of those labels but as people, friends even?" Bella tried to express her need to meet him on equal terms without fear of consequences.

"This sounds serious," Rob remarked, "You can leave us Stephen," Rob walked to the dining table and took a seat rather than taking his place in the comfortable living room chair.

"Maybe he should stay," Bella said quietly, "You may not like what I have to say." Rob raised an eyebrow and nodded. 

"I will stay outside in the hall," Stephen interrupted the moment, "I think it's best if you two talk it out by yourselves." He turned without waiting for their reaction and left closing the door quietly behind him.

Intrigued now, Rob looked at Bella. "I got a little drunk last night and shared some things I wish I hadn't," she groaned. "It would probably be best if no one knew but here we are and if I don't tell you the truth..." she looked toward the door that Stephen stood on the other side of.

"You don't usually drink do you?" Rob tilted his head confused.

"No," she shook her head, "There were reasons but I will start at the beginning." Once again she took a deep breath and Rob leaned back in her chair prepared to let her say what she needed.

Bella told of her time at his 'shack' her recklessness in seeking out one-night-stands just to feel something again. She explained at his question that Dorothea found eventually it was easier to ensure her safety rather than have her escape the shack without any warning. She admitted that she had thought it a waste of time until Dorothea explained the lesson she should not have had to learn. That vanilla no longer held any enjoyment for her.

Taking her time she then explained about the visit from Jack and Dusty and their proposition about the training Mel had put in place. Finally, she spoke of her own feelings about how it could work now and if he would help her. In amongst all of the information she gave him she spoke of how she felt like a leper now, untouchable and fragile, like a broken toy on a high shelf that people reach out to take but them remember its broken and walk away.

Bella had noticed Rob's jaw clench, and his hands turn to fists during several points of her story when he interrupted to ask a question but he had remained calm during the whole exchange. "There is more," she said quietly. 

"Tell me everything then," Rob said with no emotion at all and leaned back in his chair again. Bella outlined her idea for a new business that she could own and manage under the companies banner and her idea of travelling to inspect likeminded businesses and manufacturers. Finally, she spoke about her need to find a new place to live. 

"This was all Mel's, not truly mine and if I am ever to find some peace from the nightmares and guilt that plague me I can't be here or in that office. Please tell me you understand..." There was desperation in Bella's voice. It wasn't lost on Rob who cared for the girl deeply, but it seemed to him that her plans were just another way of running away and hiding from the reality she needed to face.

"Is that everything," he asked quietly. Bella nodded feeling unsettled that Rob still showed no expression on his face or in his voice. He stood up abruptly and walked around the table picking her up and cuddling her close. He said nothing as he walked to the large comfortable chair and sat with her in his lap turn her face up to his.

"My need to be left to my own grief when kitty died was so strong I allowed you the freedom to go and do as you pleased. It did not occur to me that you needed something different ad it probably should have." He held her gaze as he spoke, "I could never be angry with you for being truthful, it is something I prize highly." He smiled and kissed her forehead. "What do you say we give handsome out there a break and let him go grab a beer."

Bella laughed softly and nodded sliding from his lap and standing up. Rob stood and went to the door opening it wide to find Stephen leaning against the wall in the foyer. "Hey handsome," Rob chuckled, "We're all good just ironing out some of the finer details if you want to go grab a beer and check up on your protégé's."

"Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful," Stephen chuckled in return after taking in Bella's smile and realising she was quite happy with how things went. He pressed the button for the lift and watched Rob and Bella return to the apartment.

"I think we should put the apartment change on hold for a time. I would prefer to have you close and if you get your way with work and training I doubt you will be here often, to mind the proximity," he seemed to consider her for a moment. "I will make the concession of redecoration and ask Dianne to help you with a suitable new wardrobe once your plans are in place, fair enough?"

Bella agreed; she liked the idea of shopping with Dianne, she had been such a good friend and Bella had treated her badly in her grief. "I expect the same could be said about my office at work though I would like something smaller," Bella added to the discussion.

