Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
MELODY
S unlight streams through unfamiliar curtains as I stretch in Malik's bed. His scent surrounds me, cedar and something spicier that clings to the sheets and fills my lungs with every breath. The events of last night flood back in vivid detail.
His lips on mine. His hands on my thighs. The way he lifted me onto the counter like I weighed nothing.
"Holy shit," I whisper to the empty room, pressing my fingers to my lips.
I kissed Sage's dad. And it was the hottest kiss of my life.
The smell of coffee drifts under the door, confirming he's already awake.
I slip from bed, grab my clothes from yesterday and duck into the attached bathroom.
The mirror reflects a woman I barely recognize.
My lips still look slightly swollen, my eyes bright with something that looks suspiciously like happiness.
After a quick shower, I dress and attempt to tame my curls into submission. The woman staring back at me now looks more like the Melody I know, except for that persistent gleam in her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I open the bedroom door and step into the hallway. The sound of Malik's voice reaches me, low and serious. He's on the phone, his broad back to me as he stands at the kitchen window.
"I don't care what it takes," he says. "Find out who hired him and what exactly he's looking for."
He turns as I enter, his dark eyes finding mine immediately. Something flashes across his face, too quick to name.
"She's up now. We'll be there in an hour," he says into the phone before ending the call. "Good morning."
"Morning," I reply, suddenly shy. "Is everything okay?"
Malik places his phone on the counter, his expression carefully neutral. "Jake's team is still tracking the PI. I thought I'd take you in to work with me today. You'll be safer there than the cabin if he decides to come looking."
Just like that, we're back to business. No mention of the kiss that rocked my world last night. No acknowledgment of the promise to talk about what's happening between us.
"Coffee?" he asks, already reaching for a mug.
"Please." I take a seat at the counter, watching him move with that same efficient grace that first caught my attention. "So, what's the plan? Hide me away at the club all day?"
He slides a steaming mug toward me, black with a cartoon cat giving the middle finger. It's so incongruous with his serious demeanor that I nearly laugh.
"Not hiding," he corrects. "Strategic relocation. The club has better security than the cabin."
"And what am I supposed to do while you work?" I wrap my hands around the mug, savoring its warmth.
"That depends." He leans against the counter, studying me over his own coffee. "How serious were you last night about wanting to learn more about the lifestyle?"
Heat floods my cheeks. "You're offering to teach me about BDSM?"
"I'm offering you education, not participation." His voice remains steady, but his eyes darken slightly. "There's a private classroom at Club Crimson for newcomers. Books, videos, discussions. All very clinical and above board."
"And if I want more than clinical?" The words escape before I can stop them.
Malik sets his mug down with deliberate care. "One step at a time, Melody. Education first. Decisions later."
I want to press him, to remind him of our kiss, of the promise to talk today. But something in his stance suggests this isn't the time. "Okay. Education it is."
He nods once, satisfied. "Eat something. We leave in thirty."
The drive to Club Crimson takes us deeper into the mountains, along winding roads that showcase breathtaking views. Malik drives with one hand on the wheel, confident and relaxed. I steal glances at his profile, wondering what he's thinking behind that stoic expression.
"You can ask," he says suddenly, not taking his eyes off the road.
"Ask what?"
"Whatever questions are making you fidget like that."
I hadn't realized I was fidgeting, I still my hands in my lap. "I was just wondering if you regret last night."
The Jeep slows slightly as he takes a curve. "No. I don't regret it."
"Then why are you acting like it didn't happen?"
He glances at me briefly before returning his attention to the road. "Because we agreed to talk about it later, when we're both clear-headed. And because there are more pressing concerns right now, like keeping you safe."
"So, we will talk about it?"
"Yes." The single word carries weight. "But first, let's get you someplace secure."
Club Crimson emerges from the forest like something from a fantasy, all glass and timber rising organically from the mountainside. The parking lot is only half full, discreet luxury cars spaced widely apart.
"Most members come for evening events," Malik explains as he parks. "Daytime is quieter, mostly staff and a few regulars who use the wellness facilities."
He leads me to a side entrance, badging us through security doors and down a corridor that's more upscale hotel than sex club. The air smells faintly of sandalwood and leather, the lighting warm and intimate without being sleazy.
