Submissive Beauty by Eliza Gayle

“We’ve had a sudden influx of activities going on out at Sanctuary, and our resident accountant has been having a rough time of it. In fact, he’s several months behind on balancing our books, and I’m a little concerned.”
    “So you need a temp to help him get caught up?”
    “There’s a little bit more to it than that.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I’d like for everything to get back on schedule, but I’d also like to get an audit on all the records for the past year.”
    Gabrielle’s eyebrows drew together. He could practically see her mind calculating and contemplating the job. He was confident that with her references and obviously sharp mind, he’d made the right decision in choosing her. In more ways than one.
    “Do you suspect something fishy?”
    Yep, smart girl .
    “I have no real reason to; I just think the being behind makes me uncomfortable.” He wasn’t prepared to get into the details of this with her. He’d rather she go in and double check without any preconceived notions.
    “Sometimes, the first gut reaction is the most telling.” Gabrielle twirled her wineglass, sliding it back and forth between her fingers. “I have a couple assignments that are ending in the next couple days so after that I could clear my schedule for you. It sounds like I’m going to need some time. Of course, I won’t know how much until I see the status of the bookkeeping for myself.”
    “Of course.” He had a hard time taking his eyes from the woman who watched him intently but with such caution. But the thing he did notice was the way she seemed to have forgotten the state of her undress. Talking about her work had animated her as well as distracted her, and now, she appeared comfortable.
    “David, why don’t you tell our beautiful guest how we met? I think she’ll be interested in that story.”
    Gabrielle’s head turned almost reluctantly back to David, not taking her gaze from his until the last possible second. A sense of attachment was beginning to form, which he took as a very positive sign.
    “Well, about six months ago, I ended a long relationship with a sweet but very vanilla woman. I’d been having thoughts and desires for a more intense relationship, if you know what I mean, and when I finally confessed, she freaked. I left the next morning.” Thomas knew his story well, but he wanted Gabrielle to hear it, to understand what they would be undertaking if she agreed to the co-training. “Once I got settled into a temporary apartment, I started to explore everything I’d learned through BDSM research.”
    Gabrielle shook her head and set her chin onto her hands, absorbed by what David had to say. “I know exactly what you mean; my experience was all too similar.” Startled, Thomas schooled his face to not show his surprise as he settled in to watch them both.
    “After a few visits with some local groups, I decided I needed a mentor. Someone with a lot of experience who could train me not to go to far, to learn to read the subtle signs a submissive gives when she needs something, that kind of thing. Long story short, through a few well-placed referrals, I landed on Sanctuary’s doorsteps looking for Master Thomas.”
    Gabrielle’s head swung sharply in Thomas’ direction, her eyes wide and her mouth in the form of a small O. “You’re his trainer?”
    “As of last week.” Thomas stroked the smooth skin of her cheek and glanced his fingers across her lips. “Gabrielle.” His hand gripped her chin and tilted it up until she stared into his eyes with no option to look away. “I want to train you together.”

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    Gabby’s head jerked in his hand, but he held fast, not letting her get away. What did this mean? Did he not want her for himself?
    “Please, Sir, let me go.” Her voice trembled as she spoke.
    “No running or hiding here, Gabrielle. Tell me what you’re thinking.” His hand tightened on her face and tears sprang to her eyes. She