by Sky Corgan
We embraced, and I worried he might never let me go. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted him to let me go. But then my mother was at the door, opening it and giving us both her best impatient glare.
Liam walked me out to the limo, and I watched him through the back window as we drove out of sight and I left the life that I loved behind.
The flight to New York was grueling, despite first-class accommodations. I spent most of it nauseous, though I couldn't tell if it was from altitude sickness or nervousness. I tried to distract myself by imagining what Jack would be like, but I think that only made things worse.
He would be waiting to greet me at the airport, and hopefully, he'd be considerate enough to leave the paparazzi at home. They tended to follow him around like dogs, looking for any juicy tidbit that they could present to their papers or news stations. From what I could tell, Jack didn't have a personal life. Every woman he went out with, every good or bad thing he did, was quickly aired across the nation like dirty laundry. It was sickening to know that my life would soon be like that simply because of my association with him.
When I stepped into the NYC airport terminal, I didn't have to scan the crowd long to realize that Jack wasn't waiting for me there. In his place stood a large, intimidating-looking man in a suit holding up a cardboard sign with my name printed on it. Maybe it was for the best that Jack wasn't there in person, I thought with a sigh, a bit relieved that the butterflies in my stomach could have a rest. At least this way, I didn't have to worry about the paparazzi.
The man greeted me and escorted me through the airport. He seemed nice enough. Obviously, one of Jack's bodyguards.
After picking up my luggage, he led me outside to a waiting limo. Courteously, he opened the door, and I stepped inside, nearly tripping on myself as my eyes landed on Jack Kemble sitting coolly with his legs crossed.
He leaned forward and extended a hand to guide me into my seat. “Miss Rickard.”
“Mister Kemble. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.” I put on my best smile, trying not to blush.
It felt like sitting across from a celebrity. Jack Kemble was wearing distressed jeans and a stylish t-shirt with a black dress coat. His dark disheveled hair was accented perfectly by a large pair of sunglasses, which were completely unnecessary for the dimly lit limo. After a moment of being intrigued by him, I began to realize that the whole get-up was a bit silly, as if he had gone out of his way to try to impress me. Perhaps he was just as nervous as I was.
“The pleasure is all mine.” He bent forward to kiss my hand before releasing it back to me. “I apologize for not meeting you inside. I figured you would probably be exhausted coming off of your flight and wouldn't want to be bothered with the media.”
“How considerate of you.” I nodded in thanks.
“We're going to my parents' house for dinner right now. They're greatly looking forward to meeting you as well.”
“It sounds lovely.”
“Would you like some champagne?” Jack leaned towards the built in wine glass holder to take out a glass before I had even responded.
“No, thank you. My stomach is still a bit unsettled from the flight.”
He straightened himself, looking ever collected. My nerves were on fire, and I only hoped I seemed half as calm as him.
“So, tell me a bit about yourself. I'm to marry you in six months, and I don't even know anything about you,” he said.
“Well,” I searched for things to say. In all honesty, there wasn't much to tell. “I just graduated from UTSA with an Associates in Mathematics. After we're married, I plan on going back to school to get my bachelors and then my masters and PhD.”
“Very admirable. What do you hope to do with your degree?”
“I'd like to be a calculus professor at Yale or Harvard.”
“Impressive ambition. I like a woman with ambition. And hobbies? What do you like to do for fun?”
“Painting and playing the harp.”
“I would love to hear you play some time, and see some of your artwork.” He sounded genuine, but I was almost certain it was only out of respect for our upcoming marriage. “Is there anything you would like to ask me?”
I couldn't think of anything. To be honest, I had researched him thoroughly before my flight, spent every moment of the last few days that I hadn't been packing or spending time with Liam to learn everything I could about the man whom I'd soon call husband.
Fresh out of high school, Jack Kemble had become immersed in business, forgoing college for a hands-on education. His father schooled him in all matters related to running a multibillion-dollar corporation, and whenever Jack had gotten up to speed, his father had handed over the reigns, going into early retirement. He still coached Jack on the more difficult aspects of business, but for the most part, Jack was on his own, handling things with the grace and professionalism that were rare in someone his age.
“Your hobbies are fly fishing, hunting, and golf. You have a dog named Brownie and a horse named Winnie. When you were eighteen, you began learning your father's business and had taken over shortly after turning twenty-four. Your birthday is March sixth, and your favorite food is peanut butter sandwiches with bananas,” I rattled off all that I could remember.
A wide grin spread across Jack's face. “Very impressive. I see you did your homework.”
“I did,” I giggled.
“Now I feel like I came completely unprepared.”
“I'm afraid you won't find out much about me on Google.”
“Then I get a free pass for not knowing your favorite food.”
I enjoyed his lighthearted humor, and he was surprisingly easy to talk to. Maybe things would be alright after all.
At dinner, Jack's family was more than courteous. They seemed genuinely interested in my life back in Texas, and of course, they asked plenty of questions about my father's oil business. I did my best to answer as accurately as possible, never one for giving out misleading information.
