Saving Ash (book #2) Chapter-Nineteen

I send Sasha a quick text asking if I can stop by. I need to talk to her about last night without revealing any of Ash’s past. So, how will I approach the subject? I don’t want to betray Ash’s trust in me.

Last night was so different. He wanted me to be in control. It was the best experience I’ve ever had. And maybe it’s because I’ve never initiated sex before. I’ve only ever gone along and enjoyed it. And Ash. What I thought he would feel as vanilla was truly engaged and loved it.

And the reason why…I sort of hate.

It’s all because of her. That fucking Pippa. She made him this way.

I wonder what it would have been like to have met Ash under normal circumstances. For both of us. Me not homeless, and he, not abused.

The answer comes right away. We would have never met. Ash would be with some beautiful, professional woman. Probably married with beautiful babies.

My phone pings with a text, and I see Sasha’s response.

I’m home. Come on over.

Thanks. See you soon.

I then text the driver Ash has for me. Within seconds, a text appears saying he will be waiting by the elevator in ten minutes.

Wow, this is nice. The weather is getting a bit colder, and I don’t feel like walking the ten blocks to Sasha’s loft apartment.

Before heading out of the penthouse, I send Ash a quick text. I really don’t know where he  went after breakfast. He just said he needed to leave. I worry it might be from what happened last night. Does he even remember it?

Your driver is taking me to Sasha’s. Is this okay?

I watch the dots bounce. At least I see he’s reading my text.

You can do as you please. And by the way, my driver tells me everything. So I already knew.

So I guess that’s still a form of control

It’s for your safety.

I smile reading his text and tap out my next reply only to delete it. I’m still not sure who I’m dealing with. Last night’s Ash, or brutal Ash.

I can see you were sending me something. What was it?

How?

It was nothing. I hope you are okay. Last night was… Nope, I don’t send it and delete it as well.

Cinder, you’re killing me. I open up to you, and you have nothing to say?

He’s right. That was our deal. Now I owe him something. A smirk comes to my face as I’m pressing out my response.

I stole something when I was little

What was it?

A caramel apple.

Why would you still a caramel apple?

Because I had no money to buy one. And I had to pass by it everyday walking to and from school. It was the first and last time I ever stole something. So, don’t worry if you think I will steal from you.

I’m not worried. Enjoy your day.

I smile, and my heart blooms with pleasure just having a normal conversation with Ash, even if it’s only through text.

I walk out the door and into the elevator. When it reaches the garage and the doors open, my driver is waiting with the door open for me. I smile and walk out.

“Good day, Miss. Where are we going today?” I tell him good morning and give him Sasha’s address. “Yes, Miss,” he says and closes the door once I’m inside.

The smile is still on my face.

I feel…happy.

***

I knock on Sasha’s door, and she hollers that it’s open. Not a very smart thing to do living in New York, Sasha, I think to myself. But then remember the camera that’s recording me right now.

Sasha is on the phone when I walk in. She smiles at me and then tells whoever is on the phone she has a guest.

“So, what’s up?” she asks, setting her phone down.

“It’s been a while. And…I miss you,” I say.

“Well, that’s all sweet and everything, but what is really going on with you? I can tell by that smile whatever it is, is making you happy.”

“I am. I think Ash and I are making a breakthrough.”

“A breakthrough? I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Remember I said there was some fucked up shit in his life?

“Yes.”

“Well, he has revealed it to me. But I shouldn’t really talk about it. It’s pretty private.”

“I see. So, that’s all you wanted to tell me? Is that you can’t tell me,” she says, and I laugh.

“Well it sounds pretty dumb when you put it that way. Let’s just say, last night was the most amazing night I’ve ever had. But it was so different. I won’t tell you the past details but somehow, Ash and I switched roles last night.”

“Roles?”

“Yes. I was the one giving orders. It was like his dominate side left the building. Do you and your master ever do that?”

“No, never. Master would never allow that,” she says with a confused look on her face. “I don’t know of any Dom who would reverse the roles.”

“Really? Hmm.”

“Perhaps Ash prefers a Dominatrix.”

“What’s that?”

“You know, a female dominate. It’s not uncommon for men to like this sort of play.”

Ash only enjoyed last night because of her. Pippa. And when I think of this, it takes everything I have not to cry. Which is killing my good mood. Deep down, I knew it was the reason, and not because of me. Will he ever want me for me?

“Do you want to be a dominatrix?” I hear Sasha’s soft voice coming through my thoughts.

“What?”

“Do yo think you would like to be a dominatrix? I just never considered that for you. But it’s your life.”

Do I?

“I don’t think I could. I don’t know enough of the rules and such to be one, don’t you think?”

“Well, I met someone a few months back. She’s one of my clients. She has a home in Paris and bought a penthouse here in New York for when she travels.”

“And she’s a dominatrix?”

“Yes, I met her one night at one of Master’s play parties. The woman is very much in love with herself. Every wall is covered in black and white portraits of her in some form of a dominating role. Her face is covered though. And so are the men who are at her feet in some form of bondage.”

“You are kidding me?”

“Nope.”

“Would you like to meet her? Ask her some questions?”

I hesitant. “I’m not sure. Let me give it some thought.”

“Okay, but I’m not sure how long she’ll be in the city. She travels a lot.”

“You don’t think she’ll mind?”

“I don’t think so. Like I said, the woman is in love with herself. I’m just glad she’s not a sub. I would be very jealous if Master ever wanted to play with her.”

‘Wait, do you and your master play with other people?”

This is something I haven’t considered.  I would hate to watch Ash with someone else.

“We haven’t. But I think it would turn Master on if he watched me be dominated by her.”

“She’s a lesbian?”

“Bella is whatever she wants. I’ve seen her with both, men and women. But for the most part, men. She can be brutal.”

“Her name is Bella? Doesn’t sound very threatening. More like a cow.”

Sasha’s laughs. “Oh trust me, she is gorgeous. That’s why I’m happy she’s a dominatrix. Master has no interest in being dominated. Don’t let the name fool you. Bella Crain, and pain is her game.”

“Beautiful, huh?”

“So beautiful she doesn’t seem real. If it weren’t for the big paychecks she gives me for decorating her penthouse, I wouldn’t want to be around her. So, it’s best to stay on her good side.”

“Wow. Now I’m intrigued.”

“You’ll see what I mean.”

“Hey, while you think about it, let’s go out and treat ourselves. How about the spa and then lunch. I’m dying for a massage.”

“That sounds like a great idea. Plus, I’m in need of a wax.”

Sasha raises her eyebrows. “Oh, keeping it smooth now, huh?”

“Was smooth. That’s why I’m in need.”

***

Saving Ash© 2024 Gina A. Jones rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.