by P. Stormcrow
Luna was still in a daze when she spun around once more and smacked headlong into Ted.
“Whoa!” Her friend held her shoulders, steadying her as she blinked at him. “Luna?”
“Oh, Ted, hi.” For some inexplicable reason, she started flushing again.
“Was that someone dropping you off?”
“Um…yes?”
Ted’s grin widened like the Cheshire Cat’s. “Was that Dylan?”
“Um…no.”
“Another guy?”
“Um…yes?”
“Dayam. Weren’t you on a date with Dylan last night, though?”
Ted’s line of questioning kicked in after a few more seconds. Her mind snapped back into reality as she lifted her hands and tried to wave it off. “No, no, no, it’s not like that. I was just hungover from last night and Jacob offered to drive me to work.”
“And nothing happened with Dylan last night?”
“Well…” The memory resurfaced. “We made out a little, but nothing beyond that.”
“So, let me get this straight. You went on a date with one guy, got sloshed, made out then sent the guy home and called another guy up to give you a ride to work in the morning.”
Luna opened her mouth to protest then closed it. Ted wasn’t inaccurate in describing the last twelve hours. She shrugged instead in a weak response.
“Wait! Did you make out with this guy too? What’s his name again?”
“Jacob, and no!” Luna protested but her cheeks grew even hotter.
“You did!”
“No, we just kissed!” She hissed at Ted then groaned.
“Wow, Luna…”
It was like her conscience was talking. In defense, her back stiffened, and she drew herself up. “I’m a free agent!”
Now it was Ted’s turn to hold up his hands. “Hey, I’m not judging here. I’m just admiring your game.”
Luna only groaned once more in response and stalked across the lobby with Ted following at her heels.
“So are you interested in something longer term with either Dylan or Jacob?”
“Maybe,” she muttered—but in her heart, she already knew.
Chapter Fifteen
Luna exhaled with a deep sigh and slumped into her seat at the food court of the mall. She had begun to compose a response to Dylan, deleted it before sending, then started again. It had taken about five tries before she had given up crafting something meaningful and sent a simple I’m okay instead. It had started as a conversation over text that had lasted most of the day, but they were both dancing around the elephant in the proverbial room.
She was staring at the blank text box, unsure of what to type. That was ironic, considering she had chosen word-smithing as a career. Out of nowhere, a voice made her jump out of her seat.
“Why the long face?” Cassie leaned over her shoulder, trying to glimpse her phone.
Luna hit the Power button, blacking the screen.
“Aw, come on!” Cassie straightened and moved to take one of the other seats at the table.
“Cassie…” It seemed like August, who had come up from behind and taken another empty seat, was forever warning Cassie off her case, but Luna only gave a small shake of her head. They had agreed to meet at the mall to shop for birthday presents for Lani, for her beach party the coming weekend.
“Let’s get some food first,” she suggested and stood.
By the time they’d regrouped, Luna was staring at her phone again. Something in her was reluctant to bring up the discussion of where they were at, but Dylan deserved an explanation. She still wasn’t sure her heart was set yet—or at least that was what her brain was saying. But she couldn’t stop wanting to explain.
“Okay, Luna, what’s up?” Cassie asked, the first to come back with food.
For a moment, Luna debated saying anything at all and chewed her lip until Cassie sighed and reached out a hand to place over Luna’s. For once, she looked serious.
“If you want to talk about it, I’m here. Everyone may tease me all the time, but it also means I’m experienced and I know the community well. I promise you that whatever you say, I won’t laugh and I won’t blab.”
She already trusted August and kept him up-to-date with phone calls and texts as to her thoughts and feelings. Even earlier that morning she had texted August in a panic for advice after Jacob had dropped her off, but her fellow sub was busy and said it would be easier for them to talk tonight. She wanted to trust Cassie, considering the experiences they’d shared so far. Perhaps another woman’s point of view would be beneficial.
In the end, it was Cassie’s speech that made her decide. She nodded.
“I’ve gone on a few dates with this guy, Dylan. We made out last time but…” Luna wasn’t sure how she was going to put it politely. Her words trailed off as she looked down at her cooling burger and fries.
“Let me guess. Too vanilla and turned you right off.”
Right on target. Luna winced. “Yeah. I stopped things and said it was too soon.” She left out the fact that her brain had kept thinking he was Jacob instead. The memory of the intense kiss resurfaced.
“Talking about Dylan?” August set his tray of food down and slid into the third seat.
Luna glimpsed a pout on Cassie’s lips and wondered in the back of her mind what that was about, but she only nodded in misery.
“Well, what have you said to him so far since this morning?”
“Not much. It’s been small talk. Work was busy today.”
“Well, if I were you, with Jacob being interested, I wouldn’t even bother with another guy, especially a vanilla one.” The smirk from Cassie underscored her words.
Luna’s jaw dropped a little. There was a lot to unpack in that statement alone, but her immediate question was how did Cassie know? How does everyone know?
“You went home with Jacob after the modeling session with Eli.” August cleared his throat and dabbed the corners of his lips with a napkin after his first bite of food.
Oh. That’s true.
