Page 26 of Ravish

“I hadn’t thought about it like that. It seems so very difficult to keep everyone in the loop.”

“Another thing about the lifestyle—communication is very important. Actually, it comes in second, consent is the most important.”

“That makes sense. How could you fully trust someone with your body if you haven’t been honest and communicated with them?” When she’d tried to be honest with her ex, it had blown up in her face. So she’d buried her needs. No wonder her marriage fell apart so fast.

“Correct. I could be wrong, but I suspect what you saw in college was people attempting to be in the lifestyle. They didn’t hold to open, honest communication. And possibly, consent was a wobbly hill.”

Lara sat there for a moment and thought about her time in college. Colby was right; there wasn’t much talk about communication, or honesty for that matter. Those she’d hung out with believed in consent, but based on what she knew now, they were only dabbling in kink.

“You’re right.”

“There’s a couple of the club subs that are in committed relationships, but they are very open and honest with their partners. Heck, their partners sometimes come to our private parties. Not to play, but to socialize. To understand their partner and to help themselves understand what their partner needs.”

“That’s interesting. But how do they handle…sex?”

“The lifestyle isn’t all about sex. It’s about a connection. A connection between play partners, one so deep that the partners feed off of each other.”

“I’m not sure I understand.” She’d never seen a connection like he was talking about. She’d read about it in the romance books but didn’t think it was anything but part of the fantasy.

“You will. Let’s get you through the classes first, and you’ll understand more.”

“I think I can do that.” She could do it with Colby by her side to guide her.

“I’ll be with you the entire time. We’re in this together until you say we’re not.” He gestured to her plate. “Now eat up, or you won’t get dessert.”

Lara blinked at Colby. Was he was saying he was committed to her until she said it was over? It was so unexpected. “I don’t know if I’ll have enough room for dessert.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “But I think you’re talking about something much different than a sweet treat.”

“You won’t know until later.”

Lara couldn’t help smiling as she went back to eating. She was looking forward to the dessert Colby promised her.

Chapter 6

Three hours later, Colby pulled up to Lara’s duplex. She’d eaten so much at dinner dessert wasn’t even a possibility. But she wouldn’t trade that dinner for anything in the world. She’d gotten more out of Colby about his childhood and how he’d protected the young girls in his community.

Tina was one of those girls. Colby had made sure that she was safe from the gangs that roamed the neighborhood, and when it was time, he’d helped her get a job and get into college. This man had many facets to him, and she was looking forward to exploring each one.

He walked her up the steps to her front door. He cupped her shoulders and turned her back to him once she’d opened the door and turned off her alarm.

“Thursday is the first class. I’ll be there when the class starts at seven, so don’t worry if you get there early and I’m not there.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” She was. A new chapter in her life.

“Good. As for tonight, I know you’re full, but here’s my dessert.” He lowered his head, and his lips captured hers.

Lara closed her eyes and gave herself over to his kiss, firm lips against her soft ones. His warm body pressed against hers. She slipped her arms around his waist and pulled him even closer as he cupped the nape of her neck.

When his tongue traced her lips, Lara opened her mouth. Their tongues dueled and danced around each other. She tasted a slight hint of the coffee they had after dinner. She didn’t want to let him go. Should she invite him in?

Colby pulled back and gazed down at her. Lara wanted to drown in the desire she saw in his eyes.

“Do you want to come in?” Her voice was soft.

“Not tonight, sweetheart.” His hand tightened on her neck. “We both have work tomorrow, and it’s too soon for us.”

Disappointment flowed through Lara’s veins, but he was right. “Until Thursday then?”

“You know you’ll see me tomorrow. I can’t go without my daily fix.” His fingers caressed the back of her neck before he released her. “Inside now, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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