Chapter 9
Lucy
W hy was is so damn sexy to watch a man make fire? It felt like is woke something primal and needy in me. Whatever the reason, I was thoroughly enjoying watching Marcus as he knelt by the fireplace, carefully arranging kindling.
"What exactly do you have planned for tonight?" I asked, my voice tinged with anticipation.
Marcus glanced up, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You won't have to wait long to find out. But I promise, it'll be a night to remember."
A thrill ran through me at his words. There was an electricity in the air, a shared understanding that tonight was significant. I perched on the edge of the couch, watching as Marcus coaxed the fire to life. The flames cast flickering shadows across his handsome features.
It was wonderful to watch him work. So methodical and sure of himself.
Once satisfied with the fire, Marcus joined me on the couch. He turned to face me, his expression thoughtful. My heartbeat quickened at the intensity in his piercing blue eyes.
"So, there's something important I'd like to discuss with you," he began softly.
I swallowed hard, sensing the gravity in his tone. "What is it?"
Marcus took a deep breath. "I've been working on something. A contract, of sorts."
My eyes widened. A contract? Like the ones between Daddy Doms and Littles? I'd read about those online, but never imagined I'd be part of one myself. Excitement bubbled up inside me.
"A contract?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Marcus nodded, his gaze steady. "I want us to be on the same page about our dynamic. To establish clear boundaries and expectations."
I couldn't quite believe this was happening. My palms felt sweaty and I wiped them discreetly on my jeans. "I'd like that," I managed.
"Really?" Relief flooded Marcus's features. "I wasn't sure how you'd react."
I reached out, taking his hand in mine. "I'm excited, Marcus. Nervous too, but in a good way."
He squeezed my hand gently. "We'll go through it together, okay? Nothing's set in stone. This is about figuring out what works for us."
I nodded, a mix of anticipation and nerves fluttering in my stomach. As Marcus reached for a folder on the coffee table, I realized this truly was going to be a night to remember.
"In relationships like ours, with power dynamics, clear communication is key," he explained. "This contract isn't legally binding. It's about mutual understanding. And ultimately about trust. Because it’s not legally binding, both parties have to trust each other."
I nodded, hanging on his every word. "That makes sense."
"It helps us both feel comfortable," Marcus continued. "We'll know each other's limits and expectations. Plus, it can boost confidence. I'll know what you're into, what you're not."
A shiver ran down my spine. The idea of Marcus knowing my deepest desires, my boundaries—it was thrilling and terrifying all at once.
"What if . . ." I hesitated, then pushed on. "What if I'm not sure about something?"
Marcus's smile was reassuring. "Then we talk about it. Nothing's set in stone, Lucy. And I won’t be upset. I can promise you that."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. "Okay. I can do that."
He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was so tender, so intimate, I felt my cheeks flush.
“So,” I said, “you’re pretty knowledgeable about all this stuff?”
He gave me a funny smile. “Well, I—uh—I wouldn’t say I’m that knowledgeable," Marcus said, a hint of shyness creeping into his voice. "I did some research today. And last night, after you were asleep. Wanted to make sure I approached this the right way."
"Research?" I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
He chuckled, looking a bit sheepish. "Yeah, some sneaky Googling. I wanted to get it right, you know?"
Warmth bloomed in my chest. The thought of Marcus, hunched over his computer, carefully researching—it was oddly touching.
"That means a lot," I said softly. "That you'd put in that effort."
Marcus's eyes met mine, intense and sincere. "I want this to be good for you, Lucy. When I discipline you, or in the bedroom—I want you to enjoy it. To feel safe."
My breath caught. The way he said 'discipline' sent a jolt through me. This was really happening. And the thought of sharing a bedroom with him was making my heart race.
"I trust you," I whispered, surprised by how true it felt.
“Good. That’s what this is all about.” He squeezed my hand. "Let's go through this together, okay?"
I nodded, both nervous and excited for what was to come. I took a deep breath, my heart racing. "I'm glad you've done this," I said, meeting Marcus's eyes. "I've been thinking about it too—you know, the, uh, practicalities of the relationship, but... I wasn't sure how to bring it up."