Still, August shot a rather disapproving look at Cassie, who held up her hand. “Okay, okay, I was just kidding…sort of. Look… If you want a partner who’s a little more aggressive, ask yourself if this Dylan guy has it in him, and if so, ask yourself if it’s something you can bring out in him—and if he’s worth the effort.” She gave a slight shrug and popped a piece of sushi into her mouth.
Luna took a bite of her burger while considering Cassie’s words.
“Whatever you decide, I think that no matter how hard it will be, it would be best to tell Dylan face-to-face.”
August’s words resonated deep within her. She’d known all day that it was the right course of action, even if every part of her wanted to take the coward’s way out. She nodded as she swallowed her food. “I know.”
“Come on. We have little time before the mall closes.” August glanced at his watch. “Let’s finish up.”
August’s anxiety at picking the right gift for Lani had come right through his texts the last few days, although the man had tried hard to hide it. So, with a nod, Luna refocused on her burger and fries.
Silence filled between them as they busied themselves eating.
“Why aren’t you considering Jacob, anyway?” Cassie, ever the bold one, asked.
“I’m not not considering Jacob!” Luna protested. “It’s just”—she struggled for the right words—“that I like him…a lot. But how I am around him scares the crap out of me.” Her voice grew soft with the admission.
“Oh, Luna.” Cassie breathed out her name, a blend of pity and concern. Luna had mixed feelings about her reaction.
“That is a normal response for a sub just discovering herself.” August pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Remember what I told you in the beginning. Figure out how far you would go and your reasons. The rest will come.”
It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about it. It was just that every time she tried, her mind drew blanks
. She took a deep breath, pulled out her phone and shot a quick text to Dylan before she lost her nerve.
“There.”
“What did you do?” Cassie and August both leaned forward at once, peering at her.
“I texted Dylan back, asking to meet up for coffee after work sometime next week. I’ll talk to him, face-to-face.”
“And what are you planning to say?” That question came from August.
“I’m not sure yet, but I have time to work on that.” Despite the doubts in her head, she had to smile at the slight pout and looks of disappointment from both her friends. She couldn’t tell them things she didn’t know yet. But at least now she’d given herself a deadline to figure some parts out. No more procrastinating.
Speaking of… “Come on. Let’s go shopping,” she said.
Only an hour later, they had all somehow managed to pick out their own gifts for Lani. Luna, having shopped with the birthday girl before, was the only one who had ventured a clothing item—a pair of ankle boots that had stiletto heels and studded straps. Cassie had opted for a piece of stone art that resembled a woman being embraced by two men—or so she claimed. August remained aloof, refusing to share what was in his bag.
They completed their shopping much earlier then they’d thought they would. Cassie grinned wide and tugged Luna in a very specific direction. August trailed behind the two, hesitation in his steps as he held both his and Cassie’s bags. Luna had refused to let him hold hers.
“Come on. There’s this new lingerie store I want to check out!”
Luna glanced back over her shoulders with a helpless look, only to see August shrug a little. “I’ll be at the bookstore. Come find me when you’re done.”
Traitor!
As if sensing her reluctance, Cassie stopped and lowered her voice. “You’ll want to pick up some stuff. Trust me. I’ve heard that Jacob’s a bit of a lacy lingerie guy.”
It had an immediate effect. Luna’s pulse raced as blood rushed to her cheeks. She swallowed, her body temperature rising. There was no reason that the comment made her want to buy a few sets of lingerie herself all of a sudden, except she had asked to scene with him. And she wanted to please him, so very much.
She wanted to please him.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. There had been only one other person that she had ever felt that way toward. Except Jacob was here, available and interested. Dear God.
“Come on!” Cassie giggled and, taking advantage of her dazed state, ushered her into the store until Luna found herself arms full of bras, panties and a baby doll or two.
“Go forth and try!” Cassie had her own pile and was already entering her own changing room. “And don’t forget to show me!”
Luna stared at the pile, sorting through the items to put order to how she would try each one on. Some she took off as fast as she could and others made her giggle at their ridiculousness.
“What’s so funny? Come on! I’m waiting,” Cassie called out. It was obvious from the direction of her voice that she was standing, tapping her foot with impatience, in front of Luna’s changing room.
“Okay…one sec!” Luna changed into another set then gasped, brushing her fingers against the black lace. She poked her head out to make sure no one else was outside besides Cassie.
“Come on!” Her friend made an impatient huffing sound and, with a sigh, Luna pulled the curtain aside.
“Oh my, I think we have a winner.”
“You think so?” Luna asked.
“Definitely. Jacob’s going to be in trouble.”
Luna could protest. Part of her wanted to. But another part of her wanted what Cassie said to be true.
“Get that set in red too. Here… I’ll go find it.”
She really needed only one set. It was only one scene, she told herself. Nonetheless, she ended up buying three—and two baby dolls. The silky material had felt too nice and cool against her skin to resist.
“Lingerie,” Cassie started, launching into a lecture as they walked out of the store, “is not just for your partner. That’s really just a bonus. A nice set gives you more confidence and helps you be more aware of your body’s sexuality. I find I always stand a little taller when I’m wearing a good one.”
