Possessing Bella Ch. 19

"There is special tack for tonight," Dorothea said to Stephen. "I will come and help you." It was a statement, knowing Stephen would defer to her if she pressed the point.

Bella had not seen Dorothea for hours and wondered where she had been, so she happily followed them back to her suite. Stephen's mood had not improved over the last several hours and, once they were in the relative privacy of her suite, Dorothea turned on him. She drew her small frame up and took on the commanding tone she used when unimpressed with any of her boys, as she thought of the small group of men who were a large part of her life since her husband's death.

"It wasn't her fault this time, nor was it Samuel's, so you can stop acting like some overbearing buffoon," she said sternly.

"There will always be men like that at these big events. I do not blame her or even Samuel, though he should have known better in some ways," Stephen said, frustration clear in his voice. "No one wants to stop her living her life, but she dismisses all the dangers as if they don't exist when clearly they do."

"Events like this as you say bring in a wide variety of people who often do not socialise in the same circle as we do," Dorothea said slowly. "I will agree that extra precautions at big events should be taken from now on. You don't have to stand over her like some great man mountain and stop her from celebrating her triumph here, though."

"If only it were that simple," he said, relaxing slightly and turning to face Bella. "Until you understand and accept that there will always be dangers for you, these things will continue to happen."

"They said it wasn't my fault," Bella whispered. "That he would have attacked Samuel regardless of whether I was there or not." Tears filled her eyes as she once again felt the guilt of what happened to Samuel coming to rest on her shoulders.

"That is not what I meant," Stephen shook his head. "It's true Jyace would have eventually attacked Samuel because he resented the way in which all the Masters here sought out his expertise. My concern is that he did not know who you were or your value to those who love you. He saw you only as a pony girl, property to be traded amongst men with enough power and money to pay for another human being." His voice held disgust.

"Let me help her dress for the ball," Dorothea interrupted his tirade, seeing Bella's distress at his onslaught. "She will be expected at the Champions table."

"I do understand," Bella said softly, "I would never have strayed away from Samuel here. I will never go to the club uncollared again. I understand that in the lifestyle I will always need some protection from people who do not know me or flout the protocols. I am sorry I worried you yet again." Her voice was sad, but she looked up at him with a sincere expression when she spoke.

"Go and get dressed for the ball," Stephen grunted and went to sit in a chair to wait for them. He knew it wasn't her fault and yet his blood had turned to ice in his veins when he had received the call from Rob. He had been too compromising with her of late. It was time to take back the power she had over him and put in place a strict set of boundaries. Now that her training was over, she needed to stop gallivanting all over the place and stumbling into these situations. She was young, beautiful and wealthy. In the vanilla world that made her a target, adding to that her submissive nature, he shook his head. He knew too many men who would want to take advantage of her, the sooner he made his position clear with her the better.

He was well respected within their social circles. Thanks to hard work, a generous bequest from Mel and the sudden appearance of a mysterious benefactor to the Knights of the Cross charity he was certainly in a good position financially. He could offer her a lifestyle on par with what she was used to, without her ever having to worry about touching her own wealth, which she could invest in her business ventures. He could see their future together so clearly. He just had to make her see it now that she was free. He realised he was going over this again as much to convince himself that he was worthy of her than to justify why she should accept him over anyone else.

When she entered the room, he looked up, and his breath caught. She wore a body stocking that shimmered with the glittering dust of emeralds and gold. Small delicate gold pasties held her nipples erect and pushing at the thin fabric that was held in place by a finely wrought gold and emerald harness. The only concession made to being a dress was a panel of the same shimmering material that hung from the front of the harness just above her mons and fell to the floor at her feet.

Though it had the overall appearance of pony tack, it looked almost fragile as it framed her contours. She turned for him to inspect her and he noted the carefully plaited tail that seemed to highlight the heart-like shape of her ass. Even the specially made shoes were perfect, making her legs seem longer. Stephen noted with satisfaction that Dorothea had added his pendant to the starburst collar, and it was evident who she belonged to this night.

