by Kate Benson
“I might do that,” I say, giving him a small smile. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he whispers. “Was that the only thing?”
“Pretty much.”
“Pretty much like yes or pretty much like there’s more, but you don’t want to tell me?”
“Both,” I confess.
“What else?”
“Stupid stuff,” I smirk. “I was wondering if you were going to make me cook and clean for you.”
“Bella, I have people that I pay to do things like that for me,” he shakes his head. “I want you to be my submissive, not my slave,” he promises. “Besides, you’ll be far too busy doing other things.”
“What about the secrecy?” I ask. “I mean, I’m not saying I need to tell everyone everything, but if I’m pretty much living with you, I’m going to have to tell them something,” I bite my lip. “Christie’s already come by here looking for me, worried when I didn’t answer. It’s only a matter of time before the same thing happens with my family.”
He rubs his chin in thought, giving me a subtle nod.
“Are you certain they won’t go to the media?”
“My mother?” I balk. “She’s more likely to go to a priest than the media, Adam,” I giggle. “As for Christie and the rest of my family, they’d never say a word to anyone. And I have no intention of sharing personal details about anything that happens between us, but I can’t exactly keep lying to everyone I care about.”
“If it’s on a need to know basis, I’m fine with it. Just stress the importance of discretion,” he insists. “We both have enough on our plates right now and I don’t want reporters harassing you.”
“Okay,” I nod. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he says quietly, relaxing further into the couch. “Are we nearly there, kitten?”
“Nearly where?”
“To the question you really want to ask.”
I move my eyes to his, biting my lip as I swallow hard. His gaze is intense and try as I might, I can’t hold it. Not right now, so I glance down at my hand in his, studying his fingers while I find my courage. Finally, I squeeze my eyes shut and force the words out.
“What if I say yes and we do this for six months and I hate it?” I manage. “Will that mean the end of this? The end of us?”
“Is that what’s got you so worried?” he asks, pulling a nod from me. “Come here,” he whispers, tugging me toward him and sliding me onto his lap, settling me against his chest. “I can’t predict the future, okay?” he starts. “I don’t know what will happen with us six months down the line. I simply know what I feel right now, what I think you feel, darling,” he continues, cradling my cheek as he gently brushes my hair away from my face. “If I’m being honest, that would really depend deeply on the circumstances surrounding your decision. What I can promise you, though, is that you aren’t something I’m taking lightly, certainly not if you choose to give me your submission. You’ve promised your total acceptance of me and now I’m offering the same for you,” he promises, searching my features before swallowing hard and giving his eyes back to me. “Should you accept, there will be no me without you, Isabella. If you allow your purpose to become my pleasure, mine will simply become you.”
His words leave me breathless, but only long enough for me to pull his lips toward mine, kissing him deeply and without abandon. When I pull away a moment later, I raise my fingertips to his mouth, tracing his lips and longing for another taste as his hot breath washes over me.
“Isabella…”
“Yes,” I cut him off, pulling his eyes back. “My answer is yes.”
Chapter Thirteen
ISABELLA
We find sleep late, my acceptance making everything else fade into the background and the rest of our night focused on the next step of our relationship. Our playful tryst is separated only by necessities before finally, we settle on the couch and Adam begins delving deeper into what was to come next.
He’s patient, thorough and as the night progresses, I can’t help but notice a different side of him slowly beginning to reveal itself. He’s still the same Adam I’ve come to know, but there’s something in the slight shift in his tone, the subtle edge to his words that draws me to him like never before.
When I wake the next morning, he’s already inside me, slowly rocking me awake as his hot breath washes over my skin. His arm winds around my front, holding me in place against his chest as he pushes in from behind, his tongue running up the arch in my shoulder.
I fall under his spell almost immediately, gradually climbing. He takes his time, our breath simultaneously accelerating into a pant. He releases his grip on my breast, using his fingers to tilt my head back and taste my lips. He kisses me long, slow, deep, his hand lazily moving down my front until he reaches my legs, spreading me wide.
“Touch yourself for me, Bella,” he husks against my lips, pulling my hand from his neck and sliding it between my thighs. “Show Daddy what you like.”
Before I can reply with more than a whimper, his lips are on mine again, swallowing my pleasure as I slide my finger low, tracing our connection as he pumps inside me deep. I massage myself before raising my fingers to my clit, his pace increasing when I moan into his mouth.
My orgasm comes quickly and I instinctively grip my pussy to ease the delicious ache that comes after the high. With a low growl, his eyes lock on mine as he bites down on his lip, filling me moments later.
He releases my thigh, settling it against his as his palm runs over my stomach.
“Good morning,” I whisper.
“Good morning, little one,” he replies softly, pressing his lips to mine. “How did you sleep?”
“Good, thanks,” I smile. “How about you?”
“Really good, baby,” he admits, pulling my hand into his and sliding my fingers into his mouth, humming as he licks them clean before giving them a gentle bite and raises up beside me, the loss of him immediate. “Come. We have a busy day ahead.”
