Chapter Six

The curving of his lips made Khushi somewhat nervous. She couldn't believe she was actually willing to negotiate his terms on a BDSM relationship.

Am I really doing this?

Arnav pushed off from the desk and took his seat. "Your terms," he asked, folding his hands on top of his desk.

"I'll do it; both your secretary and... be your submissive," she blushed. "I also understand that in the contract, you've stated that you want the relationship to also extend in the workplace, of course private and unknown. I'll agree, if you give me a $75,000 income."

Arnav arched an eyebrow and brought his folded hands up to chin. He looked at her as he was lost in thought, and Khushi tried her best to not break away. While this was a blushy matter they were mainly focusing on, right now the topic was on business, and that was something she was always serious about.

"Deal."

Khushi couldn't help but to be surprised. "Really?"

"Well you are a certified accountant with her masters; you deserve well pay."

Khushi pursed her lips and fiddled with her hands.

"Anything else?"

Clearing her throat, Khushi tucked a strand of her hair back. "Um... there's certain things I'm against. ...such as suffocation."

While blush had filled her cheeks in heat of embarrassment, Arnav simply looked at her, not affected by it, one single bit.

He really has done this before.

"I'm also against the use of knives and gynecological devices. There's also the fear of punishment... I don't really know how I exactly feel about that."

"Thinking too much on it only causes more fear. In reality, it truly isn't as frightening as you may think.

"On the topic of suffocation, what about slight choking?"

Khushi's eyebrows went up. "Choking?"

Arnav simply looked at her, his lips rested on his folded hands. The thought of choking reminded Khushi of the raunchy novels she had read, as well one of the pornos she had found on Dhruv's laptop a year ago. She was shocked to find it, but couldn't help herself but to wonder how it must feel to have your throat gripped the way the pornstar had their's gripped in the video.

"Okay," she heard herself saying.

Arnav smiled lightly. "Okay. As for the others, consider them gone. Anything else?"

Khushi cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. "Um... I'm not so sure about, um... well... anal," she blushed.

Arnav moved his folded hands away from his lips. "I'm assuming you haven't done it."

Khushi shook her head. Dhruv had always thought of it to be disgusting.

"I won't be taking that off the table. We'll try it - train you, and take it from there. Anything else?"

After hearing everything she had, her mind jumbled. "My brain is too mushy right now," she admitted.

"Well I'm glad you're being honest with me.

"Just know that at anytime you have the right to choose whether or not if you want to stay or leave; that is entirely up to you. I won't go after you, though it will be hard not to."

Khushi looked up at him and saw a gleam in his eyes. She instantly looked away, feeling her body hum.

"Anything else," he asked.

"Where do I sign," she said in a light voice.

Khushi wasn't sure, but she thought she had seen his eyes lit up for a fraction of a second. He came around and helped her find the spaces she would need to sign, starting with a nondisclosure form. Page after page, Khushi signed until finally they were all complete. Arnav put the documents away and Khushi stood. When he turned to her, Khushi took in a sharp breath. There was something in his eyes, a sort of gleam. He moved closer to her then slightly pulled her to him.

Khushi still couldn't believe that she had actually agreed to do this, that she had actually signed on to this. This was nowhere near normal and it was absolutely mind-boggling! But this was exactly what she needed - an escape from normalcy.

Arnav reached up and cupped her cheek in his hand. Khushi loved the warmth and the slight roughness of his hand, shutting her eyes to his embrace.

"You are mine," he said, his voice hoarse. "You're my kitten."

Khushi looked up at him at the sound of the pet name and before she could question it, his lips covered hers. Khushi was so shocked, she gasped, giving him access to her mouth. His tongue met hers and explored, taking in her taste. It took her a moment before Khushi recovered from her shock and kissed him back.

Arnav pulled back and placed his forehead against hers. "I've been wanting to do that since I saw you at the diner."

Khushi was shocked again. No one had ever desired to kiss her the way Arnav had, not even Dhruv the stupid jackhammer!

Arnav released her and took her hand. "Come. Let me feed you."

Khushi followed behind Arnav, going into the dining room. Several maids were finishing setting up the table, their lunch ready. Arnav helped her into her seat before sitting down.The dining table seated a total of six people and Khushi wondered who else had sat at this table with him.

The other six must have.

