Chapter 15
FLEX
Gracie is asleep in my arms by the time we reach Celest’s house. This is nothing like I thought today was going to play out—it’s much better. That, in itself, is unsettling. I need to talk it out, and Celest isn’t the person to do that with. I told her I want to get to know her better. I can’t tell her it scares the crap out of me.
Celest shows me to Gracie’s room, and I lay her down before pulling up the covers. I always loved when my mom would tuck me in at night. It’s been so long since I’ve let myself remember those quiet moments. I swallow past the lump in my throat and follow Celest back out to the living room.
“I should get going,” I say, running my fingers through my hair. I feel—I’m not sure—nervous?
“Okay.” Her voice is small, uncertain.
I turn my attention to her mom. “It was great to meet you, Nora. That you for letting me steal your daughter for a little while today and welcoming me into your home.”
“It was lovely to meet you. I hope you’ll come back and visit soon.”
“If your daughter will let me.” I’m not sure if I’ll get an invite after today. I was a dick, just showing up here, thinking I knew anything about her life.
“I’ll walk you out,” Celest interjects. I guess I have my answer. She’s shuffling me out of her home as fast as she can.
There’s an uneasiness in my chest as we head outside and over to my bike. She doesn’t say anything, her hands tucked in her pockets. Fuck.
“You have a lovely home, pet.”
“Don’t patronize me, Flex. I know it’s shit compared to yours, but I’m putting a roof over Gracie’s head, and I’m doing the best I can to save enough to move to a better neighborhood. We weren’t all born with a silver spoon in our mouth.”
“Whoa. Hold the fuck up. You’re way out of line right now.”
“Am I?” she says with conviction, and it just pisses me off more.
“Yeah. Everything I have I’ve worked my ass off for. I have been on my own since… well, it doesn’t even matter. I was paying you a compliment. You do have a nice home. Your mom is a sweet lady, and Gracie…”
“She’s…” I can tell she’s going on the defensive, so I reach up and put a finger over her mouth.
“Don’t make me punish you. What I was going to say was that Gracie is amazing. She’s so smart and cute as a button. You’re obviously doing a great job as a mom.”
“It doesn’t feel like it.” Her eyes are glassy with unshed tears, and I can’t control myself. Stepping up to her, I lean in, my lips a whisker away from hers, waiting for permission.
“Celest, I…” She closes the distance, silencing me as her lips find mine. I dart my tongue out to meet hers in a slow, sensual stroke. I keep my hands to myself, cautious not to spook her. I could stand here forever in this moment, kissing her with an emotion that feels foreign to me.
When we finally come up for air, I’m left bereft. If I could, I’d take her inside, strip her, and worship her body all night long, but that’s not her reality, so it can’t be mine.
“I should go inside.” She’s breathless, the rise and fall of her chest against mine giving away how affected we both are .
“I want you in my playroom this week.”
“I’ll have to let you know. I only spend one night there because Gracie needs me.”
“Then, let me take you out to lunch. Dalton gives you time to eat, right?”
“Yes. I have a busy week, so I’ll take a look at my calendar and see what day works.”
“It’s a date.”
“Flex.” She’s about to chastise me, so I steal another kiss before getting on my bike and slipping my helmet on.
“Think of me when you touch yourself to alleviate the ache between your legs.”
“I don’t have an ache.” She attempts to play it cool.
“Are you telling me that if I slide my hand into your panties, you won’t be wet for me?” Her cheeks flush, and my work here is done. I shut the visor and roar my motorcycle to life. She stands with her arms crossed, trying not to smile, but she looks radiant.
As I navigate my way out of her neighborhood, I notice a car that was parked outside her house is behind me. It’s not a big deal, but their lights are off. They probably just forgot to switch them on, but the Navy SEAL in me is always on high alert.
I enjoy the ride back to the city, but my mind is percolating every detail of my day with Celest. I want to get information on every one of her neighbors to make sure she’s safe. I don’t want to overstep, but I invade people’s privacy for a living. I’m just overly cautious. It’s not like there were shots fired or drug dealers on the street. I tell myself that I’ll hold off for now. The more time I spend with her, the better I will be able to assess the situation.
When I hit the Washington Bridge, I contemplate stopping in at the club, but I’m not really in the mood, knowing that Celest won’t be there.
