Chapter Three
T
he music screamed, but Becky hardly heard it. It was nothing but white noise in the distance. And the scenes around her were nothing but echoes of movement in the shadows beyond the sectioned off area Zach led her to. A gasp tore her away from the tranquil state she was in for a beat, but then he picked her up and sat her on the leather, padded table, tapping her cheek lightly so her focus returned to him.
“We should discuss the rules.”
Her eyes widened. More rules than the obvious? Unless he didn’t know she had experience? Maybe I should tell him.
She opened her mouth.
He shook his head and placed a finger over her lips. “Listen first, little doe. It’s clear you aren’t new to this. But I am new to you. I feel more comfortable going over what I expect from a sub before I play with him or her. I do enjoy certain formalities, but no more than you’re comfortable with.”
“I’m comfortable with it all. I’ve been taught well.”
“Have you?” He rubbed his chin, nodding slowly. “You seemed surprised when I mentioned discussing rules.”
“I apologize. I’m used to Doms knowing how experienced I am.”
“So they assume you’ll know what they want.”
“Exactly.”
“I try not to assume anything.” He glanced over at a scene where a Dom spoke harshly to a sub who fidgeted as she knelt before him. The girl gave her Dom a blank look, like she really didn’t get what she’d done wrong. Zach shook his head. His lips thinned. “I need to know what you expect from me.”
“I don’t understand.” And she really didn’t. She was here. He was a Dom. All she expected was for him to take control and let her please him. Not that she was sure anything she could do would.
What if he’s settling for me because there’s no one else?
“Do you need me to help you forget what happened today, Becky?”
She winced. Oh, Casey. I hope you’re okay, baby. Her gaze lowered to her bare feet. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”
“It is. All you have to do it lose yourself to what I do to you.”
Do to me? She held her breath, more than a little confused. He’d asked nothing of her yet. Other Doms expected her to kneel gracefully, to dress just right, to anticipate their commands. At the clubs she’d gone to before, she never had a problem finding a Dom because she made them look good. Fine, some Doms wanted a challenge, but dealing with a young, bratty sub could get tiresome. She didn’t need to act out to get attention. Actually, she didn’t really need attention at all. She just needed to settle into the nice predictable zone where she could turn over control to someone else.
It wouldn’t take long to show Zach she could do the same with him.
“Tell me what you need, Sir.” She let her hands rest on her knees, utterly passive, ready for him to tell her what to do next. The only thing that made her uncertain was his being gay. Most Doms would tell her to strip right off. He might not need her naked to play.
To him you’re a sub. Not a woman.
Her throat tightened slightly. She’d wanted a man to see her as more. To want her as a woman. She’d be missing out on that with Zach.
He did mention a date.
Great. Maybe they could go shopping together. Or see some chick flick. It would be just like hanging out with a woman. He could be her new best friend.
And what’s wrong with that? You don’t have many friends.
“I will tell you, pet.” Zach took hold of the bottom of his T-shirt, then pulled it over his head. “When I’m ready.”
Her mouth went dry. He was?.?.?. damn. A pure work of art in muscle and ink. She drank him in like gulps of fresh, spring water after a long hike. The tattoo covering most of his right arm caught her attention, and she found herself drawn in to the intricate details. A weeping angel perched on a tombstone, beneath a tree with limbs that seemed barren at first, but looking closer, held tiny pale green buds. The dead grass among the graves gave way to fresh patches. New life amidst death.
She reached out to touch it, then pulled her hand back. One did not simply touch a Dom. Not without permission.
“Go ahead, little doe. As long as your hands are free, you may touch me whenever you’d like.” The edges of Zach’s lips twitched when she hesitated. “Not something you hear often?”
“Not really. Usually a Dom’s all about touching me. Getting me naked as soon as I’ve agreed to scene with them” Her cheeks heated. She lowered her hand to her sides, fiddling with the hem of her dress. “Not that I’m complaining.”
I need you to touch me. But only if you want to.
“You make me wonder how many ‘real’ Doms you’ve been with, sweetheart.” He tossed his shirt aside and placed his hands on the table by her hips. “They sound rather selfish.”