When dinner was over, I was shown to my room. It was generously large. Even bigger than my bedroom at home. Before I unpacked, I took a few minutes to lie on my bed, looking up at the cream-colored ceiling and going over the night's events in my head. All was going well so far. Jack was incredibly polite and very handsome. It seemed like he would make a good husband.
While I tried to imagine how our life would be together, my mind kept drifting back to Liam. He had looked so upset when I left. It was strange to be without him—without anyone that I knew from back home. Here in New York, I was completely alone. Jack and his family were all that I had now. It would be a hard thing to adjust to.
Tomorrow, Jack would return to his mansion, but I would be left at his parents' house. His parents were old-fashioned Christian Catholic and felt it was inappropriate for me to live with him before the wedding. I wasn't sure if I was happy about that or sad. From what the media had told of Jack, he had a ferocious sexual appetite. While I was sitting at home, denying Liam's advances and remaining celibate, Jack had been out living it up, dating supermodels and famous actresses.
Maybe it was better for me to stay with his parents. I was still a virgin and not sure if I was ready to be pressured into sex. Jack's parents had the right idea. I only ever wanted to sleep with one man in my entire life, and that would be my husband.
Yet at the same time, I couldn't help but feel that being parted from Jack left him open to invite other girls to his mansion without me knowing. While he seemed like a good guy, I didn't trust him on that front. He lived fast and carefree. Old habits wouldn't die easily, I was certain.
The night was restless, and after trying and failing to go to sleep for over two hours, I decided to get up and step outside. A breath of fresh air would probably do me some good.
As quiet as a mouse, I wrapped a robe around myself and tiptoed through the mansion to the top story living room which opened onto a balcony that overlooked the estate. The night breeze was fresh and crisp against my skin
, cleansing me of my worries as I looked out across the fields and hills behind the Kemble estate.
“Couldn't sleep?” a voice stirred me, and I swirled around to see Jack walking towards me in nothing but a pair of sweat pants. The way they hung from his hips brought deliciously naughty thoughts to mind, and I felt ashamed of myself for even having them.
“No,” I replied, pulling the robe a bit tighter around me. “Between the flight and meeting you and meeting your parents. . . it's all just been a bit overwhelming for me.”
“That's understandable,” he said as he stepped up beside me, peering out into the darkness as if he was taking in the landscape for the first time.
“It's very beautiful out here.” I turned my gaze into the distance.
“Not as beautiful as you.” The smile in his voice was apparent.
It sounded like a cheesy line, but my cheeks still grew warm from the thought that he found me attractive. I sighed contently, unable to think of anything to say in reply.
“Are you looking forward to the wedding?” Jack asked.
“I suppose. It's still a ways off.”
“Yes, but it's best to prepare now. We're going to be married for a very long time.”
It was such a funny thing for him to say.
“The rest of our lives,” I added.
“Yes.” He sucked in a breath. “I need to be upfront with you. Being my wife isn't going to be easy.”
“I didn't think it would be.” I glanced at his suddenly serious expression.
“I wish that you would have come sooner. I have certain needs . . . as a man.”
Oh no, I thought, my mind racing with panic. Here's where he asks me if I want to have sex. What will I say? If I deny him, things will be awkward between us, but I can't just agree. What about what I want—my needs?
“There are certain things that I like to do in the bedroom, and I need to know that you'll be able to handle them before we wed,” Jack continued.
“I'm a virgin.” The words came out of my mouth before I could even think to stop them. It was the only thing I knew to say to hopefully bring this unpleasant conversation to an abrupt halt.
“Oh, really?” He rubbed the back of his neck, shooting me a glance of what I could only describe as discomfort. Now things were really awkward.
“Yes.” I tried to remain strong, preparing my rebuttal for his advances.
Jack took a deep breath before speaking again. “There's a school in California that I'd like you to go to before we're married. They can teach you how to be the kind of lover that I need.”
“Why can't you teach me?” My voice was small, almost frightened sounding. I couldn't believe that we had just met, and he already wanted to talk about sex.
“I'm not that great as a teacher. And if you're a virgin, then you're definitely going to need lessons.”
I considered this for a moment. The prospect sounded fun and exciting, yet at the same time, I was offended that he wanted to send me away so quickly after arriving. “We only have six months to plan the wedding. I don't think it's a good idea for me to leave so soon.”
“The school is only for a week. I knew that we didn't have a lot of time, so I signed you up for the condensed version.”
“You already signed me up!” I gasped, looking at him incredulously. How dare he sign me up for some creepy sex school without asking me first? If this was how our marriage was going to be, then maybe it wouldn't work out after all.
“I thought you'd be a bit more . . .” Jack hesitated, looking for the right words to say not to piss me off. It was a bit too late for that, though. If Liam were here, he'd give Jack a good lesson in how to treat a lady. Was this really what I'd been saving myself for?
“A bit more what? Slutty?”
“That's not what I meant. Calm down, will you?” His expression was pained. “It's not what you think. This school is one-hundred percent professional. You'll learn things about yourself that will completely change your life. And when you come back, I promise I'll be the husband you deserve.”
