Taking Courage

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Taking Courage Page 9

by S. J. Maylee


  She did miss the comfort of her mother, knowing her love was always there. She didn't have the heart to spell out all the reasons why she needed to stay away from her father.

  “They're actually only one of the reasons I jumped at the job offer here.” She trailed her finger through the tiny patch of dark hair on his chest. “I couldn't pass on the other opportunities here.”

  He covered her roaming hand with his and pressed it against his chest, halting her movement.

  “Are you talking about the club?”

  “Yes.” Her gaze landed on his growing erection.

  “Don't stop there. Please tell me more.” He pushed her hand down his firm stomach and set it to rest on his cock. Together their hands rubbed up and down across his firmness. “Why didn't you visit clubs in Detroit? Why wait until you were in Chicago?”

  “My ex didn't want me to go.” She licked her lips and shifted her pelvis, which allowed her a better view of their duet.

  “Ex-boyfriend?” He stopped their movement.

  “No.” She clamped her eyes shut. She'd opened the door, and now she had to get the rest out. “Not boyfriend, my ex-husband.” Her hand gripped his cock. “We were only married for a month before I came home early and found him in our bed with someone else.”

  “He didn't deserve you.”

  “You're right, he didn't.” She pulled on the head of his cock, and a bead of pre-cum wept from the tip. “I let my father talk me into our first date and our second. I let him talk me into the marriage, too. It's embarrassing.” She tugged on his cock again.

  “You're doing a fine job, pet.” His arm wound around her hip and rubbed her ass.

  “Thank you, Sir.” She inched closer to his cock and licked the head clean. He smelled like earthy musk and sex. She drank him in.

  His moans filled the room.

  “How long have you been a member of the club?” Her tongue stroked from base to tip, curling around the head. “It's okay if you're not ready to share.” She licked the head of his cock again and took him into her mouth.

  “I'm ready, but you have a wicked mouth and it’s making it hard to concentrate.”

  She relaxed her throat and strengthened her suction on the next pull. He lifted his hips and thrust into her mouth, helping her to take more of him, but not so much that she choked. She let his hard cock fall from her lips.

  “I’m sorry. That was probably distracting.” She kissed the head of his cock. “You were saying?”

  “You’re a vixen.” He ran his fingers back and forth in the cleft of her ass. “If I didn’t enjoy getting to know you better, I’d make you pay for that.” His fingers found the plug, and he wiggled it, awakening a new path of nerves. “On second thought, maybe I will make you pay for that.”

  “Oh no.” She moved about an inch away before he pulled her back into his lap. Her laughter filled the room.

  He had her trapped in his arms. They sat nose to nose. Her face ached under the pinch of her smile. She leaned in and stole a kiss.

  “You think that will save you?”

  “Maybe for a few minutes while you tell me about yourself?” She tucked her head on his shoulder. “When did you join the club?”

  “I joined the club a few years ago.” He rubbed her back.

  “Have you trained many submissives?” She bit down on the inside of her cheek.

  “I've trained a few women this last year. The first couple moved on quickly to other Doms.”

  “What about the last one?”

  “She lied her way into the training program. A few weeks into her training, her husband came to the club.”

  “What?” Their gazes met. No wonder he’d had such a cross reaction to their first scene. She'd put salt in his wound. “I'm so sorry.”

  “She lied to almost everyone in her life, and in the process she hurt a lot of people. Your intentions were completely different. As soon as you realized your omission, it only took a little prodding to get you to tell the truth.” He stroked her cheek. “I'm the one that should apologize. I made you pay for her mistakes. That wasn't fair.”

  “Still, I'm sorry I brought up those memories.” She lowered her eyes.

  “I think we are well on our way to making our own memories.” He forced her chin up, and he reclaimed her gaze. “Don't you think, pet?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Warmth squeezed her chest. This one. I want this one man.

  “Would you consider taking a new step with me tonight?” He shifted her off his lap and reached for something on the desk, a bottle of lube and another condom.

  “Tonight?”

  “We can wait until tomorrow if you want. The one-on-one rooms at the club do have nice beds which would make it easier on your knees.”

  “I'm not worried about my knees.” He wanted to claim her in a place no one had before. She wanted it more than anything. Her breathing increased, and her fingers closed into fists.

  “You've trained all week. I know you're ready, but the decision is yours to make.” He sat back on his heels.

  “I trust you.” She relaxed her fingers. “My body is yours.”

  “Thank you.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. “I've been jealous of your plugs all week. Watching you squirm in your seat has kept me hard. “Now, up on your knees.”

  She rolled over and presented her backside. She took a deep breath and waited.

  “Push out for me.”

  She did as he asked, and he pulled the plug from her, leaving her empty and full of needy anticipation. He pushed the familiar cool lubricant around her back entrance and slowly worked his way in, first one finger and then two.

  “Are you ready, pet?”

  “I'm ready, Sir.”

  “What's your safe word?”

  “Lasagna, Sir.”

  “Let me hear it if I push you past your comfort zone, okay?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Thank you. You honor me and what we're building.” The head of his cock nudged her rosette. “Now, push out and ease my way.”