She shook her head. “Not at all. They gave me what I needed at the time.”
His head tilted to one side. “So you never needed to touch them?”
An ache settled between her eyes. She wasn’t sure what to say to that. Yeah, sometimes she wanted to touch them, but once they shackled her wrists, she didn’t really think about it. It was all about the scene they orchestrated. And in pleasing them, most of her needs were met.
He took her hand and pressed it to the center of his chest. His skin was smooth, cool, like velvet molded over flowing steel. His pecs tensed slightly as she explored the fine, dark curls covering his chest. He rested his hand on her shoulder as she continued touching him, massaging lightly as she trailed her fingertips over the tattoo on his arm, then grazed them up his neck and along his jaw. Freshly-shaven, nothing hiding the sharp angles of his face. The rich, warm scent of cologne with dark, earthy tones, drifted in the air, so alluring she had to fight not to press her face against his throat to breathe it in. She smiled as she felt the small cleft in his chin.
Sweet mother, he’s gorgeous.
“Go ahead. Say it.” Zach tugged her hair, light creases forming around his eyes as she looked up, the only evidence she could see to prove he was actually a couple of years older than she was. He was the type of man who only improved with age.
“Say what?” She ran her thumb over his bottom lip, soft and silky and warm in contrast to the rest of him.
He kissed her thumb. “It’s a shame.”
“Why? Do you hear that a lot?”
“Yes. All the bunnies are in mourning since I ‘came out.’”
“I believe it.” She laughed. “Actually, I was thinking you’re one of the most handsome men I’ve ever met, but it’s probably a bad idea to say so. Your ego doesn’t need any more stroking.”
He grinned, gathering her hair in one hand, using it as a handle to tip her head back. “I have a feeling that mouth of yours has gotten you into a lot of trouble.”
She made a face. “Umm?.?.?. not really. Not at the clubs anyway. I don’t usually—I’m sorry.”
“For what? If I didn’t want you to talk, I’d gag you.” He leaned closer. “Or find another way to keep you quiet.”
His hand framed her jaw as he slid his lips over hers, brushing back and forth, light as the caress of a feather. Her lips tingled, parted slightly as the tip of his tongue teased them. She closed her eyes as he kissed her, gently at first, then deeper, tasting her, holding her jaw and hair firmly so she couldn’t move. Her pulse raced as he pressed his body against hers, stealing her breath. He teased her upper lip with one last flick of his tongue, then eased back.
The room spun like a carousel out of control, with her at the center, Doms in leather with whips and chains taking the place of the pretty ponies, the music a hard-core beat pierced by screams. The atmosphere of a club usually brought her closer to the right headspace than the Dom alone, but with Zach, it wouldn’t matter where they were. If he could do this with just a kiss?.?.?.
“I won’t restrain you tonight, Becky.” He stroked his hand down her spine, watching her face as he laid her down on the padded table. “I’d like to see how well you can follow basic commands. Like, ‘don’t move.’”
What is this, Submissive for beginners? She knew better than to frown at him, but by the way his brow rose, she’d come close. “I’ve never had a problem with restraints.”
“Good. Then you should do just fine without them.”
“But—”
He put a finger over her lips and shook his head. “Come to think of it, I believe we should have some speech restrictions. You are permitted to speak to discuss limits. To use the club safeword—though I doubt you’ll need it during this scene. If you don’t understand a command, you may ask me to clarify, but I think I’ve been clear so far.”
Don’t scowl at him, dummy. She inhaled slowly, then nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
“Do you have any limits I should know about?”
“Ah?.?.?. no blood, scat and such, no heavy impact or anything that leaves marks that last more than a day or so.” Her cheeks heated, but she knew she had to be honest. And her last limit could end things before they’d even started. “No anal.”
The edge of his lip twitched. “Was that something you expected me to want?”
“Well, you’re?.?.?.” I really hate this part. Negotiating with someone new meant talking about embarrassing things. She preferred writing it all down and letting the Dom read the list ahead of time. Discussing only what she’d marked as “uncertain.” But Zach hadn’t even asked Dean for her limit list. “Do I have to say it?”
“Yes.”
