Page 36 of Unraveling with You

Biting my lip doesn’t stop my elated giggle. “Just a crush?”

“Okay, yeah, ‘crushing’ is really underselling it. I really,reallylike you.”

I can’t stop smiling. “I really like you too, Rem. A lot, a lot, like you said.”

He groans. “You’re so cute. It’s totally derailing my focus from our formal discussion. But did you hear me about agreeing on everything beforehand and still being able to change your mind?”

“Yes. And I’d do the same for you.”

He strokes my arm. “Good. I’ll remind you while you’re still new to the process, but I want to make sure you’re comfortable and understand as we go.”

Heat rises between us as we remain closer than ever. Remington’s gaze wanders over me, leaving tingles in its wake with just his eyes.

But then he hums. “I’d also like you to be able to say ‘no’ to me before we try anything kinky. Do you think you can?”

I hesitate. Where I grew up, that wasn’t an option. With how heavily my heart wavers in defeat, I’m terrified my fears are coming true; I’m nowhere near Remington’s level of communication.

But Remington places his hand over my knee, sparking warmth up my thigh. “Hey, it’s okay. If that’s too scary for you, this all can wait.”

My heart sears in my chest. “O-oh. You don’t want to do this anymore?”

“Breathe. I’m still right here.” Remington cuddles closer, softening his voice. “I do, but kink and BDSM can be hardcore, and your heart is precious. I can’t do anything with you unless I know what you do or don’t want. If I went ahead anyway, I wouldn’t deserve your trust.”

My whole body softens into him. “You’re sweet, Remington.”

Remington shakes his head. “This is the bare minimum, so if you’ve never had it like this, you deserved better before. I had to learn that too.”

I don’t like how he phrased that. If he meant he struggled to learn consent like other men who were taught they’re owed everything, I feel like he would’ve called himself out, as usual. Someone must’ve betrayed his consent. But the tense way he’s avoiding my eyes tells me he’s not ready to open up about that just yet.

“C-can I hold your hand again?” I whisper.

A soft smile pulls at his lips. “Yes. You don’t have to keep asking me about that one, if you’d like to establish that now.”

I perk up, and Remington laughs. I laugh with him, unable to stifle my excitement. “Yes. You can hold my hand anytime too.”

He grins. “Okay. Sounds nice.”

As our hands reattach, my heart soars. Remington beams at my widening smile, the light glittering in his observant eyes. But having him so close has me feeling extra brave.

“Can we try again to discuss this? I– I just need some help learning it’s safe to say ‘no.’”

Remington’s entire posture loosens, drawing close enough to waft his scent over me. “Fuck. You’re teaching me things too. I didn’t catch that, so thanks for telling me so clearly. You’re doing so,sowell. God, I just—” He bites his lips. Releasing them with a groan, he cups my cheeks. “You’re just so wonderful. Be honest with me— Are you okay with me calling you pet names?”

My breath heightens, heating the gap between us. I feel terribly shy still gazing at him, but I don’t want to stop. His gaze flickers across me, taking in my reddening chest. But I allow him to look.

“Yes,” I breathe. “P-please.”

He shuts his eyes with a hard exhale. “So. Fucking. Brave. Seriously, I don’t know how to contain my excitement around you, baby girl.”

His words hit my soul, shocking my nervous system with such tender affection that I gasp.

Remington’s stare darkens. “Oh, you liked that. It’s written all over you. I’m going to have too much fun, so we better get you saying ‘no’ to me.”

Still struggling to catch my breath, I swallow hard. “I-I’m afraid of being hurt from saying ‘no.’”

Remington winces. But he shakes his head. “Not here. It’s just you and me, baby - none of those old shadows who taught you that.”

My heart twinges just as hard, but this time, it stings my eyes with raw emotions. I so badly want to believe Remington. That it’s safe to say “no” to him, and that he actuallywantsme to.

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