Secret Desire of the Beast

Chapter 16

Daniel

It's been a wonderful few weeks since the dinner with Paul and Carrie. I sit behind my desk, immersed in paperwork. Bell is diligently working on a article on the couch that is in my office. It's filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the sounds of typing and shuffling papers. I look at her and admire her focus.

"Almost done with the article?"

"Yes, Sir. Just finishing the last section."

"Good girl, you have been very efficient today."

"Thank you, Sir."

I smile, about to return to my work when my phone rings. Seeing that it's my brother, I feel a pang of anxiety. He never calls me, I get a pit of nervousness in my stomach. What if this is bad news? I don't know if I can handle anything bad. I pick up the call.

"What's up?"

I listen and my heart just sinks. Trying to keep my composure.

My world seems to be tilting on it's axis. I hang up the phone and stare at the floor as I try to process the news. Finally, I look up at Bell, who is watching me with concern.

"My dad... he had a stroke. They're saying it's severe."

I look at her as she immediately comes around the desk to him, her face filled with empathy. "I'm so sorry, What can I do?"

I take a deep breath, needing to find some semblance of control. My voice barely steady. "I need to go to the hospital. But right now, I need you. I need to feel in control."

"I'm here for you, Sir. What do you need?"

"Follow me."

I say, standing up and leading her out of my office. I take her down the hall and go to the empty stairway where we can have solace and control. Inside, I take a moment to collect myself.

"Strip."

I command, my voice firm but gentle. Bell obeys without hesitation, undressing quickly and folding her clothes neatly. Her submission is a balm to my frayed nerves.

"Kneel."

I instruct her. She kneels gracefully, her eyes on the floor, waiting for my next command. I walk around her, taking in the sight of my obedient sub. The tension in my shoulders begin to ease.

"Good girl, I need you to trust me right now. Can you do that?"

"Yes, Sir. I trust you completely."

"I need to feel connected to you, to remind myself that I can handle this."

I guide her through a series of commands and tasks. Each one helping me to regain a sense of control. Bell responded perfectly, her presence calming to me. After a while my breathing steadied, I feel more centered. I kneel in front of her, cupping her face in my hands.

"Thank you Bell. You've helped more than you know."

"I'm here for you always."

I stay like this for a moment, the silence between us filled with unspoken understanding and support. Eventually, I help her onto her feet and we both get dressed.

"Let's go to the hospital. I'm ready to face this now."

"We'll get through this together."

We leave the stairwell. Our connection fortified by the trust and support we share and ready to face the news about my dad. I am scared but knowing that Bell is with me, I feel ready. We make our way out of the building, the gravity of the situation sinking in. I feel a mix of anxiety and resolve, but having Bell by my side it gives me strength. I walk to my car and start the engine. I hold Bell's hand and squeeze it.