By the time I make it to my place and park my bike in the underground garage, I find myself pulling out my phone with a smile on my face, typing out a message to Celest.
Me: Thanks for hanging out with me today, pet. I had a great time.
Celest Monroe: Really?
Me: We need to work on your confidence outside of Venom. You’re so self-assured when you’re on the voyeur floor. Why doesn’t it translate into the rest of your life?
The doors to the elevator ping open, and I step inside, punching in the code for my penthouse. As the doors begin to close, I see someone stepping out from the shadows and looking straight at me.
My phone beeps with a new message from Celest, diverting my attention.
Celest Monroe: Because no one outside of Venom sees me that way. Too much has happened. I’ve made too many bad choices. I’m nothing special when I step out of the club.
Me: I disagree. I’d say you’re all the more special now that I’ve seen what you hide from other people.
I wait for her to answer as the elevator opens, and I fish out my keys and get inside. I go straight to my laptop and pull up the security cameras for the garage. My firm oversees this building. I don’t trust anyone else with my safety.
When I watch the footage from a few minutes ago, I can see someone step out from the shadows, but they are careful to shield their face. From their approximate height and build, I’m certain it’s a man. After the doors closed with me in the elevator, whoever he is walked over to my bike but didn’t touch it. Then, another car drove in, and he was out of view.
One thing is for sure—they don’t want to be seen. I’m going to bump security up in the garage. There are some nice cars in this building, so I’m not surprised at seeing someone scoping out the garage, but I pride myself on keeping all residents safe, not just myself.
I put in a quick call to my second-in-command, Luther.
“Hey, boss.”
“Hey, Luther. Can you arrange for some extra security for my building?”
“Sure. What’s going on?”
“Saw someone casing the garage. There are a few blind spots down there, so let’s go ahead and add some more cameras to get rid of them. Also, add some motion lights. This person was able to get in and stay in the shadows and camera blind spots.”
“I’m on it. Did you get any details?”
“Rough height. Definitely male. I’ll send you the footage right now. Nothing I can use for facial recognition.”
“I’ll have everything up and running before you get up in the morning, boss.”
“Thanks, Luther.”
“No problem. Do you want a briefing tomorrow on what is installed?”
“Yeah. I’ll swing by your building around nine.”
“Sounds good. Rest easy. I’m dispatching our best as we speak.”
“Perfect.”
“Goodnight, Flex.”
“Night.”
When I end the call, I have a message from Celest.
Celest Monroe: Remember our agreement.
It’s time to change her contact information on my phone.
Me: I know. You don’t want me to romance you or fall in love with you.
My Pet: Exactly. I know my single-mom status and mediocre housing is a turn-on, but try to control yourself.
Me: Nothing about you is mediocre, pet. I’m more concerned that after sampling my dick, you’re ruined for any other man. In fact, maybe that’s exactly what I want to ruin you for any other Dom.
My Pet: We’re done.
I don’t bother texting, instantly calling her phone, but she doesn’t answer. She’s got to be kidding right now. I’m waiting for some witty joke, but it doesn’t come. It takes everything in me not to jump back on my bike and return to her place, but she’s obviously spooked.
Instead, I head up to my apartment and lose myself in work for a few hours, the shadow in the garage putting me on edge. I watch the current security cameras, and in the end, I head back down to where my motorcycle is parked. In the elevator, I tap out a quick message and send it before I second-guess myself.
Me: If I said anything to upset you, I’m sorry, pet.
Shoving my phone in my pocket, I step out into a now very well-lit parking garage. My guys are all busy working, and Luther came to oversee everything.
“Hey, boss. We’re almost done. Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”
“Things on my mind.”
“Whoever this person is, they won’t be able to skulk around down here again. We’ve got the entire place covered, all entrances and exits. There’s nowhere to hide. If they come back, we’ll know about it.”
“Maybe I’m just being paranoid. It’s been… a day.” My stomach sinks, knowing that Celest and I seem to have differing opinions on how today played out. It pisses me off that I’m bothered. I’m always the laid-back one. Honestly, it’s a dick thing to say, but I’ve never cared about a sub outside of the club. I keep it simple.
