Hard Limits

by Anna Parsons

  Dylan called three times and texted twice, but received no response. He returned home after a long day and night. He had no appetite and wanted only to go to bed, hoping that tomorrow would bring her back to him. Entering the living room, he flipped on the television and went straight to the bar. He stood looking out the window at the Gulf, praying that she would come home. Glancing over at the piano, something caught his eye. As he moved closer, he noticed that the fall was open, which was not how he left it. Maybe Ruth was cleaning. Sitting at the bench, he noticed a cup, sitting on a coaster. Picking it up, he sniffed the strong coffee. Ruth doesn’t drink coffee! Hope! He laughed out loud as he ran through the house, looking for any other signs of her. Nothing. He slept a bit easier, knowing that she had been home.

  * * * *

  Day Four

  Dylan

  He sat at the head of the conference table, trying to concentrate on the meeting, but he couldn’t help but stare out of the window, daydreaming about his time with his Hope, wanting nothing more than to relive every moment over again…almost every moment. She came home yesterday. He had to smile, thinking about the number of times he’d called the beach house her home over the past few days. Where will we live once we’re married? We’ll keep her apartment, of course. And the beach house. But the beach house is no place to raise kids. Turning to his laptop, completely ignoring the people in the room, he fired off an e-mail to his real estate agent, requesting that he start looking for an appropriate property. Once he hit send, Dylan returned to his reverie.

  “Um, Dylan.” A sanguine gentleman seated at the table brought Dylan back to the present. “You sent me an e-mail?”

  “Um, yeah.” Dylan blushed slightly, a bit embarrassed that he was so far away that he didn’t realize that Dennis was seated at the table. “Can you get on that when you get a chance?”

  “Sure,” Dennis said cheerfully. “I’ll get right on it. In the meantime, have you considered the possibility of selling the Summit?”

  “That property is not for sale,” Dylan said emphatically. He turned his chair to face the group around the table, assembled for the quarterly meeting to discuss anything associated with DR Holdings.

  “Okay,” Dennis said. “Then let’s move on. The property behind the clinic has come on the market.” That caused Dylan to perk up. “The owner has decided to move to Florida, and decided to sell.”

  “Which property is that?” Dylan asked.

  “It’s the one behind the basketball court.”

  “What’s the list price?” Dylan asked, pulling up a map of the area.

  “List price is four hundred thirty thousand,” Dennis read from his laptop.

  “Offer four even, with a twenty-four-hour deadline. Hope wants to expand to include a larger area for pediatric and prenatal care,” he said. Looking up at the faces around the table, he held his hands out. “What?”

  “No. Nothing. Nothing at all,” echoed around the table.

  “What else do we have?” he asked, hoping to get out of the room sooner rather than later. No one said anything. “All right, then. Good meeting.” Most started filing out of the conference room, but Ben and Chris remained behind.

  “So,” Ben started. “What’s going on with you?”

  “You know what’s going on, so why ask?” Dylan said as he packed up his laptop.

  “Does it help to know that she’s in worse shape than you are?” Chris sat on the edge of the table, looking down at his friend.

  “No, that doesn’t help,” he said sarcastically. “How do you know?”

  Chris tried not to laugh. But he had more control than Ben, who sat in a chair giggling. He put his hand up in surrender. “I’m sorry man. I don’t mean to laugh, but damn you are just fucked up.”

  “I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself, especially since this shit started with you.” Dylan stood to leave. Chris pushed him back down in the chair.

  “Whoa, brother,” Ben said. “I brought you information. What you did with it is on you.”

  “Whoa, both of you,” Chris said. “Tensions are running pretty high. Everyone is impacted by this. But I see the end in sight.”

  “You do?” Dylan asked.

  “Yeah, I do. And you know that little wench is something else.” Chris smiled. “The night you put her out of the club”—Chris paused as Dylan ran his hand over his face and groaned—“you did, man. You put her out. Anyhow, she threatened to whip my ass.”

  “She didn’t!” Dylan sat up.