“You’re gay. I figured the only way you would?.?.?. I mean?.?.?.” Hell, she didn’t even know if gay men did that with women. But he wanted to play with her, so he had to be getting something out of it. “I understand if you’re no longer interested.”
He sighed and bent over, bracing a hand on the table by her head. “There will be no penetration of any sort tonight, little doe, but once we reach that point, I will enjoy your body, however you are willing to give it to me. If that is a limit, I will respect it. However, we will discuss why you’re not open to trying it.”
“I have tried it.”
“I see.”
“I didn’t like it. It hurt and I’m not into pain.” She spoke in a rush, not sure he could possibly understand since that was the only way he could be with most of his lovers. “That’s another problem, actually. Some Doms aren’t interested in a sub with no tolerance for pain. Not that I mind a light spanking now and then, but—”
“Shh.” Zach kissed her, then let out a light laugh against her lips. “It’s okay. That’s enough for tonight. I know you’re not comfortable sharing all this. But I will tell you one thing.”
She swallowed, her whole body trembling as she realized he wasn’t ending things and sending her off to someone else. He still wanted her. She dented her bottom lip with her teeth, hissing through them. “What?”
His lips grazed her cheek. He spoke quietly in her ear. “It doesn’t have to hurt.”
She shivered as he straightened, leaving her arms slack as he drew them up to lay on the table above her head, stretched out much like they would be if she had been restrained. He did the same at the bottom of the table with her ankles, setting them far apart, making her all too aware of how short the dress she’d borrowed from Silver was. Thankfully, Dean hadn’t told her not to wear panties, because the dress was snug enough to bare her to the hip with her thighs spread. Since she hadn’t planned to play tonight, she hadn’t thought to shave during her shower this morning. Her legs weren’t too bad, but she’d have been humiliated to show any Dom that she’d neglected to shave her privates.
If I’d known Zach would be here—that he’d want to—
“You stiffened up. What’s wrong?”
I did? She tried to relax. Zach had already decided on no penetration. But as much as she didn’t want him to see her unkempt, she couldn’t help being a little disappointed. It had been a long time since she’d wanted a man this much. A thought of Scott had her rolling her eyes. Okay, not that long, but Zach was the first one she wouldn’t feel cheap with in the morning. She had a feeling he—unlike Scott—would still be there when she woke up.
“It’s nothing.” She forced a smile. “You just have me feeling a little reckless.”
“Do I?” He chuckled. “Don’t tempt me, Becky. It would be easy to forgo the whole scene and simply make love to you, but that wouldn’t satisfy either of us.”
She nodded. “Because I’m a woman.”
His jaw hardened. “No. Because I’m a Dom, and I need to give you more.” He raked his fingers into her hair, tightening his grip to the edge of pain. “As you said, you could have had that with a phone call. I could have had it with less.”
Perfectly still, needing to show him, at very least, she could follow instructions, Becky wondered exactly what Zach’s relationship with Scott was. There were whispers that Scott would do anyone, anywhere, but was he really bisexual? Zach didn’t seem the type of man to take on casual lovers, but Scott wasn’t the type of man to take on anything but. Her attraction to Scott was frustrating as hell, because she knew nothing could come of it. How much worse would it be to be used by him when he was also a friend? A teammate?
Scott had been seen with more women over the summer than in his whole career. A different one every night. It had started not long after Zach had come out to the press.
If the two were connected, Scott wasn’t just a player. He was a coldhearted son of a bitch. He’d blatantly rejected Zach. And that had to hurt.
“Zach—Sir, I didn’t mean to?.?.?. I didn’t think that you and Scott were—”
“Serious? We’re not.” Zach sighed. “Please don’t apologize. You have the right to know if I’m involved with anyone—I’d expect you to tell me if you were. Can we agree that we’re both single, that we both have similar interests, and that neither of us is interested in a one night stand?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Then shall we start? Do you understand what I expect from you?”
“Don’t move. Don’t speak unless for clarity or to safeword.”
“Excellent.” He gave her a slanted smile, then slowly circled the table, his hand moving in an outline of her body without touching her. “That dress looks lovely on you.”
“Thank you.” She groaned when he clucked his tongue. “Sorry, Sir.”
