I realize he’s holding a clipboard out to me. “What’s this?”
“The rules.”
I take the clipboard from him and read what’s written at the top of the page.
Rule #1: There will be no physical contact between trainers and trainees, other than for instructional fitness purposes.
I read the rule over twice, and the meaning finally sinks in. If I sign up here, that’s the end of anything romantic that could happen between me and Trey.
Chapter Four
Trey
“Is that rule okay with you?” I ask Livia. She’s staring at the clipboard like she’s struggling to come up with an answer. Say no, I silently urge her. Don’t sign up here. Ask me to show you what this dom/sub thing is about on our own time.
“Yeah. Yeah, that’s fine.” Livia takes another sip of her water, her hand trembling slightly.
It takes all my effort not to let my disappointment show on my face. “Okay. I know all these rules are daunting, but they’re for your safety and happiness and no other reason. Did you have any questions so far?”
She shakes her head. Her beautiful face is pale, but she seems to be pulling herself together in front of my eyes. Her back straightens and she resettles her jersey dress across her shoulders.
I could tell her that I don’t want her to sign up here and that we should get a coffee instead, but maybe she really does want some exercise and to get out of her head for a while. I’ve already pushed her enough.
“Let’s go through the other rules. Can you read them out for me, please?”
Livia nods and picks up the clipboard. “Rule #2: The trainee is to speak to their trainer politely and respectfully at all times, and address them as ma’am, sir, mistress, master, mommy or daddy etc., to be agreed on between each trainer and trainee.”
Livia’s eyes almost bulge out of her head.
“You can call me Trey, it’s fine,” I say quickly, and she visibly relaxes. Another pang goes through me. I can’t even ask her to call me daddy here.
“Rule #3: A trainee will commit one hundred percent to each workout and follow their trainer’s instructions to the letter. If a trainer feels as if a trainee is deliberately underperforming or being willfully disobedient, the trainer reserves to the right to set punishments for their trainee, including but not limited to: extra exercises, cold showers and corner time.”
Livia’s mouth quirks at that. “Deliberately underperforming or being willfully disobedient? People actually do that after they sign up here?”
I smile too, glad that the heavy mood is lifting a little. “Yeah, the brats do. They love pushing their boundaries and getting punished. Pushing boundaries is their cardio.”
“I don’t think I’m a brat. I break into a cold sweat if I forget to refill the coffee pot at work.”
I don’t think she’s a brat, either. I think she’s a quintessential good girl who’s highly sensitive and has been through a rough time. She’ll put her heart into whatever she sets out to do, but I won’t be able to pull her into my arms for a deep kiss and tell her that daddy’s so proud of her.
Fuck my life. This is torture.
I clear my throat and tell her to read on. When we get to rule five, Livia bites her lip.
“Rule #5: Trainees and trainers will act in a safe, sane and consensual manner toward each other at all times.”
“Is something wrong?” I ask.
“I’ve heard that phrase before. Safe, sane and consensual. That’s not really what people do though, is it?”
I study her closely, apprehension threading my body. Who’s been telling Livia such bullshit? Or, worse, who’s been subjecting Livia to such bullshit? “What makes you say that?”
Livia shakes her head, forcing a smile. “Nothing. No reason. Just asking questions.”
“It’s a thing. It’s the thing, actually. It’s the most important rule of all.”
I want to delve deeper into why she thinks this way, but I can sense that if I push her too much too soon then she’ll run right out of here and I’ll never see her again. I’d rather have Livia as my trainee than no Livia at all.
I launch into my usual spiel. “Those are the basic rules, but each of the trainers have additional ones, depending on what their focus is. I’m a planner, and I’m goal-oriented, so each of my sessions begins with a discussion of your goals and aims for the session, and then we revisit them at the end and see if we hit them. I expect you to do your best and focus on hitting your goals, or getting as close to them as possible.”
“What happens if I don’t?”
Normally it would be a lecture while my trainee holds weights aloft, or kneeling at my feet while they recite their goals for me three times over and promise to do better. I like an audience for my trainees while they do this so they feel like they’re being held accountable, so we do it right in the middle of the gym. I’m worried Livia will freak out if I tell her that, so instead I say, “Extra push-ups. Now, tell me your fitness goals.”