Grace and Mercy

by Chance Carter

  “Sorry about that,” he said sincerely. “We won’t be interrupted again.”

  Reagan nodded and began to talk.

  “Thank you for meeting on such short notice,” she said.”I thought it was important that we clear the air.”

  Ethan raised his eyebrows.

  “Clear the air?” he said.

  Reagan smiled, then sighed. She wasn’t sure where to begin.

  Ethan ran his fingers through his hair and then smiled gently back at her.

  “Do you mind if I begin?” he asked her.

  “Go ahead,” she said, curious as to what he had to say.

  “I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind,” he admitted. “The whole experience last Sunday was incredible. I loved every minute of it.”

  Reagan sat back. Part of her was pleased by his words, but they also made her anxious. Did he think that what had happened the other night was a typical scenario?

  That it was routine for her to bend the rules?

  Had she built up his expectations?

  She pursed her lips and saw his smile fade. He appeared to be reading her face. She tried to make her expression more neutral. She had to be straight with him.

  “Ethan,” she said gently, aware that it was the first time she’d said his name out loud to him. The only other times had been while fantasizing about his cock climaxing inside her.

  She loved the way his name flowed from her mouth. He must have liked it as well because he smiled on hearing it.

  “I need to be honest with you.”

  He nodded.

  “Of course,” he said, “ I want to know everything you’re thinking.”

  She swallowed hard.

  “Ethan,” she said again, “I enjoyed myself the other night with you too.”

  His eyes lit up and it gave her the confidence to continue.

  “I’ve worked very hard to separate my business life from my private life. I’m sure you can imagine why that’s important.”

  He nodded.

  “I have clear and specific boundaries with all my clients. I don’t display my nudity. I don’t perform sexual acts. I only touch my clients with implements, never my hands, unless I’m spanking them. Even then, it’s very rare. I maintain control at all times. But most importantly, I don’t kiss them.”

  She paused and looked deeply into his eyes. He nodded slowly, as if he was processing her words carefully. She continued.

  “I’m an erotic woman by nature. I enjoy exploration and I get excited by kink, I really do. I like that kind of play. However, I have never been aroused by a client. When I’m working, it’s methodical and specific. I want my clients to have their needs met, don’t get me wrong. They come to me because they can’t explore their kink anywhere else in their life. That’s important. Most of the men who come to me could never talk to their partners about their fantasies. They pay me for my skill and my discretion. When they are with me they feel safe and accepted. Do you understand?”

  Ethan smiled. “Yes, I do,” he said.

  Reagan sat forward, wanting her words to be heard.

  “Ethan, when I was with you the other night, I mixed business with pleasure. That was the first and only time I have ever done that. I found myself incredibly drawn to you and I acted unprofessionally. I got caught up in the moment and let my guard down. I liked being with you,” she admitted. “I like you.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Yeah?” he said smiling.

  She nodded slowly.

  “Reagan, you lit a fire under me. I’m so into you.”

  She let out a sigh and smiled back, but she knew she needed to explain further.

  “But here’s my dilemma,” she continued. “I don’t think I can work with you as a Professional Domme. I don’t believe I could be with you and work within the parameters of my business ethics and standards.”

  He looked crestfallen and confused.

  “In other words, I doubt I could keep my hands off of you,” she grinned. “I’m a Domme. I don’t offer sex to my clients. If that were to happen, it would be deemed prostitution. That is a line I will not cross. I do not trade sex for money.”

  Ethan sat back and let out his breath, as if suddenly understanding. Reagan paused and waited for his response. Finally he chimed in.

  “I see. So are you telling me that you won’t take me as a client?”

  Reagan nodded.

  “I can’t see you professionally,” she concluded.

  Ethan regarded her quietly for a moment and she gave him the time he needed to process what she’d just shared. Finally, he sat forward and looked into her eyes.

  “Reagan, would I be over stepping if I asked to see you personally, see where things could go between us?” he asked tentatively. “I mean, I’d totally understand if you didn’t want to, but you’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. You’re confident and sexy and so uninhibited. I know we haven’t known each other very long, but even so, I feel a connection to you. You’ve given me the courage to explore my own curiosities, and I’m grateful for that, but that isn’t everything. I’ve been curious about you too. When I said I haven’t been able to get you out of mind, it wasn’t just about the session. I’m intrigued by you as a person. I’d really like to know more about you. I like you.”

  He smiled tenderly at her, his eyes exploring hers.

  He looked vulnerable but still strong. Reagan felt her cheeks flush. She was touched by his words. The thought of exploring a personal relationship with him was so tempting, but at the same time it scared the hell out of her. Was she ready to open her heart again? She wasn’t sure, but she did know she wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

  “I’d be open to that,” she admitted. “Of course, I’m still in charge,” she said with a devilish grin.

  Ethan returned her smile.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am your humble servant, Milady,” he teased, bowing his head in a gesture of mock servitude.

  Reagan shot him a stern look and he laughed.

  “Would it surprise you to know that even as you’ve been pouring your heart out to me, I’ve had a raging hard on?” he said with a grin.

