by P. Stormcrow
Heat pooled to her center as her imagination ran rampant.
Yeah. Do you want to come over?
Yes. Actually, I’d like to talk.
Luna felt a tinge of disappointment but a sudden dread overshadowed it, settling in the pit of her stomach. Things were going well, right? Or what if they weren’t in his eyes? Was karma being a bitch?
Okay.
It took about a full minute before the next text came in.
Good. I’d like to discuss the possibility of continuing to explore with each other beyond our sessions so far. Give it some thought.
Words. They were just words but her dread dissipated in an instant, replaced by a thrum of excitement. Her cubicle felt too small, and all she wanted to do was get up and pace. Response, right, he was waiting for a reply.
That sounds wonderful.
Good. Text me when you’re home. I’ll see you tonight.
She could almost see that smirk behind his text, all the way across town. He was pleased—or so she would imagine.
See you tonight.
Why can’t it be tonight already?
A casual glance at the time on her computer, though, had her springing into action. Grabbing her wallet, she rose from her desk.
“Hey, lunch?” Ted called out from the cubicle over.
“Not today, meeting up with a friend. Tomorrow?”
“Sure.”
With a wave, she was off, making her way to the same brunch place as last time. The summer sun was beating down hard, and by the time she entered the restaurant, she sighed in relief at the blast of air conditioning—one of the best inventions of all time, as far as she was concerned.
There was no sight of Lani yet so she grabbed a table, all the time scanning the restaurant while chewing her lower lip. She had run into Dylan here before and the last thing she wanted was to do so again, given the previous night’s conversation. So intent was she on looking for him that she jumped at a light tap on her shoulder.
“Hey, earth to Luna.” Lani giggled as she took a seat in front of her.
“Oh, hello,” Luna breathed, hand to her chest to calm her pounding heart.
“Is everything okay?”
She nodded but swept her gaze across the restaurant one last time. “I just wanted to make sure we didn’t run into someone.” Again.
“You mean that boy from last time?”
Luna made a face, bringing her attention back toward her lunch buddy. “I gave him the it’s-not-working-out talk last night.”
“Ah-h.”
At that moment, their waiter dropped by and took their drink orders—tea for both of them.
“Well, that’s understandable.” Lani studied her menu but peeked up. “Does that mean you and Jacob are a thing?”
Luna had to work to not drop her jaw, though she felt a flush beginning to blossom. “No… I mean, I don’t know. I’m not sure yet.” The uncertainty sounded lame to her own ears.
Lani closed the menu and, leaving it on the table, folded her arms on top of it. “Do I need to give the dear boy a slap upside the head for being unclear with you?”
“No, no, no! He’s coming over for a talk tonight.”
The Domme nodded. “Excellent. That means I don’t have to go stab him with one of my heels yet.”
The image made her giggle, and she had to cover her mouth as the waiter returned with their tea and took their lunch orders. When he stepped away once more, she lowered her voice. “Please don’t stab Jacob. I’d like very much for him to be intact.”
Lani let out an almost theatrical sigh and nodded. “Very well. But just give me the word.” She grinned again and Luna found she couldn’t hold back the question.
“So, are you still working on that contract?”
Lani blinked at her and Luna grinned at how, for once, she’d pulled the rug from underneath her friend. It was nice to not be the most clueless and teased person in the conversation. Before Lani could utter another word, Luna spoke up again. “I’m glad it’s happening. I’m happy for you two.”
“Thank you,” Lani murmured in return, her gaze softening. Jacob was right. There was that spacey dreamy look on her face.
Curious, Luna leaned a little closer when Lani said no more. “What made you decide to take August as yours?” Perhaps it would help her understand if there was even a possibility for her and Jacob.
The food arrived, thick brioche French toast topped with slices of poached pear with eggs and bacon for Luna, a more subdued breakfast quesadilla for Lani. Silence fell between them as they both dug into their first bites.
“I think it was the way he served me.” Lani’s first words were soft, almost wondering. “August is incredibly attentive, and his confidence in his submission is very attractive.” Her friend took another bite, as if it gave her time to process her thoughts. “Maybe it’s the way he’s quiet and composed but utterly passionate beneath. Maybe it’s how thoughtful he is. Or perhaps it’s the way he doesn’t compromise his masculinity.” Lani’s shoulders rose and fell in a small shrug, a small wistful smile tugging at her lips. “If hard-pressed, though, I would say that it’s been a long time since I’ve encountered any sub half as compatible with my style and my own kinks. And when something that rare happens, I’d be stupid to turn away from the chance to see if we can work.”
Lani surprised Luna with the frank answer, enough that she didn’t reply right away. She supposed she shouldn’t be taken aback, though. As a counselor, Lani would be comfortable and in touch with herself enough to discuss these things, but her reasons gave Luna much to consider. August had also mentioned compatibility. She knew enough now to recognize that her first Dom had never been compatible with her.
Everyone paled compared to Jacob. She enjoyed hanging out with him, whether it was watching movies, cooking or just chatting. She found his explanations of power exchange easy to follow and agreeable. And the bedroom… Wait! That all means that we’re compatible, right? Does he feel the same way?