He tugs me toward the kitchen and reaches for the already full coffee pot.
“Here,” he says, handing me a cup. “Drink this. We need to get a shower and have breakfast before it’s time to leave.”
“Okay,” I nod, humming when the warmth of the coffee fills my belly. “What are we doing today?”
“You have an appointment at the salon in a little over an hour,” he admits, making my eyebrows scrunch together. “Nothing major, just a manicure, pedicure and a quick wax,” he promises. “Of course, if there’s something else you need, don’t hesitate,” he continues, pulling a nod from me. “Afterwards, I’ll bring you back here to grab a few things before we go home and get you officially settled.”
“Alright,” I yawn, holding his gaze as he stares down at me, watching me quietly as he finishes his cup in one long gulp.
“Finish up, I’ll get the shower going,” he says, pressing his lips to my forehead. “You’re breathtaking in the morning.”
Before I can thank him for the compliment, he turns and steps out of the kitchen, heading toward my bathroom. I take a moment to savor in the simplicity of my coffee before he calls for me, pulling me from my trance.
We shower quickly, the feel of his hands on me as he washes my skin making me heady. By the time he twists the water off, he’s got me panting against the shower wall, the sharp sting of his palm against my wet ass making me gasp.
“You’re being quite greedy this morning,” he smirks against my hair, kissing the back of my head before slowly turning me to face him.
“I’m sorry,” I blush as he wraps a towel around my shoulders, his cock hard as it presses against my belly. I trace it with my fingertips, biting on my lip as I gently grip him in my palm. “May I?”
His hand moves from my waist, angling my chin up.
“Eyes on me. Keep them there,” he whispers, taking a step back and releasing his hold on me, pulling a nod from me as I begin stroking him. “Use your words, kitten.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, Sir,” I blush, not missing the way his hazel eyes hood slightly, dancing in approval.
“Good girl,” he husks, staring into me as he gently presses his lips to mine and reaches for my hand, pulling it from him. “Kneel, Bella.”
I swallow hard, my belly tingling with anticipation as I lower before him, my eyes still on him despite my nerves.
“Spread your legs,” he commands, his fingers sinking into my wet strands, pulling me up gently and giving me a subtle nod.
By the time he positions his tip against my mouth, I’m desperate to please him in ways I’d never known were possible. I lap at him for a moment before finally, I pull him into my mouth, the low growl coming from his chest making my eyes flutter slightly before I remember myself.
“There’s my good girl,” he pants as my eyes return to his, his grip on my hair growing tighter as he begins pushing into my mouth harder, his pace increasing.
Before long, he’s shoving into my mouth with enough force to elicit a low whimper from me, my free hand moving to his waist to stay in place as his cock hits the back of my throat.
His dark hair is still drenched from the shower, hanging over his forehead as water drips down his face. He bites hard on his lower lip, his gaze shifting into something carnal as he winds my hair around his fist. He’s falling apart, his body completely at my mercy and I finally taste the shift of power he spoke of. The pleasure that comes with knowing I’m capable of doing this to him, for him, hits me and I can’t stop the long low moan that leaves me as he holds me firmly in place and takes control of my mouth. When he shoves into me a final time, his seed washing over my tongue, his mouth falls open and my own orgasm comes full force.
His lips spread into a wide grin as he reaches for me, pulling me up his front.
“Perfect,” he pants, his palm wrapping around the back of my neck as he pulls my lips to his, kissing me long and hard. He grips me hard between the thighs, pulling a whimper from me before giving my still swollen clit a gentle slap. “Very good girl, Bella.”
We dress quickly and head directly to a small but elegant building. He parks toward the back of the establishment, making a quick call before we’re let into a side entrance and greeted by an older, petite woman.
“Good morning, Mr. Avery,” she says with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Estelle,” he nods politely. “Thank you for getting us in today.”
“Oh, hush. You know it’s my pleasure,” she waves him off, making him smile.
“Has everyone signed?”
“Yes, sir,” she nods, handing him a piece of paper I immediately recognize as a nondisclosure agreement.
He gives it a quick onceover before returning his eyes to hers.
“Perfect. Thank you,” he says, folding it and putting it into his pocket before pulling me forward, both of them turning to face me.
“You must be Isabella? My goodness, you’re a pretty little thing.”
“Yes, and thank you,” I nod, giving her a warm smile of my own. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And a sweetheart?” she chuckles, reaching for my hand and pulling me away from Adam. When we make it to the main floor, I’m surprised to find it completely empty with the exception of a handful of employees waiting patiently. “Where would you like to get started, honey?”
I’ve very rarely been known to be at a loss for words, but in this moment, I’m stumped.
I glance behind me towards Adam, his smirk telling me I’m obviously failing to hide the overwhelmed feeling in my chest.
“Have fun,” he winks, pulling his phone to his ear and moving toward the waiting area.
Four hours later, I’ve been measured, buffed, waxed and polished to levels I hadn’t even known were possible. As we take our leave, I thank Estelle for the third time and take Adam’s hand, following him to his car and settling in.