  Reagan couldn’t stifle her giggle. She loved inappropriate humor and was grateful to him for lightening the mood. She sat up straight and got into character.

  “Well, aren’t you naughty,” she said in her stern Lady Grace voice.

  Ethan raised his brows in anticipation.

  “I’m afraid you’re going to have to be punished.”

  “Yes, I need discipline, Milady, I’m out of control,” he said grinning.

  “Sit back in your chair,” she ordered, “and unzip your pants.”

  Ethan looked at her with curiosity.

  “Now?” he asked, his eyes looking toward the door.

  “Yes, right now,” she said assertively, his nervous laughter delighting her.

  “May I lock the door?”

  She shook her head.

  “No you may not, my Pet. Now do as I say. Unzip your pants.”

  Ethan smirked but followed her orders. She watched as he unzipped his pants.

  “Now pull out your cock,” she said.

  She saw him looking at the door and then back at her, his nervousness evident but his need to please her greater.

  She watched greedily as he pulled out his delicious, delectable cock. She bit her bottom lip as her eyes took it in. It was so long and smooth, almost as if it had been carved by a master sculptor.

  “Keep your eyes on me, my pet,” she purred. “If you get caught you’ll have to explain that you were a naughty boy and are being punished,” she teased.

  He looked at her with mock rebellion, but she knew he was excited by this. The thought of getting caught would serve to heighten his arousal.

  “Now stroke yourself, and don’t you dare take your eyes off me,” she commanded.

  She watched as his hand slid up and down his smooth shaft, his eyes both loving her and hating her at once.
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br />   She felt her own arousal escalate. Her pussy grew warm and wet and she ached to touch it. She directed her arousal at Ethan, putting everything she wanted to do into the words she said to him.

  “Now imagine my lips kissing your erection, my tongue teasing the tip, your juices coating my tongue,” she urged.

  He closed his eyes for a moment and she could see his pleasure as his face softened. “Open your eyes, and look at me,” she coaxed.

  He did as she asked.

  “Now imagine I’m taking you deeper, maneuvering your shaft further and further into my throat, fucking your cock with my tongue and my warm, moist mouth,” she said, torturing him with her words.

  He massaged himself methodically, his eyes fucking her with every stroke. She was so turned on by him she could barely speak, but she continued teasing him.

  “Your cock is throbbing in my mouth, filling me, your warm juices lubricating my throat, but still I take you. I want you to cum and I won’t stop until you reward me with your orgasm,” she purred. “You can feel my teeth grazing your flesh, but it only serves to excite you further. You can’t control yourself much longer. You can feel your excitement rising in your gut, the blood coursing through your groin.”

  Ethan’s breath quickened, his eyes softening with pleasure. She knew he was close.

  “You cum in my mouth, your hot juices filling my throat, feeding my need.”

  Ethan let out a stifled moan, releasing his orgasm. Reagan was certain he held back his passion for fear his pleasure would alert someone outside his office door. Watching cum pour from the tip of his cock sent a ripple of electricity through her. She wanted so desperately to taste it.

  His obedience pleased her. She stared at him as he pulled himself together, her soft mouth open, trying to control her own breath. Finally, he peered at her, the look on his face one of absolute and complete satisfaction.

  “Holy fuck,” he gasped, shaking his head slowly.

  Reagan smiled at him gently and allowed him to gather himself. Finally she spoke.

  “Show me your hand,” she urged.

  Ethan raised his hand in front of the monitor, covered with his cum.

  “You may zip up and wash up, my Pet,” she offered, “and then get back to work.”

  Ethan nodded, zipping up his pants.

  “When will we see each other?” he asked, still breathless.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll let you know,” she said. “Now say thank you and hang up before someone comes in.”

  “Thank you, Milady. Thank you,” he growled through a satisfied grin.

  Reagan sat back in the chair, staring at the blank screen of her laptop for several minutes, allowing herself to regroup. She had told Ethan exactly how she felt and he understood. He wanted to explore things with her, see what might develop. She couldn’t deny their chemistry. They were definitely in sync.

  They were both sensual people with unconventional tastes, but would they be a fit in the real world?

  He wasn’t just famous, he was a mega star. No matter where he went, he would be recognized.

  She’d spent the better part of the past three years in obscurity, staying under the radar. How would those two puzzle pieces fit together?

  Maybe she was getting too far ahead of herself. One day at a time, she thought. One day at a time. This day was a check in the happy column, and that was enough for now.

  She noticed the time and pulled herself together. She wanted to stop at the florist before heading over to the retirement home. The ladies enjoyed it so much when she brought them flowers.

  She grabbed the audio books for Bill from her kitchen counter, found her car keys, and ran out the door.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ethan

  If the rest of Ethan’s day was stressful, he scarcely noticed. He felt relaxed, focused, and content. After he ended his playtime with Reagan, he met with the last of the investors for the project and walked away with some big fat checks. He felt great. The entire afternoon he had a big smile on his face. Reagan had agreed to see him again and he couldn’t be more excited.