“And what if I don't want to go to this school?” I folded my arms over my chest, refusing to look at him.
“Then we'll still get married, but I doubt it will be a happy marriage.”
I sighed, gazing out into the darkness. I had honestly expected him to say that we wouldn't marry if I refused. Maybe I had even hoped for it. Everything was happening so fast. It seemed like one surreal event after another. I just wanted life to slow down and be normal.
“What kind of school is this anyway?” I asked finally, huffing to show my disapproval.
I could hear the reluctance in his voice. “Have you ever heard of BDSM?”
It sounded familiar, but I couldn't recall what the acronym stood for exactly. “Isn't that something to do with fetishes?”
“Something like that. It stands for Bondage, Domination, Sadism, and Masochism.”
“Sounds like slavery to me,” I cut in sharply.
“It's about willingly giving yourself to someone else for their pleasure,” he explained calmly. “The school I'd like to send you to will teach you how to be a good submissive so that you can fill all of my sexual needs.”
“Can't I do that without being a slave?” My words were bitter.
“I know this is a lot to digest right now, but I'd really like you to consider it. You're a beautiful woman, and I think we'll make a great couple. But a big part of marriage is compromise and being willing to fill each other's needs. If you can't do this for me, then we've already started off on the wrong track.”
I didn't know what else to say. There were so many emotions raging through me. Anger. Distrust. What he was asking of me seemed ridiculous.
My breath hitched as I felt his hand slide on top of mine, drawing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. His soft blue eyes spoke of purer intentions that betrayed his sinful request. It was strange to see him so calm and collected after such a heated conversation.
“Good night, honey bee,” Jack whispered as he walked away.
Honey bee? I thought about the pet nickname for a moment. After not being able to figure it out, I let my mind drift to more pressing matters, analyzing our conversation.
Jack made it sound like this school was really important to our marriage, and I definitely did want the marriage to work. But BDSM? The thought that he wanted me to be a slave to him was absolutely repulsive.
I decided to return to my room and try to get some sleep. In the morning, my mind would be clearer, much better for considering his indecent proposal. But as before, my brain was too occupied for sleep, and I lie restless. Within minutes, I was sitting in front of the computer, researching away.
For someone who claimed to know the acronym for BDSM, Jack had gotten it wrong. It was actually a condensed acronym for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism or sadism and masochism. I wouldn't fault him for being off the mark a bit, but I liked to stay as accurate as possible. The practice itself seemed to encompass a wide array of kink, from wax play to whipping. None of it sounded appealing to me at all.
After I had gotten a better idea of what BDSM was, I Googled for related schools in California. There appeared to be one in San Francisco, but it only offered weekend courses at a hefty price.
I scowled all the way back to bed. This wasn't what I had signed up for. Of course not. Jack had signed me up for it. But my thoughts spoke of something deeper. Being betrothed. Leaving my home. It wasn't what I had really wanted. I wished I would have had enough sense to see it before I got on the plane. My happily ever after should have been with sweet stable Liam, not with fetishist multibillionaire Jack Kemble, who didn't even know me—who didn't care to get to know me before signing me up for this stupid school.
A knock on my bedroom door startled me awake the next morning. I must have stayed up so late that I slept past breakfast. Groggily, I leaned over to look at the alarm clock. Ten in the morning. Definitely late for breakfast. Why had
n't they woken me up sooner?
“Melita, are you alright in there?” Jack's mother asked through the door.
“Yes, ma'am. I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute.”
“Alright.” I could hear her footsteps walking away.
Had Jack already left for the day, I wondered as I quickly got dressed. Deep inside, I hoped that he had. I didn't feel like I could face him yet, especially when I was still undecided about the school.
Thankfully, Jack wasn't downstairs when I emerged from my bedroom. His mother told me that he had gone out for a while and would be back for lunch. It was very vague, but I didn't bother asking questions.
With a few hours of sleep under my belt, my mind was definitely clearer and better able to handle processing our conversation from last night. While I really didn't want to go to the school, the fact that it was only for a week made it a lot less daunting. One week of misery for a lifetime of happiness, that seemed to be the bargain Jack had struck, though I was curious about why he thought we would be unhappy if I didn't want to learn firsthand about BDSM. Surely, he wasn't kinky all the time.
Jack returned promptly at 11:30 with a giant bouquet of white roses. The ear to ear grin on his face made it seem like our previous conversation had never taken place, and for a moment, I felt normal again.
“For my honey bee,” he said as he placed the flowers in my arms.
“You shouldn't have.” I smiled back at him before giving the roses a good whiff. They smelled intoxicatingly wonderful.
“I thought I might show you my home after we have lunch,” he suggested.
“That sounds lovely,” I replied, handing the flowers over to one of their maids so that she could put them in water and place them in my room.
At lunch, things seemed more relaxed. Jack's mother went over all of the social clubs they belonged to with me, clubs that I could only assume I would be expected to join once Jack and I were married, and quite possibly before. Meanwhile, Jack and his father talked business. To be honest, I was more interested in their conversation. Business was a much more fascinating topic than who to talk to and who to avoid.
