Heart of River {BDSM / 18+}

1

There was nothing more frustrating and humiliating than being told you weren't good enough. Not for the man with his obvious anger issues, not for the man with the increasingly weird requests that said I was almost too compliant and it weirded him out.

But that was my job — to be obedient. Wasn't it?

We had always been divided, those of them who were dominant and those of us who were submissive. There were those who liked to take both positions, but were usually labeled as submissive regardless which side they leaned more towards. They weren't seen as dominant enough to 'really take control'.

I had been 'returned' three times now, creating a very bad standing on my record despite over a dozen good rentals. The first return was technically just a rental, but I was returned early due to some... unfortunate miscommunication with his permanent sub.

But despite the bad track history, there was a meeting today with a prospective match. He was relatively well-off, supposedly has a respectful position and didn't care about the much better selection the House had to offer him.

"River, honey." Miriam popped her head into my room, smiling as always.

I couldn't fight the smile that came to my face when I saw her. "Yeah, I know. Be down in a second."

She had been a big support with everything since I had started at the House. It was a good establishment, one that genuinely took care of their submissives and offered them the training they needed and/or wanted. They even offered additional training for subs who needed an extra lesson, for a small fee paid for by their Dom. Or, in rare occasions, the subs themselves if they had the income.

I made my way down the stairs quietly, well aware of the stone-cold look that'd be thrown my way from Madam Bailey if she caught me running in any part of her House. The thought makes me chuckle a little as my foot hits the bottom, making a solid thump.

"Ah, here he is, Mr. Harrin!" Miriam's voice rang out and I turned towards it, a small smile still on my face. The young blonde service sub was always happy to show people around and answer any questions.

"He's a little... different than I thought." It was a handsome blond man, a good four inches taller than me.

"Did we not provide an adequate picture, sir?" Miriam frowned, wringing her fingers. I always hate when she frowns. To me, it makes her look like a withering flower.

"No, no. It was accurate." He reassured her, noting her worried movements. "He just seems brighter in person."

I couldn't tell if he meant I seemed smarter or something else, so I kept my mouth shut as the man looked at me. It was very tense, and he didn't seem like one to talk much.

"What do you like, River?" He walked closer, but never made a move to make contact.

"I don't understand the question, sir." I said quietly, lowering my eyes to the ground.

The man made an amused noise and stepped back, tilting his head a little to catch my eye. Mr. Harrin's eyes were a pretty green, much prettier than they should be. "I said, 'what do you like?' Movies, games, books? Hiking, perhaps?"

"Oh." I felt my face flush with embarrassment. "I enjoy reading, sir. And puzzles. But I'd love to learn anything you love to do."

"I'm sure you would." He gave a small smile and it made something warm bloom in my chest. "Why don't we sign a temporary rental, see how he does. Then we'll meet again at the end and go with what we decide."

Miriam nodded and immediately started leading Mr. Harrin to the private office. I turn to head back up the stairs but the man catches my arm. There was a small seed of panic that planted itself in my chest as he turned me back around.