“I had discovered I was pregnant,” she whispered.
Ethan inhaled slowly and kissed her on the top of her head.
“Honestly, I was happy about the baby. I wanted to be a mother. We’d even talked about it, but he always said he wasn’t ready, or that the timing wasn’t right. I never really pushed it because, while I wanted children, I wasn’t sure I wanted them with him.”
“I see,” Ethan said.
“I was surprised when I became pregnant because I was on the pill, but six weeks earlier I’d had a bad cold and had taken a course of antibiotics. I guess the medications interfered and the pill became ineffective. Of course, that was one of the rare occasions that we had sex. I thought it over and decided that maybe fatherhood would be a good thing for him, soften him a little, make him grow up, you know? That maybe this was the universe telling me to stay.”
Ethan gave her a shoulder a gentle caress.
“In the beginning, he seemed happy. He was more attentive, even kinder to me. For a few months he even tried to get clean, at least that’s what he told me. Unfortunately, his change of heart was short lived. When I was around twenty-two or twenty-three weeks pregnant he started coming home late again and some nights not at all. One night, when he crawled home at three AM, perfumed in sex, I finally got angry enough to push him for answers. He was drunk, and mean, and I probably should have just stayed in bed and avoided confronting him, but I was pissed off. He started slapping me around and then he forced me into the bedroom. My concern was for the baby, so I submitted to him. I didn’t think it was safe for the baby if I struggled or put up a fight. He tied me to the bed and slapped me around some more. I asked him to stop. I called out our safe word. But he wouldn’t stop. He even tore off my clothes and left me exposed. Then he walked out. He just left me, tied up and naked on the bed. My guess is that he was gone for more than twenty hours.”
Ethan gasped. “Are you fucking kidding me?” he said angrily.
Reagan shook her head.
“No, I’m not kidding. I wish I were. It was scary. I didn’t know if he was coming home or not. I was in shackles and I had no food or water the entire time. I had no way of getting help,” she said quietly.
“What a sick prick,” Ethan said angrily.
Reagan nodded in agreement.
“So, what happened?”
“Well, in a way the experience was life changing for me. I knew I had to stay calm for the baby’s sake, so I meditated. Instead of getting angry, I found peace. I started focusing on my blessings and what I was grateful for. I made plans and could see a brighter future. The entire time he thought he was breaking me, but instead I was healing. I was getting stronger. I suddenly knew who I really was and what I needed. I knew that no matter what, I would never be a victim.”
Reagan looked at him and Ethan smiled at her. She knew he was probably wondering what happened to the child.
“He came home around midnight the next day. He was stoned and acted like nothing had happened, like he had just gone to the kitchen for a snack instead of leaving me tied up for twenty hours. Of course, I’d peed myself and when he saw that he tried to shame me and make me feel bad. He unshackled me and told me I was disgusting and then he went into the living room.”
“The bastard,” Ethan said.
“I calmly took a shower and cleaned up and when I was finished I got dressed and cleaned the bed. I found an overnight bag and filled it with a few of my personal items and some clothing. I called a cab, grabbed my purse, walked past my sleeping husband, and left him.”
Ethan let out a long sigh, as though he had been holding his breath.
“Where did you go?” he asked.
“I went to Penny’s. When I got there, she convinced me to go to the hospital. I guess I was pretty banged up. She took one look at me and started to cry. Her husband drove me and, when I got there, they treated me for dehydration and cleaned up my face. The police came and I pressed charges against my husband. I actually felt really good, calm, strong and in control. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. They kept me for a few days for observation and in the early morning of the second day, I woke up with severe cramping. I’d lost the baby.”
Reagan sighed and looked away. Her words had grown quieter and quieter as she continued her story.
Ethan honored her silence for a moment, resting his lips on her head.
Finally, he spoke.
“I’m so sorry, Reagan. That’s so sad.”
She nodded slowly.
“Yes, it was devastating, but I’ve made peace with it. It just wasn’t meant to be for me. That was just over three years ago,” she whispered.
“What happened to your husband?” Ethan asked.
“He was charged and served six months in prison. He was disbarred. Lost his job. While he was in prison, I filed for divorce. He didn’t contest it. He signed the papers and then it was done. I actually received the divorce papers the day he was released from prison. Two months after the divorce, I moved into my condo.”
“That’s good. And was that the last of him?” Ethan asked hopefully.
“I had a restraining order against him, but of course that didn’t even phase him. For several months he sent me emails asking me to forgive him, telling me that he’d changed. Yada, yada, yada. Of course I didn’t reply and the emails then became critical commentaries on how awful I was and how everything was my fault.”
“What a sick guy,” Ethan said.
“Then one night he called my cell phone and begged me for my address. He wanted to come over. He sounded high and of course I said no. He threatened me and berated me, but he wasn’t able to control me anymore. I was no longer afraid of him. I calmly told him to stop contacting me and that I didn’t want to see him again. He hung up on me.”
“And then?”
“The next day, I received news that he’d been killed in an accident. He went off the road and smashed his car into a tree,” she said.
