CHAPTER 8

**AVA**
Two days have passed since I last saw Pietro at the restaurant. During this time, I’ve immersed myself in research about the BDSM world. I’ve read articles, watched videos, explored forums, and even talked to some people in the community. I’ve learned more about contracts between submissives and dominants, the power dynamics, and the balance between pain and pleasure. Yet, despite all this immersion, I still haven’t made a decision.
Last night, Pietro sent me messages asking if I had any questions about our conversation. He wanted to know if I needed more information to make my decision. I replied that I was still reflecting on everything and asked for more details about how our relationship would work. He patiently clarified my doubts and reaffirmed that I could take as much time as I required.
Today, I’m at the library, as usual, organizing the new boxes of books that have arrived. As I place the books on the shelves, I hum softly to myself, trying to ward off the unsettling thoughts that pursue me. The library is busy, especially in the romance section, where many people are reading and buying books.
As I arrange the books, a large hand appears beside me, grabbing a book near my head. I turn quickly, startled, and widen my eyes as I see Pietro standing before me. I place my hand over my heart, trying to calm the surprise of seeing him here.
"Oh my God, don’t do that again, or next time I’ll be in the hospital or the cemetery."
He smiles, shaking his head. I bite my lips, trying to calm my racing heart.
"What are you doing here?", I ask.
"Well, this is a public library, and I’m here looking for a copy of my favorite book.", he responds with a smile on his face.
I smile, shaking my head, incredulous.
"I still don’t believe you because right now you’re in the erotica section."
He smiles, looking at the book in his hand before turning his gaze back to me.
"Believe me when I say I love old books. I have many of them at home. But, of course, I’m here for you too."
I feel my cheeks blush at the sincerity in his voice.
"I still don’t have an answer, Pietro."
“First of all, I want you to know that I respect your time and your doubts. There’s no pressure, Ava. But I also want you to understand that I’m here to guide and support you if you decide to explore this world with me."
I look into his eyes, seeing sincerity in every word.
"Thank you, Pietro. I really appreciate your patience. I’ve been thinking a lot about all this. I’ve read a lot about the BDSM world and how contracts work."
"It’s a vast and complex world, full of nuances. And it’s important that you enter it fully aware of what you’re doing.", he responds, his voice calm.
"I still have many doubts, but one thing that concerns me is the issue of the contract. How does it work exactly? What are the terms we need to discuss?", I ask, trying to organize my thoughts.
"The contract is a way to protect both sides, establishing clear limits and expectations. We will discuss everything that is important to you – what you are willing to experience, what is completely off-limits, and any concerns you have."
"Fifteen submissives, Pietro? That’s a high number.", I comment, trying to hide my curiosity with a light tone, remembering when he told me the number of submissives he’s had.
"Yes, Ava. But each relationship is unique and based on mutual trust. I’ve never forced anything beyond what was agreed upon. And there was always respect and understanding.", he responds, serious.
"You want me that much?", I ask again, seeking confirmation.
"You know I do, Ava. And I don’t hesitate to say what I want. I want you, in every sense.", he responds, his intense gaze holding mine.
Sighing, I feel the magnitude of the decision weighing on my shoulders.
"I need more time, Pietro."
"Then let me take you to the club again tomorrow night. Let me show you more of the world you want to enter, Ava."
I agree with a nod, and he smiles. Pietro is impeccably dressed in formal clothes, and I notice many girls looking at him as he passes by. I accompany him to the rare books section and realize he truly understands and loves books. He picks up an old edition, and we walk together to the counter to pay.
The library has a system where you can borrow books to read for free and then return them, but some editions are for sale. When I hand the bag to Pietro, he asks:
"Can I come to your place to pick you up tomorrow night?"
"You don’t need to pick me up; I’ll meet you at the club.", I respond, aware that it would be unwise to give my address to someone I’ve known for only a few days.
He nods, understanding.
"I understand. See you tomorrow night, then."
I watch him disappear slowly before leaving. I sigh before returning to my work, still feeling very nervous about his presence. Pietro remains a complete mystery to me. I want to know more about him, about what he really does for work and how he became so wealthy, but I’ve noticed he doesn’t like to talk much about his life, and I understand that.
Since my family’s death, many people have tried to get close to me to help with the pain of mourning, but I couldn’t share and show my emotions to anyone else but myself. I completely shut myself off from the world, unable to trust anyone anymore because I knew I could lose that person too.
Since that horrible day when I lost the people I loved most in the world, I have never been the same person. I had to grow up like this to protect myself and never suffer or be hurt in the same way again. Being alone became something good for me, but at the same time, it was always too lonely.
I refocus on my work, attending to other customers, and finishing organizing the other sections of books. As the afternoon approaches, I’m still thinking about Pietro and our meeting at the club tomorrow night. I sigh as I look at my phone, realizing it’s time to go home. All I need is to be in my apartment and relax after a long, hot bath.
I look at my phone in my hand with anticipation, but there’s no message from him at this moment. Pietro is a mystery to me, and I saw the confusion in his eyes when I said he didn’t need to pick me up tomorrow night. I’m sure I did something very wise by not revealing my address so easily to someone I’ve known for just a few days, and I know he understood that.