Luna took another bite of her French toast with a slight nod, still wondering what would be the appropriate response to Lani. Instead, her friend took away the need.
“What about Jacob?”
She wouldn’t blush, not again. Luna found it hard to swallow the bit of food in her mouth, though, and it took another moment or so as Lani watched.
“I’ve never been with anyone like him,” she admitted at last. “But we’re still in the exploring stage. I’m not sure yet if we’re ready for commitment.” Slow and cautious.
“But you’re considering it.” There was a twinkle of challenge in Lani’s eyes
She could lie and say no. She could shrug it off. She could make up some excuse. But all that would be dishonest. “I’m thinking about it.” Luna winced. “Sorry… It’s too soon and I know I come off clingy or intense sometimes.”
Lani sighed and set down her fork and knife. “Luna, lovely, there’s nothing wrong with thinking about it. It’s natural to consider things like commitment, even early on.” She picked up her fork and waved it once. “Besides, it’s probably on Jacob’s mind, too.”
Now the flush came. Luna’s jaw dropped a little.
Giggles spilled from Lani’s lips and she almost purred. “I’ve known Jacob for a long time, and he and I are very similar as Dominants. I’ve never seen him spend this much time with someone he’s not interested in taking on.” At Luna’s still-bewildered look, she placed her free hand on top of Luna’s. “See what he says tonight.”
Tonight couldn’t come soon enough.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The heavy rain hammered against the window as Luna alternated between staring outside and at her phone, even as she chewed her lower lip. A sudden summer storm had swept in, darkening the skies only moments before drenching the streets, and Jacob was much later than he should be.
When her phone rang at last, she jumped to pick up.
“Luna?”
“Come on up.” She hit the button on th
e dial pad to unlock the front door to the building.
“Thanks.” Hearing the sound that indicated he had passed inside, she crossed her apartment to open the door, sighing in relief only when he’d arrived.
“Well, that was a thing.”
Luna couldn’t stop staring. His dark locks fell over his eyes and his simple black T-shirt clung to every curve of his body. Simply put, he was drenched. It was almost like when he had stepped out of the shower all over again, except this time, her memory, rather than her imagination, filled in the gaps.
“Want to let me in, sweetheart?” There was that smirk on his face, as if he was well aware of her appraisal of him.
Caught. “Oh! Sorry.” Luna stepped aside, her cheeks burning, and forced her gaze away. “Let me get you a towel.”
“Thanks.”
When she returned, Jacob had already taken off his socks and shoes and he flashed her a grateful smile as he took the towel from her, proceeding to dry himself. “It’s like everyone forgets how to drive in the rain,” he muttered under his breath. Without warning, he sneezed hard.
“Let me make you some tea.” She was already moving to the kitchen. She had readied the hot water earlier and now it was just a matter of steeping the tea. “You should get out of those wet clothes. They can’t be comfortable. I can stick them in the dryer.”
As she bustled about the kitchen, she paused, catching his eye with an amused smirk.
“Is that your way of trying to get me naked?” he asked, grinning.
“No!” Luna protested right away, though her cheeks were threatening to catch fire. She sniffed, trying to emulate Lani’s reaction when she pretended to be affronted by something. As she returned from the kitchen, she pressed a mug into his hand. “I’m just trying to take care of you.”
“Okay, okay!” Jacob gave a small laugh as he set the tea down on the kitchen counter and tugged off his T-shirt and pants. Luna looked to the side, trying to give him some privacy, and found a particularly interesting spot on the wall.
“You can look, sweetheart. It’s nothing you haven’t seen already.”
Drawn back by his words, Luna swallowed as she beheld the sight of him standing before her, the contours of his body on display. There was a slight bulge in his boxers and she forced her gaze back up. Nope, nope, nope… He was not going to distract her.
With the smirk still lingering on his lips, he handed her his clothing and followed as she made her way to the small laundry closet where she deposited them and started the machine.
“Now, let’s sit on the couch so we can have our chat.”
The talk. Never had Luna felt such a mix of curiosity and worry. It must have shown on her face as he took her hand and held it to his lips. “Relax. Come on.”
That was easy for him to say. He wasn’t staring at an almost naked her. Maybe she should strip too, to even the playing field. No, this talk was too important. Luna shook her head to clear it. She was not going to act like some sex-starved, distracted nympho. She steeled her mind with thoughts of the talk instead and followed his lead to settle on the couch, taking comfort in the warmth of his hand around hers.
Gratitude welled in her when Jacob went straight to the point. “I want to do a check on where we’re at and set some expectations.”
Luna blinked and nodded.
“We’ve scened twice. I know I’m interested in exploring further, and if I’ve read things right, so are you.” There was a seriousness in his eyes.
Luna straightened, shifting to face him. The question wasn’t coming from a place of flirting or foreplay and, despite the hammering in her chest, she nodded, swallowing a few times to find her voice. “Yeah, I am.”
“How far do you want to go?” Jacob asked.