  She pushed a little and was immediately met with strong pressure. He was too big. She forced the air from her lungs and sucked in a gulp.

  “Stay with me, pet. I need you to push out a little more.”

  “You're too big.”

  “I am pushing at your limits. Do you want me to stop?”

  “No, don't stop. I want you here.” She pushed out more, and the pressure increased. She cried out, and the head of his cock slipped inside.

  “Beautiful.” He squeezed her ass and didn't push any further. Several heartbeats later, “Are you ready for more?”

  Zings of pleasurable pain were bouncing through her body and making her dizzy. She lowered her head.

  “Janna, are you still with me?”

  She pushed back, and he slipped a little more inside her back entrance. A new round of pleasure pushed out the sting. “Yes, Sir. I'm ready for more.”

  “I knew you'd like this.” He pulled out a little and slowly pushed past where he'd just been. With the lube easing his way, it only took a few more pushes and pulls before his pelvis met her ass. He bent over her, and one of his arms wrapped around her middle. “You're mine.”

  “I'm so yours.”

  “It won't take much more before you squeeze my next orgasm out of me, and I'd love for you to go over with me.” He took her hand and brought it to her center. “Rub against the pressure I'm sending here, okay?”

  “My pleasure, Sir.”

  “That's my sub.” He pulled his arm away, and both of his hands gripped her hips.

  His rhythm started slow, and she drew circles around her clit. Soon, his pace wasn't enough, and she pushed back against him. Needing her pussy to be filled, she used her fingers to fuck herself. As his thrusts became harder and faster, his balls rocked into her and his grunts filled the office.

  “You're exquisite and so damn tight.”

  The sweet tingles of an orgasm teased her channel, and she squeez
ed him.

  “That'll do it. I hope you're ready, sweetheart.” His fingers took a ruthless hold on her hips, and he pushed through the pressure. “Savor your release when it comes. I'm almost there.”

  His control over her body swam over her senses. She pulled her fingers from her core and braced herself. There wasn't a point on her body he hadn't touched. She could feel him everywhere.

  His next thrust started the avalanche. The orgasm took over, sealing her senses in white hot pleasure bouncing back and forth from her ass to her pussy. Ecstasy spread out over her and she screamed, but it was drowned out by his shouts.

  The pair slowed to a halt. Instead of holding her there, he pulled from her and rolled her down onto her side. She was thankful to be off her knees, but she only wanted his touch back upon her.

  It was unfair to expect anything more from their arrangement, but she wanted it all the same. A new emptiness darkened a hollow place in her chest. She was determined not to let her feelings show. She was here to learn, and she'd enjoy the time she had with him. She didn't need to worry about loyalty or even love right now.

  He snuggled in behind her. She needed to cherish what she had at the moment.

  “How did I do?”

  “Sweet Janna, you amaze me.” His fingers wrapped around hers and squeezed. “Thank you for trusting me.” She rolled over to face him, and he placed a slow, chaste kiss on her lips.

  “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

  “That was pretty nice of me, wasn't it?” His whole face brightened.

  “Medal worthy actually.” She froze when his smile vanished.

  “You're teasing me?” His eyebrows rose.

  “You started it.” She raised her brows to match his.

  “Great comeback.” He poked her in the ribs.

  They rocked back and forth while they giggled like a couple of teenagers dancing around a crush. It was nice and easy, and this new side of Simon didn't surprise her. She'd seen him be easygoing with his coworkers. She'd just never been on the receiving end before. It felt like a sign, like she'd passed a test. A comforting warmth spread over her.

  “We should get up before we stay here all night.”

  In his arms all night sounded like the perfect ending to the day.

  “Come on.” He pushed himself off the floor. “I'll escort you home and make sure you get settled in for a good night’s sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”

  “Are we talking about the project or my training?”

  “Both.”

  Chapter Nine

  On the way to work Friday morning, Simon thought about all he'd learned about Janna that week, from her apology, to her wanting training, the circumstances surrounding her move to Chicago, and the magic they’d made on the floor of this office last night. He respected her for making her own way in life and was thankful for their second chance.

  Warmth radiated throughout his body. Their first night might have ended badly, but the week proved he shouldn't have counted Janna out. She was a fighter, and now it was clear she was claiming him as well.

  She had taken unnecessary risks the first night at the club. As her trainer, he'd make sure it didn't happen again. He'd have to test her newfound voice, of course. As her Dom, he felt it was his duty to ensure she remained true to herself. He was falling fast, and he needed to make sure she stayed happy.

  The future looked brighter when he thought of her as his Project Manager. She'd worked her tail off this week, and their project had made nice forward movement. The project was alive and well, and so was Simon. Janna had breathed new life into his soul, and she'd blown away his first sour impression.

  Tonight, they'd go back to where they'd met. They'd made plans for an official night at the club. In front of everyone, he intended to stake his claim and take public responsibility for her training.

  The more they talked, the more he learned little tidbits. Last night, he'd learned she loved cinnamon lattes, but hadn't had one in ages. Jake had told him on countless occasions that Lydia was the foremost authority on great coffee in the city. Simon had called Lydia on his way home yesterday and found out the mom and pop shop around the corner from work had Lydia-approved cinnamon lattes.

