Chapter Eight
“Magic,” she said.
Grant brought his head forward and looked at Aria through the steam. He’d chosen the lighting on purpose. There was enough that they could move around the yard safely, but not enough to interfere with the ambiance.
She appeared to be bathed in an ethereal glow.
Since the beating, her demeanor seemed different, more relaxed—accessible. With every new facet, he wanted to know more.
“This was a good idea,” she continued.
“One of my many.”
“That’s what I meant to say, obviously,” she teased back. Then, softly, hardly above a whisper, she said, “I can’t believe how clear it is out here.”
The storm had passed, taking all the clouds with it. Because there were few neighbors and no real city in view to create any distortion, the sky seemed to stretch endlessly, with a million stars sparkling in onyx.
“I’m rarely far enough away that I can appreciate how vast it is.” She fell silent for a minute. “I may notice a full moon, but it’s almost as if I forget how inspiring it is, how small you can feel beneath it. It’s easy for me to get caught up in work, my responsibilities and to-do lists and forget that all this exists.”
“I think we need room, space to breathe.”
“Has it worked as well as you’d hoped?”
He considered her, thought carefully about his answer. He’d told her about Kathleen, about why he’d moved here. But since Aria had shown up, he was seeing things differently. “I’m still the same person I was when I left California. I’m starting to realize that I use work to escape.” The knowledge made him a little uncomfortable.
“I’m with you. Your comment makes me wonder what life might be like if I took work less seriously, kept it in a better perspective.”
“For a while, today, we have,” he reminded her.
“And, I don’t know about you, but it made me more creative.”
“Amazing, isn’t it?”
“Did it have a similar impact on you?”
“It did,” he admitted. But what would it mean for his life if he were to make a change?
They were quiet for a few minutes. At least for him, he was looking at his choices through a different lens.
Eventually, she spoke. “The flogging…” She trailed off, hesitated. Then she closed her eyes and rested her neck against the rim of the tub. “It wasn’t at all like I’d imagined.”
He waited, letting her find her way. He hadn’t been sure she would want to talk about what they’d shared, but he was certainly curious to know what the experience had been like for her.
“I appreciated the fact you started slow. And you playing with my pussy kept me from thinking about what you were doing. But then, I’m not sure what happened. At some point it was if I wasn’t even there. Peripherally, I was aware of what you were doing, yet… It was as if it were happening to someone else and not to me. I didn’t feel pain. Just…darkness. Not in a scary way.”
“Subspace,” he said. He’d never been with a woman who’d achieved subspace under his lash. Then again, he’d never been as in tune with anyone as he was with her. It pleased him, and it gratified him.
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Some might argue whether it exists or not, but there’s no denying what you experienced. Have you ever been so absorbed by a task or project that you lose track of time? You can emerge an hour or more later and have no recollection of what happened?”
She finally looked at him. “Of course. It happened this afternoon when we were bouncing ideas off each other, brainstorming how to take Molly to a larger consumer base.”
“Same thing, I imagine. You get lost. But from erotic stimulation, mostly a beating. People I’ve heard talk about it call it bliss. Floating. I’ve generally heard that it happens through a beating of types—whips, canes, spanking. Makes sense to me that flogging is a good vehicle to achieve subspace simply because it can last longer. My hand would get tired on your ass pretty quickly, probably before you achieved subspace. Maybe with a paddle or a hairbrush,” he mused. With a cane or a crop, he’d need a light hand. Not that the experience could be repeated. It was a combination of her headspace, her relaxation and his ability to intuit what she needed and to coax and nurture her trust.
“Sounds kind of Zen.”
His experience of it anyway. “The pursuit of it makes it evasive. The non-pursuit of it is the only way to achieve it.”
“The eternal conundrum. Isn’t that what you call it?”
“I’m surprised you remember.”
“I’ve listened to every word you’ve uttered, Grant.”
He believed her. “Stay with me tonight. In my bed.”
She was silent for a minute.
He wished he could read her expression better. She couldn’t have any idea how much her response mattered to him. Until he’d issued the invitation, even he hadn’t known. He wanted her in his bed, next to him, where he knew she was safe.
“I’d like that.”
A few minutes later, he climbed from the water. He held her robe while she slipped into it, then they hurried into the house.
“Go ahead and take a shower and make sure you stay warm,” he encouraged her once they were inside the house. As always, Shadow was there, waiting. On some level, he must have recognized his lack of companionship. Why else would his first hologram have been of a dog? He’d told himself it was easier to manipulate the image of an animal, but that wasn’t the truth. Until now, he hadn’t wanted to face that truth. “I’ll straighten the dungeon—for your next visit.”
She nodded.
“Feel free to use the master bathroom.”
“Are you kidding? Even if I lived here, I’d use the guest shower. It’s amazing.”
Still in his robe, he headed back outside to tidy up. When he put away the unused nipple clamps, he was already picturing a future scene.