“Do you often have difficulty submitting?”
She shook her head.
“Hmm. I see.” He stopped by her side. Drew his finger up her arm from her inner wrist to her elbow. She twitched. Clenched her fists. “But you are finding it difficult to obey me?”
“No, Sir.”
“Neither safeword or clarification.” He smoothed his hand over her cheek. “All the Doms you’ve been with haven’t asked for much, have they? No, don’t answer.” His tone was rough, but not with anger. More?.?.?. carefully restrained. “I’d love to push you. Challenge you. But not yet. First you have to prove you can handle this.”
She almost said, “I can,” but then remembered she wasn’t supposed to say anything. The restrictions suddenly felt more imposing than any gag or restraint. She settled into the sensation, relaxing because giving him what he’d asked for was really very simple. No guesswork involved.
The approval in his eyes was like a bright golden star bursting in the center of her chest. She inhaled deeply and held her breath, waiting to see what he’d do next.
He circled the table again, stopping at her other side. Hooking his fingers into the thick straps of her dress above her shoulders, he pulled it down, moving her as he pleased, taking one arm, then the other, until both were free of the dress. Only the neckline covered her breasts as he placed her arms. Her nipples tightened into sensitive little points as she waited for him to expose them, but instead he walked to the end of the table and traced his fingertips down the soles of her feet.
A giggle escaped her, and she squirmed as he did it again.
“Be still.”
And again. It tickled, but she pressed her eyes shut, ground her teeth, and fought not to move. His hands curved around her feet and she bit back a groan as he pressed his thumbs into her soles. He stroked, massaged, then tickled, alternating until the pleasure edged on torture. Yet, somehow, she kept still. Sank into a place where all that mattered was his touch. As it moved up to her calves, she sank even deeper, responding to his slow, even breaths, to his soft praise. She needed to know she had it in her to please him. To be everything he needed and wanted by doing nothing but what came naturally.
“I was right. You are precious.” He kissed her bare shoulder, then rolled the material of her dress down over her breasts. “This isn’t just sex for you. It’s so much more.”
“Yes.” She absorbed the satisfaction in his tone like earth soaked in rain after a drought. She knew she shouldn’t speak, but she had to make sure he wasn’t just doing this for her. “Am I?.?.?. do I make you happy?”
“More than I can say.” He lowered his head to her breasts, resting his forehead between them. He kissed the side of one breast and she shivered. The sensation was both tender and erotic. Lingering, building as he kissed his way up to her nipple. “Don’t forget what I’ve asked of you.”
Don’t move.
Pleasure speared her as he sucked her nipple into his mouth. Her eyes teared as she struggled not to arch up. As she pressed her lips together.
“No man or woman has pleased me as much as you have.”
He pinched her nipple between his finger and thumb as he sucked the other.
“I won’t be easy on you, little doe.”
He shifted down her body, drawing the hem of her dress up over her hips, over her belly, kissing the exposed flesh as he worked his way down.
“But if you are mine?.?.?.”
His fingers traced the edge of her panties, along the sides of her pussy lips, close to where the material had grown damp. He bit down just above the slight swell of her stomach, rubbing her panties into her clit.
“I will give you what no one else can.”
The muscles in her thighs tensed. Pleasure curled up in her core, sizzling like a live wire in a shallow pool, electricity zipping across the surface.
“Come for me, little doe. Lose yourself. Give up control. It belongs to me.”
Becky opened her mouth wide and choked back a scream. She came as though he’d pulled a trigger, set off a spark which ignited everything inside her. A sob tore from her throat as she shook, her hips bucking, her core tightening and releasing sporadically, the sensation fierce even though nothing filled her. Nothing grounded her. And suddenly she needed that. Something to hold her down before she shattered.
“Come here.” Zach gathered her in his arms, carrying her to a chair to hold her tight as she came apart. It felt like she’d been torn open, exposed in a way she didn’t know how to handle. She shuddered, gasping as she curled into a ball on his lap. His dick pressed into her hip, and she blinked fast.
She’d done nothing for him.
Nothing!
“Don’t cry.” Zach pressed her head against his shoulder as another sob tore out from her chest. “Rest for a minute, then tell me what’s wrong.”
