Authors Note: Hello to all the faithful followers of this story. I hope this chapter eases some of the tension left after the last chapter. I can't tell you how much appreciate the feedback and comments I receive both good and bad as it make me remember that I write for an audience who can't always see where the story is heading as I do. Thank you all for your continued support and I hope that you enjoy this chapter.
My apologies it is a little later than expected. Thank you to a friend who has volunteered to help with the editing. J. you are awesome *smooch* Please bear in mind that I am Australian and as such I spell some words differently to American English. Thank you to those readers that have offered helpful tips on my spelling but perhaps this explanation will help you to overlook some cultural differences.
~ellie
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After the plane had taken off, Mel walked back and unlocked the cage that held Bella and led her back out to kneel before his seat. "Display," he commanded, pushing her thighs wide with his boot. Her new tattoo had been covered with a clear dressing. While sealing the area and keeping it sterile, it allowed the reddened swelling around the tattoo to be seen through the clear film. He continued to watch as Bella lifted her hands to her neck and arched her back gently. He could see the mark clearly which made him smile.
Bella looked up at Mel as she knelt on display, his gaze firmly fixed on the point of discomfort between her legs. Whenever she moved it stung like she had severe razor burn, but it was bearable and reminded her of the punishment to come. She gazed up at the man she had chosen to be with, her lover and tormentor, watching as he took a cloth from a small bowl beside him. She closed her eyes as he gently washed her face.
"I have obviously been too lenient since collaring you and I think you have forgotten who is the Master and who is the slave," Mel said without emotion. The softness of his hands as they cleaned her face showed his care even if his voice didn't. "You took this collar knowing what type of relationship you were entering into. I gave it to you above all others that have begged for it because you are the girl I want, the girl I need and the girl I deserve." Placing the cloth back in the bowl of water and sending it away, he sat back in his chair considering her.
Bella said nothing as she gazed at him. She could not tell his mood by his words or voice. The anger he displayed at his home seemed to have dissipated, and she held her breath as he considered her, not knowing what to expect.
"Did you forget the whole week of training you had?" Mel stared at her hard.
"No, Master," her voice quivered.
"Oh good, you do remember that I am the Master then," Mel said, finding it hard to keep his voice even. He had to, once and for all, make sure she understood that she was not just as good as the other girls, she was better because she was his. All the advice and interfering of others had made them both question their roles in each other's life. He would put an end to that once and for all. He had gone almost from one extreme to another since her accident, and he realised now that was not what this girl needed, or what he needed, but he also admitted to himself that some explanation would forestall any further self-doubt and anxiety she had about being anything other than exactly what he wanted.
Bella knew now that she was in trouble, and she squirmed slightly on her heels making her cunt ache even more. She wasn't sure of the right thing to say, of course she knew he was the Master, the thing she doubted was that she was able to be the slave he wanted, and she guessed running away had shown that she wasn't.
"There will be no more of this disobedience, do you understand? There is no more room for doubt about your place with me. Should that collar ever come off, everyone will still know whom you belong to because I have marked you as mine. I want you as I have always wanted you." Mel looked into her eyes. "I need you to accept your place, my Ellie," he continued to study her face intently, "and your punishment for running away." Mel murmured deeply making sure she realised the full meaning of his words. "I have told you time and time again, I don't care what anyone else says or thinks, the only person you have to worry about pleasing is me." His eyes scoured her face.
Mel spoke sternly, "This is the last time I will repeat this to you. None of the drama at the club has been your doing. If anyone is to blame it is me." He leaned forward in his chair, "I want you at my feet, just as you are now, I want to dominate and control every aspect of your life. I expected you would just give it to me and to give nothing of myself in return. That is the way it has always been for me, I make demands and people do it without question, at work, at the club, women in general." He took a deep breath and reached out to stroke her cheek softly, "The first week of the trial would have been enough for any of the girls at the club because they knew me and what they were getting into. I realise now that you did not, and that I may have placed some unrealistic expectations on you."
Bella listened passively until he stopped talking momentarily, "You expected me to accept your collar after only a week and be like all the other girls?"
"All I knew is that I wanted you as mine," he said. "That hasn't changed. I am not a man to bend to another's will or compromise easily. I had not truly considered the amount of time it would take you to adjust to your new way of life." Mel took a breath, "We will take this time away from home and work to build up our relationship as we should have been able to this week, if there had not been so much interference. It will help to build your trust in me again and give me the obedience I expect."
"I will try much harder to meet those expectations, Master," Bella finally stopped chewing her lip and replied to him.
"Yes, you will," he stated, "We will have no more of these little girl tantrums where you run away. You are mine. My most precious treasure, it is true, but you will understand that you belong to me!" Mel said the last forcefully and Bella jumped.