That’s where I’m fucking lying to myself. I lied to Celest. Not intentionally, but here we are—friends with benefits—and I’m catching feelings. Me. Flex Navarro. What the fuck is going on? I don’t recognize the man I was today.
The worst part is Celest doesn’t recognize me either. She is so much more than I thought she was going into this, but she wants exactly what I offered, and I can’t blame her for that. What I felt today when I made her submit in the churro café—fuck me.
I walk around the area where I saw the stranger tonight. There are no shadows to hide in now, but something sits uneasy in my gut. I’m going to be keeping a close eye on this for a while. I just want to make sure it was a one-off.
Luther appears at my side. “I’ve got this covered. You don’t need to be down here. You look fucking beat. No offense.” He always gives it to me straight up. Luther doesn’t know the meaning of ‘sugar coating.’ It’s one of the things I admire about him.
“I know you do. I’m just…”
“It must be work-related. I’ve never seen you get bent out of shape over a woman.” He laughs, but his face sobers when my expression gives me away. “Shut the fuck up! Flex… you’re in love. You really do have a heart.”
“Love? Fuck no. I don’t do that shit. Just an annoying fascination.”
“Is it reciprocated?” It’s a valid question that I don’t like the answer to.
“No. She likes that I can fuck her the way she wants it, but that’s where her need for me ends.”
“So, you have to win her over like the rest of us mere mortals.” That makes me laugh. Do I have such an inflated view of myself?
Yes.
I always assume a sub wants more from me. I’m the one who terminates contracts. Seeing Celest getting herself off—I didn’t even hesitate for a moment to think twice about cutting in on Viv’s scene or consider the fact that Celest might turn me down.
“I guess so.” I chuckle. “On that note, I’m going to head upstairs.”
“The cameras are being linked to our surveillance software right now. You should be able to login and see the feed within the next hour or so.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Luther.”
“No problem.” With that, I enter the elevator and return to my apartment.
I don’t know why I bother checking my phone as I make a beeline for the bathroom and strip before turning on the shower.
Nothing .
It’s ridiculous to think she’d answer at this time of night—early morning. It’s three o’clock.
When I step under the rainfall showerhead, I let the steam curl around me, the water washing the ride away. It’s always sweaty when you ride for hours, but adding Celest at my back had me hot and bothered in every way.
I wasn’t prepared for how she’d get under my skin. It might be for the best if she doesn’t get back to me. She’ll go back to putting on a show at Venom, and I’ll find an obedient little sub to dominate. One without complications.
What a fucking dickhead thought. It’s one thing to have criteria for a submissive, but having met Celest’s daughter today, she’s not a ‘complication’ to fix. I’m nothing like her last Dom. They had a contract. She confided in him, thinking that he would embrace Gracie in order for them to move forward in a committed relationship.
Fucking hell. I’m not like him because I’m worse . I offered her nothing more than a quick fuck and some punishment. No contract. It seems the universe has a sense of humor because I like this woman, and she doesn’t feel the same way.
By the time I step out of the shower, it’s too late to go to bed and still get up to go to work. Three hours isn’t long enough, and I’ve pulled all-nighters before. SEAL Team teaches you to go days without sleep. Life and death situations tend to make anything possible. Whatever is necessary for the mission.
I’m the guy who will always find a way to achieve my goal. Is Celest just a goal? Should I walk away from her?
I shrug on some gray sweats, a hoodie, and some running shoes. A few miles will clear my head and wake me up enough to get on with my day. I have shit to do at the club in preparation for the grand opening of the training suite.
By the time I reach Central Park, I’ve got a second wind, pounding my favorite trail while I figure out my next steps. There are only two options here—I walk away from Celest and our friends-with-benefits agreement, or I make her mine. The whole fucking nine yards. There’s no in-between.
When my mind is made up, I grind out another few miles before heading to the club. I’ll shower and change there. I’ve got too much to get done today. The place is dead when I arrive, and I love this place when it’s like this. Quiet but sultry. It’s my fortress of solitude.
I do my best thinking in my office here at Venom, and with a party to plan for the training suite, I make a few calls.
“Flex Navarro. I thought you were nocturnal.”
“Theo. Hilarious as always. I think we’re all nocturnal, aren’t we?”
