Safe Haven

by Red Phoenix

  Master Anderson winks at me as he leaves so I can freely mingle on my own.

  I don’t see Captain, but Brie and Sir Davis are nearby, so I make my way over to them. As soon as Brie sees me approach, her whole face lights up. “Oh Candy, what an exciting night this is for you!”

  I give Brie a hug before turning to Sir Davis. “Thank you both for coming.”

  He smiles. “Congratulations, Miss Cox. I know how rigorous the curriculum is. You should be proud of your exceptional achievements.”

  I totally blush. Whenever Sir Davis addresses me, I get a little weak in the knees. His dominance is both irresistible and powerful and since he is the former Headmaster of the school, I don’t want to do anything that might embarrass myself.

  Brie asks excitedly, “Are you ready for your interviews?”

  “I am. I can’t wait, really. Thanks so much for sharing your questions. I found them very helpful when creating my own.”

  “It’s important,” Brie assures me. “You’ll learn things about each Dom that may change your opinion of your compatibility with them.”

  “Clarity is what I’m hoping for, although I’m certain who it is,” I confess.

  “I advise you to keep an open mind,” Sir Davis reminds me, glancing at Brie with a subtle smirk.

  Brie smiles at him, then leans forward to whisper in my ear, “Trust your instincts.”

  I give her a nod as I catch a glance of Captain in the crowd. “Oh, I hope you two will excuse me.”

  “Of course, Miss Cox,” Sir Davis replies. “Make the most of your evening.”

  I bow my head in respect. “I certainly will, Sir Davis.”

  I make a beeline for Captain.

  “I’m glad to see you, Captain,” I tell him, trying to sound sophisticated and calm even though my heart is racing and I am giddy with excitement.

  “Miss Cox, I’ve only come to observe the graduation.” He continues, looking slightly uncomfortable, “I hold a special fondness for you and am pleased to see this day has come.”

  “Your praise means the world to me,” I admit with a flirtatious smile. I hope to tell him so much more during our interview. He doesn’t know how I really feel.

  He nods curtly. “Just an honest opinion. Don’t let me keep you.” Captain moves on to talk with Mr. Gallant on the other side of the room, leaving me standing by myself.

  Master Anderson is instantly by my side as I watch Captain walk away. “The night is still young. Make me proud by circulating, Miss Cox.” His easy cowboy charm calms my nerves.

  I seek out Baron next. His smile as I approach warms my heart.

  “Look at you now,” he states with pride. “You brighten up this whole place.” He takes my hand and spins me around slowly like a ballerina, stating, “The difference is like night and day.”

  I look up into his hazel eyes. The fact is, the allure of Baron’s dominance is irresistible, but there’s an easiness about him that makes me feel secure.

  “Would you like to dance, Miss Cox?” he asks when the music starts.

  “Please.”

  I look to Master Anderson, who gives me a thumbs-up, and I grin as we head onto the dance floor. I’m so tiny, and Baron is so tall, that my eyes are level with his muscular torso. Despite our size difference, he guides me effortlessly in his arms as we dance.

  “I will be forever grateful to you for taking care of Liege, Baron.”

  “I’m not the only one who had a hand in it, but I’m glad to see you’re not only adjusted, but thriving.”

  “Everyone on the staff has been kind and thoughtful, and my weekly sessions with Dr. Reinstrum are really helping me to work things through.”

  “The staff here is the finest,” Baron states proudly. “They go above and beyond to ensure the success of their students. It’s an honor for me to work with them.”

  I’ve already decided to interview Baron tonight. Although we never had the chance to scene together during my training, I had the privilege of watching him with several of my classmates. I know we don’t share the same kink, but he would be a healthy challenge for me, and his level of care is inspiring.

  After our dance, I break off and seek out Dominare, the fair-haired Spanish Dom who was paired with me the second night of class because he matched the preferences I’d listed on my application. The trainers hit the nail on the head as far as my physical attraction to him. However, I’m curious to find out how well matched we are outside of a scene.

  When the time comes for my first interview, Master Anderson escorts me to a private room and asks for my first interviewee.

  “Captain,” I state confidently.

  He raises an eyebrow, but nods. “As you wish, Miss Cox.”

  I sit down on the leather couch, waiting anxiously for his return. I know Captain is concerned about our age difference, but I don’t care. We are good for each other and I adore everything about him. The basis of all healthy D/s relationships begins with a submissive who is devoted to her Master, and a Dominant who is committed to his sub’s care. The two of us meet that requirement, and we share the same kink. More than that, I deeply admire Captain. I can’t think of anyone I would rather be collared to.

  I know he is reluctant to collar me because of my age, but I’m determined to convince him otherwise tonight.

  I lower myself to the floor and bow my head, my heart beating rapidly as I wait for him to enter the room.

  “It took a little persuasion, but I got your man here,” Master Anderson says with an imaginary tip of a hat before closing the door.

  “Miss Cox.”

  His voice sends pleasant chills through me, and I lift my head, looking at Captain in adoration.

  He sighs, pushing his hair back, with a look of exasperation on his face.