"You look exactly as a champion pony should," Stephen said finally after his initial reaction and inspection. "You are as beautiful as always, little one." He stepped forward, lifting her chin to kiss her gently and smiled.

Bella thought he would say more, but he stepped back and addressed Dorothea," Would you like us to escort you to your room to change?" Stephen asked solicitously.

"Oh no, I can find my way, nobody notices an old lady's comings and goings at these things," she chuckled. "I will be along in a few moments and, Sir Stephen," she paused. "You may want to thank Binatang for righting the situation earlier. It could have gone very differently if he hadn't alerted us all," she said meaningfully. "I think perhaps we have judged him too harshly in light of recent events."

Stephen nodded and grunted his acknowledgement of her words. Though he did not approve of some of the darker kinks Binatang indulged in; he had to admit that the man had never crossed the line with a girl that did not wear his collar. They perhaps would never be friends, but he did owe him gratitude for his handling of the situation.

They left the room, parting ways in the living room as Bella and Stephen carried on to the large red barn that had been transformed into the banquet hall. The horseshoe shape of the tables that had filled the large space that morning was gone now. One end of the hall was taken by large round tables while a dance floor and bandstand took up most of the remaining space now. Stephen guided Bella to the buffet table and encouraged her to eat before more people arrived, and she became too busy receiving congratulations to think about it.

Bella looked at him dubiously but did as he said, filling a plate with salad and fresh fruit before sitting to eat with Topaz, who had waved them over. Stephen smiled, seeing the exuberant young girl waving in their direction and seeing Bella wave in answer, had guided them to that table. He liked that she made friends so easily with other girls. So many of the girls at the club were competitive, and that seemed to take their bitchiness to the next level.

"Oh my God, oh my God! You did so well! I can't believe you won three trophies," Topaz hugged Bella enthusiastically. "Sit beside me, it's such a shame Master Samuel had to leave, lucky there was someone to look after you for him," she said, eyeing Stephen speculatively.

"Stephen," he introduced himself to Ryan, holding out his hand in greeting.

"Ryan, nice to meet you properly," he said with a smile. "I've been to the club once or twice and have seen you there but never been able to catch you when you weren't working before."

"It's always a busy night at the club," Stephen agreed. "You and your girl should come and have dinner with Bella and me sometime."

"I'm not a member. We don't get down to the city very often. Jack usually signs me in if I happen to be in the city for business with him," Ryan kept up the easy conversation. "I thought this must be Bella, though I wasn't sure until just now. Samuel introduced her by her competition name this morning."

"Oh gosh, you're that girl, the one who was in that shooting last year," Topaz looked stunned and then impulsively hugged Bella to her. "We went to the wake at the pony club, but you weren't there, I am so glad you are recovering so well."

"There was a wake?" Bella asked softly, her face creasing into a frown as she tried to remember.

"Jack had one here for members of the society," Topaz suddenly regretted saying anything. "It probably wasn't anything official."

"There were several as I remember it," Stephen said, placing a hand on Bella's back, supporting her. "A lot of people were upset by what happened," the time for sweeping it away had passed. Bella would have to face conversations like this more and more now that she was becoming a public figure.

"I'm sorry," Bella said quietly, "I didn't know. It took me a while to even think about it clearly. It's still so..."

"Not another word," Topaz stopped her. "Tonight is for celebrating, and we are going to have some fun! I can't wait to dance. I hope it's the same band as last year."

The crowd began to thicken, and they were joined at their table by Rob and Dorothea, who took the last seats. The conversation was loud and cheerful as everyone relaxed into the atmosphere of the evening. Bella was visited by many people who wished to congratulate her, including Binatang and Charcoal.

"My sincere apologies, my dear," Binatang said after making his way to her. "I had assumed Jyace understood my instructions properly. It is being taken care of, and you need have no more concerns about him. May I introduce my girl, Charcoal?"

"Why don't we let them introduce themselves," Stephen said, standing beside Binatang and offering Charcoal his chair.

"You may sit," Binatang said with a forced smile as the girl hesitated to take the offered seat.

