Chapter 6 Sydney
SIX
SYDNEY
“One more drink for me,” I say, extending the now half-gone bottle of water I grabbed from the refrigerator on my way back from the bathroom.
I know it caught him off guard when I removed the spent condom, threw it into the trash, and returned with a washcloth to clean him up—and again when I ordered him to drink—but as his domme, it’s my job to ensure he gets enough aftercare.
I really fucking like this guy as a partner, and I’d love to play together again, so I don’t want him to leave with any bad feelings.
He raises a lazy brow, taking another sip before leaning right back into the mountain of pillows behind him.
“You know I don’t need this shit, right?
I’m familiar with sub drop, and I can tell you right now that I’m nowhere near it.
So why don’t you stop being so damn bossy and let me hold you for a minute? Or is that not allowed, either?”
I roll my eyes, taking the bottle from his hand, setting it on the bedside table, and curling up next to him. He immediately pulls me in, dropping a kiss to the crown of my head as he tightens the embrace.
“It’s obviously allowed, smart-ass,” I reply with a smirk that I’m glad he can’t see.
I have no problem cuddling after scenes if whoever I’m with wants that, but I’m used to doing the holding as they slowly return to their baseline.
It feels a bit strange to have his arms wrapped around me right now, but I like the way it feels.
“But I can’t kiss you,” he states. “What’s up with that?”
I shrug. “It’s not that I don’t kiss. I do.
But just because I prefer unconventional ways of getting my needs fulfilled doesn’t mean I don’t have the same desires as other women my age.
Kissing is something I only share with people I have a deeper connection with, and I never do it on a first encounter.
It’s dumb, but it’s just kinda my thing. ”
He takes a slow breath. “It’s not dumb. I get it. Good thing I’m going to be in Cleveland for a bit. Maybe I’ll earn a kiss from you before I leave.”
My heart flips as butterfly wings tickle the inside of my stomach. I wasn’t expecting this guy to be as sweet as he is. I guess maybe I judged him based on the way he looks—and the revved-up attitude he had when he walked through the door—but there seems to be more to him than meets the eye.
“How long are you here for?” I ask, unable to help myself. I know I said no personal information, but as long as we don’t exchange names or other details, I think it’s okay.
He sucks his teeth, and I feel the muscles in his body pull tight.
“About a year, hopefully less. I was transferred here from Florida, but the company I’m working for now is a fucking joke.
My new co-workers are washed up and have no idea what it takes to succeed.
They’ll be a laughingstock by next year, mark my words.
If I had a choice in the matter, there’s no way I’d have come here willingly.
” He pauses, looking down at me. “No offense. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’re the best part of this city. ”
My cheeks burn, and I have to bite my lip to stifle a smile. I normally don’t fall for this type of charm, but there’s something about a man who seems to be mad at the world, yet he’s lying here saying things that make me want to kick my feet like an idiot.
Yikes, Syd. Reel it in.
“That’s because you’ve never had a white chocolate mocha from Brew-La-La. You’d be surprised at all the hidden gems Cleveland has tucked away.”
I squeal out a laugh when he rolls us over so he’s on top of me, his lips pressing playful kisses to my neck and shoulder.
This is crossing a line. Conversation and cuddling are a part of aftercare, but not like this.
It’s too fun—too intimate—yet I can’t bring myself to put an end to it.
I wonder if he’s like this with his submissives, playing and flirting before sending them on their way.
The thought makes everything in me deflate for a reason I definitely don’t care to unpack right now.
“I’d much rather taste you than some stupid coffee.
” A hint of a boyish grin tugs at one corner of his mouth, making it impossible to stay in my own head for long.
He’s too hot—smells too good—to focus on anything else.
His hand finds my cheek, the tip of his thumb ghosting over it gently.
Like a magnet to metal, I mindlessly lean in, barely even aware that our faces are just inches apart until his warm breath dances across my lips.
It takes actual willpower not to give in and erase the millimeters between us, but I manage, telling myself that if we’re meant to see each other again, we will.
“I should go,” I whisper. “I have a meeting tomorrow.”
His shoulders slump forward, and he swallows, pulling away both physically and emotionally.
The smile that reached his eyes just moments ago is merely a memory, the mask of professionalism slipping back over his expression as he nods tightly.
It sucks, but it’s better this way. I’m feeling oddly connected to him already, and I need to slow things down, because being this close to him is making me question every rule I’ve ever set for myself.
“Yeah, me too,” he mumbles, finding the floor with his feet before helping me up.
We move around the room quietly, gathering our belongings and cleaning the mess we made.
I enter the bathroom, undress, shove my lingerie and shoes back into my bag, and yank on my street clothes.
Normally, I wait until I’m alone to avoid my subs seeing me out of character, but this guy knows what happens behind the scenes.
We live the same lifestyle, so there’s really no point in pretending I’m not just a regular girl under all the lipstick and lace.
Tossing the strap of my duffel over my shoulder, I flip the light switch off before heading back to the main room.
He’s dressed too; all evidence of the man he just showed me hidden beneath his designer T-shirt and jeans.
He’s still absolutely gorgeous, and when he curls his finger, beckoning me closer, I don’t even hesitate to obey.
Red flags wave around in my head because I’m supposed to be in control here, but my body is completely disconnected as my feet carry me toward him.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” he laughs, his hand lifting to my waist, “but I had fun tonight. Can I see you again?”
I raise a mischievous brow. “A few hours together, and you’re ready to leave the dom life behind? Damn, I’m good.”
He rolls his eyes. “Not a chance. I was thinking maybe next time, I could cuff you to the cross and make you beg for it. I bet there’s a good girl in there somewhere, just dying to be brought out.”
I scoff, pushing at his chest, but he only tightens his grip, pulling me closer.
His brown eyes sparkle, one side of his mouth tugging into a cocky smirk that almost has me tearing all my clothes off and opting for another round.
But I know I can’t. I wasn’t lying about my meeting, and I certainly don’t want him tired for his first day on the job.
Smiling softly, I push up to my tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek. It’s a simple gesture; a way to thank him for everything he just gave me without compromising the limits I’ve set for myself.
I pull away reluctantly, stepping back until the doorknob is clutched inside my palm. “I’ll see you around, good boy.”
He lifts his chin. “Count on it, Mistress.”