  I stand up and smile, undaunted. “Thank you for coming. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Captain stares at me, a look of pain in his eyes. “I shouldn’t be here. You shouldn’t waste another second on me, Candy.”

  It’s the first time he has called me by my given name, and it brings tears to my eyes. “You’re the only one I want. I’m required to choose three to interview, but it has only ever been you.”

  He shakes his head. “Please don’t say that.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m too old…and broken.”

  “But you’re not. You’re everything I need.” Tears well up in my eyes when I tell him the secret I’ve been holding inside. “Captain, I lo—”

  “Don’t say it. I beg you.”

  “Why?”

  He closes his eyes, his brow furrowed in pain. “I’m not the man for you, no matter how much I wish it was otherwise.”

  I rush to him. “But you are, Captain. You’re kind and honorable. We even share the same passions. There’s no one better suited to me.”

  Captain opens his eyes with a look of resignation.

  With slow movements, he takes off his eye patch and looks at me. “I’m thirty-six years older than you and I’m defective. As a man of good conscience, I could never collar you.”

  My bottom lip begins to tremble. “I don’t care about your age. I love everything about you, including your scars.”

  He shakes his head. “You’re only thinking about this moment. You have a bright future ahead. I can’t be a part of that, don’t you see?”

  “No. I don’t see that at all.”

  “That’s your youthful enthusiasm talking. Trust me, it wouldn’t take long to regret such a commitment. I want to spare you that.” He grazes my cheek in his thumb. “All I want is for you to have a long and carefree life. That’s it.”

  He looks at me tenderly. “It may be selfish on my part, but I want you to have all the things I missed. You won’t have them with me…”

  I shake my head, smiling up at him. “Captain, I’m not some silly girl. I’m much older than my years. I have loved and lost, and suffered deeply for my mistakes. The life you see ahead for me is not the life
I want. I want stability. I want kindness, and gentle guidance. All those things I find in you.”

  “Please, you’re making this so much harder than it has to be…” He looks at me with a hint of regret.

  But I will not be deterred.

  I undress and stand before him. “Look at me, Captain. Please.”

  After a moment, his gaze finally meets mine.

  “Answer me truthfully. If we were the same age, would you hesitate?”

  “No,” he answers in a gruff voice.

  “Then let’s embrace this rare gift we’ve been given. Love has no limits.”

  I can tell my words are having an effect on him when his pained expression softens.

  Taking it as an invitation, I stand on tiptoe to give him a gentle but lingering kiss. His low groan causes butterflies in my stomach.

  Captain opens his eyes and looks at me longingly—in that moment, I see the confident, virile man he was at eighteen.

  He pulls me to him, kissing me hard, releasing the passion he’s denied himself for so long. I receive it, begging for more. Captain lifts me up, grasping my thighs in his strong grip as he pushes me against a wall.

  I am swept away, blinded by the ferocity of our need for each other.

  Without warning, I hear the final bell, having somehow missed the initial one marking ten minutes before the end of our interview.

  I look at Captain desperately. “I’m not ready.”

  He kisses me on the forehead and sets me down gently.

  There’s a knock on the door. “Miss Cox, it’s time for your next interview.”

  Captain puts on his eye patch and adjusts his erection before facing the door. He looks back at me, our need for each other unquenched.

  Master Anderson knocks again.

  “Don’t worry, Master Anderson. We’re finished…for now.” I smile at Captain confidently.

  Captain leans down and gives me one last, drawn-out kiss before heading out the door.

  “Did you get through all your questions?” Master Anderson asks after he leaves.

  I laugh to myself. I didn’t ask a single one of them. However, I tell him confidently, “I got all the answers I need.”

  “Good. Who should I call next?”

  “Baron, please.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  I pace while I wait for Baron. All those feelings Captain has stirred are swirling inside me. I touch my lips, remembering his last kiss. I can’t wait to follow it up tonight—wearing his collar.

  Baron strides into the room with a sexy smirk on his lips and says in his low baritone, “You called…”

  I walk to the couch and pat the area beside me. “I have a few questions for you, Baron.”

  He sits down. “Before we begin, I insist on a kiss.”

  I grin and nod my consent.

  Baron leans down and presses his full lips against mine. I moan softly as his tongue enters my mouth and we taste each other for the first time. My heart races. There’s no denying there’s chemistry between us.

  When he pulls back, he growls seductively. “I suspected you’d taste sweet.”

  I blush. “I am Candy.”

  He chuckles. “I may need another taste.”

  “First the questions,” I insist. “I didn’t get very far with my first.”

  “May I ask who it was?”

  “Captain.”

  Baron nods his head. “A fine gentleman.”

  “Agreed, but this interview is about you.”

  He sits back in a relaxed manner. “Bring it on, Miss Cox.”

  “First question. How long have you been a Dominant?”

  “Seven years.”

  I appreciate his many years of experience, and follow it up with, “So what got you started?”

  “I met a girl who was into kink. One thing led to another. I went on to embrace the lifestyle while she went on to other men.”

  “Ah, that’s so sad.”

  “Not at all. Turned out we weren’t compatible.”

  I laugh lightly, enjoying how easy it is to talk with him. “I know this may seem like an odd question, but what kind of a relationship do you have with your mother?”