"It's nice to meet you," Bella said to the dark-eyed girl. "You were beautiful in the arena today, and deserved to win."

"Yes, I did. I did not though, you did," Charcoal said haughtily. "I don't see what the big deal is about you," she looked over her shoulder as she spoke in a whisper. "You're too short and too weak. Your Master must be friends with those judges."

Bella choked on her drink, surrounded by friends, this was not what she had expected but as she looked around the table for help, she could see that nobody had overheard the accusations.

"It is because you cheat I must be punished," Charcoal said harshly. "My Master makes me meet you to see what true slave is and learn humility, but I only see small, weak girl who did not deserve my trophy."

"I believe this girl requires punishment," Stephen said loudly, looking down on them both, showing that he was well aware of Bella's situation.

"Doubly so now," Binatang agreed. "It is bad to be so ungracious. She can share the cell with Jyace until we leave. I am sure he has some frustrations to work out."

"No, Master, please, I will not," Charcoal's almond eyes flashed with barely contained rage as she begged not to be caged with Jyace.

"Perhaps you are right," Binatang smiled widely, "There is another punishment fit for you." He looked toward where the judges sat, "If you speak again there will be no choice in the matter at all." He turned toward Bella, "My apologies, my dear, I had expected better behaviour but she is a wild beast, and I overestimated my training with her. If you will excuse me," he gave a slight bow to Stephen and walked away, followed by the now silent Charcoal.

"Finding trouble again, I see, little brat?" Rob laughed.

"You know I don't find it, it finds me, Master Rob," Bella said softly, but a playful smile appeared on her lips, making Rob laugh all the more.

"You know there was no truth to her words. Samuel and Jack were very careful to guard your identity, even Jyace did not know," Stephen said softly as he took his seat.

"Yes, Master," Bella said. "It doesn't matter much now as I won't be competing again." She said it as if it was a foregone conclusion, and she enjoyed the look of momentary surprise that showed on Stephen's face. Even a month ago she might have been upset by Charcoal's words, but she knew that Samuel had worked hard to make her show ready. It was his trophy more than hers. He had made it possible for her to be in a position to win with the training he had given her. She felt sad that he had not been able to be here to enjoy this evening with her.

"You did not enjoy your time here?" Stephen asked quietly, concern in his voice that the incident with Charcoal had hurt her more than it seemed.

"I enjoyed it a lot," Bella said quickly, then lowered her voice to a whisper. "Master Samuel and I spoke after my events. We agreed that this was not the lifestyle for me." There was no need to extend her explanation. She knew it would be enough for Stephen to know she would return to her life in the city without regret.

The band began to play, and people mingled around the tables even more. Stephen stayed by Bella's side, even waiting near the bathrooms as she went inside or beside the dance floor as she danced with Topaz and a few of the other girls. Anytime another man approached her, she could see Stephen watching and ensuring they meant her no harm.

Bella was exhausted and though she tried not to let it show, Stephen eventually stepped in to suggest that they think about retiring early as she had begun to look worn. Putting her hand to her face, she worried that perhaps her hair or makeup had deteriorated but he smiled.

"It has been a long day, and your energy is starting to fade, you still look beautiful, little one," he said softly. Wrapping his arms around her, he leaned down to her ear, "There is no shame in admitting you need to rest."

"Yes, Master," Bella said, admitting that she was exhausted despite the party atmosphere she was enjoying.

"I am thinking the same for that wicked, old woman over there flirting with Ivan," Stephen chuckled, indicating Dorothea.

"Why don't you ask her to dance while I say goodnight to Master Rob and Jack and Dusty," Bella suggested with a smile. His reaction to her earlier when they were alone made her feel anxious about returning to her suite with him.

"I will be back shortly to walk you to your rooms," Stephen said, leaving her with Rob and Jack, and seeking out Dorothea.

"I'm afraid this one is not for sale, Ivan," Stephen said, walking up behind the giggling Dorothea.

"A woman with such experience would be a delicacy in my country," Ivan argued, "I would pay highly for such a jewel."

