La Maison 2: Differences (Complete: BDSM mxm)

January 31

A/N: If you've read La Maison and feel some confusion at the beginning of the chapter, do me a favor and just go with it - I'll explain in a note at the end.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter, and welcome your thoughts, as ever.

Ellis

"Just take it. You remember the address, right?" Owen just nods sullenly, wincing as he reaches forward to accept the small wad of notes.

"It's a lot. Is he really that expensive?" I love Owen's voice. It's husky, much deeper than you'd expect from such a delicate looking guy.

"I have no idea. I don't see him, and Master François pays for mine. I just know he's the best."

"What will he be able to do though? Really?"

"I don't know. Because you won't tell me what the problem is." I'm a little frustrated at my best friend, who's keeping secrets from me. All I know is that he hasn't been his usual cheerful self lately and I want him to be happy again. I know Gray will help him.

I give Owen a hug.

"Just promise you'll go see him. He'll be able to give you perspective on what's going on, even if you won't talk to me about it. I have to run now, I'll get into trouble if I'm home late."

"Hang on, who do I ask for when I get to the office?"

"Oh! Doctor Kemholt, I guess." One more hug and I run off, trying not to break another rule. I'm only going to meet Connor at the car, but I know he has to let Master know if I take too long, even if he always looks sorry about it. I just have to hope this grabbed chat with Owen, who met me after class, hasn't taken me longer than it normally takes to get my things from my locker; I even kept my bag with me today to save that time.

"I'm not late, am I?" I'm breathless when I reach Connor, but I try to hide that, and the blush of shame, by being over exuberant. As usual, Connor just gives me a stoic look, but he admits I'm not, so I sigh relief as I clamber into the back of the car so he can drive me home. Even though I'm not grounded anymore, Master still insisted that Connor keeps taking me to and from school. The poor guy must be bored out of his mind because I only have a couple hours of lessons every day and he has to wait for me. But if he is bored I'd never know because I swear the guy only has one facial expression, and it's stern.

When I'm home I greet Leeanna, the housekeeper, and Allie, the butler, before running upstairs to get ready for the club tonight. Master said we might do a public show if I've been good, and I'm excited, because it's been too long since he showed everyone his power that way. The thought makes joyful shudders run through my body while I prep, and I have to focus really hard not to stroke myself as I contemplate what he might do to me.

When I come out of the bathroom toweling my hair I almost leap into the air at the sight of Master seated on the edge of the bed, a furious glower on his face.

"Master?" I can't help the whimper because he's definitely mad even though I don't know why.

"Forgiveness, Pet," he demands, and I drop to my knees, extending my arms toward him. "Did you take a thousand dollars from the counter?"

"Yes, Master." Damn, I'd forgotten I was meant to ask him, because I'd been trying to come up with a reason I needed it instead of just using my credit card. "I wanted to buy something."

"And what did you want to buy that you couldn't just use your card for?" See? That's why I was meant to have an excuse. My mind is blank, little rivulets of fear running through it. He won't take this well.