With their food ready and prepared, Arnav made a toast to their new beginning and they dug in. Seeing the steak and potatoes reminded Khushi of the other day, which seemed so long ago, when in fact it was yesterday. Khushi happily ate and she could see the satisfaction on Arnav's face.

Maybe I'll be able to avoid punishment.

The thought of it somewhat scared her yet excited her, which happened to confuse her yet cause her to squirm in her seat.

What is wrong with me?!

The sound of Arnav's chuckling filled her ears and she turned to him. "W-what's so funny?"

"You," he grinned, and Khushi blushed.

"What are your plans for the evening?"

"I don't have any," Khushi replied, placing her hands in her lap.

"Then you can move in today."

"Wait what?"

Khushi remembered reading about that in the contract, yet somehow she had managed to forget all about it. And somehow, Arnav was able to tell that she forgot.

"Khushi, are you sure you read the contract carefully or did you forget half of the things you read," he scowled.

Khushi looked down at her lap. She felt like she was little girl being scolded at. "Sorry," she muttered.

"Sorry what?"

"Erm... sorry Sir."

"Good, start getting into the habit of saying that," and he resumed eating. "You can move in today and my men will retrieve your items from your hotel room."

Khushi looked up at him. "Where would I stay... Sir?"

Arnav arched his eyebrow at her.

"I mean... I know you said in the contract that I would stay in a separate room but you haven't-"

"Finish your food and I will take you up to your room. Now eat."

Khushi looked down at her food. "Yes Sir."

But Khushi was in a jumble of emotions to eat. However when she heard a slight growl from him, she quickly ate as her mind rambled.

Oh my gosh, this is really happening! Why the hell did I agree? Holy crap, what if Payal finds out? Oh shit! No, no, she can't find out. She won't find out, how would she find out? I'm avoiding her calls and texts, as well as everyone... no one would know about Arnav....

Khushi glanced at Arnav.

Sir... he's actually my dominant now. A dominant! MY dominant! Holy crap, I have a dominant! And I'm a submissive? Holy fuck!

Khushi picked up her glass of wine and guzzled it down. After everything that had happened, she really truly needed something stronger than alcohol.

Chapter Five

When Khushi awoke the next morning, it took her a moment to remember where she was and what had led her to the hotel. She remembered meeting Arnav Singh Raizada and she instantly picked up her phone. She looked through their exchanged emails and stared at his phone number.

Should I call him? Text him? Maybe I should wait and text him later.

Liking that idea, Khushi got up and washed up. Moments later, when she got out, there was a knock on the door. A hotel employee arrived and pushed in a trolley of food. Once he set everything on the table and Khushi gave him his tip, he gave a curt nod and left. Khushi looked at the table full of food and noticed a card. Picking it up, she read it.

New day, new beginning

Have a wonderful day

~Arnav

Oh, so this wasn't for free. Khushi's eyes widened. Then that means-! Oh he's beat me to he bill again and he's stuffing me up!

Khushi looked at the food on the table and her stomach grumbled. She didn't realize she was that hungry, and unable to fight her stomach, she dug right in. The food was delicious and she knew better than to just pig out.

Getting her phone, Khushi called Arnav. It rang for a moment before it went through.

"Arnav Singh Raizada."

Khushi gulped down the eggs in her mouth and felt her body hum. Hearing his deep voice did things to her, and it was a very nice feeling.

"H-hi, it's Khushi," she said softly.

"Ah, good morning Khushi. Sleep well?"

Khushi nodded even though he couldn't see her. "Yes. Thank you for the breakfast, it was lovely."

"You're most welcome Khushi; it's my duty to take care of you. After all...."

Khushi's eyebrow scrunched.

"...you are my guest over there."

"Oh! I g-guess."

Khushi thought of the contract and all of the eating rules and taking-care rules.

"What are you doing today?"

"Um... nothing really."

"Would you like to meet up today and go over the contract?"

Khushi gulped. Should I?

"We can do lunch at my place and go over the contract and negotiate. Deal?"

"Um-" What the hell do I say? Yes? No? I don't know? No hablo ingles? "Deal."

Why the hell did I say that?

"Great. I'll pick you up at 1."

`

With that, the two hung up and Khushi put her phone down on the table.

