Page 36 of Degrees of Power
“The waiting still bothers me, but it’s getting better,” I say.
“Good, I want to make sure that even though your body loves it, you’re not conflicted,” he says.
“I love what you do to me, Chase. The only thing I’m still reconciling is my own feelings about what other people think and… well, you know the waiting,” I say.
“Does it still feel like I’m taking your gift away, Baby?” he asks, lifting my chin so I have no choice but to look into his eyes.
“No, the anticipation and patience thing is getting a little easier now that I know how good it feels later. What do you like, Chase?” I ask, sliding towards him to kiss his lips gently.
“The same thing that’s always going to turn me on. Your unbridled trust, Baby. Watching you in the throes of passion, it doesn’t get any better than that,” he says.
“I love that you care so much about how I feel and want to take care of my needs,” I say.
“Yes, speaking of which,” he says, laying me against the tub’s pillow and reaching for the jar on the ledge. He rubs the erect tips and caresses them gently, then begins to rub cream onto my breasts, around my nipple, taking his time and massaging them. I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of his hands on one of the most sensitive parts of my body.
***
It is morning when I wake to find myself alone in bed. I glance at my phone. Only seven, not too bad. I lay back on the pillows allowing my thoughts to drift back to the night before. The look of intense pride in Chase’s eyes as he made love to me, slowly and passionately. My heart aches with love for the man that has helped me work through all the trust issues from my childhood and has taught me how to appreciate so much. I stretch lazily and don a pair of running pants and t-shirt before pulling on socks and shoes, excited to go for a run in sunny California. I glance at my phone. No word from Jenny who usually sleeps in, so plenty of time. I text a message to Jay to let him know my intentions.
Message:Heading out for a run in about 10 minutes.
Reply:Does Chase know?
Message:I’m sure you’ll fill him in for me! Be down in the lobby shortly. I’m going!
I head into the bathroom to brush my teeth, trying not to be too annoyed, but the security some days is just a little much.
Message:Am I always to expect such total disregard for your security?
Reply:Not funny! Jay needs to chill out just a little bit. It’s sunny, we are in Cali, I AM going for a run!
I turn around, sensing his presence behind me. He is standing in the bedroom door, leaning against the doorframe in lounge pants and nothing else. I follow the trail of his broad shoulders, taking in his rock hard abs and the path of hair trailing below. His eyes are watching me intently.
“Chase, seriously. Jay can have anyone he wants accompany me. I just want to go for a run while the sun is shining and it’s warm. We are in California. Is that really too much to ask?” I say.
“On the contrary, a run along the coast would seem most fitting. However, as you know Jay has policies and procedures to ensure our safety. One of them is that if you are going to venture out into a new area, different from your routine, you give them some advance notice. They need to plan out a course, put guards along those areas to keep you safe. That is your number one priority, Katarina.”
“Are you saying no?” I ask, anticipating an argument.
“Fortunately, we have enough detail to make sure you are well protected. Jay is getting details in place as we speak.”
“But you would say no if we didn’t have what you and Jay feel are enough security?” I ask.
“Katarina, I think you already know the answer to that question. I would most definitely say no,” he says.
“And what if I wanted to go anyway?”
“Baby, I want you to experience anything and everything your heart desires, but I will not allow you to put yourself in danger. We’ve had this conversation,” he says, his eyes holding mine locked in challenge.
I see the raw emotion in his eyes and suddenly feel horrible for the anxiety that I am causing. “I’m sorry, Chase. I should have given Jay some warning,” I say, recalling the incident in Aruba when I was assaulted while running and how bad I felt when they had to scramble so I could get to an appointment the day before our wedding.
“It’s okay, Baby. Jay is getting a team together for your run,” he says.
“I appreciate that. I’m pretty sure you’d like to paddle my ass red right now wouldn’t you?
“Yes.”
“Tell me what you want to do to me in the way of punishment,” I say, relishing in the sharp intake of his breath.
