Then again, it was possible she'd read him all wrong. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Thank you so much." She shot to her feet, resisting the stupid urge to launch herself into his arms in gratitude, but he kept the desk squarely between them. "I won't let you down."
The smile that stretched across his face was benevolent and proud. It did something to her heart.
"I know you won't. But I've got a few rules. Sit."
Gemma sank to her chair again. "I'm listening, sir."
He froze. Then he squirmed and cleared his throat.
Had she said something wrong? Was he worried she couldn't be obedient enough? Please let his rules be easy to follow. The way she felt right now, she never wanted to disappoint this man.
"First, I'll be giving you a cell phone so we can stay in contact. We'll figure out transportation when it's time for you to go to school. Do you have a driver's license?"
"No." Dad hadn't wanted to give up his control of her enough for that.
"Then I'll teach you. If you make friends at school and want to go out, curfew is midnight. I expect to always know where you are and who you're with. It's the easiest way to help you stay safe."
Most people her age would chafe at his demand. It sounded pretty freaking parental.
But honestly, it had been so long since anyone had given a shit about her that she didn't mind. If it helped keep her past from catching up with her, she could check in. Besides, she wasn't much of a social butterfly. "Okay."
He sighed, steeping his fingers and staring at her over the long tips. "I've been honest with you about the purpose of my club.
You're a minor, Gemma. I'm taking a huge risk by letting you walk through the door at all, much less harboring you here.
Until now, I've managed to separate you from the play space, but if you're going to help me prepare for the evenings, you'll be seeing the rest of the club and all its equipment. I'm sure you'll have questions. You will ask me and no one else. Is that clear?"
"Yeah. Totally." But it was sex. How hard could it be to figure out?
"I've also advised all the members, especially the Dominants, that they're forbidden to approach you or talk to you, much less lay a hand on you. In fact, they're not allowed within ten feet of you. No one here will touch you. No one."
Especially him. That's what he meant.
He'd more or less already turned her down tonight. Not that she'd been panting for it or anything. But his blunt refusal kind of stung. She was hardly a troll. Maybe he just saw her as a stupid kid. Whatever.
The weird pull she felt to him would go away. She was only curious because he was hot and he knew about life and sex and all that. But obviously, he wasn't feeling it for her. Fine. He didn't have anything special, like a magical penis. And it wasn't as if he'd ever be the love of her life. She didn't believe in that shit. But she'd settle for friends.
So why did she feel oddly disappointed?
She shrugged. "All right."
"It's important you understand that rule, Gemma. The club members know you're off-limits."
"I got it. Geez… What else?"
He paused. "Every November, I travel to New York for a few days. I usually leave on the fifth and return on the eighth. I'll cut my trip a day shorter this year if you'd like. But you'll be safe here. I'll make sure of that."
Gemma wondered why he went back there at the same time every year. Friends? Standing appointment? Kink convention? She was curious but it was his business.
It would be a little weird to be at Shadows without him, but if Axel said she'd be safe, she would be. Besides, she rarely saw people associated with the club except that Beck guy. She avoided him because he seemed intense and kind of scary.
"I'll be fine," she assured. "Do what you need."
"Good. Then it's settled." He rose to his feet. "You can start work next week."
"Sure. Thanks." She bit her lip, then turned back to him in all sincerity. "Really."
He gave her a clipped nod, then slipped into the private suite adjoining his office. Gemma floated out on cloud nine. She would get an education. She would have a place to stay that wasn't sorority central. She'd get to live with Axel. Finally, she had some hope for the future.
Smiling, Gemma made her way to the kitchen. He might have suggested that she start her new responsibilities next week, but they both had to eat tonight.
She'd rather not suffer more takeout or whatever he tried to whip up. He might be more experienced in many ways, but her cooking was way better.