A Book

“Huh?” She whispered and Draven slowly lifted his hand, he placed it on the tip of the towel where her hand was and he felt her hand shake.

“Draven.” She called but more like a whimper, different thoughts ran through Xalia’s mind about what he was about to do, she could hear her heart race and feel her hands shake nervously. 

It seemed like he noticed how tense she was, he slowly withdrew his hand from her towel and stepped back, Xalia sighed in relief but still held the towel firmly.

“Read this book before I get back, by dusk you will summarise all you read to me.” He ordered and dropped the book on the bed, he walked out of the room and Xalia rushed to the door, locked it and breathed out heavily.

She noticed goosebumps all over her body and she sighed, she felt so threatened by him. She walked to the bed and picked up the book, she looked at it and raised a brow in confusion because of the title.

“The Rules.” She read out loud and shrugged, she dropped it and decided to read it after she was done dressing and had breakfast.

********

HOURS LATER 

AT NIGHT 

Xalia sat in the dining room, feeling relaxed as she flipped to another page of the book, she ate dinner and at the same time read the book Draven gave her. She was almost done with the book and she was glad Draven wasn't home yet.

She suddenly heard the sound of the door and footsteps approaching. She paused and looked up to see a guy walking into the dining room. She hurriedly stood up in fear and he chuckled.

“Hey, easy. I didn't mean to scare you.” He said.

“Who... Who are you? How did you get in?” She asked, taking a step back and he smiled.

‘Why the hell is he smiling?’ She thought.

‘Is he a burglar? Is he here to kidnap her?’ She thought about a thousand things as she stood helplessly in his presence. 

“Are… are you here for money? I really have none, Please don't hurt me, you can take anything you want in the house please.” She rushed her words as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Hey, hey, don't cry, I... “ The guy trailed off as she rushed to a telephone in the kitchen. She was about to dial an emergency number when Draven walked in, she froze and looked at both of them. 

Does Draven know him? 

“Drop that.” Draven ordered and she let go of the telephone immediately.

“Who… who is he?” She asked.

“My name is Henry, Draven’s best friend.” He introduced himself with a smile and Draven rolled his eyes.

“Oh.” Xalia muttered feeling embarrassed, she just made a fool out of herself, she sniffed and slowly wiped her tears.

“I am sorry I terrified you, I was just excited to see Draven’s wife since I missed the wedding so I couldn't wait to come in with him.” He apologised and Xalia nodded, She bowed her head slightly and she noticed they were both dressed in tuxedos.

‘Are they coming from a meeting?’ She thought.

“Go to your room.” Draven said and she nodded. She picked up the book and carried her meal. She slowly walked to the entrance and walked past them. They both reeked of smoke and alcohol which meant they had gone clubbing. 

Who the hell wears a tuxedo to a club? 

She got to her room and she sighed in relief, she placed her food on her table and fell on the bed.

“That was terrifying and awkward.” She muttered and bit her lip.

“Draven has a best friend, that is surprising.” She muttered and slowly sat up.

“He seems nice too.”

“And cute.” She added and shrugged.

“Ugh, my life is fucked up.” She groaned and lay back on the bed.

**********

THE NEXT DAY 

Xalia opened the door to her room and walked out of it, she screamed in fear as she bumped into Draven who was standing right in front of her door.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you, I had no idea you were here.” She apologised but Draven ignored it.

“Are you done with the book?” He asked and she nodded.

“Use your words Xalia.” He said and her heart pounded, there is something just so good about the way he calls her name.

“Yes, I am done reading it.” She replied and he nodded.

“Come on.” He mumbled and headed down the stairs, she trailed behind him like a puppy.

They got down the stairs and he entered the dining room. She followed him and noticed the dining table was empty but there were two notepads at each end of the table with a pen. 

She stood behind him and wondered what it was all about.

“Sit at the other end.” He ordered and she walked to the end, she took a seat and he also did. 

“Sit upright.” He ordered and she did.

“Both hands on the table.” He added and she obeyed.

“Tell me what the book was about.” 

“B… BDSM.” She stuttered. Draven looked at her hands and noticed they were trembling.

“Breath in Xalia.” He said and she inhaled.

“And out.” He added and she exhaled.

“Now, I want you to answer my questions without stuttering. If you stutter, I will get mad, do you want that?”

“No.” She replied and he nodded as he tapped his fingers repeatedly on the table.

“I will ask again. What was the book about?” 

“BDSM.” She replied sharply.

“And what does it mean?”

“Bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism.” She replied and he nodded.

“Good. What else do you understand about BDSM culture according to the book you read?”

“For the man, he is dominant and has every right over the lady as long as she agrees to be his submissive and for the lady, she is supposed to feel free of responsibilities and thoughts because her dominant is there to do all that for her and she has to abide by all his rules.” She explained and Draven nodded, feeling satisfied by her response. She really did read the book. 

“What other terms can you call them?” 

“A Dom and a Sub.” 

“Can I ask a question?” She hurriedly asked before he could ask another question, Draven nodded in response and she cleared her throat.

“Why did you ask me to read a book based on BDSM?” She asked and he didn't give her a response, all he did was stare at her and tap his fingers repeatedly on the table. 

“What do you think?” He asked back and Xalia froze. Is it what she is thinking?