"This is the public area," he explains as we pass what appears to be a high-end spa reception. "The Crimson Refuge wellness retreat is our cover. Legitimate services, just not our primary business."
We take an elevator to the third floor, and the atmosphere shifts subtly. The hallway is wider, with art on the walls that hints at the building's true purpose without being explicit. Abstract paintings of ropes and curves that could be interpreted many ways.
Malik stops at a door marked "Library" and swipes his badge. "Welcome to Crimson Education," he says, holding the door for me.
The room inside surprises me. It's beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, comfortable seating areas, and several computer stations. There's nothing overtly sexual about it, though a closer look at the book titles reveals the specialized nature of the collection.
"This is where all new members start," Malik explains, moving to a central desk where a woman with a sleek black bob and stylish glasses looks up.
"Malik," she greets him warmly. "This is unexpected."
"Dr. Tru, this is Melody Washington. She's interested in learning the basics." His tone is professional, giving nothing away. "Melody, Dr. Maya Tru is our resident therapist and education coordinator."
Dr. Tru extends her hand, her smile genuine. "Pleasure to meet you, Melody. First time exploring?"
"Yes," I admit, oddly comforted by her matter-of-fact manner. "Very new to all this."
"Everyone starts somewhere." She turns to Malik. "Private tutorial or self-guided?"
He glances at me. "Your choice."
"Private, please," I decide. "If that's okay."
Dr. Tru nods. "I have an hour before my next appointment. Malik, will you be joining us?"
Something flashes in his eyes, quickly masked. "I have security matters to attend to. I'll check back in an hour."
Before I can process the disappointment of his departure, he leans close, his lips near my ear. "Remember, education only today. No practical applications without me present."
The possessive edge in his voice sends a shiver down my spine. "Yes, sir."
He straightens, eyes darkening at my response. Without another word, he turns and leaves the room, the door closing quietly behind him.
Dr. Tru watches this exchange with professional interest. "Well," she says, "that was illuminating."
The next hour passes in a blur of information.
Dr. Tru is an excellent teacher, explaining concepts clearly and without judgment.
She covers the basics of consent, negotiation, and communication before moving into different dynamics and relationships.
I ask questions freely, surprised by how comfortable I feel discussing these topics with a stranger.
"You're a natural student," she comments as our time draws to a close. "May I ask what sparked your interest?"
I consider the question carefully. "I've always been curious. But recently, I met someone who makes me want to explore more deeply."
"Someone experienced in the lifestyle?"
"Very," I confirm, thinking of Malik's confident dominance even in our brief interactions.
Dr. Tru nods thoughtfully. "A word of advice, if I may. New relationships and new dynamics can be intoxicating. Remember that you can be submissive in the bedroom without surrendering your agency outside of it."
"Is that a common mistake?"
"More common than you'd think." She hands me a small stack of books she's selected. "These should help. Basic guides, personal accounts, ethical considerations. And my card, if you have questions."
I'm leafing through one of the books when the door opens and Malik returns. His eyes immediately find mine, assessing.
"Productive session?" he asks, looking between us.
"Very," Dr. Tru replies. "Melody is a quick study. I've recommended some reading material and offered my services for future discussions."
Malik nods, his expression giving nothing away. "Thank you, Maya."
"My pleasure." She gathers her notes. "Remember what we discussed, Melody. Especially about communication and boundaries."
After she leaves, Malik moves closer, examining the books in my hands. "Decent selections. How are you feeling?"
"Overwhelmed. Intrigued." I meet his gaze directly. "Ready for that talk we promised each other."
His mouth quirks up at one corner. "Direct I see."
"Is that a problem?"
"No." He takes the books from my hands, setting them aside. "It's one of the things I like about you."
The admission, small as it is, makes my heart rate kick up. "What else do you like about me?"
Malik steps closer, his presence filling my senses. "Your courage. Your curiosity. The way you don't back down from challenges."
"Even when the challenge is you?"
"Especially then." His hand rises to cup my cheek, thumb tracing my lower lip. "I warned you last night that I'm not a safe choice, Melody."
I lean into his touch. "I'm tired of playing it safe."