Free In Training by Michelle Robbins Page A

before walking out of the house.
    The car gave a satisfying growl as it came alive and soon he'd left behind the tempting trainee. His hands clenched hard around the steering wheel, his knuckles white from the strain.
    Behind him lay a girl in sub drop. Alone. Hell, he'd deliberately put her there. Guilt bit at him. Fuck. That meant that he liked her. Hell of a complication.
    "Tonight you've learned a valuable lesson," he said to the girl who remained in her home, fast disappearing in his rearview mirror. "You've learned I can be a total asshole."
    But hopefully, she'd not disappoint him again.

 

Chapter 9
     
    The next day, she called Liz. They agreed to meet for coffee after work. Another local bistro hosted them as they chatted, surrounded by armchair literati and local families. The two gossiped for a while, easing into the sensitive discussion. Liz brushed off Abby's attempts to apologize.
    "Bah, I'm not upset," she said, "but I'm sure Seth's tighty-whities got into twist."
    Abby snorted her amusement at Liz's description. That he didn't wear nut-hugger underwear didn't seem relevant at this moment, so she let it pass. "Too right," she said. "In fact, I received my first punishment that night."
    "You seem remarkably happy about it." Liz licked chocolate syrup from her spoon.
    "Oh, it wasn't a big deal. Sure, it sucked, but it was more of an interesting experience than anything else. Well, except the end part. I hated the end part."
    "Oh?"
    She stirred her cappuccino with vigor, her spoon ringing against the sides of the cup. "He left me alone during sub drop. Totally alone, like he drove away."
    Liz gasped, raising her hand to her mouth as if horrified. "He left you alone? That ass!"
    "You got that right." But she paused when honesty prodded her. "Well, it was punishment."
    "Cruelty," Liz snapped, red flags riding her cheeks.
    "Seth did warn me his punishments were not pleasant. They're geared to ensure I think twice before doing the same again." Abby rubbed her palms across her face. Her face warmed and a knot lodged in her throat. Her eyes stung a warming and she blinked hard to offset the threatening tears. "It's very effective. I'm not feeling too defiant today."
    "Oh, sweetie," Liz cooed and reached out to catch her hand. "I'm so sorry."
    She held tight to Liz's hand. After a few moments, she felt strong enough to let go.
    Liz sat back in her chair and watched her struggle not to cry. "Hell of an experience," she pronounced.
    "Yes." She strove hard to sound unaffected.
    Liz firmed her chin. She adjusted her seat to make herself more comfortable and began. "Now, keep in mind I'm no doctor, merely that I've handled the situation a time or two"--she rolled her eyes and chuckled--"so all I have to tell you is what works for me.
    "First, the biggest mistake is to use chocolate. I know," she cut off Abby's automatic interruption, "however, that advice is out there. Anyway, cheese works best. It maintains a good sugar level and lets your body handle the excess dopamine and stuff naturally. A sugar rush is a bad thing. Avoid starches. Pamper yourself with a bubble bath and scented candles, that sort of stuff. Oh, and keep warm. That's very important."
    "He did toss a blanked over me before he left."
    "How kind," Liz snapped.
    Abby pushed aside the remembered shocked of abandonment. She'd cried enough yesterday. In fact, she'd wanted to die. It had been so horrible. "His displeasure was the worst part." The admittance arrived on a whisper.
    "I know," Liz soothed. "However, discipline is part of training. It's inevitable. We all fail, masters and slaves alike. It might help to know Seth has had nothing but praise for you."
    "Really?"
    Liz gave a playful smile, "Well, using Seth-speak, of course."
    "Seth-speak?" she parroted.
    They both dissolved into laughter as everything became clear.
    "All that Scottish stiffness," said Liz on a chuckle.
    Abby laughed harder. Finally, she wound down enough to ask, "Well, what did he