After a quick trip to my place to grab a few must-haves, we take the short drive to his place. I step onto the elevator with him, resting my head on his shoulder with a yawn.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m just tired,” I admit. “Turns out being your girlfriend is a little exhausting.”
He chuckles quietly at my teasing before kissing my forehead.
“You can rest once you’re settled,” he promises, pulling me from the elevator and into the foyer that leads to his penthouse. “We might not be alone right away, but I’ll make sure it’s kept quiet.”
“Who else is here?”
“There have been a few deliveries today, so I called Vera in for a little while,” he admits, using the keypad on the door before pushing the door open.
We step inside and things look reasonably calm, almost identical to the quiet living space he typically enjoys. However, his housekeeper emerges from one of his spare rooms, something I’d not seen often.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Avery. Miss Isabella,” she smiles. “Welcome home.”
“Hello, Vera,” he nods respectfully. “Has everything arrived?”
“Yes, sir,” she nods. “If I missed anything, please be sure to let me know and I’ll tend to it immediately.”
“I will. Thank you,” he smiles. “Also, your sister sends her love.”
“Was Estelle able to help?” she asks, grinning wide when he answers with a nod. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy to hear that.”
“Yes, Isabella very much enjoyed herself. Thank you again.”
“You’re very welcome,” she beams. “If either of you need anything, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
She makes her exit and Adam gives my hand another gentle squeeze, tugging me forward.
“Come, darling,” he whispers. “I have something to show you.”
“What is it?”
“A surprise,” he admits. “Come and see.”
He leads me down the hallway to one of the spare rooms, pushing the door open wide, his eyes moving to me to gauge my reaction as he pulls me in behind him.
While the rest of Adam’s house is sleek and modern, the same can’t be said of the room we’re standing in now.
It’s bright and vibrant with jewel tones and gold embellishments. Sheer fuchsia curtains gently blow with the breeze of the open door that leads to a private balcony filled with plants and similarly designed floor cushions, perfect for yoga and basking in the moonlight. I take a step inside, the fluffy rug beneath my bare feet so unbelievably soft, it beckons me to strip my clothes off and stretch out.
In the center of the room is a massive, four-poster bed with similarly sheer curtains draping over each post, an ornate chandelier hanging in the center over the mountain of multi-colored throw pillows. The sound of a switch clicking quietly behind me reveals soft, twinkly lights that hang along the back wall, giving it all a soft, romantic glow.
Quite simply, it’s a bohemian haven on the penthouse floor.
“I know this all feels like a lot at once,” he begins, his soft voice pulling me from the familiar scent of nag champa incense filling my nostrils. “That’s because it is, Bella,” he admits. “There will be nights when you want an escape, your own space and I anticipate that,” he stares into the room, dissecting it as I study him through hazy vision. “You’ll keep your apartment for Saturdays and still be expected to sleep in my bed, but on the nights you’re here, I want you to be comfortable. I want you to feel like you’re home.” When his eyes return to mine, he gives me a small smile and reaches to sweep the traitor tear from my cheek. “Do you like it?”
“Yeah,” I whisper, using the back of my hand to dr
y my eyes. “I love it,” I nod, wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling him close as I reach up on my toes and give him a kiss. “Thank you.”
“Hmm,” he smiles soft, pushing the hair away from my face. “You’re welcome, little one.”
Chapter Fourteen
ADAM
“Are you serious?” she exclaims from the other end of her suite as I step inside. “I have a stripper pole in my closet?”
After we arrived back here yesterday, I hadn’t given her much time to explore her new space. Instead, I took advantage of the moment and led her to her new bed, taking her before making good on my promise of letting her rest.
Once she woke, we had the quiet dinner I promised her before I carried her to my bedroom, getting my fill of her before she drifted off to sleep once more. My regrets that her first official day of training coincided with work is undeniable, but as I take her in, it’s hard for the sting in those regrets to linger.
“Of course,” I smirk, bending to kiss her. “Are you nearly ready?”
“Yes, Sir,” she nods, sticking her tongue out in concentration as she attaches the back of her earring before turning back toward the closet. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful since you just stocked the second wing you’re calling my closet with more clothes than I’ll ever be able to wear in three lifetimes,” she says, peeking her head out. “But I know you’re in a hurry and I don’t know where any black, strappy shoes are.”
“Did you check my closet?”
“I have clothes in there, too?” she asks, her wide eyes making me chuckle.
“Yes, baby,” I nod, taking her hand and leading her across to my bedroom. “We’ll be down in ten minutes,” I say into the phone before ending the call and sliding it back into my pocket. “Here,” I say, leading her inside. We make our way to the back of the room where I gesture toward the bottom row of the wall. “Black strappy shoes.”
“Oh, my God!” she mouths, her shocked expression as she lowers herself to the dressing bench behind her, gazing and the additional section of clothing I’d had put in here for her pulling a belly laugh from me.