She sat forward and hugged her knees.
“Apparently, he didn’t suffer either.”
“That’s too bad,” Ethan said wryly.
Reagan raised her brows and nodded.
“He was a pretty messed up guy, but the truth is, I’ve forgiven him. I actually forgave him before he even died. I realized that holding on to anger allowed him to have power over me and was holding me back, so I closed the door on that part of my life and reinvented myself.”
She smiled.
Ethan reached forward and touched her hair.
“And that’s when Lady Grace was born?”
She chuckled.
“Yes. When I was ready to start dating again, I met a very nice man who was also into kink. We dated for about six months and during that time we connected with other couples and people in the BDSM community. Turns out there are a lot of people who are into the lifestyle who have no one to play with,” she explained. “Anyway, my relationship with him didn’t last. His job transferred him to Chicago and we parted on good terms, promising to stay friends. Then, after he left, I started my business. At first, I would only meet people through referrals, or people I knew in the community, but eventually I felt confident enough to meet new clients.”
“Weren’t you worried you’d meet someone like your ex?” Ethan asked.
Reagan shook her head.
“No. In my experience, people like him prey on the weak. Besides, most of my clientele are submissive and extremely respectful.”
Ethan grinned at her.
“Of course there are exceptions to that,” she teased.
“And after all that you went through with your Ex, you were still open to kink?”
“Sure. It was during our marriage that I discovered I was a kinky person, but that didn’t have anything to do with him. What he did to me was abuse, plain and simple. I don’t associate the two things or connect them in any way. I could have been abused in a vanilla relationship too, right?”
Ethan nodded.
“Yes, I guess that’s true.”
Reagan smiled at him and Ethan leaned in and kissed her softly.
“Thank you for opening up to me. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
Reagan nodded.
“Thank you for listening. It’s hard to talk about it. The truth is, I’ve grown a lot since then. I’m a strong person now because of the trials in my life, but I won’t let them define me.”
Ethan shook his head slowly and smiled.
“You’re an amazing person, Reagan. I’m just blown away by you.”
Reagan chuckled.
“Well, thank you. You’re pretty awesome too, Ethan. Now, what do you say we go for a swim?” she said. “Enough truth for one day. Time for a dare!”
Ethan stood up and held out his hand.
“Mmm, what did you have in mind?” he said curiously.
Reagan smiled.
“How about a skinny dip?”
“Let’s go,” he said, laughing.
CHAPTER 29
ETHAN
Swimming naked with Reagan made Ethan so hot. He loved the feel of her flesh against him as he held her in the cool ocean water. They were far enough off shore that they didn’t have to worry about other boat traffic or prying eyes, and the crew were well trained to be discreet and to look the other way.
They spent the rest of the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and sipping sangria. On multiple occasions he caught a glimpse of her naked and she saw him too. He was embarrassed when he got an erection while climbing out of the boat but she just laughed.
He couldn’t remember the last time he had such a relaxing day. Reagan was easy to get along with. Her laid back energy suited him well.
On top of all that, their conversations had depth, something Ethan deeply desired in a partner.
When it got to be time for dinner, Reagan left him to clean up, promising to meet him on the main deck at six thirty.
Ethan slipped into another state room and took a long shower. He allowed the warm water to rinse the day’s activities away, refreshing himself for what promised to be a romantic evening.
He wanted to make love to Reagan. He wanted her so bad he could hardly stand waiting any longer. He wanted to slide his cock into that beautiful pussy and feel her climax in his powerful grip.
He was so drawn to her, especially after she shared her story with him. He had no idea she’d been through so much.
She was confident and sure of herself and never gave any indication that she had experienced such great trauma. She just seemed so anchored.
Ethan had been semi-hard for most of the day and now in the shower, his cock was throbbing and engorged, ready to cum at any moment. He contemplated jerking off, just to give himself a chance of lasting longer if he and Reagan did end up in bed together. As things were, he’d cum in her the second she opened her legs for him.
Before they’d parted ways to shower, she’d gotten him pretty hot. He knew she enjoyed bringing him to the very edge of madness and denying him gratification. If her goal was to keep him wanting more, it was working. He’d never wanted anyone or anything as much as he wanted Reagan’s delicious, wet pussy.
He could still taste her sweet mouth on his lips. As hot as he was, he enjoyed the teasing game she was playing and wanted to push himself. He turned off the shower and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his hips. He made his way to the bed and flopped into it, then grabbed his cell phone.
He flipped through his emails, not really paying attention, just killing time. He knew he would have a busy day tomorrow, but this was worth it.
Just as he was about to put his phone down a text came in. It was from Mia.
Hola from Canada! Just checking in. Things are wrapping up. I’m flying home Friday night. Should be landing at around midnight, our time. I have a lay over in Chicago for two hours. Boo! Should I come over Saturday? I have something to share with you. <3
He read the message over a few times, trying to figure out how to reply. He knew he needed to talk to her, but he wasn’t looking forward to it. He didn’t want to upset her. What he did know was that he needed to meet her in a neutral location, not at his house. He’d have a better chance of breaking up with her amicably that way.
