Yvonne drew back, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “I have to say, I’m disappointed. That was over far too soon. I was planning to toy with you at least another hour.”

Ruby barely heard her. She was lost in a trance, deep under her Mistress’s spell.

“But I wouldn’t want such a willing, eager captive to go to waste.” Yvonne took another coil of rope from the chair next to her, drawing it through her fingers. “I’m going to take this opportunity to show you all my favorite ties. Would you like that? If you’re good, I might even give you another reward.”

“Yes, Mistress,” Ruby murmured. Despite her exhaustion, she still wanted more.

A smile crossed Yvonne’s lips. “You’re a greedy little thing, aren’t you?” She brushed a stray strand of hair out of Ruby’s face. “I’m going to enjoy this.”

As Yvonne unfurled the coil of rope, a thought floated into Ruby’s hazy mind.

If this was Yvonne’s idea of giving Ruby ‘a taste,’ what else did Yvonne have in store for her?

* * *

When they returned home, Yvonne practically had to carry Ruby from the car up to the apartment. She clung to Yvonne’s proffered arm like she was in a drunken haze.

Yvonne knew exactly what Ruby was going through. It was a high, a feeling of euphoria submissives experienced, caused by all the adrenaline and endorphins the body produced in response to intense physical stimulus.

Yvonne steered Ruby into her bedroom. “Get into bed. Get undressed first. I’ll get you some water.”

Ruby nodded and sat on the bed, slipping out of her heels.

Yvonne left Ruby’s bedroom and went into the kitchen. She leaned back against the counter, taking a moment for herself. It had surprised Yvonne, how quickly and deeply Ruby had slipped into that submissive headspace, how easily she’d let go. Clearly, Yvonne’s initial impression of her had been wrong. Ruby wasn’t simply trying to please Yvonne. Her desire to submit was something innate.

And that made Yvonne uneasy.

She didn’t quite understand why. Was she worried Ruby wouldn’t respect her own limits, that she would push herself too far? That was a risk for new submissives. But Yvonne had stressed the importance of being honest with herself and Yvonne about what she could handle, and Ruby seemed to understand. Besides, Yvonne was experienced enough that she would never push Ruby too hard. She had every intention of taking things slow and treating Ruby with a careful hand.

So why did Yvonne feel this irrational level of concern for her?

Yvonne poured a glass of water, then returned to Ruby’s bedroom. Ruby was already in bed.

“Here.” She handed the glass to Ruby. “Drink this, or you’ll feel terrible in the morning.”

Ruby did as she was told. Yvonne took the empty glass from her and set it on the nightstand, then sat down on the edge of the bed.

“How are you feeling?” she asked. “Is there anything else you need?”