  “Yup, she did,” Ben confirmed. “She took up a stance like she was ready to put somethin’ on us. Hell, I took two steps before I realized she was going after Chris. I got the hell outta there before she started swinging.”

  “You son of a bitch. Is that why you left? Thanks for having my back,” Chris said to his friend.

  Dylan laughed heartily. “I think that’s the first time I laughed since all this shit started.” Dylan shook his head.

  “I’ve got more,” Chris said. “She called the club looking for you, yelled at me, and hung up in my face.”

  “Ha-ha,” Ben teased.

  “Not funny, man,” Chris said, standing. “I gotta go.”

  “Wait, tell me what you know about her not doing well.” Dylan grabbed his arm as he tried to walk past him.

  “She’s been spending time with Antonio, and Allison, too.” Chris looked at Ben, who nodded his ascent. “Antonio says that she’s not eating or sleeping. She misses you.”

  “I know the feeling,” Dylan said thoughtfully. Still only eating when absolutely necessary or when forced by Ruth, he only wanted her and nothing else. “I’ll give her a couple more days, and then it’s on.”

  * * * *

  Hope

  Evie had lunch with Allison. “Evie, you look so tired,” Allison said. Looking sharp, as always, Allison wore black slacks and a brocade blazer. She grabbed Evie into her arms and held on tight.

  “I look tired because I haven’t really been sleeping,” Evie said as she took her seat at the table in the posh Galleria restaurant. “And I’ve been crying like a baby.”

  “Well, Dylan is having a really hard time. He’s being testy and snapping at everyone, too. I am worried about him,” she admitted. “I don’t think this is what you wanted, is it?”

  “No, of course not,” she said, taking a sip of water.

  “Then why do this? Separation is hard in our lifestyle. Even a few moments can be too long. This has lasted for days.” Allison reached for Evie’s hand.

  “At first, I was fairly confident that I was doing the right thing by making him realize that I can’t be thrown away. Now…” She squeezed Allison’s hand. “Now, I just want to run to him and tell him how much I love him.”

  “Then do it. Don’t even hesitate. He’s in meetings this morning, and he’ll be at the club tonight. Go to him. Tell him everything.” Allison picked up her menu. “But first, you need to eat.”

  “Okay,” Evie said as she perused the menu. “I’ll eat. After lunch, can you help me with something to wear tonight?”

  “Absolutely,” Allison said with a smile. “I know exactly where to go.”

  Chapter 39:

  Reunion

  Evie entered the upper floor of Exxcess through the main door. The music and conversation flowed, but as soon as she entered, eyes and conversation shifted to her. She walked into the subs’ lounge, where all conversation stopped. The subs exited, whispering and peeking at her as they went. I’m the topic of conversation. So what else is new? She removed her coat, placing it into an empty locker. She stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at the scrap of fabric that Allison helped her pick out. Red was not a color that she normally wore, but tonight she needed to stand out. In this outfit, she certainly would. The front was a low cut, ultra-sheer mesh negligee which exhibited her nipples the same as if naked. The back was a series of thin sequined threads. A slight tug on a string would have her naked in seconds. A red thong hugged her hips and p
ut her ass on display. The bangle she brought for her Master hung from a fine rope chain around her neck. Lace-up platform heels in red leather completed the outfit. She sighed, willing herself to be strong, and exited the lounge.

  Word had obviously spread about her arrival. As soon as she hit the main floor, Doms, Monitors, Observers, and subs watched her movement. Evie smiled to herself, because she did not feel the least bit self-conscious. Take a really good look, y’all. I’m here to get my man. The Dom called Perry blocked her path. “Little lady, are you lost?” he asked, smiling lasciviously. She ignored him and tried to walk past. “Come here!” He reached out to grab her arm, but the connection was only momentary, as Master Harrison was there to move him out of her way.

  “Thank you, Sir,” she said.

  “No problem, Lady Evangeline. Welcome back.”

  Evie turned toward the office, as people around her moved from her path. Some nodded, others smiled, and still others didn’t dare make eye contact. I’m badass. Oh, shit. I almost busted my ass. Did anyone see that?

