Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
ISABELLA
Me: “Hello Mr L, I am Isabella.”
With a mix of bravery and nervousness, I clicked the send button, feeling both excited and scared. On the other side of the screen, there was a whole new world waiting for me as I introduced myself to a new BDSM master.
It was supposed to be just another ordinary Friday, where I’d have drinks with my closest friend Charlotte and stumble home, tipsy, to fall asleep immediately. But tonight, in the dimly lit bar, Charlotte spilled stories of her past online Master, Mr L, a man who had captivated her in every imaginable way, leading her to surrender both body and mind.
In a moment of weakness, she sent him a half-naked photo without his consent, earning a swift block from him.
I bet Charlotte a thousand dollars I could not only convince Mr. L to accept me as his new online sub but also meet me in person, something he’s never done. Now, I regret it; it’s been over five minutes, and Mr. L, though online, hasn’t replied. Charlotte is right; I’m not good enough. I’m not as pretty as her anyway.
I wonder if he’ll reply. Leaning back on the comforter, I stare at the screen with bleary eyes. If I weren’t so tipsy, I might have sent him another message. Just as I was about to give up, his message appears.
Him: “Hi beautiful.”
I bite my lip and let out a squeal of excitement. Lying flat on my stomach, I prop myself up on my elbows, legs raised as I type furiously.
Me: “I’m in search of a new master,” I announce boldly.
Him: “Straight to the point. I like it,” comes the swift response.
Him: “What makes you think you’re worthy to be my sub?” he challenges.
Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I bite my lip instead, unable to deny the attraction. Despite never having seen his face, the vivid descriptions from Charlotte leave me wanting him so badly. Charlotte never gets too involved with a man, so this man must be special.
Me: “I’m a very good girl, daddy. If you give me the chance, I’ll prove it. In more ways than one,” I reply, adding a winking emoji.
Him: “Are you drunk, Miss?” he texts back.
Me: “Nope. Just a little tipsy,” I admit, sheepishly smiling. Does he like drunk texts? Most men like it.
Him: “Text me when you’re clear-headed!”
His message sounded like a command, but I wanted to flirt more.
Me: “Is this an order, Master?”
Him: “Yes, it is. Consider it a test to see how submissive you are.”
Me: “But I thought guys liked it when girls drunk texted?”
Him: “One thing you’ll come to find out, baby girl, is that I’m not like most guys.”
Him: “Good night.”
His message arrives just as I’m about to respond.
Frustrated, I let out an exasperated scream. He’s every bit as strict as Charlotte warned. Pleasing him will be a challenge, but I’m determined to win him over. He’ll be mine, my online master, no matter how difficult he may be.
And I’ll get him to see me in real life too.
“Is everyone okay with Ms. Sebastian’s report?” Mr. Levi’s question made me even more distracted. I couldn’t stop thinking about “Mr. L.” I was feeling a bit off from last night’s drinking, which I usually don’t do on Sundays. But Mr. L hasn’t replied since Friday, and it’s been frustrating me.
“Yes,” we all chimed in.
“Excellent! Well done, Ms. Sebastian,” Mr. Levi commended.
“Thank you, sir,” Ms. Sebastian replied, her smile radiant as she returned to her seat at the conference table, three chairs away from mine.
“Let’s shift our focus to the board for the next agenda,” Mr. Levi continued, his voice smooth and commanding, drawing me in despite my scattered thoughts.
Shit. I want this man to bend me over this conference room table and take me from behind. He’s so hot.
As Mr. Levi stood up and walked to the center of the room, memories flooded back to me. I remembered the first time I saw him, how amazed I was. Mr. Levi is really well-built and confident. His muscles showed through his shirt as he moved. His hair is always styled perfectly, and he has a neat beard that adds to his rugged look. But it’s his blue eyes that really catch my attention. They seem to look right into my soul. It’s no wonder he was voted the most handsome Italian man in a magazine last summer.
I should hate him instead of liking him because he’s made my life really tough. After graduating with much difficulty, I got a job in Italy with a top car racing team. But shortly after I started, there was a change in leadership, and Mr. Levi took over from his father, Mr. Antonio, who had a stroke. Things were easier when Mr. Antonio was in charge, but now I’m worried I won’t be able to transition from intern to full staff or handle the pressure and hard tasks Mr. Levi gives me all day.
“Isabella, what are your thoughts on Mr. Andrew’s suggestion?” Mr. Levi’s question snapped me out of my reverie, as though he could sense my deep distraction.
“I believe it’s a solid plan,” I replied, desperately hoping my response would suffice.
“And what makes it a solid plan?” Mr. Levi inquired, his tone probing.
Oh no. Panic surged through me. I hadn’t caught a single word of Mr. Andrew’s proposal.
“Sir, um... well, it’s because...” I stammered, grasping for something coherent to say.
“You didn’t think I noticed how distracted you’ve been throughout this meeting?” Mr. Levi’s voice carried a hint of irritation, making the room tense.
“My sincere apologies, sir,” I muttered.
Everyone stared, especially Clara, who resented me getting more work from Mr. Levi. It felt ridiculous; the stress had already made me lose six pounds in a week. Why would anyone want my job?
She sees me as her rival, but I don’t care. I’m just embarrassed because now everyone would think I don’t take my job seriously. Oh God.
“See me after this meeting,” Mr. Levi said sternly.
My heart started to pound hard, and my body reacted in a way that only made me feel worse. I’d never witnessed Mr. Levi’s anger directed at me like this before. The fear of losing my job gripped me tightly.
“I’m sorry, sir…” I began, but Mr. Levi cut me off, unwilling to entertain my apologies.
He circled the table, his steps deliberate, until he stood beside me. Leaning in close, his voice dropped to a low whisper in my ear:
“You’ve been a very bad girl, Isabella. And you will be punished.”
