Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(15)

I keep staring at Lucy as she remains kneeling on the floor of my entryway, naked, head down, legs spread apart. I like her pussy—it’s all shaved. She’s already wearing a collar and leash, along with wrist and ankle restraints, but I’m not pleased with the design. I’ll have to get her a new set.

“She’s the most experienced I found. I already trained her to call you what you like,” he adds.

“Can I talk to you for a second?”

Roy and I walk a few steps down the hallway, and in a low, barely audible voice, I ask, “What kind of arrangement is this?”

“Don’t worry.” He puts a hand on my back. “It’s by session. No strings attached, no real names, no problems. You just have to text her to make a booking. It’s that simple. And while I know you have an obsession for condoms, she is also tested and totally clean.”

I heave a sigh of relief.

“And how experienced is she?”

“You can do whatever you want. She’s the best at it. I’m sure you’ll like her.” Roy throws me a confident smile, and I find myself returning it.

“Thank you.” I also put a hand on his back. “That’s one hell of a gift. I feel terrible I didn’t bring one as good for you.”

“Of course you did; my best friend is finally back.”





As soon as Roy leaves my condo, I remove my jacket and tie, roll up my sleeves, and go to my bar cart to prepare myself a Macallan. Meanwhile, Lucy remains kneeling on the floor, mute, her head down. A glass in hand, I take her leash and walk her to the sofa in my living room, where I sit and she kneels again in front of me—her head always lowered. I lean back on the sofa and take my first sip, observing her. “Before going any further with you, little Lucy, there are a couple of things I’ve got to make sure you’ll do and follow strictly.” She keeps her eyes on the floor, never looking at me. Good girl. “First, I will fuck your little mouth roughly and deeply until you have a sore throat, so you need to control your gag reflex. And second, while you are here in my condo, you’ll always be naked with your collar and leash on, available to be pounded whenever and however I want. I hope you enjoy anal as much as I do. Are we clear?”

“Yes, my lord. I’m here to please you,” she replies, looking down.

“Do you mind if I bruise you?”

“No, my lord.”

“Perfect.” I take another sip from my glass. “Then I suppose we will get along.”





Petra Van Gatt





Friday. The first Friday without school. For me, it feels awkward to know I’ll no longer attend any classes at Loyola or wear the clothes that have been my uniform for so many years. We’re notified that the graduation rehearsal is set for the twenty-eighth. I look at the e-mail with a wistful smile and let out a sigh. Before getting too nostalgic, I decide to meet Emma at her estate for a day of horseback riding. After all, she’s always been the perfect antidote at times like these.

We spend the day on the gallops. Then, after a wonderful afternoon, we find ourselves lounging by the pool to watch the sunset and the pinkish clouds settling in.

“Doesn’t it feel weird not to have classes anymore?” I ask. “I’m so used to having a schedule.”

“Jeez! You’re crazy. I couldn’t stand it anymore. Finally free.” Emma keeps staring at my pensive face behind her big sunglasses. “Don’t worry, babygirl, you’ll have plenty of schedules during your internship and your time at Columbia.”

My iPhone beeps. It’s a text from Dad: Are you coming to the dinner? I’m leaving home in 90 mins.

Oh! The dinner at Van Dieren’s property. I had finally forgotten. It seems so simple to reply, just tapping a yes or no, yet I feel undecided. On one hand, this could be a great opportunity to meet executives working at Dad’s company and break the ice with them. But on the other, I’m not feeling comfortable enough to see him again. That terrible pain I felt when he disappeared from my life is not something I can easily forget—or forgive. He didn’t even apologize! He probably never felt bothered about leaving me either. Maybe Alex was only being a polite gentleman keeping an eye on his best friend’s daughter while Dad was absent. Pfff, I should have never seen him again yesterday. Such a mistake…

Sorry, Dad, can’t make it, I text back. Ah, I feel so relieved afterward, much happier. Such a weight off my shoulders. I smile broadly and pour more tea into my cup.

But within a minute, Dad calls. “Petra, it’s Dad. How are you?”

“I know it’s you, I have your WhatsApp number. I’m fine.”

“Why can’t you join? It’d be a great opportunity to meet your supervising manager and the rest of the board.”

“I know, but… I promised Emma I’d go with her to a gallery.”

“To a gallery? Emma doesn’t like art. Why are you lying to me?”

Shit. I think further to come up with a better excuse. “Well, to tell you the truth, Dad… I think it’d be unfair to meet my manager before I start the internship. See, I want to be evaluated by how I perform, not by whom I know or met at the dinner. I just don’t want any privilege because I’m your daughter.”

He remains silent for a few seconds.