Page 24 of Christmas with the Dominant Mountain Man
My body responds instantly to her words, heat pooling low in my stomach. "What what's like, exactly?"
"Submission." She meets my gaze steadily. "With you."
The workshop suddenly feels too small, the air between us charged with possibility. "That's not something to enter into lightly, Judy."
The nickname slips out without thought. I've been calling her that in my mind for days now, the softening fitting the woman I'm coming to know beneath the polished exterior.
"I know." She doesn't correct the name, seemingly unaware of the shift. "But I've been thinking about little else since I found that room."
I approach slowly, giving her time to retreat if she chooses. She stands her ground, chin lifting slightly as I stop before her. "Our arrangement is temporary."
"I know that too."
"And you still want to explore this?"
"Yes." Simple, direct. "Do you?"
I study her face, looking for any sign of hesitation or uncertainty. Finding none, I make my decision. "Come to my bedroom tonight. Nine o'clock."
Her eyes widen slightly, but she nods. "What should I wear?"
"Nothing complicated." I brush a strand of hair from her face, watching her pupils dilate at the simple touch. "And Judy? Once you enter that room, you follow my instructions. Completely. Understood?"
"Yes." Her voice drops to nearly a whisper.
"If you change your mind between now and then, that's fine. No questions asked, no explanations needed." I step back, creating necessary space. "But if you show up, I'll assume you're sure made your decision."
"Nine o'clock." She repeats, a small smile playing at her lips. "I'll be there."
The hours until nine crawl by with excruciating slowness. I finish my work, take a long shower, and prepare the bedroom meticulously. The playroom downstairs would intimidate her for a first experience. My bedroom offers a more neutral territory while still being my domain.
I select several items from my collection, placing them discreetly beside the bed. The blindfold, soft restraints, massage oil, and a small vibrator. Options, not requirements. I light several candles, dim the overhead lights, and wait.
At precisely 8:58, there's a soft knock at my door.
"Come in."
Judith enters, wearing black leggings that cling to her curves and a simple tank top. Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, freshly washed and smelling of vanilla. The sight of her, nervous but determined, sends blood rushing south.
"Close the door. Lock it." My voice drops lower, authority coming naturally.
She complies without hesitation, then turns to face me. I'm seated in an armchair beside the bed, watching her intently.
"Before we begin, we need to establish some basics." I keep my tone matter-of-fact despite the hunger building inside me. "Safe words. Green means continue, yellow means slow down, red means stop everything immediately. If you say red, everything ends without question. Understood?"
"Yes." Her voice is steady despite the visible flutter of her pulse at her throat.
"What's your safe word if you need to stop?"
"Red."
"Good girl."
The simple praise brings a flush to her cheeks. Interesting. I file that information away for later use.
"Come here."
She crosses the room to stand before me, close enough to touch but not touching. Her scent surrounds me.