  After his meeting, he stopped for takeout and made his way home. The sun was setting when he pulled into the driveway. His housekeeper, Yui, was just stepping out his front door as he walked in.

  “Good evening, Mr. McLaughlin” she said, stepping out of his way. “The pool cleaner was here today. I just finished up. Everything is spic and span.”

  Ethan gave her a quick hug, and she smiled brightly.

  “Thank you, Yui, but I told you to call me Ethan,” he said.

  Yui smiled and shushed him.

  “No, no,” she said, waving her hand in the air.

  “I filled your fridge with healthy food. Why do you eat take out?” she scolded, pointing to his brown paper bag.

  Ethan looked down and shrugged.

  “I don’t know,” he replied. “I guess I just hate cooking for one.”

  She shook her head and frowned.

  “You need a nice girl,” she said.

  Ethan laughed, patting her on the back. His thoughts turned to Reagan and the naughty exchange they’d had that morning. He couldn’t be sure, but he didn’t think that was what Yui had in mind.

  “Let me help you to your car,” he offered, taking the cleaning caddy from her hand.

  Just as he finished his meal, his phone chirped. Hoping it was Reagan, he checked the message right away. The text was from Mia.

  Hi, Handsome. I woke up with a banging headache this morning. Gah! I guess I drank a bit too much champagne last night. Hope I wasn’t too much trouble. Miss you. <3

  Ethan set his phone down. He had to figure out a way to end their affair kindly. They were definitely getting close to that point in a relationship when it was time to either define it, or end it.

  That became clear to him the night before, when Mia had overstated their friendship to that reporter. If the press wanted to make two people a couple, the truth was not a prerequisite, and Mia had thrown them a nice juicy bone. She was clearly ready for something more serious with him and he owed it to her to be honest.

  He picked up his phone and replied.

  Sorry you aren’t feeling well. Can we talk soon? Maybe this weekend?

  Before he could take his dishes into the kitchen, Mia replied.

  That’s okay, nothing the hair of the dog won’t fix. LOL. I can’t meet this weekend. I’m on location all next week. Toronto. Yuck. I have a small role in that legal drama I told you about a few weeks ago? I am catching a flight at six AM. Can we catch up when I get back? What do you want to talk about? <3

  He’d forgotten. She had been offered the roll as a tall, leggy defense lawyer in a popular TV drama. She’d complained about the Canadian location. Too cold, she said. He’d reminded her that Toronto in mid-September was typically warm. He actually loved filming in Canada. It was a beautiful country. He especially liked Vancouver.

  Although he would have preferred to talk sooner than later, he was also a little relieved. He wasn’t sure she would take the news well.

  He replied.

  Of course. We can meet up when you get home. Safe travels. I’m sure you’ll rock it.

  He made his way to the kitchen and put his dishes in the dishwasher. Although it was getting late, he was hoping to hear from Reagan. He wondered, a little uneasily, if she was working that night. It wasn’t that he was jealous that she worked with other men. He believed her when she explained her process with her clients. It was just that he wanted to be with her. Hell, if she’d texted him right then and asked him to come over, he wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

  Just how fast would his Porsche go?

  He was restless. He knew he could probably do with a good night’s rest. He was running on about four hours sleep thanks to the late night celebrations and an early morning meeting. But he knew it would be difficult to fall asleep with so much activity on his brain.

  He thought a late night swim would help him r
elax and made his way out to the pool, stripping his clothes along the way. This was definitely one of the benefits of living as a bachelor. He didn’t have to worry about modesty, just loneliness. He wondered how Reagan would look swimming naked in his pool.

  He stood by the edge of water, completely naked, and looked into the clear, blue water. His skin shone gold in the outdoor lights around his patio. Before diving in, he allowed his mind to drift to Reagan, and shook his head as his cock pricked up and stood erect.

  He dived in and swam longer and harder than he usually did.

  When he came back in, two messages were waiting for him on his phone. He opened Reagan’s first, excited to hear from her.

  Hello, my Pet. I hope the rest of your day was wonderful. You asked when we could see each other again. Sunday night, six PM. I’ll make us some dinner. Bring the following items. Do your own shopping. It would please me.

  Twenty feet of nylon rope

  Duct tape

  Clothes pins

  Feather duster

  Looking forward to torturing you again. Do you remember our safe word? ;)

  Ethan grinned widely, the thought of being tortured by Reagan stiffening his cock yet again. He reread her message, picturing a visit to the hardware store and quietly chuckling to himself. Wouldn’t that be fun for the cashier.

  He quickly replied.

  I look forward to your torture, Milady. But I’m also looking forward to talking with you and getting to know you more.

  And then he added,

  What do you think the salesclerk would say if I asked them to gift wrap my purchase? I’m going to. ;)

  He rubbed the towel over his wet hair and opened the second message. It was from Mia.

  I’ll miss you when I’m gone. Love you. <3

  He let his breath out slowly. It was the first time she’d said she loved him.

  Maybe he needed a safe word for Mia.