"Ah but she is priceless, my friend," Stephen said easily, "We are lucky indeed when she comes to shine in our presence. May I have this dance, dear lady?"

"How could I resist such a gallant request," Dorothea fluttered her eyelashes girlishly and took his arm.

Bella had watched the exchange from her table and smiled. She couldn't imagine her life without Dorothea in it. The woman epitomised everything Bella wished she could be in the years to come. She was poised, dignified and respected, while still being girlishly flirtatious and beloved of so many strong and powerful men. Returning her attention to the table, she leaned into Rob's side, feeling his arm snake around her back and ribs, pulling her closer.

"Getting tired, little brat?" Rob said into her hair.

"I'm afraid so. I would love to stay longer, but I think my energy is just about spent," she whispered, looking up at him.

"Would you like me to take you to bed?" Rob asked.

"There was a time when that is exactly what I wanted," Bella giggled, teasing at the play on words. "Not tonight though, I am already exhausted. Thank you, Master," she grinned at the look of surprise on his face and reached up to stroke his cheek. "Stay and enjoy the party, Stephen is just ensuring Dorothea isn't overdoing it before he walks me back to my room. No need for you both to miss out on the party because of me."

"I wouldn't have minded at all. I love you," Rob said simply, his heart breaking just a little bit more with her teasing. He almost insisted but realised this was not the time or the place to discuss his true feelings. He wondered if there would ever be a right time or place, or if it was better to let her go to another and maintain the relationship they had as best as possible.

Rob held her close as she made her apologies and congratulations to Jack and Dusty, enjoying the warmth and feel of her softness against him. All too soon Stephen arrived to take her back to her rooms, and he watched them go, his thoughts and emotions still churning.

Dorothea could see the turmoil in Rob and she considered the situation. As a rule, she didn't like to meddle too much in the affairs of Masters but she had been invited into this affair by Bella and the Masters who loved her. Perhaps it was time to stop just listening and asking questions to make them all think about possibilities and consequences of their actions and speak her mind.

"Come dance with me while I still have a little energy left, Mater Rob." It was a statement rather than a question, and he dutifully rose to his feet and guided her onto the dance floor.

*****

The intricately delicate body harness was difficult for Stephen to help remove as Bella undressed. He became frustrated with the tiny bejewelled buckles.

"It will be good to have you home where things are not so complicated," he growled.

"Back to normal clothes with many layers and shoes with heels," Bela laughed lightly. "I must admit I won't miss the head gear." The harness and accessories finally fell free of her body. "I would very much like to shower before going to bed, please," she asked hopefully, unsure if she would still face the punishment he had threatened earlier in the day.

"I think that is wise," Stephen agreed, his arm rising in the direction of the bathroom as if giving her directions. He watched as she walked and started pulling the body stocking from her shoulders. Shrugging out of his coat and tie, he shed his clothes, listening to the water begin to run in the other room and imagining her discarding the last piece of clothing. After the last week of waiting and worry, he desperately needed to connect with her on a physical level. He knew she was exhausted, but his desire was such that although he may not be able to use her as he otherwise might, even light play would go a long way to assuaging his need.

Bella was surprised when he stepped into the shower with her, his taller muscled body spraying the water into her face and soaking her hair. Turning her face up to his, he bent to give her one of those deep, leg popping, tingle inducing kisses that had been missing from her life recently. His arms wrapped around her tightly as he kissed her, and she felt as if she was melting under his intensity.

While the water streamed over them, his hand began to work on the tired and aching muscles in her back. Bending low, he continued to rain kisses and little nibbles on her lips and jawline, extending down the side of her neck to the collarbone. Bella began to stroke his back gently, and he kissed her again with deep passion, their tongues entwining in a sensual dance. His hand ran down to cup her ass and lift her slightly, the kiss deepening and becoming a little more urgent.

Bella draped her hand over his shoulders more easily and let her fingers wind into and caress the hair at the nape of his neck. His lips once again skimmed down her throat to bite gently at the hollow where it met her shoulder. Her breathing quickened, and she let out a small purr as his mouth continued down her shoulder line.