Bound by Christmas

Chapter One: Ritual

I rang the doorbell, tightening my coat around my waist to stave off the butterflies fluttering wildly in my belly. I was always a trembling mess when I visited my Master for one of our appointments. I'd been seeing him for almost a year, and I still couldn't control the overwhelming sensations he evoked in me. It was so powerful and all-consuming. I thought about him and our sessions all the time. If I didn't see him for a few days, I'd spend my nights tossing and turning, craving him.

I met Sebastián Islas, my Dominant, through an invite-only application that was created for the BDSM community. My friend, Sara, had been using the app for years and knew I was underwhelmed with the dating market, so she decided to send me a personal invitation to the networking site. Before joining X Rated, I had never indulged in BDSM activities. I was always curious about exploring my sexual fantasies, but I had never met a partner I'd felt comfortable enough with to share my desires. And then, I'd met Sebastián.

When I first connected with Sebastián, I thought I had conjured him from my dreams. He was straight out of a romance novel, and I was definitely batting out of my league. Sebastián was an experienced Dom so —when he learned about my inexperience— he was hesitant to move forward with me. But, from the moment he first messaged me, there was something that drew me to him. Somehow, I convinced him to meet with me and our chemistry was undeniable. The dominance that oozed out of him was so strong that it automatically triggered my submission. It was like two puzzle pieces coming together. We just fit.

Taking in a deep breath, I prepared myself to be greeted by my Master, but the man who opened the door wasn't Sebastián. I stared at Felix, Sebastián's personal assistant, with surprise. Was Sebastián not home? He'd said to arrive at nine P.M. sharp.

"Good evening, Ms. Holladay. Please, come in. Mr. Islas is running a little late and asked me to greet you," Felix explained, trying to soften my disappointment.

I nodded and stepped into the beautiful, modern penthouse. I appreciated that Sebastián had the forethought to arrange for someone to let me inside. I didn't have a key and I wouldn't have wanted to wait outside his door.

I smiled at Felix as I walked into the living room. "Felix, please call me Jenna."

"Yes Ms. Holladay," he nodded.

I shook my head. "You're not going to call me Jenna, are you?"

"No, Ms. Holladay."

"Very well," I chuckled.

"Umm, Ms. Holladay..." Felix cleared his throat as his cheeks turned bright red.

"Yes?"

"Umm, well... Mr. Islas asked me to remind you of your ritual," he blurted. "He is expecting you to be ready when he arrives."

I looked down at my six-inch heels, trying to hide my smirk. Of course he would send me a message through Felix. Sebastián was always asserting his dominance, reminding me of my role, but I didn't need the reminder. I knew who my Master was, and I yearned for his approval. Without a word to Felix, I turned and walked toward the stairs.

Sebastian's playroom was on the second floor, but on the opposite end of the hallway from his bedroom. Even after eleven months of being his submissive, I still hadn't been given permission to enter his bedroom. Before I reached my destination, I turned to face the door that led into the master suite and felt a painful pang in my chest. Suppressing the longing in my heart, I approached the door to the playroom and made my way inside.

For a novice, the playroom looked like a regular bedroom. It had a king-sized bed, walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. But, someone with experience in BDSM would easily spot the tantra chair in the corner of the room, the Kama Sutra book on the nightstand, the metal bed-frame with the handcuffs hanging on one of the bars, and the padded barrel horse tucked away in the closet.

Slowly untying my coat, I entered the closet and undressed. I was already wearing the lingerie set Sebastián had requested, so I shrugged off my coat, hanging it in the closet. Then, I faced the mirror and made sure I looked perfect for my Master. Double checking my red lipstick wasn't smeared, I turned and walked back into the bedroom. I kneeled in front of the bed, facing the door, and placed my hands on my knees.

I felt Sebastián before I heard him. Vibrating with anticipation, I attempted to stay calm and controlled my breathing. Carefully, I listened to his footsteps as he opened the door and entered the room. Without acknowledging my presence, he walked straight into the closet. I kept my eyes downcast while rustling noises came from the closet. Tingling with excitement, my body prepared to be dominated by my Master.

Finally, Sebastián returned and advanced toward me. I held my breath as his hand reached for me and slid my hair over my shoulder. "So, you can follow basic instructions," he muttered, his fingertips caressing my neck.

A shiver ran through my body as I held myself completely still. "Yes, Master," I whispered.

"Such a good girl." He tightened his grip on my neck, warning me of his mood. "It's such a shame your obedience does not appease my desire to punish you."

Goosebumps erupted all over my skin as a quiet whimper slipped out of my mouth.

"Do you know why I need to punish you, mi alma?" he asked in a low, deadly voice.

I trembled from the term of endearment. I cherished every instance he called me his soul. "No, Master."

"No?" He released my neck and gripped my hair, pulling my head back. "Did you forget how you denied me this week? I own you, Jenna. Body and soul. How dare you refuse my invitation?"

"Master, please forgive me. I had an event that I had to attend. I couldn't cancel."

"Hmm," he hummed, releasing my hair as he grabbed a leather collar from his pocket and fastened it around my neck. "Get on the bed. I want you on your hands and knees, prepared to take your punishment like a good girl."

"Yes, Master," I agreed as I watched him walk back into the closet.

Straightening my spine, I did as instructed and readied myself to be disciplined.