Luna had never thought of it that way before.
“Watch out!” A loud cry from behind made both of them stop and turn in surprise.
Luna’s eyes widened as she saw a man clutching a plastic bag barreling down the corridor toward them. Behind, two mall security guards were giving chase. Everything slowed and, without thinking, she dropped her bags, pushed Cassie behind her then, with her instincts still guiding her, pivoted with a swing of her hips. Tai sabaki. She lowered her center of gravity and timed her movements toward the man, a wide step just off to the side. She placed her left hand across her body, palm outward, to protect herself while she extended her right hand, curling her fingers in as she thrust the heel of her palm upward at the man’s chin. She slid her foot behind the man’s, preventing him from taking a step back to regain his balance.
The move worked, better than it could have in the dojo. It was as if her hand was the fulcrum. The guy’s legs went flying first and he landed flat on his back. By then, the security guards had caught up and Luna took a step back as they pinned the man down.
One of them got on her walkie-talkie as soon as they’d managed to restrain the man to radio their colleagues. Luna stood there, watching the entire scene unfold. At first adrenaline kept her upright, but as it started to leave her, she began to shake.
“Luna?” Cassie wrapped an arm around her but Luna only shivered more.
“Miss?” One guard approached the pair. When Luna didn’t respond, the woman spoke into her radio again, asking for backup before turning toward Cassie. “Can you help your friend to the bench over there? I think she’s going into shock. I’ll make sure she gets some space until it wears off.”
She heard the words but, lightheaded, she had trouble registering them. Instead, Luna let Cassie guide her to sit. As her friend rubbed her back in slow circles, Luna began to draw deep breaths until her heart rate returned to something closer to normal.
After a little longer, the woman in uniform returned. “Thank you for all your help, miss. When you’re ready, we’d like for you to come to the security office with us. The police will want both of you to give your statements.” The voice sounded kind and Luna nodded in response.
“What happened?” The other guards kept the small crowd that was forming away, but they must have let August through when he’d indicated he was their friend.
“Luna’s a freaking superhero, that’s what. She just stopped a shoplifter.” Cassie was grinning now.
The words sounded weird to Luna’s ears and she could only shake her head a little, not ready yet to speak.
August crouched down, catching Luna’s eyes as he reached to clasp her hands. “You okay? You need anything?”
She cleared her throat and nodded once more. “Yeah.” Another breath. “I’ll be fine.” She mustered a wan smile. “I can’t believe that worked. I guess Sensei’ll be proud.”
Or something like that.
Chapter Sixteen
An hour later, Luna was sitting in one of the office chairs—the best that security had to offer—with a cup of tea in her hand. It wasn’t the best tea, but it served its purpose, calming her nerves. August sat next to her in another chair, while other security guards milled around them, coming and going with their usual routines while one remained to monitor the screens streaming footage from cameras around the mall. From time to time, one guard would flash Luna a smile and a thumbs-up or some other sign of approval. The incident had already started to become a bit of a legend among them—how a five-foot-three girl took down a six-foot man with one move. Great.
From the room next door, she heard the low muffled sound of Cassie speaking with the two cops who had come to take their statements. Luna found comfort in the fact that no one
had asked them to go down to the station like she had imagined at first, although they said they might still require her help there at a later time. For now, it was enough to sit in the chair and huddle over the comfort of the hot beverage, contemplating how she’d even gotten there in the first place.
The door opened once more. It was happening with such frequency now that she paid it no heed as she stared into her mug, until August rose next to her. Curious, she looked up.
“Jacob?” August was the first to offer a greeting, surprised to see Jacob as he entered the already-cramped office, escorted by another guard who must have guided him there. One cop opened the other door to allow Cassie to step out. Luna looked from Jacob to Cassie. By the look of Cassie’s beaming smile, Luna surmised that she must have had a hand in him coming. When her friend mouthed a silent ‘you’re welcome’, it confirmed her suspicions.
“Are you guys okay?” Jacob may have been polite in including everyone, but his eyes remained on Luna alone, as if he could discern her condition with visuals alone. She swallowed a little under the scrutiny and nodded once, lest he inspect her further. Would the inspection be so bad, though?
“We’re fine, Jacob, but I think Luna is a bit shaken up.” Cassie was only all too gleeful to inform Jacob of her state.
Luna shook her head, taking another sip of the tea to wet her dry lips. “I’m fine…really.”
One of the police officers cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Thank you for your assistance. I think we’ve got all we need for today. If anything comes up, please feel free to call us.” With a polite nod, the two left.
“Come on. Let’s get you guys out of here.” Jacob motioned toward the door and, setting her tea down, Luna trailed after him and the others with a last goodbye and thank you to the security guards.
“So, what happened?” Jacob asked.
“Well”—Cassie took a breath, her eyes flashing with excitement—“this guy, the shoplifter, was running toward us with the security guys chasing behind. There was this loud yell and the next thing I knew, Luna had pushed me aside and did some move. She had the guy flat on his back in less than a second.” She turned and fluttered her lashes at Luna. “My hero.”