  She entered the outer office, where Allison was sitting, waiting for her arrival. “Oh, Evie.” She stood up to hug her. “You look beautiful.” She kissed Evie’s cheek before checking her hair, and adjusting her straps so that her body was displayed perfectly. “He’s in his office, and he is in a shitty mood. Only you can fix this.” Evie nodded and headed into the office. “The food will be delivered in about an hour.”

  “Got it. Thanks, Allison.” Evie quietly pushed the door open and entered.

  “Dammit!” Dylan yelled as he raked his fingers through his dark hair. Dressed all in black, he stood with his hands on his hips, yelling. “This is not how we do things. The play areas have to be cleaned after each use, and quickly. Why are the ‘need to be cleaned’ signs hanging in almost every area?” He stood before his janitorial manager, some of her crew, and Chris when Evie walked up behind him. He’s throwing a tantrum. Normally, Dylan could sense when she entered a room, but now he was so off his game that he didn’t notice her presence. “I’ve never seen it like this. It’s just sloppy.” He turned his attention to Chris. “Is this what happens when I’m not watching?”

  “It’s just the result of a series of unfortunate events,” Chris said. Evie’s entrance caused him to stutter a bit before continuing. “A…A large crowd and a number of employees are out sick, so we’re a bit shorthanded. We’ll get it taken care of, but it’s difficult for the job to get done when you call everyone here to yell at us.”

  Dylan inhaled, prepared to unleash on his friend when he felt his Hope grab the little finger on the hand that was firmly planted on his hip. Instantly, the ire subsided. The people in the room looked around at each other. Even Chris’s eyebrows furrowed as he watched his friend’s reaction to his sub’s touch.

  “Well, fine. Get back to work everyone,” he said before turning to look into her eyes. The staff filed out of the room, some smiling at Evie as they went.

  “You have quite an impact on him,” Chris said to Evie as he took her other hand into his. “The staff appreciates it.” He smiled before brushing her knuckles with his lips. “I appreciate it. Keeping him calm is a full-time job. I’m glad you’re back.”

  “Go away,” Dylan said emphatically.

  “I’m gone, brother,” Chris said before slapping him on the shoulder and retreating. Evie turned toward him as he moved to leave.

  “Master Chris,” Evie called to him.

  “Oh…my…” Dylan caught a glimpse of the back of her negligee. “I need to sit down.” Evie turned back to Dylan, giving Chris a full view of her nude back.

  “Aw, shit, man. I need to sit down, too,” Chris said. “You look beautiful. I think I’m a bit jealous.”

  Evie knelt down next to Dylan where he sat on the sofa, staring at her. “I just wanted to apologize for saying that you weren’t man enough to keep me from Dylan. I really didn’t mean it. I was angry and scared. ”

  “I know.” He turned to leave. “And you’re forgiven…this time.” He exited the room.

  “I missed you.” She looked up at Dylan. His Hope reached out to touch his knee. As soon as she made contact, he snatched her up into his lap.

  “You look good enough to eat.” He started kissing her lips, cheeks, eyelids, ears, and neck, all the way down to her breasts. “Where in the world did you find this delightfully sexy dress?”

  “Allison,” they said in unison.

  “Of course,” he said with a smile as he continued to plant kisses.

  “Dylan.” He heard his Hope call his name, but he did not even pause. “Master.”

  “Yes, Hope.” He lifted his head and looked into her eyes.

  “I missed you more than I can express.” She was starting to tear up. “I didn’t want to cry.” She wiped away the tear that spilled over.

  “Cry, my love.” He kissed the spot on her cheek where the tear landed. “As long as these are tears of joy.”

  “Dylan!” She cried and wrapped her arms around him. “I missed you so much.”

  He pulled her closer to him, tucking her head under his chin. He took a deep breath, not wanting her to see the pain and longing in his eyes. Being separated from her was more painful than losing Anne, something he loathed admitting to himself, but was nonetheless very true. “We won’t ever be apart again. I jumped to conclusions based upon information I received, and the fact that I knew you were not being completely honest. I could have handled it differently.” He kissed her forehead. “I love you, Hope.”

