Free Desire's Awakening by Gail DeYoung Page A

in turning down his friend’s offer.
    “Perhaps another time. I’m here with one of my subs and a Dom in training and I told him I’d be back soon. But thanks for the offer.”
    His friend shook his hand. “No problem. I understand. I’ll send you a notice of the meeting.”
    “I appreciate that.”
    Tim and Melissa were engaged in a serious conversation by the time Damien arrived. He had to clear his throat to get their attention.
    “Damien! Sir, please join us. Here, have a seat.” Tim pulled out a chair next to his.
    He looked back and forth at his sub and apprentice. They both appeared relaxed and happy. “So, how’s it going?”
    Tim looked over at Melissa and smiled. “We haven’t covered everything, but I explained that I’ve been studying the manuals you recommended and watching movies on techniques and now I’m ready for some hands-on experience.”
    Damien nodded. “That’s good. Did you discuss the kinds of things that interest you and her limits?”
    “Yes and we agree on many things. With your permission, I’d like to visit Melissa and perhaps have a training session with her.”
    Damien smiled. He was about to suggest that very thing to his young apprentice.
    “All right. Let me see what we can do.” He pulled out his scheduler and checked his appointments. “It appears I have an opening at two thirty tomorrow afternoon. Come over and I’ll spend some time with you and Melissa in the dungeon.”
    Tim reached over for Melissa’s hand. “I’d like that very much, Sir. Thank you.”
    “Welcome. Now let’s find a seat near the stage and watch the demonstrations.”
    They located three seats up front just as the lights were dimmed and spotlights focused on the couples on the stage. Though Tim seemed totally absorbed in everything that was happening, Damien couldn’t engage his interest as he normally would have. He occasionally saw a technique that he thought Tim could try and pointed it out to him. But his mind kept drifting to the pool and the dark-haired sub swimming in the moonlight.
    Stop it! What the hell is wrong with me? Why does that woman have such a magnetic pull on me?
    He was grateful that Tim had joined them, for he provided a nice distraction for Melissa. Damien looked over at his sub and saw that she too was enthralled by the spectacle of Doms whipping their subs and others administering spankings.
    The show ended around two in the morning. As the lights came on and the crowds dispersed, Tim shook Damien’s hand.
    “Thank you, Sir, for inviting me here tonight. This has been a fantastic experience. I really felt part of the crowd and know this is where I belong. I’m looking forward to meeting with you and the girl later today.”
    Damien nodded. His friend looked happier than he had seen him in a long time. “I’m glad you came too. See you later. Melissa.” He tugged gently on the leash and the submissive followed him to his SUV.
    Damien drove home in silence, occasionally looking in the rearview mirror to check on Melissa. She was pensive too, with a slight smile. He would bet any money that her thoughts were on Sir Timothy and their conversation tonight. The chemistry between them was quite evident and he had a good feeling about them.
    He wished it could be that easy for him. But his situation was much more complex. Even though Kaitlin stirred something inside him that he hadn’t felt in a long, long time, he had to be careful.
    He pulled the car into the driveway, turned off the ignition and opened the car door for Melissa. She followed him and waited while he turned the key in the lock. They walked into a dark and silent house. He released the leash from her collar and hung it by the front door.
    “I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight, girl. You may answer.”
    “Oh I did! Thank you. I had a wonderful time, Sir.”
    “Good. You may sleep in late today. You are dismissed.”
    Melissa bowed to him and headed for her bedroom. Damien undressed as he walked to