In Training by Michelle Robbins

unwelcome transmittables?"
    "That would be my guess, but also as a way to enforce the barrier between a slave he's training and"--Liz's bright grin flashed--"complications."
    Seth had broken that rule. In fact, Seth had broken a number of rules since she'd met him. She stared at her half-empty mug, trying to understand, but only one answer arrived: things were complicated.
    She hoped that was a good sign.

 

Chapter 10
     
    Complicated was an understatement, she told herself as Seth and Mike loomed in her doorway. Her mind stalled for a moment before she remembered to invite them in. They crossed the threshold and closed the door behind them. They returned her wide-eyed stare with equal expressions of frigid neutrality.
    Ice prickled down her spine. "Is something wrong?"
    "Proper greeting," Seth barked.
    Startled, she jumped what felt like a foot into the air. Once she landed, she dropped her dressing robe and knelt naked before them, per Seth's preference. A shiver rocked her body and she bit her lip as the chill marched down her spine. He hadn't sounded the least bit friendly.
    "Nice," Mike said, after a moment spent gazing at her.
    "She trains easily," said Seth.
    Their stares didn't ease up. She flushed beneath their regard.
    Seth crossed his arms over his chest. "Your disobedience costs you today's training session. Mike"--a nod to his right--"is here for his optioned punishment."
    "But, Master, I've already been punished," she protested, confused.
    "I punished you for your arrogant rejection of my wishes," said Seth. "However, your refusal to do as instructed also robbed Mike's slave of her ability to perform as she was ordered by her master. Thus, you didn't just spit in my face, but you also spat in Mike's."
    Shock shuddered through her.
    "This is not acceptable," Seth continued. "Punishment is due, but it is not my bailiwick. Mike was given an option to punish you himself or forgive." There was a cold pause. "He chose to punish."
    "I--I didn't know... I didn't," she sputtered and blushed. "I'm sorry. I--"
    Mike cut in. "The rules of our lifestyle differ from what you know from your previous life. I understand that, but you consented to be here now, as a slave, and this is what it is."
    "Even in the vanilla world, it's unacceptable to blow off the expectations of your superior," Seth said with a knife-sharp edge to his voice.
    "My...my 'superior'?"
    "You are a slave," said Mike. "Seth is not. Therefore, he's your superior."
    "You're property and have no voice in decision-making. My expectations, even with only the slightest hint of my interest, are to be your commandments." Seth paused. "As Mike's are for his slave."
    Thus, my alleged spitting into Mike's face, she noted to herself. Shoulders slumped, the weight of defeat unbearable, she tried for a plausible excuse. "I'm still learning. I meant no harm."
    "I see more than one man speaking to you, girl."
    She flinched from Seth's scathing rebuke. What on earth was she supposed to say to them? "Masters?"
    Again, their unison nods and twin frowns. Later she'd laugh at the spectacle. She didn't feel much like laughing now.
    "That you're still learning is why leniency is offered," Seth pronounced. "However, correction will be made."
    Into the silence, a gentle wind tugged at her wind chimes. The soft tones rang an odd contrast to the brittle atmosphere in the house.
    Seth spoke again. "Unless you refuse the punishment, girl, which equates to calling full stop to your training and in that case, we'll depart."
    She felt herself go white as her heart failed for what seemed to be an endless moment. She sucked in a huge gasp of shock and choked on the unexpected knot in her throat. Seth stared down at her, inflexible and resolute as he awaited a decision.
    Her mind raced. Allow Mike to lay a hand on her? Crazy! She'd already been punished. It was so unfair to try to punish her again. What was he thinking? She hadn't signed up for this! Had she? If she didn't consent, then