"We can set up a meeting with Kurt tomorrow he will need to okay, all the business stuff. I just don't enjoy it, and he does it all so well. The company barely skipped a beat after the news of Mel's death hit the business columns, wholly due to Kurt's diligence and leadership," Rob gave full credit where it was due. Bella nodded and let the idea she had about it ferment a little longer.

"The training and need you expressed to feel again, may not be so simple," Rob said softly and Bella felt deflated as yet another of her requests was about to be compromised. "Don't pout," his voice hardened and he explained further. "This is exactly what I mean. Do you remember how long it took for you to trust Mel?" he lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "Well do you?" he demanded an answer.

"That was different I didn't know anything about the lifestyle at all," she shot back then bit her lip regretting her retort.

"It is a fine line a submissive walks between pure training and being trained by your own special someone that you trust implicitly to care for you. The bond is different but as in your relationship with Mel, trust is the key to safety and pleasure for each of you, dominant and submissive. Could you trust a virtual stranger just on my say so? On Jack's say so?" he paused and let her think about his words.

"I will call the stakeholders together and submit your request to access the training Mel had begun to organise for you, if..." he paused so she knew this was not negotiable, "If you can show your obedience and trust in someone I choose to train you for a week. You need to be able to trust that I and each of the men you request training from will keep you safe from harm whether they train you themselves or choose someone to do it for them. If you cannot do that all the plans and changes to schedules, the Masters may make to accommodate you will be for nothing and will earn you a bad reputation. You need to show your readiness to commit to the program by trusting me to choose your first trainer."

She could see the logic of his words and agreed; it was what she wanted after all and this was but the next step on the journey she had begun in accepting Mel's collar. She knew then as she knew now that she wanted to explore more of this world, and she did trust Rob; it is why she had spoken to him of everything against Dusty's advice.

"I understand and what you say makes sense," she chewed her lip thoughtfully. "You won't train me yourself?"

"My own grief is still too raw. The discovery of Lucifer has finally seen me put to rest the last untied ends and put to rest my beloved, Kitty, at long last," Rob gave her a half smile. "It is best this way."

"Then I trust you to choose the first trainer, and I promise to try and make you proud," Bella said sincerely.

"Good and here is what I will do. I will set a meeting for tomorrow afternoon to talk with Kurt about your career and office situation at the company. I will seek out the availability of the stakeholders for a meeting early next week. You will trust that I as always have your best interests at heart and go and change into something sexy, think "Suckerpunch" sexy, I will return for you in thirty minutes. We will be going to the club; the truce for friendship and plain talking is over, and you will remember your place from this point on," Rob spoke firmly ending their discussions. "You will trust that I care about you and love you like my own and always talk to me as you did tonight, there was no need for truce."

Bella was taken by surprise but after her complaints about being put on a shelf like a broken toy she did not argue. Instead, she slid from the couch to her knees on the floor and answered softly, "Yes Master."

He nodded and turned leaving her to get ready. She checked her watch and quickly went to clean up and change.

By the time, Rob returned, Bella looked fresh and in her own mind sexy enough to make Mel proud. He had always chosen all her clothes, her food, and everything, such was his need for control over her life. Being left to her own devices with only a movie title as a reference point, she became racked with indecision. There was so much in the vast wardrobe that she had never seen before that in the end she chose a leather outfit. Mel had loved the smell and feel of leather he had inspired an erotic attraction to it in Bella.

She was too skinny, she agreed with recent comments; the soft round curve of her hips was now angular and bony, and the short pleated leather skirt hung from them at a slight angle. She could almost count her ribs and covered them with a thin, tight leather vest. Suspenders and thigh high stockings showed above a pair of shiny black knee-length boots that had wicked heels, and she tied a loose red and black striped scarf around her neckline. She resolved to look after herself better than she had been as she painted her face with striking makeup.

