✔️ The Arrangement (A Kinky Romance) [1st Draft]

A New Friend

Rachel hadn't slacked on anything. Selene had received a nourishing hair treatment that made her hair feel like silk. The stylist had decided her hair was perfect long, but had added some very subtle highlights and soft layers to add body. The mani-pedi was strange to Selene, having never had anyone touching her feet or messing with her nails before.

The shopping was the hardest part for Selene. Not only were most of the clothes a bit awkward, but she didn't feel entirely comfortable in most of them. She did have to admit that when she looked in the mirror, though, that she looked really good in most of what Rachel picked out. Of course. She selected some things herself, mostly the casual and comfy items: jeans, tees, sweats, and that kind of thing. She fell in love with a few t-shirt style dresses, some tunics, and other dressy casual clothing.

It was the lingerie store that became the problem. They'd barely entered the store when a strappy teddy without a crotch caught her eye and her heart lodged in her throat. Flashbacks filled her mind and vision, leaving her frozen as she relived the terror. The men, the smell of alcohol, cigarettes, and sex – the faces of other children in pain or simply resigned and defeated. The hopelessness... then she could feel the pain hit her. She could see their faces and hear their voices as they taunted or praised her, the inhumane way they used her for their own enjoyment, the way she was pushed aside like trash when they were through.

Nick had seen Selene freeze and the color drain from her face. He followed her line of sight and spotted the display of the more naughty apparel. It took him a moment before he realized that she must be having a panic attack. Something with the lingerie must have triggered something. Seeking a private area, he pulled her away from the display so it was out of her line of sight. Rachel, looking deeply concerned, showed Nick the large dressing rooms when he could take Selene for some privacy. As much as she wanted to, Rachel neither asked or said anything. She mouthed to Nick she would be nearby while he aided Selene.

Nick sat her down on the bench. Tears had begun streaming down her face. Pain, fear, and despair crossed her visage in turn. He didn't know what to do, so he made a quick call to his friend and fellow Dom.

"Something's wrong. We can into the lingerie store and she began staring at the naughty lingerie and just froze. She's crying, but it's like she's not even here," he explained quickly, barely containing his own panic. "What do I do?"

"Slow down. You can't help her if you're worked up. Take a deep breath," he instructed calmly. He waited until he could hear Nick take a deep breath. "Ok, is this the girl with the past trauma?"

"Yes."

"Ok, it sounds like a flashback or something. It's kind of like a waking dream, except you're reliving one of your worst memories. Is she breathing steadily?"

Nick reached over and took her hand before he looked at her stomach. "Yes. A little quick, but she's not hyperventilating. What do I do?"

"Remember how to pull a sub back," he asked after a moment's thought.

"Yes."

"Do that. Just remember, you're a man. Men have hurt her. She may not feel comfortable with you being too close, so don't take it personally."

"Got it. Thanks," he finished before he quickly hung up.

Nick maneuvered Selene until he was sitting with her on his lap. He wrapped his arms loosely around her and began speaking quietly in her ear. It didn't take him long to begin saying comforting words. He told her she was safe, that he had her, that it was over and she was safe.

"I am here, sweetheart. I have you. It'll all be ok, honey. I won't let anyone hurt you. Please, Selene, come back to me, sweetheart. I'll never let anyone hurt you. Come here, Selene... I promise you're safe with me."