For my Master('s) by Linnea May

and never having to worry about the cost of his next meal. I have never seen him cook, nor did we ever prepare anything together. I am not a great cook myself and I highly doubt that he ever uses his kitchen for what it is intended to. There are mostly snacks in his cabinets - a lot of giant bags of expensive organic nuts. And a bowl full of fresh fruits that constantly change. I even tried dragon fruit for the first time thanks to him. A true - wealthy - bachelor's kitchen.
    As familiar as I am with his home, as much time as I have spent lounging in his living room, drinking his drinks, browsing through his kitchen and nibbling on his snacks, playing with him for hours, usually followed by a drink on the sofa, me curled up in his arms - there is still one thing that is missing. I have never spent the night. I never asked to, because he has said in the beginning that it would not be part of the deal. But I hope for it every time I am here. I am starting to like him, to get more curious, even though he still remains guarded about any personal details and doesn't talk much about himself. It just makes me all the more curious. We are so close on one side, but so very distant on the other.
    And I feel he knows a lot more about me than I know about him. He knows about my school work, my friends - at least some of them - my everyday life. He is mostly interested in my studies, trying to keep an eye on my progress. He even scolded - and punished - me once for delaying an assignment. I like it. His control and pressure keeps me on my toes - and on track with school, even with the stuff I do not enjoy about it. This week, I received an A for an essay I have told him about before, and I am eager to share the news with him.
    But there is still no message. No sign of his impending arrival. It is getting late. Below me, the street lamps are being switched on as darkness has descended over the busy rush hour streets. He would usually be home by this time - or at least let me know where he is and where he wants me to be when he walks through the door.
    Just as I start to wonder whether I should contact him - or Frank, to be less intrusive - I hear the elevator doors opening behind me.
    I instantly turn around and smile at him as he enters the living room.
    "Welcome home, Sir!" I chant, excitedly approaching him like a puppy greeting its owner.
    He looks tired, extremely exhausted. His hair is unusually messy, the knot of his tie is loosened and he is sweaty. Still looking sexy as hell, though.
    He smiles at me, lifting both his arms to take my face between his hands. He pulls me close, gently stroking my cheeks with his thumbs before he plants a sweet and tender kiss on my lips.
    "My sweet baby girl," he whispers. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you."
    "I am very happy to see you, too," I reply.
    "I am sorry for making you wait that long."
    I shake my head. "Did you have a rough day, Master?"
    He sighs and lets go of my face. "It shouldn't concern you. I just want to leave it behind me."
    He looks at me through narrow eyes, most likely plotting the proceedings for tonight. A thrill of anticipation wanders down my spine, making my heart jump and painting a sheepish smile on my face.
    "You'll have to be strong tonight, baby girl," he threatens. "Do you remember your safe word?"
    I nod. "Yes, Sir."
    "Say it."
    "Red, Sir."
    "Good girl," he whispers. "Let's take a shower first. I definitely need one."

Two
    I follow him to one of his bathrooms. It is not the one that is connected to the bedroom we usually play in, but a separate one that is connected to the hallway that leads from the living room to the bedroom we usually play in. I have only been in there once, by myself.
    The bathroom is smaller, but just as exquisite as everything that is part of Nathan's world. It doesn't have a bathtub, but a giant shower that can easily accommodate three or four people.
    He turns around to me, now portraying his stern dominant expression.
    "Why are