Why the heck did I agree? This is all crazy! I mean a date to go over flogging? Wait a minute, is it even a date? Am I about to go on a date with THE Arnav Singh Raizada? Noooo! Khushi gasped. Is it really? No, no I'm going over my head, no, no way. I mean then I'd have to wear something special- oh my gosh, what the hell do I even wear?!

Khushi went dashing to her bag and rummaged through it. 

Crap, I have nothing good for lunch! Most of my good clothes are still back home with.... Khushi cringed. I don't even want to think about that cheating jackhammer. Though I'm curious if I really broke his balls.

The memory of Dhruv on the floor made her giggle. It also made her think of their relationship.

In the beginning it was beautiful. I thought that I was in love with 'the one'. But now... now it's time to look at things a bit more seriously. 

Dhruv and I are over. There's no way I'm ever going back to that. Besides the cheating thing, I wasn't... satisfied. I mean I call him the fucking jackhammer for a reason. I can't have that again, ever. But with Arnav....

Khushi thought of their first meeting yesterday. She remembered how he had looked at her and how she had immediately reacted. Not once had she ever felt that with Dhruv, not even when they had first met. 

What is it about Arnav that's so... so... different? If Dhruv had ever mentioned something like this, I'd call him crazy. But then again, it would be Dhruv. He's nothing near Arnav, not even in the same universe.

Khushi's phone rang, playing the specific ring tone she had for Payal. She let it ring continuously and when it stopped, she blocked her number. There were texts from Payal, waiting for Khushi to see them. There were texts from Dhruv as well, and from the glimpse she caught, she saw that he was apologizing. But Khushi didn't care - she didn't want to go back to that orgasm-ruining jackhammer. 

Khushi looked at the contract, which sat on the desk by the window. 

Maybe it's time for something new. A new life, new everything. Maybe it's time to leave the hated 'normal', and become a part of something else.

*~*

It was one o'clock on the dot and when Khushi got down to the lobby, she saw Arnav waiting for her. He wore a charcoal coat over a navy suit, the top two buttons of his white shirt undone. Khushi stopped herself from biting her lip and resisted the urge to clench her thighs. 

She walked over to him and watched him as he looked at her from head to toe. Khushi glanced down at her outfit, hoping that her casual black skater dress and coat were okay, as well as her combat boots. For some reason, Khushi just couldn't figure out what to wear for this. It was always easy when she was with Dhruv, wearing whatever. But when it came to the Adonis known as Arnav Singh Raizada, it was so much more than just putting clothes on her body.

"You look lovely," he smiled softly.

Khushi blushed. "Thank you. You look very handsome."

"Thank you. I just came from work, so I apologize if I seem slightly tired."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "You look perfect," she said without thinking.

"Thank you, Khushi. That's very kind of you."

Khushi blushed even harder. What is wrong with me?!

"Shall we?"

Pushing aside her embarrassment, Khushi nodded.

Arnav led her out, Khushi walking beside him. When the valet caught sight of him, he scurried off to get Arnav's car. When he arrived with the Bentley, Arnav held the door open for Khushi and then went around and sat in the driver's seat. He pulled off into traffic and Khushi looked at the city around them. The good hotels were in only in the city, not to mention all of the businesses and tall buildings. 

Driving back into town, Arnav drove to the richer parts, where only those of high class lived. Khushi had always wondered what it would be like to live there. In fact, she had always dreamt of coming here one day, just to see it once with her own eyes.

Looks like some dreams do come true.

It wasn't long until Arnav pulled up to large iron gates. It automatically opened and Arnav drove forward. The path was surrounded by trees and when it finally cleared up ahead, Khushi was mesmerized by Arnav's home. It was grand, it was modern, the floor to ceiling windows taking in the sunlight and filling up the house. 

Stopping the car in front of the grand house, Arnav stepped out and opened the door for Khushi. She stepped out and gazed at the home. One of Arnav's security came forward and Arnav handed him the keys to the car. The man drove it away, taking it to the garage.

Following Arnav inside, Khushi gazed at the lovely home. The living room was to the left, where Arnav had them leave their coats; the stairway leading upstairs just ahead of them. The study was to the right and Khushi could see the walls full of books on their shelves. Behind the stairs led to the kitchen, the dining room to the left.

