Rules Are Made to Be Broen

[Hey lovers! Here comes chapter 23 of 29!

...I've had a few grumpy comments lately - little joy suckers getting their nipple clamps in a tangle because I keep categorising my story as BDSM even when there's no actual kink in a chapter... oh well!

I toyed with sticking this chapter in romance instead, because there's no "action" as such, but ultimately decided I cared more about continuity & making sure my regulars find me than a few grouchy noses being put out of joint.

SO! If you're new here, and a romance/kink combo is not your thing - you'll probably hate this, feel free to go find something more to your taste! If you like the idea - feel free to start from chapter one and enjoy - or just jump in right here - I'm not gonna tell you what to do!

If you're already team Jess & Sam... have at it & enjoy!

Whatever the case though, fair warning: Chapter 23 is technically kink free, but chapter 24 will be along soon & it will make it worthwhile. Promise ;)

Thanks for reading! EG x]

As I blink myself awake and stretch out against the luxurious bed linen, I’m quickly aware that the owner of the bed is not wrapped around me as usual. In fact, he’s not in the bed at all. I sit up and scan his bedroom, my eyes settling on the dressing table outside his walk-in wardrobe. Or more specifically on the stunning man who’s sitting at it.

He’s already fully dressed; white shirt that’s of course open at the neck and pale grey suit trousers – I notice the matching jacket is hanging behind him. He’s concentrating hard on a sheet of paper in front of him; so much so that he hasn’t noticed me wake up.

He holds the page at arm’s length, scanning it intently. Putting it back on the table he scrawls something at the bottom then pushes his chair back and turns in my direction.

‘Good morning, Beautiful.’ He smiles brightly; finding me awake doesn’t ruffle him in the slightest.

‘Good morning yourself Mr Byron; you’re up early.’

‘I had some business to deal with.’ He replies, waving his hand dismissively at the table as he stands and crosses to join me. ‘I didn’t want to wake you; I like the sight of you asleep in my bed.’ He states, brushing my hair behind my ear and kissing me lightly on the lips. He smells divine; clearly already showered and shaved as well as dressed. I wonder how long he’s been up? ‘I can’t wait until you’re waking up in it every morning.’

Before I can process my look of shock into an audible argument his mouth is on mine, silencing me with a kiss that that takes my breath away as well as my voice.

‘A man can dream, right?’ he shrugs as he releases me and I try to scowl in reply. Will he always insist on keeping me off balance like this? More than likely, I conclude inwardly. ‘For now, though, how about you let me show you how much of a gentleman I can be?’ he continues, catching my hand in his and kissing each knuckle in turn. ‘I’ll go and make coffee while you shower, then if you really must leave you can at least let me drive you to work?’

‘That would be great, thank you.’ I smile. He mirrors it back at me.

‘See, being obedient isn’t so hard really.’ He quips casually, and gathering his papers from the dresser, he’s gone before I have a chance to retort.

Once I’m dressed, and rejuvenated with two cups of the most delicious coffee, he’s looking me up and down inquisitively as I stand in front of his full-length mirror braiding my hair to get it out of the way.

‘Where did that come from?’ he asks curiously, meaning the cute floral skater dress I’m wearing.

‘Oh, I spotted it when I was shopping for shoes yesterday’ I say casually. He eyes me with a smirk. ‘What?’ I ask. He moves behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

‘You knew you were going to stay over, didn’t you?’ he says, holding onto me tightly.

‘Don’t be silly’ I reply, trying not to blush.

‘You are a terrible liar, Miss Blake.’ He scolds playfully, kissing the chain of my Jessica pendant at the back of my neck.

‘Alright, fine!’ I concede, ‘So maybe I thought there was a chance I’d end up staying over and I figured I may as well grab something I could wear to work too. My beloved antique bookery isn’t quite ready for evening attire, remember?’ I add with a smile. He grins back at me triumphantly and I roll my eyes at him.

‘You know if you won’t agree to move in with me, you could at least have a share of the wardrobe, keep some stuff here?’ he says, trying to be casual.

‘I’ll think about it.’ I reply; anything for an easy life. Maybe I am becoming more naturally obedient after all.

It’s a gorgeous day, so I’m pleased that he decides to drive me to work himself, rather than asking Harvey. I love driving with him; mostly because I enjoy the opportunity to watch him, how his muscles flex when he changes gear, the way his mop of hair gets even wilder in the breeze with the top down. I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of looking at him.

It’s also partly because I love how high his hand travels up my thigh while we drive. It’s almost dangerous how much he turns me on.

When he parks the car to drop me off, I’m disappointed the journey wasn’t longer. I’ve been lost in my own erotic daydreams, wondering how he’d react to my idea of taking a long drive in the countryside. I shake myself out of my reverie as he jumps out to open my door, taking my hand and helping me out.

He’s ridiculously handsome today in his grey suit, every inch the enigmatic and powerful CEO in waiting. He puts his hands on my shoulders; his touch is light but his eyes are suddenly serious as he leans in to kiss me tenderly. When he releases me, he tucks a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

‘You are so beautiful.’ He states plainly before reaching into his inside jacket pocket and producing a white envelope bearing my name.

‘I want you to know how much you mean to me, Jessica. When you consent to being mine, I will spend every day showing you how precious you are. I know we’ll be perfect together.’ I open my mouth to reply but he silences me with a finger on my lips. ‘Shh. Take this, read it, and then we can do all the talking you want to. Okay?’ he hands me the envelope and I nod, dumbly.