She went to the living room and knelt closing her eyes; Rob was right she didn't know how she would react being commanded by another but it was something she had to do, she wanted it and more over she knew she needed it.

Bella heard the door open and lifted her head hardening that small part of her heart that ached for Mel. She was determined to prove she was as ready to re-enter this world as she had claimed earlier. Rob walked towards her and sat in the comfortable chair once again.

"I am sure Mel had told you that not every member of the club is trustworthy or respectful of other men's property. While the collar that you still wear will earn you some element of respect and safety within the club, it also makes you very desirable. If you are serious about re-entering the club and the world that it holds you must remove it now," Rob said gently.

"I understand Master," Bella responded with a steady voice but her hands shook as she struggled to undo the clasp on the beautiful chain she had not taken off since his death. Rob did not help her but rather sat and watched sadly knowing this was something she had to do for herself. With determination, she removed it and held it out to him. 

"It is yours and will always be yours, Bella. No one can take it from you," Rob's voice was pained. He pulled a box from his pocket. This chain will offer my protection within the club and the protection of any who choose to give it to you from amongst our friends. It goes without saying that you have the protection of Kurt as well," Rob held up a twisting rope chain he showed her how to work the complicated cylindrical locking mechanism and the small words engraved upon it. "Protected: MR.MR." 

"Do you accept?" Rob asked, and Bella nodded, unable to speak immediately. She lifted her hair to accept the new collar after depositing the collar she had removed into the box.

"Yes, Master. It is beautiful; you really are truly talented," she smiled even though inside she felt all kinds of messed up.

"Put this somewhere safe and come, I have something to show you," Rob smiled encouragingly.

*****

"The plans for this," Rob waved an arm indicating the renovated Den in the club, "were in place before you and Mel left for Italy." 

Bella looked around at the room noting the differences. It still had the opulent old world charm and decadence of the rest of the club but with a fresher colour scheme and different antique furnishings. As her eyes, glanced over the far wall, she gasped. The photo portrait that had always hung there had been replaced by oil paintings. 

A large Last Supper inspired scene depicted all the stakeholders including herself kneeling at the side of Mel, who sat at the head of the table and kitty kneeling beside Rob at the other end. The rest of the table was filled with men and one other woman who seemed to be the only person she did not recognise. On each side of that were two smaller portraits, one of Rob and Kitty the other of Mel and herself. There were beautiful, and she felt her heart miss a beat. "Damn you Mel. Why did you have to leave me so soon," she whispered with anger rather than sadness.

"I wanted you to see it for the first time with no one else around. So that you would not be taken by surprise," Rob had expected tears not the anger than emanated from the young woman. 

"Thank you, Master," Bella seemed to settle quickly after her initial shock. "They are breathtakingly beautiful. The artist has captured everyone's likeness so well."

"I must say I am really impressed with them myself," Rob smiled.

"Come, Bella," Rob indicated a chair near his desk. Our dinner guests will be arriving soon, but there is one more issue we must discuss, first." He waited until she sat before speaking again. "Stephen lives by a very strict code of conduct. It is why he is so good at his job as Club manager. He ensures the welfare of all the girls here but also upholding that code and holding the members here to that high standard if they wish to maintain their membership doubly ensures their safety and the accepting atmosphere here. He was mentored by Mel as a Master, and he is one of the best there is," Rob added in case Bella had not known.

"Should I call Stephen Master then?" she bit her lip wondering if she had offended him by calling him Sir Stephen but she was sure she was told that was his title.

"No, he prefers Sir. He has a keen interest in the medieval times and the knights code of chivalry," Rob laughed. "The point being that, he feels you need to be disciplined for your recklessness in seeking out stranger's pleasure, and I have to agree it is a very dangerous thing for a submissive to do. There are true pigs, thugs and filth out there who will break a girl's arm for the thrill it gives them that she gave her consent to his abuse, kidnap and torture of a young submissive happens all too often." Bella gasped, and he saw in her wide-eyed incredulity that these thoughts had never occurred to her.