Like the rest of the home, the kitchen too had a modern theme, with metallic kitchenware, the cabinets and island of dark wood with slate counters. Arnav had her sit down in one of the stools which surrounded the island, and Khushi gladly did, overwhelmed by the large home.

I don't belong here.

"What would you like to drink," he asked.

"Just water would be fine." By the gallon she wanted to add.

It was bad enough that she had no idea what to call this shing-ding, nor had a clue on how to dress up for this, and now she had plummeted down the rabbit hole and into Arnav's home.

What am I getting myself into?

Arnav poured her a glass of water and poured himself some red wine. "Shall we discuss the contract?"

Khushi took a gulp of her water. "Here?"

"We can take this to my study."

He held his hand out to her and Khushi looked at it. For a moment she hesitated, before taking it. At the contact of his warm hand, his warmth spread through her body, it coming alive with a hum. Khushi gasped and her eyes met his. 

"You feel it too," he murmured. 

Confusion spread in her expression, but instead of clearing it, Arnav led her to the study. 

Through large windows, sunlight poured in, reflecting off of the snow that remained on the ground. When Khushi got closer, she noted that they were tinted, no one from outside able to look in. A desk sat centered in the room, right in front of the doors, surrounded by bookshelves. To the left were more bookshelves, surrounding a billiard table. Some distance away from it was a fireplace, a TV on top, set to the wall. Between was a small table with two leather chairs. Everything about the room just seemed so cozy. 

Arnav gestured her to sit down in one of the empty chairs across his desk. Khushi did so as he took his seat on the other side. 

"So, shall we," and he pulled out two copies of the contract from his desk. 

He handed handed a copy to Khushi and she held it, leaning it against her chest. "I don't have too many issues with it," she said softly. 

"Is that so?"

"The food thing, I personally think, isn't necessary. I mean having to eat enough and all of that," she quickly added when he frowned. 

"And why is that?"

Khushi scoffed lightly. "I'm a girl, I love to eat. There's no need to remind me to eat," she said softly. 

The corner of Arnav's lips tugged up. His humor was very much evident. "Is that so?"

Blush spread on her cheeks as she nodded. "I guess I'm somewhat of a piggy," she nearly whispered, slightly hiding her face behind the contract. 

Oh my gosh, I'm way over my head, he shouldn't be with a pig like me!

"Hardly," he smiled, running his finger over his lower lip. 

Khushi found herself eyeing his wandering finger, and it wasn't missed by Arnav. When she realized she had been caught, she hid her face even more with the contract. 

"Don't hide from me."

Khushi looked up at him through her eyelashes, though she made no attempt to unveil herself from the contract. She preferred that than showing her tomato-red face. 

"I'm glad to know that eating won't be a problem. In the past, it has been."

That caught Khushi's interest. "It has?"

Arnav nodded. "Punishment was in order, of course."

Khushi gulped remembering that part in the contract. The thought of whips and flogger being used on her, scared her.

"Don't."

Khushi looked up at him. How did he-?

"Most of it is all in your head. When you actually experience it, you'll realize that there's more pleasure than pain."

Khushi remembered reading lines similar to what Arnav had said in her novels. She also remembered how her sister made fun of her, not to mention humiliate her, for reading such raunchy novels. 

Arnav's eyebrows met in the middle. "What's wrong?"

Khushi shook her head. "Nothing. Just a memory," she said softly. 

Arnav stood up from his chair, placing his copy of the contract on the desk. He went around and moved in front of her, leaning against the desk. Cupping her face into his hand, he tilted it up to him.

"I understand that what you've dealt with yesterday - the pain and emotion - has had some effect on you. You left it all behind and now, I'm giving you a new beginning."

Khushi simply looked at him. What he had said was true. 

"It's up to you on whether or not you want to begin anew."

Arnav was right. After everything she had dealt with the day before, she had no other choice but to leave it all behind. She didn't want to ever see that jackhammer nor hear from him ever again. She didn't want to speak, see, nor hear her sister ever again, who did nothing but judge her because her life was perfect and Khushi's wasn't, and because she was normal, and Khushi wasn't. 

This was Khushi's chance to escape that dreaded normal and to try something new. It was somewhat nerving on many levels, but it was something new. And if it was a way to escape the dreaded normal, then damn it, nerving as it was, it was still an escape. 

Khushi took a deep breath and sighed. "Let's negotiate."