A small, embarrassed laugh escaped me. "This is all new to me. I've never been in a relationship like this before." My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my shirt. "But knowing we're going to have everything laid out . . . it sets my mind at ease, you know?"
Marcus's gaze softened. "That's exactly why I wanted to do this," he said. "I want you to feel safe, Lucy. Understood?"
A flutter of excitement mixed with relief washed over me. The care he was putting into this, into us—it made me feel valued in a way I hadn't expected.
Marcus leaned forward, reaching for something on the coffee table. "I found a template we can use as a starting point," he said, picking up a neatly organized folder.
My eyebrows raised. Of course he'd have everything perfectly arranged.
"But," he continued, holding the folder out to me, "I want us to go through it together. Tailor it to fit us."
I reached for the folder, my fingers brushing against his as I took it. The brief contact sent a shiver through me, intimate in a way that surprised me. This was more than just paperwork—it was trust, made tangible.
"Together," I echoed softly, clutching the folder to my chest. "I like the sound of that."
I opened the folder, the crisp pages rustling as I spread them out on the coffee table. Marcus leaned in close, his warmth radiating against my side.
"How do you envision our roles?" he asked, his blue eyes searching mine.
I bit my lip, considering. "I want to fully embrace my 'little' side," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "To feel safe, cared for. Like I can let go of all the adult worries for a while, you know?"
Marcus nodded, a gentle smile playing at his lips. "And I want to be that safe place for you," he said. "To nurture and protect."
My heart swelled. This was exactly what I'd been craving, even if I hadn't known how to ask for it.
"What about day-to-day stuff?" I asked. "Like, do we check in every morning? Or . . ."
"We could," Marcus mused. "Maybe a good morning text? You know, if we’re not staying at the same place. And I'd like to know how your day's going, make sure you're taking care of yourself."
I grinned. "What, making sure I eat my vegetables?"
He chuckled, but his eyes were serious. "Among other things. Your well-being matters to me, Lucy."
We continued down the list, discussing routines and ways to support each other. It felt surreal, but in the best way possible.
Then Marcus's tone grew more serious. "Now, we need to talk about hard limits," he said. "Things that are absolutely off the table. It's crucial that we both feel safe. Please, be honest about anything you're uncomfortable with."
I nodded, grateful for his directness. "Well," I started, feeling a blush creep up my neck, "I'm not into humiliation. At all. And public stuff is a big no for me."
Marcus jotted down notes, his expression neutral but attentive. "Completely understandable," he said. "Those are off-limits for me too. I'd also add anything involving bodily fluids beyond the basics."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. His openness made it easier for me to be honest too.
"This feels good," I said softly. "Like we're really building something solid here."
Marcus reached over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "That's the goal," he murmured.
I squeezed back, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the crackling fire.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the next part. "So, um . . . soft limits?" I ventured, my voice barely above a whisper.
Marcus nodded, his blue eyes gentle. "Things we might consider with time and increased trust," he explained. "No pressure at all."
I bit my lip, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "There are some things I'm curious about but not ready to try just yet," I admitted.
His smile was reassuring. "That's perfectly okay. We can always revisit them later."
My cheeks burned as I forced out the words. "Like . . . bum stuff. Anal," I said quickly. "I'm kinda curious, but it's definitely a soft limit for now."
Marcus made a note, his expression neutral. "Noted. Thank you for being honest, Lucy."
We marked a few more items, the air between us charged with potential. Then Marcus cleared his throat.
"How do you feel about incorporating discipline into our dynamic?" he asked carefully. “You enjoyed the spanking, I think?”
“Understatement of the year.”
“I got that impression.”
“It wasn’t just the feeling of it,” I said. “Afterward, it was like I was . . . cleansed. Free.”
I paused, really thinking it through. My mind flashed to all the times I'd doubted myself, how adrift I'd felt since Dad died.
"I think more discipline could help me," I said slowly. "With self-doubt and staying grounded.
Marcus's eyes lit up. "I’m so happy to hear that. And just like we spoke about before, it’s about discipline, not punishment. Never to harm or belittle."
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. "That sounds . . . really good, actually," I admitted.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself as we reached the section on physical intimacy. My cheeks flushed, but I pushed through the embarrassment.