"As I thought," he nodded. "Stephen blames Dorothea, whom he will punish himself. I have asked him rather to educate you, about your recklessness. He was not happy about it, so I need you to go to him and express your regret and convince him you now understand how dangerous your actions were and that you will accept his protection and his discipline within the club should you ever be here without a Master by your side, or exhibit reckless behaviour again," Rob was firm but asked rather than commanding her, forcing her choose whether to accept this agreement or not.




Possessing Bella



"I had always assumed his protection and that of Mel's friends and the management staff like Jake," Bella paused to think chewing her lip again. "I do not think I would ever be here without a Master so I can't imagine that it would make any difference if I accepted or not," Bella tilted her head her mind working.

"Ah but it does, to Stephen. His code is such that he would never lay a hand on a girl or the property of another without the acceptance of the girl and her owner if there is one. In your case there is me, your guardian and Kurt the executor of your business holdings. As this is a personal issue it falls to me to accept, and I will if you also agree," Rob paused waiting for her to speak.

,""So it's a formal acceptance of the assumed," Bella laughed softly. "I have no problem at all accepting Sir Stephen into the sphere of people who may guide and train me in this lifestyle."

"Just remember, he was once Mel's protégé and as such he can be a harsh and sadistic, but he is also very fair and would not discipline you unduly," Rob determined to make it clear just what she was agreeing to.

"You left out handsome," Bella grinned not phased at all by his description.

Rob shook his head and stood up holding out his hand to her, "Let's go see him then."

Like the den of the owners, the managers office though smaller sat in a similarly central position within the club, having doors to both the foyer and the restaurant areas. They walked back through the foyer and into the smaller office where Stephen sat at his desk as if waiting for them. One of the girls from reception passed Rob a small note as he passed her. Reading it quickly, he smiled widely.

"I need to go see someone. I will leave you to your discussions. Send her to the restaurant when you're done," Rob said easily and exited the room.

Stephen stood up and approached her, towering over her he growled, "You have something to say?"

Bella swallowed loudly and when she opened her mouth barely a whisper came out, "I'm sorry, Sir Stephen, I didn't nor realise the extent of my recklessness, and I do now."

"Do you? Do you really?" his hand snapped up and circled her throat. "Do you know how easily it would be for a man like me to break you like a twig? To hold you against your will and make you my personal fuck toy?"

"Yes, Sir Stephen," she squeaked but found his words both terrifying as well as arousing.

"Look at you," his eyes dropped to her hardening nipples clearly seen through the open cleavage and thin leather of the vest. "You're such a hot slut anyone with half a mind could abuse you, and you would be grateful," he dropped his hand and walked away. He tried to hold the element of barely concealed distaste in his voice but in truth her obvious pleasure at being spoken to this way pleased him, and he saw in her something he rarely saw in the submissives he dealt with on a daily basis.

"I will leave it to Rob to educate you this time as agreed," he almost spat the words as he turned to regard her again. "The next time I feel you have recklessly put yourself in danger or taken too much risk at the behest of another without using your safe-word, it will be me who decides the punishment, do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir Stephen. I accept that it is now your right as my protector," Bella cast her eyes down to the floor.

"Indeed," he threw a cushion to the floor and took a seat in the chair beside it indicating she should kneel. "I would like to be involved in your training plan. To check up on you and ensure the codes of conduct are upheld by any that are chosen to train you, agreed?"

"Yes, Sir Stephen," Bella was stunned by his request but she could not see the harm in it as long as he didn't interfere if all was going well.

"Jake and I share much of the load of running this club and your protection will also become part of this load. Should I not be available you will seek protection from him," Stephen looked at the small girl who chewed her lip in thought and paused? "There is no need to fear us, only what will happen if you do not seek out protection when you need it, do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir Stephen. I know that both yourself and... umm is Jake a Sir or a Master?" she tilted her head in question.

"Either, though Sir will do for now unless he tells you otherwise," Stephen answered.

