Bonds of Courage by Lynda Aicher Read Free Book Online Page B

leaned against his desk, just as Holden had done earlier that evening. It seemed like forever ago instead of... He yanked his phone out of his pocket and checked the time. Two and a half hours, that was it?
    “I’m not sure what Vanessa was thinking, but it’s not my place to second-guess her,” Seth said. “Can you tell me why you came to The Den?”
    Holden sighed, his shoulders dropping as he stared at the ceiling seeking strength but found only a weariness that left him drained. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear he’d just finished a double overtime game. Fuck it. “I’m a submissive.” He looked to Seth. “Is that what you want to hear?”
    Seth shrugged. “That’s a start. Now tell me why you’re here.”
    “Really?” Holden glared at the man. After everything that’d gone down tonight, Seth was still pushing him. To what point? Well, fuck both of them. “Because I fucking ache to be tied down and at the mercy of a woman. I love the idea of serving a Mistress, making her happy and giving her whatever she wants. I work my ass off all the goddamn time. My life has been nothing but hockey since my dad put me in my first pair of skates when I was two. The expectations haven’t stopped since then. Be better, skate faster, play harder—don’t fucking stop.”
    He sucked in a breath, his heart pounding. He blew the air out. “Sometimes, I just want to stop. Not think. Sometimes, I long to think of anything besides the demands placed on me. Sometimes, I don’t want to think at all.” He paused, the dichotomy killing him. “And at the same time, my life is built on structure and schedules. I’m so used to being told where to be and what to do that I feel lost when it’s not there.”
    The burst of fire that had revived him sputtered out just as quickly. He kept his gaze on Seth though, searching for a reaction to his confession. He’d never meant to dump that out there, but God, it was a relief to voice it.
    “This has been eating at you for a while then.” Seth’s statement could’ve been a question, but it wasn’t.
    “I think that’s obvious.”
    “It won’t go away.”
    Holden gave a dry laugh. “That’s what she said. Then she walked out.”
    “So go get her.”
    He froze. “What?” There was a devious gleam to the smile that lit Seth’s face. Holden straightened, muscles tensing once again. The seesaw ride of emotions was damn annoying.
    “I’ll grant you your membership here.” Seth moved behind his desk and flipped a manila folder open. He read something on the top document before glancing up. “But I’m betting it’s not what you really want.”
    “How would you know?” Fuck. Holden didn’t even know what he wanted anymore.
    “You have privacy concerns that make getting what you need hard. Vanessa can give you both. Approach her again and work something out.”
    The man made it sound so logical. Easy. The thought had him chuckling. “A business deal then. Like she’d go for that.”
    Seth shrugged. “A large majority of Dom/sub relations are. Contracts are there to protect both parties.”
    Of course they were. But the thought of having to live up to another contract didn’t excite him at all. But then, that was probably what he’d find at The Den. Sign on the dotted line and you belong to me—until I trade you. Until I want someone better. Newer. Who doesn’t fuck up.
    Holden tipped his head in acknowledgment. “I’ll think about it.” Not likely. “Thanks.” He turned to leave.
    “Your membership should be processed within the week,” Seth said. “Let me know if you change your mind. You have a month to accept before the offer expires.”
    Holden gave another nod before leaving the room to find his way out. He pushed past the big bouncer at the door and sucked in a lungful of fresh air. What a fucking night.
    The sun had set, twilight darkening the sky and bringing the evening chill with it. He brushed his hair off his forehead and let the cool