He picked up the flogger—his new favorite toy—and hung it back in its spot before closing the cupboard doors. After returning the cart to the closet, he nodded his satisfaction and told Molly, “Temperature at sixty degrees.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Can we override that response?”
“Ask the genius. He says it amuses him to annoy you.”
Probably some truth to that. He gathered Aria’s discarded clothing and the fuck-me-now boots. He was definitely going to take a picture of her in them. Stuff of masturbatory fantasies.
When he returned to the house, he grabbed the bottle of wine that they’d been drinking and carried it and two glasses to the bedroom.
Aria was still in the shower and he shouted at her to join him when she’d finished.
“Will do.”
Grant poured two glasses of wine and set them on the dresser before heading for the shower himself.
He was already out, dried, and dressed in a pair of lounging pants when she entered his bedroom.
She had a towel around her body and was using a second to dry her hair. “Sorry I took so long. Tankless heater. Not sure if I want one or not. I might never make it to work on time if I had one,” she admitted. “And I was wondering if you had a T-shirt I could sleep in? I don’t want to scare you off with my thermal pajamas.”
“I’m tough. It would take more than that to frighten me away.”
“Don’t be too sure,” she cautioned.
He grinned.
“They’re that scary,” she said. “I didn’t really anticipate I was coming here for mind-blowing, amazing sex.”
“Mind-blowing?” he repeated.
“And amazing.”
“I take it milady is pleased?”
“And I’m concerned that His Majesty is missing out.”
“I was afraid I might have worn you out.” He was prepared to beat-off in the shower later, if needed.
“Maybe,” she said. “Maybe not.” Her gaze had that same, melted jade quality.
Chr
ist. A single look from her caused testosterone to flood his system. She could wrap a bow around his dick and lead him anywhere. And he’d have a stupid grin on his face while he followed. Julien had been right about that, too. Dangerous women were fucking sexy. “Middle drawer of the dresser,” he said to cover his reaction. “Pick anything you want.”
She selected a soft, gray one that dwarfed her shoulders. It covered her ass. Just. Better than any lingerie.
“Good choice. A T-shirt makes it easier for me to grope you.”
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
Their gazes met. Her honesty appealed to him, another thing that kept him hard. He was definitely hungry for this woman.
He put her damp towels in the laundry basket.
“Is one of those for me?” she asked, indicating the wineglasses.
“It is.” He gave one to her then plumped the pillows and turned down the comforter.
“I didn’t know people actually did that. Well, except for fancy hotels.”
He shuddered. “You sleep under your comforter?”
“I have about a million bad habits.”
He wouldn’t mind keeping her around long enough to discover them all.
“A mint on the pillow would make it perfect.”
“You and your chocolate.”
“Not sure why we’re wasting time on the Molly project.”
“Yes?” Molly interrupted.
Aria laughed. “Sorry.”
“Standby, Molly,” Grant said.
“I miss all the fun.”
“As you were saying?” he prompted, fetching his glass.
He held Aria’s glass while she climbed onto the bed, then she did the same for him. Together they propped themselves against the headboard.
“We should forget the hologram. People need a real robot. Like a droid.”
“Something to get you chocolate so you don’t have to go to the kitchen.”
She grinned.
“Or someone,” he corrected.
“You don’t have to go, really. I’ll manage without it. Even if red wine is the perfect accompaniment.”
“That’s entrapment,” he said.
“Is it?” She shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I’m no legal expert. I’m afraid I don’t know the exact definition of the word.”
“A perfect sub would find out what her Dom wanted.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She blinked her eyelashes exaggeratedly.
“How old were you when you learned that trick?”
“I don’t know. Seven?”
Maybe she did have some idea of her power over him. And rightfully so. Any woman who responded so perfectly to him could have anything she wanted.
“Dark chocolate is best.”
“You may not know the law, but you certainly know your desserts.”
“I’m fluent.”
“Yeah. I remember.”
He put his glass on the nightstand on the way out of the room.
Since he didn’t know exactly what she’d be in the mood for, he brought back a few different selections. Her smile made the effort worth it.
She slid her glass onto the nightstand so she could unwrap a single, foil-wrapped piece of chocolate.
Watching her take a bite, close her eyes, savor it, followed by the sound of her soft whimper? Damn. She made chocolate into sex.
She licked her fingers, then her upper lip.
“You did that on purpose,” he accused.
“Could have,” she agreed, reaching for her wine. She pulled her legs toward her and rested the glass on top. “I’m definitely beginning to see the benefit of less work and more play.” She hesitated. “So, about this submissive thing…”
He wondered where she was going, whether she was going to be serious or whether she wanted to continue the slow, tantalizing seduction. Either way was fine with him.
“Tell me more about it.”
“What do you want to know, exactly?”
She turned her body a little so she could look at him better. “This chocolate thing is what I’m asking about. And the whole way you were taking care of me after the scene in the dungeon. It occurs to me that I really don’t remember you getting me down.”