"Thank you, I know you are both respected and valued by Rob and that Mel relied heavily on you. I have seen the good will you receive from all members and submissives. I will do my best not to incur any more punishments or make the load you bear here any heavier," she said quietly.

"We will not be your trainers but we will be here to protect you should you need. I will put our numbers into your phone, does Rob have it?" She shook her head, and he frowned at her, "You must always have your phone on you. I will talk to Rob about it. You are still new to this world, and the fault is his. Once your training begins though there will be no excuses," he smiled menacingly, "and in my mind you already have two strikes against you." Mel had always done everything for her, she had not had to think for herself during their short relationship. This existence she was asking for seemed a lot more complicated than she originally thought. 

Her confusion warred with her need in her mind as once again she railed at Mel for leaving her to find her own way. A knock sounded at the door, and Rob walked in, "All done?"

"Guess so," Stephen replied.

"Good. Bella's training will begin tonight. An old friend of ours has just arrived. I want you to take her back through the foyer in a couple of minutes, give me time to get back to the table. When you get to the restaurant entrance I want you to stand there until I signal you," Rob spoke quickly as if excited.

Stephen grunted and nodded looking down on Bella as Rob left the room. He offered his hand helping her up in the high teetering heels. "I hope you're as ready as you say you are," he murmured and placing his large hand around the back of her neck as Mel always had, guided her out of the door into the foyer. He greeted a few friends without introducing Bella despite their curious glances before walking her toward the restaurant and piano bar door.

Bella heard a man at a nearby table exclaim as she appeared, "Fuck now there's a walking fantasy." She turned to face the table the voice had come from, seeing Rob she smiled nervously. The guests he had with him included Sara, Charles and the loud man she did not know. "No way!" The man exclaimed as she turned properly toward them, "You can't be serious! That's the girl you want me to train for a few days?"

Rob saw Bella's face cloud over with self-doubt mistaking the man's praise for reluctance and waved her over. Sara was fidgeting beside Charles as if she had too much energy to be sitting still at the dinner table. "Please Daddy, please" Sara finally wailed. 

"Okay, baby but be gentle," Sara leapt out of her chair and almost bowled Bella over in a huge hug and kisses. 

"I missed you so much. I am so glad your back!" Sarah held her tight as if she had no plan of letting go until Stephen cleared his throat. "Oh pooh, okay, okay, I am sitting back down, but you're no fun Sir Stephen," she said churlishly letting go of Bella.

"Well hell-lo, beautiful," the unknown member of the party said. Bella drew a deep breath stifling the giggles she had gone into over the way Sara spoke to Stephen and turned toward the voice. She took in the man. He wore biker leathers, had a closely cropped goatee and long hair tied back in a leather thong. He seemed from Bella's viewpoint to be as big as if not bigger than Stephen and her eyes widened. 

Rob filled her stunned silence by introducing him, "Bella this is my friend, Wildman. If you agree, he will be your trainer for this week of probation. You will address him as Sire."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sire," she said quietly feeling like she should courtesy, before turning to Charles, "and it's always wonderful to see you and Sara, Master Charles." Bella leaned down to kiss his cheek as he preferred her to when greeting him.

"Ah Bella, you are as gorgeous as ever," Charles smiled. "We have missed you. Bad business all that," he said acknowledging the elephant in the room, "Time to start living again, yes?"

"Yes," Bella agreed readily, somehow it was nice to have Charles acknowledge the loss of Mel and her appearance here, as if accepting that she needed to move on.

"I hope Sara is as brave, when the time comes," he said quietly turning his face way from Sara as he spoke. "Life is for the living, as they say," he smiled but it did not reach his eyes making her look at him closely.

"Come sit next to me!" Sara grinned, "We can share dessert!" Bella laughed. She knew that meant Sara would eat it for her, but she didn't mind it was good to be around people who were happy and enjoying life. Or perhaps it was just good to be trying to enjoy it herself.