  “I love my mom. She’s got more energy than you and I put together,” Baron says with a chuckle. “She’s always finding new charities and projects to get involved in. She believes in community and does everything she can to help.”

  My heart melts, watching Baron’s face as he talks about his mother. There’s so much pride and love in his voice. I have little doubt that Baron would make a great partner, but my heart belongs to Captain.

  So I decide to be upfront with him. “Baron, I think you are an amazing person, but I need to confess something.”

  He leans forward, a knowing smile on his lips. “Don’t tell me.”

  “What do you think I’m going to say?”

  He chuckles. “I could tell it by your kiss. It was the reason I insisted. You have already bound your heart to another.”

  I look at him sadly. “I hope I haven’t upset you.”

  “Not at all. I know you’re required to choose three, and I consider myself lucky to be one of them. It’s nice to finally spend time with you.” He adds with a smirk, “The kiss was an added bonus.”

  I blush. “You are a talented kisser.”

  “If you ever have need of these lips, you let me know.”

  The ten-minute warning bell rings.

  “Why don’t I escort you out, Miss Cox? We can spend the last few minutes on the dance floor.”

  “That is the perfect way to end it.”

  As we walk out of the interview early, I see the surprised look on Master Anderson’s face. I give him a thumbs-up and head out to the dance floor with Baron.

  As we move around the floor, I keep hoping to catch a glimpse of Captain. After the song ends, Baron leads me over to Master Anderson.

  “Are you satisfied, Miss Cox?” he asks after Baron walks away to speak with Brie.

  “Baron is every bit the gentleman I expected he’d be,” I answer.

  “And your final choice?”

  “Actually, before I say, can you tell me if you’ve seen Captain? I couldn’t spot him while I was dancing.”

  “He left, Miss Cox.”

  I look at Master Anderson in shock. “You must be mistaken.”

  He shakes his head. “I’m sorry.”

  Without even thinking, I bolt. I don’t bother heading to the elevator, taking the stairs instead. I race out into the night, searching for Captain’s green vehicle in the parking lot, but it’s not there.

  Gone.

  I wander to the end of the parking lot in a daze and sit down on a concrete block. I know why he left.

  He left for me…

  Captain admitted he feels the same. I felt it when we kissed so passionately that we lost all sense of the world.

  He left because of that need to protect me, convinced that our age difference impedes our happiness—but it doesn’t. He doesn’t realize how much I need him in my life, and it is up to me to prove it to him.

  I see the dark form of Master Anderson’s impressive frame walking toward me. “Are you okay, darlin’?”

  I stand up and answer, “I will be.”

  “Good. Although I must point out that you are late for your last interview.”

  I stare at the ground. “I’m sorry, Master Anderson. I have no wish to interview anyone else.”

  “Considering the circumstances, I understand. However, I insist you return to the festivities, because you still owe me a dance.” He guides me back into the Center, and I feel the stares of everyone on me while he leads me to the center of the room and we begin dancing.

  I glance around nervously, making missteps as we go.

  “It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks,” he says calmly. “This is your moment to shine. You’ve earned this celebration, Miss Cox. Embrace your achievement so you can look back on it in the years to come. The rest will
fall into place as it should.”

  I look up at him, knowing he’s right. “Thank you, Master Anderson.”

  He winks at me. “I knew, even though you’re an itty-bitty thing, you had the heart of a lion.”

  Loving Her

  Captain

  After returning home from Candy’s graduation ceremony, I feel profoundly unsettled. I turn on the TV for noise, attempting to drown out my warring emotions.

  On an intellectual level, I know I have done the right thing. However, I have never felt such disquiet in my soul.

  I curse fate that I wasn’t born twenty years later. Candy is the elusive element I’ve been missing in my life. To be handed the very thing I want most, but to be forced to walk away from it…

  I sit on the couch, patting myself on the back for being man enough to leave her, but it is ripping me to shreds inside.

  I turn off the TV and head to bed, needing the escape of sleep. But in the dark, I am haunted by the fear that I have made the biggest mistake of my life.

  The feeling only intensifies when I wake up the next morning. I cannot control the anxiety, so I dress in sweats for a long run, determined to get it out of my system.

  As I tie my sneakers, I hear the doorbell ring and open the door to find Candy standing there.

  “Good morning, Captain.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I wanted to finish what we started last night.”

  I frown. Does she not understand how hard this is on me? “There is nothing left to discuss,” I answer curtly.

  Her eyes soften in response to my harsh voice. “Captain, may I come in?”

  I shouldn’t, but I cannot resist those big doe eyes and step aside, letting her pass. I direct her to the couch, uncertain of her agenda.

  “Miss Cox…”

  She shakes her head, smiling. “It’s Candy to you.”

  She’s so incredibly charming, despite how things ended last night. It’s disconcerting. I would have expected tears and accusations thrown my way.

  “Why are you here, Miss Cox?”

  When Candy meets my gaze, I’m captivated. Her gentle presence is already having a calming effect on me.

  “I know why you left last night, Captain. It makes me more certain about my feelings toward you. Only an honorable man would do such a thing.”