Page 58 of Seduce

“Why did you disobey Damon?” Crystal asked.

“Harper needed the support of another sub.” Her friends stared at her. “Sierra, it was like when you stood up for Regina.”

“That was because Samantha was going to hit her. You didn’t think Damon was going to hurt Harper?” Sierra’s voice held a note of horror.

“No, no, no. Damon would never strike a woman.” That was instinct talking, but she’d watched him last night before she approached. He was very respectful of Harper’s personal space. “It’s something I picked up on at the DC clubs I used to attend. Some subs have difficulty opening up to a Dom, especially after an incident with one.”

“I never thought of that,” Sierra said.

“So much to learn,” Crystal muttered.

“It takes time. Both of you mingle with the subs, so it’s a matter of getting to know them better.”

“But how?” Sierra asked. “I’ve probably been in the club the longest of the three of us, well, except you, Tessa. You’ve been a member longer than any of us.”

“I have. Cut yourselves a break. Sierra, you’ve only been with Max for a few months, Crystal barely two months. I’ve been in the lifestyle since college.” Except for that several year hiatus she’d happily ended. Tessa sighed with the contentment that filled her.

“Tell us more.” Sierra sat forward.

In that moment, Tessa realized she’d never really clued her friends into her life. “I’m sorry I’ve kept things from the two of you.” Tessa ducked her head.

“Hey, none of that.” Crystal’s tone was firm. “We’ve all kept stuff private.”

“I know.” She looked at her friends. “I’m sorry I wasn’t as supportive as I should have been while you two were first learning about the lifestyle. I had such mixed feelings about it.”

“What made you change your mind?” Sierra asked.

“Both of you and Brady.” They laughed, but Tessa was serious. “Really. After having been told I was sick, I tried to play here, but nothing seemed right.”

“You love reading the racy books,” Crystal commented.

“I do. They were a lifeline for me. Keeping me safe while still getting to experience kink.” Tessa thought about the books she had stashed away in her bedroom. Her private collection. Would her friends be shocked?

“You got us into reading them,” Sierra said. “I don’t think I would have been as brave with Max if you hadn’t.”

“Same with Jordan. Even though it started out as part of the case, I didn’t go in blind.”

“I’m glad.” And she was. “So anyway, my choice to disobey Damon was because I was concerned about Harper. He understood that, but I also understood his need to punish me for not staying where he told me to.”

“Max hasn’t ever really disciplined me. It’s more pleasure than pain.”

“Same with Jordan.”

“The spanking did seem to be more about discipline than inflicting pain.” Tessa tilted her head and looked at her friends. “The thing is, Damon listened. He didn’t jump to conclusions or anything. Many times in the DC scene, I saw Doms jump to conclusions and punish their sub when really a little more communication could have prevented or solved what seemed to be a minor problems.”

“That is one nice thing. Our men listen to us,” Sierra said.

“I’ve noticed that with most of the Doms in the club; they do listen. There are some exceptions,” Crystal said.

“There are always exceptions, but the guys seem good at weeding out those who may have issues.” Tessa had been surprised and liked how they did that. “So now that all that is out of the way, what’s on tap?”

“I say we go surprise the men.” Sierra jumped up.

“Aren’t they having a business meeting?” Tessa wasn’t so sure this was a good idea.

“So what?” Crystal chimed in. “It’s such a nice day for the beginning of March. I want to get outside.”

“Then let’s go take a walk or something,” Tessa suggested.

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