Bella took the seat between Sara and the Wildman. He leaned over toward her once she was seated and tapped his cheek, "Where is my kiss hello?" Bella laughed softly and leaned over to press her lips to his cheek. 

"Well, I'm in. Check please!" he chuckled. 

"No," Sara wailed, "It's my turn to have dinner with Bella and nothing is going to go wrong this time!" She gasped and covered her mouth, "I wasn't 'posed to say that."

"It's okay Sara, really; I am fine and I am so happy to see you and your Daddy," She hugged the cherubic woman to her. She turned to Rob, "I didn't realise it would be so soon."

"No time like the present considering your recent recklessness," he shrugged but his eyes held hers as if daring her to back down on what she had agreed to. "It's obvious that you need far greater supervision than I have been giving you."

"Agreed," rumbled Stephen.

"Yes, Master Rob," she said softly blushing as she lowered her gaze from his.

"Uncle Bobby, tell Uncle Billy he has to stay for dinner," Sara whined plaintively.

Rob turned to his friend and said, "Stay for dinner Uncle Billy."

"Fine," Wildman grunted, "But if I am a good boy I get the girl tonight, right?" He chuckled to Sara who nodded enthusiastically.

"She has an appointment tomorrow afternoon so as long as you have her here by lunchtime so I can take her, I don't see why not," Rob said eyeing Bella's reaction. 

"Done," Wildman agreed and turned to Bella, "Here's your time to speak up, baby girl, do you agree?"

"Yes, Sire," she said in a voice steadier than she felt. She was both terrified and excited at the prospect, and she knew that Rob unequivocally trusted this man and that she knew guaranteed her safety.

"Excellent," he dug around in his pocket and pulled out a gold arm band. It was highly decorated with filigree writing, and he placed it on her upper arm snapping it closed. "Let's order shall we I have been in the land of suits and ties too long already."

"Aww Uncle Billy, you never come to the club anymore, and they have the bestest desserts now that Sir Jake is running things," Sara wheedled, "Don't be in so much of a hurry, pretend you're at a costume party!"

The dinner conversation was lively and full of laughter and as Bella listened she got to know William Wilder, otherwise known as Wildman. He was to be her first trainer on the journey she had begun into the world Mel had brought her to, and she was grateful for this time to get to know him a little before they left. He rode with the White Knights Motorcycle Club. They were well known for their charity work, and he had just returned from a charity ride along the New England highway in Rural New South Wales. He worked as a freelance photographer and artist, so he travelled constantly, but his home base was here in the city.

When dessert came, Stephen put an extra one between Bella and Sara announcing that they could share Jakes new creation but mainly it was so that Bella would eat her own. Despite Bella's natural slimness, he worried about her being so thin. No sooner had Bella taken the last bite of her dessert than Wildman spoke up.

"Right I was a gentleman and a good boy all through the meal but I've reached my limit," he said to Rob, "I'll bring her back lunchtime tomorrow and we can discuss the details then." He picked Bella up from her seat and easily slung her over his shoulder, smacking her ass loudly before striding out of the club.

Bella squeaked in surprise but did not fight her position hanging limply from his shoulder she lifted her head as they left the table and waved goodbye to Charles and Sara, who was giggling loudly. Rather than the car park they went out of the main door into the street, and he dumped her onto the back of his bike and pushed a helmet onto her head.

She clung to him as he drove through the streets of the city and listened to him speak through a system that linked the helmets to each other. There was no softness in his voice as he told her his non-negotiable rules. 

"You will call me Sire at all times, public and private. You were Mel's girl, so I have no doubt that you have a masochistic streak, but you will; I repeat; you will use your safe-word if you become distressed by anything no matter how aroused you or I seem to be. You will obey only me during your time with me aside of this one meeting tomorrow all other appointments and necessary absences will be approved by me alone. We will discuss your limits and mine as well as likes and dislikes later. Right now your only ally is your safe word. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sire," she said fear and anticipation rolling through her with the vibrations of the bike.