"I want us to be open about what we're comfortable with," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
Marcus nodded encouragingly. "That's exactly right. Let's take it step by step."
We started with the basics - hand holding, cuddling. Easy stuff. But as we moved deeper into the contract, my heart raced.
"Kissing?" Marcus asked softly.
I gave him a disbelieving look. "Yes," I breathed, memories of our heated moments flooding back. “I think you probably know that I’m into it.”
“I just want to be sure, and take things slowly. I want to make sure that you have the chance to think things through. I care about you, and if you decided that you just wanted to be little with me, and not be physical, that’s tot—”
“I have a massive crush on you,” I said, trying not to squirm. “I want to jump your fricking bones, Daddy.”
He gave me a wicked smile. Damn he was so handsome. “That’s good to hear.”
As we read further, I frowned at an unfamiliar term. "What's 'sensory play'?" I asked.
Marcus's eyes lit up. "It's about engaging or depriving certain senses to heighten others," he explained. "Like using a blindfold to make touch more intense. Always with care and consent, of course."
I nodded, fascinated. "That sounds... interesting," I admitted, a shiver running through me at the possibilities.
We spoke about other exotic things I’d never heard of before. Cock worship. Pegging. Orgasm denial.
I surprised myself by how much I was agreeing to. But I really did want to explore this all with him.
As the night wore on, we delved deeper into the contract, our conversation flowing naturally between serious topics and lighter moments. Finally, we reached the last page.
Marcus looked at me, his expression soft. "How do you feel?"
I took a moment to really consider. "I feel . . . good," I said, surprising myself with how true it was. "Secure. Excited for what's to come."
His smile widened. "I'm glad. Remember, this is a living document. We can adjust it anytime as we grow together."
"Together," I repeated, loving how it sounded.
"Now we just need to decide on your safeword. You know what that is?”
“Mmmhmm. I think ‘home’ is a good choice. What do you think?”
“Perfect.”
As Marcus stood to make copies, I couldn't help but marvel at how far we'd come. From strangers to . . . this. Whatever this was, it felt right. It felt like the start of something amazing.
The firelight danced across Marcus's face, casting shadows that accentuated his strong jawline. My heart raced as I looked up from the contract, meeting his intense blue gaze. The air between us crackled with electricity, thick with unspoken possibilities.
"I'm really glad we're doing this," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the soft pop and hiss of the fire.
Marcus reached out, his calloused hand enveloping mine. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down my spine. "Me too," he replied, his deep voice rumbling through me.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from his. There was something different in the way he looked at me now—a heated intensity that made my breath catch. We'd crossed a line tonight, and there was no going back.
"Lucy," Marcus murmured, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "May I kiss you?"
My heart leapt into my throat. This was it —the moment I'd been both craving and terrified of. I nodded, not trusting my voice.
Marcus leaned in slowly, giving me time to change my mind. But I didn't want to change my mind. I wanted this—wanted him—more than I'd ever wanted anything.
His lips met mine, soft and questioning at first. I melted into the kiss, my free hand coming up to cup his cheek. As the kiss deepened, a small whimper escaped me.
Marcus pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. "Okay?" he asked, his breath warm against my lips.
"More than okay," I whispered back, already aching to kiss him again.
A slow smile spread across his face. "Good," he said, before capturing my lips once more.
This time the kiss was more urgent, filled with the desperate need to connect on a deeper level. His hand cradled the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair as he drew me closer. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, the strength in his arms as he held me close.
As our tongues danced together, I felt a wave of desire wash over me. I reached down, my hand finding its way to his hip, feeling the hard outline of his erection through his pants. I gripped him tightly, needing to feel him against me.
When we finally parted, both slightly breathless, I couldn't stop the giddy laugh that bubbled up. "Wow," I said, grinning like an idiot.
Marcus chuckled, the sound sending warmth spreading through my chest. "Wow indeed," he agreed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
I leaned into his touch, savoring the moment. "So . . . what happens now?" I asked, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling in my stomach.
"Now," Marcus said, his eyes twinkling, "we take things one step at a time. No rush, baby girl. We have all the time in the world."
I swallowed heavily. “Whatever you say, Daddy.”