A hysterical laugh broke free as she lifted her head. Blinded by tears, she tried to meet his eyes. “Not for me. It’s not okay if it’s just for me.”
“It wasn’t, little doe. Believe me.” He kissed her forehead. “You have no idea what you’ve given me. And it’s not over. There will be more. So much more.”
“It’s not enough!” The tears stung her eyes. And she didn’t know why. It was so wonderful, but taking more than she gave felt so wrong.
“For tonight it is.” Zach kissed her forehead, “Come home with me, Becky. Let me hold you while you sleep. I need to see you when I wake up.”
Casey?.?.?. Becky’s throat locked around a hard lump. Zach had managed to make her forget. Her daughter was away. Would be for three weeks. She had nothing to go home to. Except her brother—who had Silver. And her parents—who had each other. Waking up alone in a house that wasn’t hers, thinking of the moments she’d spent not thinking about her daughter at all. How could she?.?.?.
“I can’t?.?.?. Sir, I screwed up. I shouldn’t have done this. What if—”
“What if what, Becky? What could have happened while you were with me?”
“I don’t know. Something bad.”
“No. Your mother is still at Dean’s. He has his phone. Someone would have called him.”
“I’m her mother.”
“And Casey is with her father. You had no choice.”
Helplessness ripped through her, like someone had cracked open her chest. “It’s not fair.”
“No. It’s not. And we can talk about it more in the morning.”
Zach dressed her, then held her close to his side as he approached Dean. He spoke low, and she couldn’t make out a single word. All she could think of was what a horrible mother she was. She knew Patrick would screw up. Her daughter would need her. And she’d been so incredibly selfish—
“Rebecca, look at me.” Dean took hold of her chin, trapping her with his gaze until his words were all that mattered. “You know my number. I will call you if there’s anything. Swear to me you’ll do the same.”
Why would I need to call you? She blinked at him, confused. She was a grown woman, not a little girl who needed protection. But Dean obviously didn’t see it that way.
“I will.”
“Good.” Dean turned to Zach. “Make sure she gets some sleep. She hasn’t gotten much at my place since that asshole called her.”
“I’m not surprised.” Zach pressed her head against his chest. “But she’s tough. Don’t hesitate to call if—”
“I won’t.”
“All right.” Zach’s arm was heavy on her shoulders. Solid and steady. More so than the ground beneath her feet. “Any more objections, Becky? Tell me now.”
All that she’d thought was stable within crumbled. She rasped in a breath as she shook her head. It was ridiculous to need aftercare after the little they’d done, but she knew she did. If he’d sent her home without letting her?.?.?.
What can I do for him? He’d mentioned talking in the morning. That could work. She could make him breakfast. Maybe clean for him.
Which was funny, because she’d hated cleaning up after her husband. He’d always been a slob. And doing things for him never meant anything. But doing things for Zach would. She relaxed against his side and let out a sigh.
“No objections. I wouldn’t have liked for the night to end like this.”
Zach chuckled and kissed her hair. “Sweetie, we’re nowhere close to the end.”
*?*?*?*
The central air in the condo kept the temperature comfortably cool, but as Zach watched Becky step up to him, shivering, he wondered if he should turn it off. He studied her face as she took hold of the bottom of his T-shirt. She didn’t seem cold.
Nervous?
No. Excited. Maybe even impatient. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes wide and bright as she quickly pulled his shirt up over his head. She hadn’t hesitated when he’d told her to undress him. He grinned as she dropped the T-shirt and moved closer to him, exploring the muscles of his arms and chest like she couldn’t stop touching him. His eyes drifted shut as she pressed a kiss to the center of his chest, and blood pumped steadily into his dick. There was something so close to worship in the way she kissed him. The way her hands caressed him. And the look in her eyes as she lowered to her knees and undid his belt?.?.?. it was as though, in that moment, he was her whole world.
How long had she needed this for the little he’d done to mean so much? He kept his expression neutral as he fought the urge to pull her into his arms and ask her. This wasn’t the time to force her to think about what had been lacking in her life. With how she’d reacted to receiving more than she gave, the best thing he could do was let her serve him.