"Good for tonight your safe-word will be Fruitloops," He finished the lecture as they pulled into the driveway, the garage door automatically opening for them. He got off the bike and removed her helmet for her once again picking her up and slinging her over his shoulder. She had concentrated so hard on his voice as they drove she had not taken note of where they were, and she was surprised to find herself in what seemed like a disused warehouse.

He took the stairs two at a time jostling her as she hung over his broad shoulder finally entering a heavy metal door and throwing on a light switch. The door banged closed behind them as they walked to the shadowy far end of the room, and he dumped her unceremoniously to the floor growling, "Don't move an inch," he grabbed a bag from a nearby bench and took out a camera, clicking off several shots of the girl.

Bella froze like a deer in headlights her eyes wide and blinking as the flash caught her unawares.

"I've had a hard on since you walked into that place tonight," Wildman growled, "Crawl over here like a good little slut and suck my cock," he leaned back against the bench behind him. Bella gathered her arms and legs beneath her and crawled slowly and sensuously towards him keeping her eyes on his face. "Hungry for cock aren't you, a slut like you needs it all the time," his voice got deeper and he rumbled the words as she knelt up before him and leaned close to breathe in the scent of his well-worn leather pants rubbing her face against his covered groin.

She was aware of a flash going off as her hands worked at the button, and zip peeling the pants down his legs not surprised at the soft interior and the fact that he wore no underwear. She leaned in breathing in the scent of him as her hands guided the pants lower. He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her away from his cock making her squeal in surprise rather than pain. "Undo my boots first you useless cunt," and all but threw her to the floor at his feet. She gathered herself and pulled her legs beneath her in a wide kneel. She bent low undoing the buckles and revelling in being surrounded once again by the smell of leather and the control of a dominant man.

She removed his boots and socks and had begun to work at his pants again when he kicked them off collecting her in the process and sending her sprawling backwards. Planting his feet wide apart he sneered, "Well what are you waiting for," once again she got up on her hands and knees and crawled toward him kneeling up. She leaned forward lifting her hand to his balls as she lowered her head to kiss the tip almost reverently, she let her tongue snake out and swirled around the head before sucking it into her mouth.

Fluttering her tongue underneath the head, she heard him groan, and his hand go into her hair, pleased by his reaction she continued her slow pace lifting her mouth from his cock and running her hand up and down the shaft as her tongue made similar trails up and down the veiny rod. She bent her head lower still to lap at his balls eliciting another groan of satisfaction before he suddenly pulled her head back by the hair making her look up at him. 

"Plenty of time for that later," he growled, "Now open!"

She opened her mouth, and he thrust into her making her gag. She swallowed hard; he had a reasonably big cock, but not overwhelmingly so and as she got into a rhythm with him she gurgled and swallowed around the head taking into the portal of her throat rather than gagging and chocking on him. The soft curls that crowned the cock she sucked avidly smelt of the leather pants he had been wearing, and she willingly pushed her nose into them as he continued to thrust in and out of her sucking mouth.

Tears streaked her cheeks and drool hung from her chin when he pulled her hair back tilting her face up to him with just the head of his cock remaining between her lips. The flash went off several times, and he groaned loudly, "Open, tongue out." The first spurt of cum made his cock jump spraying it over her nose and cheek the second landing across her tongue and a third landing across her nose and cheek again narrowly missing her eye. He placed his cock back on her tongue and commanded, "Suck!" The flash had continued to go off during the last of his orgasm, but she didn't care she was so hot and horny right at that moment.

"For someone without much training you're quite a good little cocksucker," he said as he finally he pulled her away from his cock and threw her back to the ground. "Now we can get down to business. Follow me," he said and turned to walk away before adding, "Crawl." 

They moved to the other side of the dimly lit end of the huge open space that was what she assumed a converted warehouse. He took a seat in a large leather chair, and she knelt before him. "Hands," she heard the command and lifted her hands to him and he encased her wrists in leather cuffs similar to the ones she had worn for Mel. "I like the boots, you will keep them on, stand," he commanded.

