Broken Submission

Introduction to Society

Amelia had given notice to her boss. She tried not to think about his crude comments. The man was a chauvinist pig and though being unemployed was scary, she was relieved by the thought that she wouldn't have to work there anymore. He had been so pissed that he hadn't even accepted her offer to stay the customary two weeks.

So she spent most days at Derek's apartment, and she couldn't deny how comfortable it was. The apartment was cozy. She and Derek spent the mornings together, then he went to work at the club. As the owner, he had membership applications to handle and fires to put out, but he could also be flexible with his schedule. Still, it was good that he worked at least a few hours most days—it gave them both some space, some time to themselves.

As comfortable as she was, Amelia didn't slack off in her search for a new town to hide in. Every day it was harder, but she forced herself to the computer. Apartments, job applications, and town names were starting to blend together. Derek never tried to dissuade her, but she could always see a touch of unhappiness in his expression when he saw her searches.

It got to the point where she tried to limit the activity to when he was out of the house. Otherwise, she cleaned the apartment, read his books, walked to a nearby park. He had come home one day while she was out, and when she'd returned, he'd been frantic. She had explained that she had just been walking, but he'd scolded her for not at least leaving a note.

When she'd protested, he'd blistered her bottom. She'd never done a contract like the one she had with him, a temporary 24/7 submissive contract. She got in trouble more often than she would have thought possible, but she almost always saw his point in hindsight. She wasn't used to someone worrying about her.

He'd also been stuffing her with food. She'd tried to give him a chunk of her savings. He'd reddened her ass for that too. Despite the fact that she could rarely sit comfortably, this time with him had been amazing. She felt settled, centered, safe. They'd gone to the Club a few nights too. The stares had only intensified with their repeated appearances together.

She'd asked him to keep from announcing their relationship, but it couldn't be put off anymore. Tonight, she was going to meet his friends. It was almost mundane—vanilla—and it terrified her. But he'd asked it of her when it had gotten to the point where they were dodging people in his club, and she couldn't resist him.

She smoothed her hands over her skirt, a short, flirty piece of black fabric. She'd paired it with her classic corset. The outfit was almost like armor, the boning of her corset keeping her back straight and shoulders back. She could do this. For the first time, she almost envied those girls who wore towering heels. She could have done with the confidence boost.

She left the bedroom when she heard the front door open.

"You're home—" she began with a smile before she caught a glimpse of the person in the doorway.

"T-Tara?" she stuttered. Her eyes fell to the floor immediately, even though the woman was a sub herself.

"Amelia? What are you doing here?" Heels clicked on the wood floor as the woman walked toward her.

Amelia fought the instinct to cringe. "I-I'm staying here."

"You moved in together?" Tara's voice was laced with shock.

Amelia peeked up, so that she could gauge the other woman's expression. "I—"

The opening door cut her off, and Derek walked in.

"Tara," he said, surprise on his face. "Where's Tony? Why are you here?"

Tara turned to him. "Tony called you after you left, but you left your phone in your office. I was nearby so I swung by. Tony wasn't sure if you were coming in tonight, but he wanted to make sure you knew that we're going to be a little short-handed. Ezekiel called in sick, and no one can pick up his shift."