  He'd gotten up early and headed to the coffee shop. Janna deserved to know he was listening, and he was looking forward to surprising her. He walked into the quiet shop, ordered the drink, and perused the newsstand while he waited for his order.

  “Cinnamon latte, I haven't heard that ordered in years,” an older man next to him said.

  “It's for my girlfriend.” He stopped cold. The label tumbled from him without thought and made him smile. It was a term a Dom would never think to use in the club, especially for a trainee. Somehow, Janna had wound her way into his life.

  “It used to be my daughter's favorite drink, but she stopped drinking them some time ago.”

  “What does she drink now?”

  “I don't think she drinks coffee anymore.” The man squinted his eyes and stared out the window. “Her husband doesn't like coffee.”

  “Well, I guess you can be happy without coffee,” Simon offered. He needed to make sure Janna knew he'd never expect her to go without something she enjoyed.

  “I guess.” The man chuckled. “She's going without the husband now, too, though.” He shuffled his feet and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “She gives up on things too easily. She needs a strong hand to guide her. Do you have kids?”

  “Me? No.” Simon expected hives to break out, but a bark of laughter escaped instead. Someday he wanted kids. He'd known it for some time, but never paid any attention to it before. He wondered if Janna wanted kids someday, too. He shifted his weight back and forth and caught the man smiling at him.

  “Be careful, especially if you have girls. They don't really know what they want.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I traveled four hours today to try and shake some sense into my girl.”

  “I hope she heard you out.” Simon knew his share of women who had no idea what they needed. He hoped this man's daughter had listened to what her father had to say. He also hoped the man listened to what she had to say.

  “She hasn't agreed to anything yet, but I'm certain she'll listen.” He widened his stance and put his hands on his hips. “I'm confident she'll come around. She always does.”

  “Women do tend to act in a pattern. It's about the only thing about them that's predictable.”

  “Today's visit will be especially hard. She wasn't talking to us much before she moved to Chicago, and she left her husband behind with a broken heart.”

  “You mean, they're still married?”

  “Well, no, but we're all hoping she'll change her mind and come home where she belongs. I plan on reminding my daughter about her responsibility to the family and the promise she made to her husband. It's always gotten her to turn things around. I'm hoping it will work again.”

  “I hope everything works out for the best.” Simon scratched his cheek, and familiarity tugged at his senses. He rubbed his arms and felt sweat break out on his neck.

  “Thanks. I may have a trick up my sleeve to seal the deal though.”

  “Cinnamon latte,” called the girl at the counter.

  “That's me. I hope your daughter makes the right decision.” He had no idea what the decision should be. He wanted out of the coffee shop and away from the man.

  He escaped to the sidewalk and paced back and forth. An obvious decision stormed into him, and he needed to get to Janna right now. He checked his cell for the time.

  “Damn.” She was probably already on her way to work.

  It was possible the man wasn't Janna's father, but if he was on his way to see her, Simon wanted to get to her first. He'd yet to tell Janna what she was beginning to mean to him. He didn't want her hearing her father’s spew without fully knowing his intentions.

  He pinched the bridge of his nose as he walked around the corner to the front door. The sudden pressure built inside
him like a geyser. He swung the door wide open and blew out his breath when he spotted Janna walking towards the elevator.

  He forced positive thoughts into the forefront of his mind. Janna would not run home to the safety of her family and to the ex-husband that didn't deserve her. He'd have time to find out more of her secrets. The cinnamon latte would be one of many. They'd have plenty of time to share together.

  “Simon, good morning.” Her surprise was smothered by her wide smile. “What do you have there?”

  “Take a taste.” He handed her the latte, and they walked into the elevator.

  “What—is this a cinnamon latte?” She took a sip. “Oh, Simon, this hits a spot I'd all but forgotten. So, you were listening to me last night.”

  “I'll always listen.” He stepped in close, but didn't touch. Warm spice filled his senses. “Are you looking forward to tonight?”

  She lowered the cup, and her gaze closed in on his lips. “I've been thinking about it all week, and after last night, I'm not sure how I'll get anything done today.” She licked her bottom lip.

  The elevator chimed its arrival. He stepped back and allowed her to exit first.

  “Janna, Simon, I'm glad you're here.” Anne waved them off the elevator. “Keller's waiting for you both in the board room.”

  They walked in silence.

  Colin almost knocked them over on his way out.

  “Sorry.” Janna stepped into Simon, and he steadied her.

  “Janna.” Colin reached out and held onto her shoulder. “I'm sorry. I'm sure he'll think of something.”

  They watched him walk away before they entered the board room where Keller was waiting.

  “I'm glad you two are here. I wanted to talk to you next.” Keller motioned to the empty chairs. “Please sit down.”

  “Why was Colin here?” Once Janna was seated, Simon sat next to her.

  “We've lost one of our investors. Normally this isn't a problem, but we have several projects in play right now.”

  “Will one of the projects need to be put on hold?” Janna asked the hard question straight on.

  “I'm hopeful we'll actually get the investor back. Gina has a connection, and I've sent her and Marcus to smooth things over.”

 

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