  “I love you, too, Dylan.” She smiled. I love you with my whole heart. I love this place,” she said as she looked around the room. “I love being in your arms. I love being close to you. I love that you have my heart.” She looked into his eyes as she poured out her heart. “I’ve loved you for a long time but was afraid to say anything.”

  “Why?”

  “Every time I’ve said the words to someone, bad things happen. With you, too.” She snuggled closer to him.

  “I know, but that’s over.” He sat her up, pulling her legs apart so she could straddle his thighs. “Listen to me.” He cupped her cheeks with his hands. “What happened to us is over. Like you said, I overreacted and didn’t give you the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t trust you. That will never happen again.” His dark eyes seemed to pierce her soul. “Do you understand me, Hope?”

  “Yes, Master, I understand you,” she whispered. Pressed against his chest, her face inches from his, she could feel his heartbeat. “I’m yours. And you are mine.”

  “Yes, I am that.” He smiled. He moved the inch or two that he needed to in order to place his lips to hers. The kiss was a soft as a feather. “We have a lot of things to talk about, but we’ll save that for later. Right now, I want to tell you that I love you.”

  “I love you,” she said, reaching up to place her hands over his. It was her turn to move the inches needed for connection. She grabbed his bottom lip between hers, sucking lightly before licking his top lip gently. Her tongue coaxed his to come out and play. She turned her head to place it on his chest, just under his chin. Perfectly content to stay there forever, she closed her eyes, inhaling his scent. Other plans prevented her from remaining there for too long. “I asked Chef Hugo to prepare a tasting menu for us.”

  “You did?” he asked, smiling.

  “I did.” She lifted her head to look at him. “It’s being delivered to your apartment.”

  “So…you’re saying that we need to go?” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

  “Yes, we do,” she said. “But before we go, I have something for you.” She lifted the bangle-laden chain over her head. “I picked this out for you because I want everyone to know.”

  “To know what, Hope?” he asked, still smiling down at her.

  “That you’re mine.” She unlocked the bangle using the tiny key, but paused.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, smile gone.

  “I didn’t ask whether or not this was ap
propriate. I guess I just realized that you might not want to wear something that denotes…ownership.” She looked down at the bangle in her hand. “How stupid.”

  “Hope”—he again cupped her face in his hands—“do not ever call yourself stupid again. You are anything but stupid. In fact, I think you’re brilliant. You trained with some of the greatest pianists in the world, and became a master yourself.” She opened her mouth to speak, but he silenced her. “And you keep the clinic running for JJ, although he’ll never admit it.”

  “You’re giving me too much credit,” she said softly.

  “No, my Hope,” he said, black eyes staring into green. “You haven’t gotten enough credit in your life. I want to see you do the thing you love almost as much as you love me.” He smiled, showing the dimple that Evie adored. “I want to see you perform on stage, playing some tune that you love, just for me.” He reached down to kiss her. “And Hope…I am yours.”

  The tears flowed freely as Evie reached for his right hand. She rolled up the sleeve on his black shirt and placed the bangle around his wrist, locking it in place. “Thank you,” she said.

  “For?”

  “For making me see who I really am and helping me to become more than I am.” She smiled through the tears. They remained still, their eyes locked, breathing in unison.

  “I’m honored that you have given yourself to me. I’ll cherish your gifts, forever.” He kissed her nose, her cheek, and her forehead. “Now…I want you naked in my bed.”

  “Before we go to the apartment, can we walk through the club?” She asked as he rose, taking her with him. “I want to be seen with you.” He laughed a little. “Is that vanity?”

  “It is.” He set her down and rolled up the other sleeve. “But there’s nothing wrong with showing off every once in a while. C’mon.”

  Taking his Hope by the hand, Dylan sauntered out of the office, maneuvering through the halls until they arrived on the main floor. Ben was the first one to greet them, shaking Dylan’s hand and kissing Evie’s cheek. “Damn, you look good. Doesn’t she, Allison?” Ben stepped aside, allowing Allison to step forward.