Lifting her leg to the seat between his legs, he encased the ankle of her boot in a cuff; his hand ran up her leg to her cunt, "You love sucking cock don't you, baby girl," he murmured as his finger pushed past the flimsy material of her g-string and into her wetness making her gasp and bite at her lip as she balanced on one foot. His finger thrust in and out of her a few times as he growled, "I asked you a question, baby girl."

"Yes, Sire," she panted.

"Then say it!" he prompted pulling his finger from her and stroking her clit lightly.

"I love sucking cock, Sire," She panted letting out a small whimper as she blushed.

"Good girl. There won't be any more of these while you are with me," he gathered the flimsy g-string in a bunch and ripped it from her body. "No panties, no bras. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Sire," she said breathlessly the sting of the snapping elastic heating her slightly.

"Other foot," he commanded and she changed position. "You have had your ass fucked?" 

"Yes, Sire," She replied and continued the simple reply as he continued to ask about her experience so far. Had she been spanked, cropped, caned, flogged whipped? Had clamps, anal plugs, beads, ben wah balls been used? Wax play, water sports? He was glad that she had no piercings and that she seemed to love leather as much as himself. He then asked about lifestyle fetishes, the only one she could truly understand was being kept as a pet. Though she had a desire to learn how to serve as Nyx did, she did not remember its name.




Possessing Bella



He explained that he had chosen the address of Sire because although he identified with being a Daddy-Dom he did not enjoy the immaturity and childlike affectations of girls such as Sara. Instead, he craved the respect and ultimate control of having a young woman such a Bella reliant on him for every little thing. He would care for her and control her life for the time she was with him as a father might for a young girl, but he also had a wide sadistic streak and liked his girls to embrace their need for cock and hard use. He liked then to be true sluts, flirtatious and teasing even with his friends, and while he would allow her to suck many different cocks this week, she was to have no penetrative sex with others while she was with him. He didn't want a cry baby, or a tantrum thrower, if he wanted a girl to cry and pout he would give her a good reason to do just that. 

"Is there anything we haven't covered that you would like to add?" he asked her seriously.

"I was introduced to this type of ... living by Mel as you know. From the time, I took his collar I knew I wanted to experience more, everything, all he wanted to show me but..." she faltered, "It wasn't to be, now it falls to men like you to show me different things. What I am trying to say is that I do not know what I do not like yet or what my limits are, I only know one man's way, and I loved him enough to do anything for him. This," she looked up at him, "Will be different on so many levels."

"Ah, dear girl," he cupped her face and kissed her nose, "You already have already pleased me in more ways than you could fathom just by that sentence alone." 

He pulled her up over his lap, "Now baby girl, this is not to punish you but simply for my own enjoyment." His hand crashed down on her ass, and she cried out. He was a big man both in height and muscle, her ass heated up quickly and she squealed and sobbed panting her heat as the fingers of his other hand fucked into her and teased her clit. Within in very little time, she was begging to cum.

"There is no need to beg tonight, you may cum as often as you as you are able to," he smirked liking that she was such a hot pain slut. Rob had played down how good this girl was, or perhaps he didn't realise. Either way, she was his for a week, and he had every intention of making the most of it. She came hard and long coating his hand and his thigh in the evidence of her pleasure at being spanked. He pushed her from his lap to land in a heap at his feet.

"Clean up your mess, slut," he growled and she immediately came to her knees and lapped at his thigh almost purring in pleasure. He lifted her head by the hair and shoved his gooey fingers into her mouth. "Such a hungry baby girl I bet you wish these were a cock, don't you? Don't worry I will make sure you get to suck more cock than you ever imagined this week," he said with a leery smile. Bella revelled in the last waves of her first real orgasm in months and knew this was what she needed. She felt his desire for her, and it was enough, enough to make her want to please him and hear his praise.