He took a drink before answering. “I’m happy to get the chocolate for you, and that has nothing to do with any D/s relationship that might exist between us.”
“D/s? Is that what it’s called?”
Aria had responded so easily, so completely to his lead that it was easy for him to forget she had no previous experience. “This part of it, yes. Dominance/submission. The term BDSM is large and encompasses a lot of different things. Not everyone practices everything. Some are just into the bondage or the sadomasochism. And even in the D/s realm, there are degrees, from high protocol—meaning rigid expectations—to something less formal. A lot of people practice it in the bedroom only. Others live the lifestyle all the time. Each couple works out their own rules. So, yes, you can still be submissive to me while I get you chocolate.”
“I’m not saying I want to be,” she hedged.
“I’ll get you dessert, regardless,” he promised.
“Whew. I was concerned.” She took a sip from her glass, and he waited, wondering if she had other questions. If she weren’t intrigued on some level, she wouldn’t ask.
“So… I could choose to have a beating and a rockin’ orgasm.”
“You could. But not all Doms are as generous with that.”
“The whole ratio thing,” she mused. “Like my one dozen—”
“Surely two dozen by now.”
“At least,” she said. “To your miserly few.”
“Few?”
“Couple?”
He raised his eyebrows.
“It is a little lopsided,” she agreed, tracing her finger around the rim of the glass.
“If you go to clubs,” he explained, “or play parties, you may find Doms who are willing to engage in a scene.” Even as he spoke, the idea of another Dom lashing her, coaxing a response from her, mind and body, made something go hard in his chest. “Often, sex won’t be a part of it. In fact, in some clubs, it’s not permitted.”
“To me, the two seem indelibly tied.”
“Because of the way I introduced it. But they aren’t to a lot of people. There are some who enjoy a good rousing spanking and that’s enough for them. And there are celibate D/s relationships. There’s no right way or wrong way to do any of this. Every vanilla couple does things their own way—so do kinky couples.”
“Kinky couples,” she repeated. “I like the way that sounds.”
Yeah. So did he.
“The other day, we talked about dick worship.”
“Cock,” he corrected with a grin. “Cock worship.”
“I’m curious what that would entail.”
He was instantly erect. And he wanted her. “It might start with the sub’s hand.”
“Oh?” She put her down her glass.
For safety reasons, he did, too.
She placed her hand on his cock, and it was all he could do not to moan and let her know how much she affected him. “And the sub would very carefully watch the Dom’s reaction to see what he liked,” he said.
“Like this…?” She stroked him.
This time, he did groan. His words rough, he added, “She might make her grip a little tighter…”
For a second, she released him. Suddenly he comprehended how important touch was, understood why she’d been upset when he’d left her alone while he’d fetched a mirror.
Aria got onto her knees and faced him. She looked at him through those impossibly long eyelashes.
“Would she tell him how much she liked his cock?”
“She might. Yes.”
She stroked him, looked at him, teased him. “Would she casually mention how much she liked it when he fucked her?”
“Unless he forbade her from talking, he would probably enjoy that.” He felt a drop of pre-
cum on his cockhead.
“Would she ever use her mouth on him?”
“She would. And she’d ask permission. She might even beg to please him.”
“Please?” she said softly.
Suddenly, it was all real, him and her.
He climbed from the bed and she scrambled off, too.
“Take off the T-shirt,” he said.
She pulled it off and laid it on the mattress.
“Kneel for me, Aria.”
She did, and, as he’d earlier instructed, waited for instruction.
“Lick my balls.”
Gently, then with a little more firmness, she did. He put one hand behind her head, to cradle it.
The best she could at the angle, she continued looking at him. Her compliance aroused him even more.
With unimaginable tenderness, she sucked one testicle into his mouth, laved it then moved on to the other.
Thoroughly she licked his balls. And she pressed a finger against his perineum. He jerked.
“How did you like that?” She moved her finger back a little to tease his anus.
It could take less than ten seconds to lose control here.
“Suck my cock, little subbie.”
“Yes, Sir.” The words were sexy, and so were her actions.
She ran her tongue around his cockhead and simultaneously stroked his shaft, even as she pushed the flat part of a finger against his ass.
“You are one hot woman.”
“I like to suck you,” she said. “The way you taste.”
She stroked him with her hand and drew him farther into her mouth with each motion. She took him deeper than any other woman had, and he felt his balls draw up tight.
He’d already known this woman was dangerous to him, but he’d had no idea the exact amount of her power until this moment. He tightened his grip on her, knowing he was close. “Stop.”
Ignoring him, she continued.
“Aria…”
She drew up a little and looked at him.
“Stop.”
“Please,” she asked. She pressed her thumb against the sensitive place on the underside of his cock. “Let me please you. Let me show you how much I want you.”
He nodded. “Finish me off.”
Aria went to work, sucking, licking, swallowing as she jerked her hand up and down. She kept a finger from the other hand against his anus, increasing the pressure just a little, shoving him over the edge.
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