Sir pulled me to him and we snuggled a bit. He inquired as to why I cried, but I couldn't put voice to my emotions yet. I asked that we talk about it later.

When my sobs subsided to mere sniffles, Sir had me stand and bend over to grab my ankles. He then stated, "I understand the need to talk later, but YOU need to remember than refusing to answer a question has a penalty. Five strokes."

The wooden paddle fell hard and fast on my ass, nearly driving me to tears again.

"Get yourself cleaned up and ready to be sociable." he said, and I hurried to do his bidding. I quickly splashed water on my face, then applied light make up. I styled my hair and returned to Sir, naked but for my collar and heels and presented myself. After a quick kiss on the lips, Sir took me down the hall to the lounge. He gathered the staff and made the announcement about my collaring. There was much oooing and aaahing as my collar was admired and Sir and I were congratulated. I listened in as he was asked about the collar getting wet, and was relieved to hear him say it could be worn 24/7, even in the shower.

I was surprised to hear him announce the room arrangements, with me in Suite 37. I did like the idea of being trained for security, but my mind was still mulling over the fact that Sir did not want me rooming with him.

I joined in the laughter with the staff during his next announcement; "She MAY be available for scenes with some of you; that will be up to her first and me second... it's her body. She will NOT be available for toilet sex, scarring, or incapacitation. Hard limit; MINE." I wanted to hug him when he said that last bit, but I stood obediently at his side.

He went on, "Socializing will be up to her, of course. I'm sure when you get to know her, you'll welcome her to the family as I have welcomed her to my heart."

The staff clapped, and then we all walked down to Suite 37. Sir had the staff stand back while he did some work at the keypad outside the entrance to 37. He had me press my thumb to the thumb pad and then look into the eye scanner. The doors whooshed open and we entered. The suite was lovely, but I couldn't suppress the feeling that I had been caste aside.

I looked around and then went to my knees in front of him.

"Master?" I asked in almost a whisper.

"Yes, my love?"

"Master, do I have to stay here? I... I hoped I could stay in your suite." I could feel tears threatening to fall.

"Dear, dear, don't cry! You may of course stay in my suite when I am there and not entertaining. I will rarely have a new staff member there to interview and have demonstrate their skills; your presence there would not be conducive to a good experience for either. Once they are gone, you will certainly be welcome!"

His words made me feel a bit better, but I was still unsure of things. Rather than press the issue, I decided to see how I felt after some time had passed. Perhaps I was making too much of it?

I smiled at him and reached for his hand, pulling it to me, I kissed the back of it and nodded up at him. "Ok, I'm sorry for reacting so badly."