He stepped out of his jeans, then clucked his tongue as she flung them aside. “Is that how you treat your Master’s things, pet?”
Becky gaped up at him, blushing even as a shy smile graced her lips. She shook her head. “No, Sir.”
After she’d folded his clothes and placed them on his dresser, she returned to him and hooked her fingers into the elastic of his boxers. She bit her lip as she eyed his erection, barely contained by the snug, black cotton.
“Wait.”
Blinking at him, she rested her hands on her thighs. He could tell she was trying to hide her disappointment—she might have succeeded if he hadn’t been watching her so carefully.
He motioned for her to stand. “I need to see you. All of you.”
Letting out a sigh of relief, she held still while he eased the slave dress off her shoulders and let it drift to the floor.
Chuckling, he tapped her chin with a finger. “What was that for?”
“It’s just?.?.?.” Her brow furrowed. She stared at her bare feet. “I don’t understand why you waited so long to get me naked.”
His lips curved slightly as he let his gaze travel slowly over her lush body, from her ample breasts to the swell of her hips. He cupped her cheek. “You were already naked to me, little doe.”
Her breath caught as he kissed her, and he smiled against her lips as she moaned softly and leaned into him. She went still as he took a knee, and he heard her swallow hard as he pulled down her skin-tone, silk panties. A shadow of stubble covered her pussy and he glanced up, taking note of her blush.
“I’m sorry I didn’t—”
“Don’t be. It pleases me that you didn’t go to the club ready to give yourself to just any man. And you haven’t tried to cover yourself from me. Very nice.” He traced a finger over her stomach, pressing his lips together when she stiffened. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s just?.?.?. my stomach is gross.”
His brow lifted. “I don’t think it’s changed since the club.”
“No, but it was dark. You couldn’t see all the stretch marks and—”
“Stop right there and listen carefully.” He straightened, putting a hand on her hip to hold her in place. “You are beautiful. Each and every inch of you. As long as you are with me, this is my body. And I won’t accept you saying—or thinking—anything negative about what is mine. You bear those marks from carrying a precious child. You should be proud of them.”
She inhaled, then nodded. “I never thought of it that way. But I will now, Sir.”
“Good girl.” The way she glowed at the simple praise quickened his pulse. Suddenly, he had to show her, with more than words, that he meant exactly what he said. Tonight she was his, and he was desperate to claim her. But not with sex. He’d only ever fucked one person in mindless lust and passion, and he still regretted it. He refused to go there with Becky.
But there were other things he could do to her which would satisfy them both.
“I always shower before bed. Would you care to join me?”
The fact that he’d asked seemed to throw her off, but he would only go so far on taking her choices from her on the first night. Eventually, he could see them falling into a peaceful routine. But not yet.
Her fingers curled, then straightened, as though she’d resisted making fists at her sides. She dropped her gaze to the floor. “Yes. I would.”
He gave her a level look.
“S-sir.” She drew in a sharp inhale. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. If you have a problem with my requests, say so.”
“I don’t. It’s just?.?.?.” Her forehead creased. She clasped her hands in front of her. “There are things I’d do for you if—”
“Like what?”
“I?.?.?.” She bit her lip hard. Then released it as soon as she caught his frown. “I’d like to wash you.”
“I’ve never had a sub do that for me.” He let out a soft laugh at her scowl. He’d openly criticized her former Doms—which was bad form, but he couldn’t help it. They’d shamelessly used a sub who desperately wanted to serve. Her actions and words condemned them to his mind. He had a feeling his own words had just condemned every sub that came before her.
She gave him a heavy-lidded smile. “Let me take care of you, Sir. After me, you won’t accept any less.”
He hooked an arm around her neck and kissed her forehead. “I don’t doubt that for a second.”
In the shower, beneath the hot spray, he stood, relaxed, letting her soap his body with a facecloth covering her hand. The mist surrounding them picked up the subtle aroma of his orange and ginger body wash, fresh and invigorating. She scrubbed his back, then rubbed the tension from his muscles with slick, surprisingly strong hands. Up on her tiptoes, she washed his hair, using her fingertips to massage his scalp. He let out a soft moan as the soothing sensations slowed his pulse. As she shifted closer, he held on to her waist, partially because he was afraid she’d slip. Partially because he couldn’t help himself. Already he was making plans for what he would do with her in the days, the weeks, to come. Having all her focus on him, drawing all his focus to her, created a level of intimacy he’d never felt with anyone.