“True. What can I do for you?”
“I just wanted to firm up plans for the opening.”
“Sure. There are a few demonstrations on the list you sent me that I would be happy with. Do you have someone to do the Shibari session yet?”
“I have Logan Fitzgerald doing the Shibari class. He is second to none. Genevieve is going to be doing a session on dynamics with more than two people.”
“What about anal?”
“You’re not my type, Theo, but thanks.”
He starts laughing. “Nothing like discussing anal at nine in the morning.”
“I’ll do anal any time of day. I’m an equal opportunities ass fucker.”
“I’m hurt that you’ll fuck any ass but mine.”
“Are you butt hurt?” I can’t even say it with a straight face.
“It’s never a dull conversation with you, Flex. Do you have a sub in mind for me to demonstrate with? ”
“Well, that’s one of the reasons I called. Do you currently have a sub that would be comfortable in the group setting?”
“I can bring a sub.”
“Are you sure? I can provide a sub if you’d rather do it that way.”
“I’m good. I have a sub right now, and she’s fine to demonstrate. Group settings aren’t a hard limit for her. And I’d say she’s enthusiastic when it comes to anal play.”
“Excellent. I have a full chest of plugs and beads. Obviously, bring anything you’re particularly partial to or email me, and I’ll order whatever you need.”
“Don’t talk dirty to me, Flex. It’s my love language.”
“Nice. Is she your regular sub?
“No. I’m not really connecting with anyone.”
“I hear you. I don’t have a contract right now, although I’m heading in that direction.”
“A three-month or are you talking long-term?”
“To be determined.”
“Fair enough. If anything changes, I’ll let you know. I’m looking forward to seeing all the upgrades since the last time I was there.”
“It’s fucking amazing, even if I do say so myself.”
“Is this the last expansion?”
“Hell no. I have so many plans for this place. What about you? Are you happy with your club?”
“It has its pros and cons. Nothing as elaborate as Venom. It’s a typical BDSM club at the end of the day.”
“There is so much more than BDSM. I don’t class Venom as such. I’d say it’s an elite kink club.”
“Does it matter what we call them? We come together to find partners who want to participate in the same activities.”
“Wait until you get here and see the bigger picture. I guarantee you won’t see this place in the same light.”
“I’m down for being pleasantly surprised.”
“Okay, brother, I have more calls to make and kink to plan.”
“Later, Flex.”
I end the call and go about my day, splitting my time between floors and my office. I’ve also been keeping an eye on my building’s parking garage. Losing myself in work, I let my phone sit heavy in my pocket as the day wears on, but every time I answer a call, I’m hoping to see a message alert from Celest.
Nothing.
I guess silence speaks volumes. I’m not going over to her place again. That’s what got me in trouble in the first place.
It’s been a long-fucking-week. With no word from Celest, I’ve been stewing at the club, watching everyone around me having the wild sex I’m known for, but I can’t bring myself to take a sub back to my playroom. I don’t owe anything to Celest. She’s the one who asked if she could fuck other Doms if I wasn’t at the club. She didn’t promise me fidelity. In all the time we’ve been fucking, I thought we both knew where this was heading. I guess I was wrong.
My desk phone rings as I sling back a shot of whisky. “Hey, Flex.”
“Hey, Eli. What’s up?”
“Jenna is here and asking if she can come back to your office?”
“Sure. Why didn’t she just come straight back?”
“She said, and I quote, ‘I’m not going in there to be accosted by his ass as he rides whatever submissive he has on the go.’ End quote.”
I chuckle at the thought. I wish I was balls deep inside a sub. “That’s what I love about her. Her sailor’s mouth. Send her back.”
“Will do. Do you want me to bring back some drinks?”
“Good idea. Thanks, Eli.”
A few minutes later, there’s a knock at the door. “Come in, Jenna. I’m fully clothed.”
“It’s me. Come let me in.” Is she really this much of a princess? It makes me laugh. She can’t stay away from this place.
I stand and cross the room to open the door, only to find her with her hands full of drinks.
“Why didn’t you let Eli bring them back? ”
“Because I want to talk to you privately.”
I take the drinks from her hands before it dawns on me. “How did you knock on the door?”
“With my head.” I crack a smile. She really is fucking hot and determined as hell when she sets her mind to something.
