Page 37 of Master My Love

“Decadence and Rossi consume almost all of my time.”

“You said even the boss needs a break. Who did you leave in charge?”

“I handed over the reins to one of the dommes. In hind sight, it might have been better to give her a whip and a chair.”

“Do you expect trouble, like the other night?”

“Not really. Mistress Jana is plenty intimidating. She is the embodiment of the phrase walk softly and carry a big stick. Specifically, a red, plastic quarter-inch cane she likes to call Bertha. Everyone minds their p’s and q’s on her watch.”

“And it gives you a rare evening off. You know what they say. All work and no play make sir a dull boy.”

“For me, the club is play. I get to combine work and pleasure most nights.”

He glimpsed her frown before she bent and pulled a glass foil-covered pan from the oven.

“I hope you like coq au vin. I also have green beans Florentine, au gratin potatoes, and melt-in-your-mouth yeast rolls. They looked like they could use another minute. The table is set outside. Would you carry out the potatoes?”

Accepting the pot holders she held out to him, he remained silent and unmoving until she met his gaze in question.

“I’ll gladlydo my part if you share the thought that made you frown a moment ago.”

Her eyes widened before she tried hedging. “It’s nothing.”

Setting the bowl of green beans on a wide wooden tray next to the chicken, she added salt and pepper shakers then went to the fridge and got the butter. “What else...” she asked softly, as if to herself.

Clearly, she didn’t intend to answer the question still on the table. Moving to stand in front of her, he snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her close as his hand cupped her chin, ensuring he had her complete attention.

“I’m able to temper my master dom role outside the club, but I am by nature a dominant. I can’t turn that off like a switch. When I ask a question, I appreciate a prompt, courteous response. Anything less makes me think a bare bottom and rosy cheeks are in order. Are we clear?”

Wide eyed, she met his penetrating glance. “Yes, sir.”

“Then why the frown?”

“I was thinking...” She closed her eyes and he could tell she was gathering her courage. An instant later they flew open, and she blurted out, “I don’t like the thought of you playing with another woman, like you did with me.”

“I see. Are you asking for exclusivity?”

“It’s soon, but I thought after...” Her cheeks bloomed with color as she lowered her eyes.

“After what?” He didn’t enjoy watching her struggle, and he could easily help her out, but he wasn’t sure where her head was at, and coming to her aid wouldn’t give him the insight he needed.

“You might think I’m bold for accepting that invitation and going to the club alone, but I’m not a party girl or promiscuous. I’ve had two sex partners in my entire life, three if I count you. I told you what I had with my late husband, uninspiring is being generous, and the other man...”

When she looked away, her eyes distant, he knew the memories weren’t fond ones. His arm tightened around her, giving a reassuring squeeze, but he didn’t give her an out. This was important for him to know. It was enough for her to find the courage to continue.

“Without delving into the specifics, let’s call it an embarrassing failure. While I was married, I learned to sublimate my need for sex with other things, like caring for my family and doing volunteer work. And boy oh boy, did I volunteer. I baked cookies and cakes for bake sales, manned booths at bazaars, sold more raffle tickets than I can count, and served as PTA secretary for seven years running.” She paused and licked her lips before continuing. “After my husband passed, I spent my time in school and building a career out of necessity. Now that my kids are both out of the house, I’m in search of something beyond work and hearing about other people’s lives, including their problems in the bedroom. I’m ready to focus on my needs for a change, and before it’s too late.”

Glancing up, she bravely met his gaze.

“I don’t want boring vanilla, not again. I want to splurge on a decadent hot caramel sundae with nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.” She covered his hand that still held her chin. “You gave me a little taste, sir, and I enjoyed it. So much, I’m looking forward to more. But I’ve been thinking about that list, even the scaled-down beginners’ one.”

When she paused again, he interjected a question for clarity. “You’re talking about the beginners’ limit list. What scares you about it?”

“I’ll do kinky. I’m willing to get spanked and flogged and will play with naughty toys. And I’ll learn to tolerate having my bottom bared in front of strangers while they carry on commonplace conversations like it’s nothing out of the ordinary. But it has to be with someone I trust—as in singular. I don’t think I can stray entirely from my conservative upbringing to share or swap or engage in threesomes. It’s not something I’ve ever fantasized about. I’m going to have to make that a hard limit and I would expect my dom, the one I hope to be with exclusively, to want that or at least to respect the fact I want that for myself.”

When she came to the end of her soliloquy, it amazed Eric she hadn’t passed out from lack of oxygen because she’d barely paused for breath.

He brushed his thumb against her parted lips. “That was quite a speech.”

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