He kisses me again, hard and passionately this time so that I’m grateful for his strong arms around me, keeping me upright.

‘I have to head to the office now, and I’ve got meetings all day, but I’ll see you tonight, okay?’ I nod again. He tilts my chin up so that I’m looking him in the eye.

‘We can make this work Jessica.’ He kisses me soundly once more.

As I watch him drive off it feels like the world is in slow motion. I stand, dumbstruck with the white envelope in my hand. My phone buzzing with a text makes me jump. Sam’s name is on the display and his text reads:

‘Go to work Beautiful.’ Oh, that infuriating man!

When I get into the shop, I dump my coat and bag in a hurry, glad that Bob isn’t in until later; I should have at least a few hours to myself. I make coffee, settle myself down in the floral arm chair behind the cash desk and look at the envelope in my hands. I trace the letters of my name. He really does have beautiful handwriting, part of his artistic nature I suppose.

I’m quickly aware that I’m stalling. I want nothing more than to tear this thing open, but at the same time, I’m scared of what it might say.

I take a deep breath and open it. There’s a single sheet of white paper, written in the same flowing cursive. I smooth it out on the desk in front of me and begin to read.

My Beautiful Jessica,

I’m writing this because I know how much you appreciate the written word, and because even someone as beautifully stubborn as you can’t have an argument with a piece of paper.

Before I say anything more, let me be clear that everything contained in this letter is negotiable (to a point) and I will do everything in my power to review it to your liking and make our arrangement work. I know this is uncharted territory for us both and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of questions (arguments!), but please, keep an open mind and consider this a jumping off point to start negotiations.

I called Crystal this morning and made arrangements to book “Amber”, three times a week, for one month to begin, with a view to a rolling agreement going forward. Obviously, so far as Crystal is concerned, this is purely a business arrangement, please don’t worry that I have compromised your position with the agency.

It’s a perfect arrangement for both of us – you keep your financial independence, I’ll know that my newfound girlfriend (yes, I’m committing that to paper!) is safe and taken care of, and we can continue to explore our relationship and your limits together – on a mutually agreeable schedule, of course.

Jessica, when you submit to being mine, I will be entirely devoted to you, your wellbeing and of course your pleasure. Everything I am and everything that I have will be at your disposal.

You said yourself, I’m good at getting what I want, and what I want, is you.

Sam x

I re-read the letter three times, utterly awed by his impeccable balance of blind arrogance meets perfect gentleman. I’m tempted to call and tell him exactly what he can do with his ‘jumping off point’, but I decide it’s probably a conversation best had face to face.

My phone rings from my bag. Of course, it’s Crystal.

‘Amber, Darling, how are you?’

‘Hi Crystal, I’m okay thanks,’ I lie, trying to be professional, knowing this isn’t her fault, she’s a businesswoman, she’s not going to turn down easy money.

‘Glad to hear it darling. So, it seems you really have made an impression on your Mr Byron – he’s called this morning to make a block booking – three appointments a week, for one month to begin with, starting this evening.’ I say nothing as she continues, ‘Now I know that’ll max you out darling, but there’s no need for you to worry about your recurring patrons, we’ve enough wiggle room on the books to reassign them indefinitely. Alright with you?’

‘Sure.’ I reply flatly

‘Are you sure you’re alright darling girl, I rather expected a little more enthusiasm – you do like him, don’t you?’ it’s hard to tell if her tone is concerned or irritated.

‘I do. It’s fine, really.’ I try to fake the enthusiasm she’s looking for.

‘Excellent. Well, I’ll send you a copy of all the details via email and let you get on. Kisses darling, Ciao!’

No need Crystal, I’ve got all the details right here, I think to myself, drumming my fingertips against Sam’s beautiful script.

* * * * *

By the time I get home that evening, my rage is simmering gently.

That infuriating, annoyingly handsome, overwhelmingly self-assured man has totally overstepped the boundaries this time. I know that’s not exactly new ground where we’re concerned, but still – how dare he?

I pour a large glass of white wine as I seethe to myself, he can’t really have thought I’d be fine with this, surely? I have made it abundantly clear that I don’t want his money, that I don’t want our relationship to be some sort of business deal, that I won’t – no, can’t be indebted to him like that, yet he’s gone right ahead and “brokered the deal” regardless.

I take a long sip, trying to see things from his point of view, but still come to the same conclusion. He’s an infuriating, presumptuous bastard and I plan to tell him so.

I down the rest of the glass and head into my bedroom to get ready. As the shower heats up, I take off my Jessica pendant and leave it on my dresser. Definitely won’t be wearing that tonight.

As I’m drying off afterwards, I can’t stop running through this morning when he dropped me off, replaying it in my head. He was so damn cheerful. He truly thinks he’s got it all figured out.

I pour myself into the black shift dress I wore to his first booking. It used to be a favourite, but now it just feels like classic Amber Couture and I hate it, but keep it on out of spite. I cast a glance at my Jessica necklace lying abandoned on my dresser and feel tears stinging at the back of my throat. Not now Jess. After a few deep breaths to pull myself together, I pick up the delicate chain and put it back in its grey velvet box.

“When you consent to being mine”, he’d said. Does he really think I’m that much of a pushover? Is he really so confident in himself that my obedience is a foregone conclusion? Does he even know me at all?

These are all the things I’m planning to ask him as I step into the same killer heels from that first night too.

First though, he’d paid handsomely for an hour with Amber, so he’d damn well get it before I unleashed the wrath of Jessica.

[Chapter 24 is coming sooooon! EG x]