Forest Grove Institute

As we entered the cafeteria, Rafael urged me to greet my friends and let them know I'd be eating with him today. Approaching the table, I found only Phoebe, Rosemary, and Tamara there. They smiled and encouraged me to have fun, assuring me they'd inform the others. Just then, Jasmine walked up, beaming.

"Oh, actually, Emerson, we'll be eating together," she said. "Turns out your dom knows my daddy."

"Oh, that's so fun! We'll get to hang out a bunch, then!" I replied, excitement bubbling as we chatted with Rosemary, Tamara, and Phoebe, laughter filling the air until we decided it was time to join our Doms.

As we approached the dinner line, I noticed both Rafael and Jasmine's daddy engaged in conversation. We made our way to their sides, and while I stood quietly, Rafael noticed Jasmine's interruption when she greeted her daddy, causing him to glance down at me. He wrapped his arm around me, placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head.

"Good girl," he murmured. After a moment, Rafael and Jasmine's daddy resumed their conversation, and I kept my gaze straight ahead, listening intently to their conversation, even though it didn't pique my interest. I was determined to make a better impression than last time.

Once we reached the dinner line, Rafael retrieved his tray from the dorm section, and I grabbed mine from my section, allowing him to lead me to a table. Most people seemed to be having sloppy Joes, but I had mac and cheese, an apple, and warm naan bread, all neatly arranged in my divided tray.

"Emerson, I'd like you to meet my friend Cedric. You already know his submissive, Jasmine, and here are Eric, Aaron, and Arlo," Rafael introduced, gesturing to each person. I nodded respectfully, and they returned the gesture but didn't engage with me. I felt a bit out of place, unsure if I could join the conversation, and Jasmine remained quiet as well. We exchanged smiles across the table, a silent connection amidst the unfamiliarity.

"You know, I was going to have Emerson under my protection," Arlo said to Rafael, making me freeze. Rafael had no idea about the past between Arlo and me, and I wanted nothing more than to move on from it.

"Is that right? Well, I guess you know where she stands," Rafael replied, placing a reassuring hand on my knee under the table.

"I guess we do. As you know, she has until the end of the week. She'll change her mind about you," Arlo said, casting a glance my way. "Won't you, my darling?"

I clenched my teeth, staring at the table. I knew that if I looked up, I might say something I'd regret.

"She will do no such thing," Rafael interjected, his voice firm.

"Are you sure about that? She was with me the day before she started talking to the likes of you. Asking me for permission and submitting to me," Arlo countered, and Rafael tightened his grip on my knee, prompting me to meet his gaze.

"Is that so, Emerson?" he asked, his eyes darkening.

I shook my head, feeling the tension in the air.

"You know, if you grab her by the back of the neck, she listens really well," Arlo added, and I exchanged a silent glance with Rafael, filled with unspoken words.

"Speak, Emerson," Rafael commanded, his voice low and authoritative.

"It's because Sir Arlo grabbed my neck that I submitted, Master. Not because I wanted to. He threatened to go to Sir Guntrum and tell him I didn't listen to him, and it would be my word against his. That's why I glanced at him to ask for permission to eat with the girls. Later, Tamara noticed how uncomfortable I was and told Maggie on my behalf. They handled the situation because I didn't want it to be awkward between us. That is the truth, Master."

I spoke loudly, ensuring everyone at the table could hear me. I focused solely on my Master, knowing the truth was important to him. Rafael turned to Arlo, who shot daggers at me before shifting his gaze back to Rafael.

"She did disobey me. She raised her voice and ran off the property on her first day, putting herself in danger. I helped her find her way back to the school—"

"You forcibly walked me back with your hand on my neck because if you hadn't, you would've gotten in trouble. You told me you'd show me to my class the next day, and when I said no, you got mad," I interrupted, ignoring Rafael's silent warning as he squeezed my knee.

"You got lost trying to find the stairs. I was just being polite."

"Being polite doesn't mean forcing someone to do as you say and threatening to punish them for doing nothing!" I shot back, my voice rising.

"Enough!" Rafael said, slapping the table, drawing everyone's attention. "Emerson. With me. Now." He stood up, and I quickly followed, attempting to pick up our trays.

"Go. I got your trays," Cedric said, waving me off. I nodded my thanks, shot Arlo an angry glare, and, unable to hold back, gave him the middle finger before hurrying after Rafael.

A moment after I reached his side, his phone dinged. He glanced at it, then abruptly stopped short of the stairs, responded to the text, and grabbed my wrist, pulling me along. Instead of heading up the stairs, he walked down the hallway that led to the Open Dorm.

When we entered, several guys lounged on the couches. One of them said, "Last bedroom on the right." I had a good idea what that meant, and Rafael didn't react, simply continuing down the hall.

When we reached the last door on the right, he opened it wide, revealing the inviting bedroom inside. He shut and locked the door behind us, his presence commanding as he pushed me gently into the center of the room. With a slow, deliberate movement, he rolled up the sleeves of his fitted black shirt, revealing strong forearms that hinted at the power he held.