After rinsing him off with the showerhead, she knelt gracefully, gazing up at him as she wrapped her hand around his dick. He nodded, and she took him in her mouth. Jaw clenched, he held off release as long as he could, then dropped his head back, a rough sound escaping him as he came down her throat. Pleasure rocked his body so hard all his strength went to just staying on his feet. Her hot mouth held him until he went slack. And as she drew away, the selfless contentment in her eyes humbled him. He could bring her to bed and do nothing for her and she’d be happy. Because this wasn’t about her at all.
It wasn’t enough for him though. A sub like her could give again and again, expecting nothing in return. But he needed to give it.
Not that his needs weren’t a little selfish.
Tone rough, he pulled her to her feet and latched on to her thigh. “Put your foot on the ledge of the bath.”
She obeyed without question, trembling as he dropped hard to his knees. He molded her ass in his hands and buried his face between her thighs, tasting her with a loud groan he knew she would feel, deep in her core. He flicked his tongue roughly over her clit, then took the nub between his teeth, tugging gently. She whimpered. Her feet slipped.
“Hold on to me.” He slipped his tongue between her slick folds as she braced her hands on his shoulders. “For as long as you can.”
He dipped his tongue in deep, over and over until she cried out. The muscles of her cunt tightened around his tongue as he thrust in. Her juices covered his face, sweet and hot and so fucking delicious. He drank her in as she trembled, catching her as she fell and lowered her so she could sit on the edge of the bath. With long strokes, he drew out her pleasure, dipping, sucking as she came again. He knew he could force another orgasm, but that would be cruel. She was exhausted. Barely able to stand even as he pulled her to her feet.
And she wouldn’t be happy until she knew she’d done more for him than he’d done for her. He caught the subtle stiffening of her shoulders as she stepped onto the bath mat. Part of him wanted to simply carry her to bed and curl up with her in his arms, but he couldn’t rest until he knew he’d fulfilled that baser instinct she had to please.
“I can’t go to bed like this, pet.” He glanced over at the towel hanging by the bath, then let his arms fall to his sides. “If you don’t mind?”
“I don’t.” She grabbed the towel, fumbled with it, bowing her head as she dropped to her knees. “You don’t even need to ask.”
Fuck. Good job, Pearce. He’d helped her reach the level of submission that satisfied her, but a request, rather than a command, shifted the balance. This was new to him, but he had to adapt quickly or he’d throw her off.
They still had so much to learn about one another. He reached down and tipped her chin up. “I won’t ask next time. But you have to promise to tell me when you’ve had enough.”
“I will.” Her eyes twinkled even as she rubbed the towel down his thigh. “I’m not interested in a 24/7 arrangement. On our date, I’ll be Miss Independent.” She laughed, and the carefree sound made his heart skip a beat. He hadn’t found himself a slave. He’d found a women with many layers he wanted to explore. Her next words proved it. “That’s when my mouth gets me in trouble.”
He grinned. “Hmm. Well, I should warn you. I tend to punish mouthy subs.”
“You will not punish me for speaking my mind.”
“Of course not. So long as you do so respectfully.” He placed his hands on his hips. “’Yes, Sir’ and ‘No, Sir’ resolve most debates rather quickly.”
Her eyes went wide. “You’re not serious, are you?”
“No. I already know you’re a very intelligent woman, Becky.” He took the towel from her as she stood, using it to wipe the beads of moisture from her cheeks. “Challenge me. I look forward to it.”
She placed her hand over his, holding the towel against her face, her eyes searching his. “I’ve never had a real relationship with a Dom. Was never sure I wanted one. Sometimes, the way I get when I’m in a scene?.?.?. I’m afraid to lose myself.”
“I won’t let that happen.” Pulling her into his arms, he rested her head against his shoulder and kissed her damp hair. “I want you, little doe. All of you.”