“Of course.” I set the glasses on my desk and take a seat. “To what do I owe the pleasure this evening?”
She shifts uncomfortably in the seat across from me. “I need some Dutch courage first.” She lifts her drink and knocks it back like a shot.
“Is everyone okay? What’s wrong?”
“Everyone is fine.” I heave an audible sigh of relief. I seem to be a glass half empty this week.
“Then what can I do for you? You’re so on edge. Are you about to ask me to teach you my kinky ways,” I joke. What I’m not prepared for is her utter silence. She’s looking anywhere but at me. Holy shit , is that why she’s here?
“If I were asking that, what would you say?” She chews on her bottom lip, sitting with her hands in her lap. I take her in. We’ve flirted before. I’ve seen her almost naked the night she ended up in nothing but my jacket. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about this scenario once or twice. Hell, I would burst into flames if I denied rubbing one out with her in mind. She’s gorgeous.
“You’re messing with me, right? Did Dalton put you up to this?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Dalton didn’t ask me to do anything.”
Fuck.
“I’m being serious right now, Jenna. I want an honest answer. This isn’t funny. I’ve had a shit week, and I’m in no mood for whatever the end game is here. Why are you here?”
She stands on shaky legs, her eyes fixed on me as she drops to her knees.
“Get up, now.”
“I… I want to explore the lifestyle.” She’s always so assertive and confident in everything she does. The tremble in her voice is unsettling .
“Dalton told me he’d fucking kill me if I went near you. Him and Nad.”
“She keeps her eyes cast down. “They can’t tell me what to do. I want to learn.”
My palms are sweating. If it were anyone else, I would already have Jenna on all fours and begging to be fucked.
“You have no idea what you’re asking for.” I stand and brace my hands on the desk, forcing myself not to react with my cock for once in my life.
“You tell me every time I come here that I’m curious. You were right. I want to know what it’s like to… submit.”
“Why me? I’m the one guy your best friend would flay alive for touching you.”
“Maybe that’s exactly why,” she says with the smile of a vixen, her gaze still fixed on the floor. Holy shit, she’ll be a beautiful submissive. “You like to fuck and punish, but you don’t want a relationship. It’s a win-win. Teach me, Flex.”
I start pacing the floor, scrubbing my hand over the stubble on my jaw. Dalton would kill me, but I’d go out in a fucking blaze of glory. We all have to die sometime, right?
“Jenna, we can’t do this.”
“Why not… Sir? Or Master? Which do you prefer?” Either sounds so fucking appealing coming from her lips. Those lips would look so good wrapped— no.
“We’re friends.” It’s a lackluster excuse at best. “Why now? You might think you want to ‘submit,’ but that includes punishment. Can you really imagine giving yourself over to me to fuck however I please? To bending over my bed and being whipped or flogged? To complying on demand like a good little girl?” My cock is so fucking hard right now it hurts.
“I need to know. It’s all I can think about lately. I trust you.”
I close the distance between us, standing at her feet, at war with myself. “You shouldn’t.” That’s when her eyes shoot up to meet my gaze. “Get up.”
She does as I ask without question, taking my proffered hand to steady herself in her six-inch heels that would look amazing on her with nothing else.
“Tell me, Flex… are you afraid of what Dalton would do? You don’t strike me as a man who listens to anyone else. You take what you want when you want.” She runs her hands up my biceps before moving to unbutton my shirt.
If it were anyone else. Celest.
I grip Jenna’s wrists, stopping her in her tracks. “Rookie mistake. If you want to be a sub, you let your Dom lead. You obey.”
“Then show me.” The universe hates me. A few months ago, I’d already be fucking her seven ways till Sunday.
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
If it were anyone else. If I weren’t falling for anyone but Celest, I’d say to hell with it and take everything Jenna is offering up on a platter.
“Because… there’s a submissive.”
“I didn’t think you had a sub right now.” She makes no effort to wrestle out of my grasp.
“I don’t. But there’s a possibility, and if there’s even a shred of hope that she might want me… I can’t do this with you.”
A soft smile spreads on her gorgeous face, and the tension leaves her body. “You love her.”
“I…” My heart is hammering hard in my chest. “Fuck.”