Wasn’t that one of the main questions she had tossed around in her head? She closed her eyes and sucked in a breath before exhaling. “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “I’m interested in going beyond the bedroom, but I don’t know how far that means.” The words started slow but they tumbled from her lips faster and faster. “I’m torn. I know I want to retain my independence, but I also want to serve someone, to put their needs above mine and to follow their lead. But I don’t know where that balance is yet. I’m sorry if it’s not a very good answer.”
“Shh-h…” Jacob smiled and let go of her hand, only to cup her cheek. “It’s a perfectly good answer. And do you know why?”
Luna shook her head but could not help but lean into his warm palm, taking comfort in his small gestures of affection.
“Because it’s an honest one. In any relationship—but especially in a D/s one—even as play partners, we need to be honest with each other. Now, tell me why. I know you know this one.”
His words echoed much of the reading he had sent her and now Luna smiled, some of her confidence returning. “Because we’re dealing with power inequalities that may lead to both emotional and physical safety concerns. Because if not treated with proper respect, D/s relationships can lead to abuse—intentional or unintentional.”
“Good girl.” He stroked her cheek before returning to hold her hand.
The gesture, outside of a scene, should have had her spitting mad. From anyone else, it would appear condescending. But Luna straightened under Jacob’s warm, approving gaze instead.
“Why don’t we play it by ear, like we have been until now. No pressure—but I’ll keep pushing until it’s too far for you, and you can tell me when. We can explore and test your boundaries and you can tell me no or to stop.”
“Like a contract?” The last word came out as a squeak. She wasn’t sure why she felt a twinge of disappointment when Jacob shook his head.
“Not quite. A contract would dictate very specific terms. Personally, I’d only draw one up if I am taking on a sub to train—and the term is three years.” He curved his lips into a crooked grin. “Think of this as a trial period, for both of us. If you’re interested in formal training as a sub, then we can talk more.”
“What’s in it for you?” Luna blurted out.
Jacob chuckled and shrugged a little. “I suppose you can say I have a good feeling about this…about you. And, in the meantime, I get a wonderfully responsive sub to play with.”
The temperature in the room rose. Luna’s cheeks flushed and her breathing grew a little more shallow.
In response, Jacob leaned forward, brushing his lips against her ear. “See what I mean?” Without waiting for a reply, he nipped at the ridge of her ear, sending delightful shivers down her spine before shifting to line small kisses along her jawline.
She moaned and tilted her head to one side, exposing more of her skin for him, half-closing her eyes with pleasure. Every nerve in her body was coming alive. “Bed?”
“Hmm-m not yet. I haven’t had you on this couch yet.” He reached her neck and began alternating between nibbles and kisses, even as he gave a gentle push to guide her to lie down on her back.
“Wait.” She placed her hands-on his shoulders and grinned a little. “I have a surprise for you.” Inspired by one of his answers in the truth or dare game, she had done a little online shopping after he’d left the past Sunday. Hurray for Amazon two-day shipping.
She served. She wanted to show him what it meant in the bedroom, given the chance. And now was that chance.
‘Confidence is sexy.’
Lani’s words echoed in her mind. She wanted to be confident for him.
Jacob raised his brow and eased himself back while offering a hand to help her sit back up. With a mischievous grin, Luna stood from the couch then spun around to give him a light peck on the lips. “Be right back. Promise.”
She started as soon as she got to her room and half-ripped the packaging off in haste. Without another moment of hesitation, she stripped while recalling his words.
‘Weirdest fantasy? Well, once I kissed this girl who had this vanilla lip balm on and ever since, I’ve gotten this weird idea of sampling someone and being surprised by what flavor they
might taste like.’
She remembered how they’d all gotten a little flustered by the idea, enough that there was a bit of silence following his answer. Ever since, Luna had been hellbent on figuring out how to fulfill that fantasy of his—and she’d found the answer in edible massage oil.
Opening the first bottle in the variety five-pack, she dabbed the oil on and spread it across her neck down to her shoulders then using another bottle with a different flavor on her breasts. She continued to do so, working as fast as possible until she’d coated herself all over in a thin layer of oil. As the last step, she put on a touch of vanilla lip balm. Once completed, she wrapped a short black kimono-style robe around herself and made her way back into her living room.
Jacob had sat back on the couch. When she stepped into view, he tilted his head to one side in curiosity.
Bold. She would be bold. Theirs was a dance of give and take, and he had already given so much. It was her turn. As she stood in front of him, she unbelted her robe then let the silk-like material slide off her body until she was nude and glistening before him. Despite her self-consciousness, she offered a hand toward him. “Please.”
His chest rose as he drew in a deep breath but he did not hesitate to take her hand, rising from the couch. In return, she rose to kiss him.
A small growl emerged from the back of his throat as his tongue darted across her lips. “Vanilla,” he whispered as he pulled back, his eyes narrowing. “That’s not your usual taste. Just what’re you up to, Luna?”
“Please,” she whispered once more and kissed him again. Then, with a gentle nudge, she attempted to guide his head lower. The muscles of his neck strained against her touch in resistance, his dominance chafing against her hand’s mild pressure. “Let me please you,” she pleaded.
He relented and dropped his head to place lazy kisses along the column of soft skin. When he darted his tongue out to lick the salted caramel off her skin, he let out a long groan. “You little minx, what have you done?”