Hi there. Hope things went well. Can we meet for lunch on Saturday? The Ivy okay? Around noon?
He waited a few minutes for her reply, knowing there was a three hour time difference. That would make it a little after nine in the evening in Toronto. Not too late.
He put his phone down and got dressed for dinner. He wished he’d brought some nicer clothes with him. Instead, he threw on the white shorts and t-shirt from that morning. Then he brushed his teeth and ran his fingers through his hair. He borrowed some after shave from the vanity and splashed a little on his chin.
His phone chimed and he picked it up.
Hmm, I was hoping for something a little more private :( How about I bring over some take out? <3
Shit, that would be a no, he thought. He hated lying to her, but he didn’t want her to come to his place. It would give her the wrong idea.
No can do, girl. I’m working and was hoping to slip over from the studio on my lunch break. Can you make that work, please?
He was grateful that her response came back quickly. He didn’t want to keep Reagan waiting.
Boo! :( I guess I’ll meet you there. I miss you! <3
He let out a short sigh. He was happy she didn’t put up too much of a fuss. He wasn’t in the mood to manage her. He set his phone down with his other things and went out to meet Reagan.
She was already sitting on the deck.
She took his breath away. She looked so lovely, donned in a simple black sleeveless dress and strappy sandals, her wet hair wavy and loose around her shoulders. She looked sexy but comfortable. He liked that.
“Wow!” he said as he walked toward her.
She stood up and he pulled her into a kiss.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
Reagan smiled brightly at him.
“Well, thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself.”
He grinned.
“Women always think to bring a change of clothes. Men, not so much. Why is that?”
Reagan giggled.
“Probably because women see the big picture, while men tend to compartmentalize.”
“Or simplify,” he added with a grin.
She smirked at him.
“That too.”
He held out his hand to her.
“Shall we? I think our table’s ready.”
She followed him to the dining area. Her eyes lit up when she saw the set up. Ethan had requested candles and flowers and soft music playing in the background. Ethan smiled when he saw her reaction. Her response was perfect.
“Does this meet with your approval, Milady?”
She turned and put her arms around him, offering him a passionate kiss.
“I’m so grateful,” she whispered in his ear. “Thank you.”
She pulled away and he smiled down at her.
“You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure,” he said, pulling out her chair for her.
She sat down and he took the chair beside her so they could both look out at the lights on the Catalina shoreline. He took her hand.
“I’m not sure what I want more, the delicious food or you,” he said.
Reagan laughed.
“Hmm, tenderloin ... or my tender loins,” she teased.
Ethan grinned. He loved how quick her wit was.
“They do look pretty tasty,” he said.
She looked up at him with a sly smile.
“Hope you have a big appetite.”
He smirked.
“I’ve been saving up.”
She placed her hand on his thigh and leaned in for another kiss. He felt his cock respond instantly, growing erect in his lap and making a tent of his shorts. He would have taken her right there had Joe not approached the table.
“Good even
ing. How are you both feeling?”
He picked up the wine from the table and started to uncork it.
“We’re doing pretty great, Joe.”
“Good, good, can I pour the lady some wine?” he asked, looking at Reagan.
She nodded.
“Yes, the lady would love some wine,” she said cheerfully.
Joe filled her glass and then looked at Ethan.
“Just a little. I need to drive later.”
Joe poured him a small glass.
“Your appetizers are ready. The chef made scallops prepared three ways. The first is over a nest of zucchini noodles with olive oil and a hint of lime, the next one is served with candied artichoke, and the final scallop is served on a bed of spinach with a pea puree.”
“Sounds delicious. Bring it on!”
Reagan smiled as Joe stepped away.
Over the next few hours, the two of them shared a delicious meal while Ethan entertained Reagan with funny accounts of his experiences as an actor. He loved her uninhibited laughter, the way she didn’t hold back. It was refreshing. He found it sexy that she kept eye contact with him and then intently listened to him talk about his family. She was right there in the moment with him, completely connected.
Joe came out with two cups of coffee and a decadent dessert covered in whipped cream and set everything down in front of them.
“I hope you enjoyed your dinner. Will there be anything else?”
“Everything was perfect. Really. I think we’re good,” Ethan said, looking at Reagan.
She nodded in agreement.
“Great. The Captain will be raising anchor in about fifteen minutes and then we’ll head back to the marina.”
“Okay, thank you,” Ethan said.
He turned to look at Reagan who was smiling thoughtfully at him.
“What?” he asked, grinning.
“You’re just a really sweet guy, aren’t you?” she said.
Ethan shrugged.
“I don’t know. You tell me,” he said, scooping up some whipped cream with his finger.
He held it up to her and Reagan cradled his hand in hers as she brought his finger to her mouth. She sucked it slowly, swirling her tongue around it as though it were his cock. Ethan held his breath, enjoying the smoothness of her tongue as she licked the cream off him. She ended by giving the tip a playful bite. It sent a shiver straight to his cock.
Fire & Ice: A Ménage Fantasy Page 86
