Chapter 20
FREYA
“Thanks for meeting me, Cel. I know I’ve been a shit friend lately.” I embrace my best friend, holding tightly as she wraps her arms around me.
“Are you okay? You’re shaking.” We take a seat in the back corner of the coffee shop.
“I don’t even know where to start. Everything is going to shit, and I have no idea what to do. I’m useless.”
Celest reaches across the table, taking my hands in hers. “Let’s start with why you called me in a frenzy looking for Dalton.”
“Ugh.” I heave an exhausted sigh. “Pierce is in trouble.”
“Is it serious?”
“It could end his career. Shit… it could send him to prison, Cel.” Saying it out loud is too much for me, and I finally break down. I explain everything to Celest—what I suspect, what we know happened, and what the lawyers are telling us right now.
She hands me a napkin to wipe my mascara-soaked eyes. I can only imagine what a mess I look. “How’s he holding up?”
“He’s busying himself at the club. He’s decided to revamp his playroom so it’s more tailored to our needs. ”
“Wow. So your six-month contract?” She leaves the rest of that question hanging in the air between us.
“I’m so far gone with him, Cel. A contract means nothing at this point.”
“I don’t know if that’s wise, Frey. There’s a reason we have contracts. It’s really easy to fall for the Dom who trains you. Add in the fact that he was your first sexual experience, it only compounds those feelings.”
“I understand the difference between infatuation and love, Cel. Being a virgin didn’t make me completely incapable of identifying my emotions.”
“I’m not trying to belittle your feelings. I’m just worried about you. Having all this legal stuff added in is just another level of commitment. What are you going to do if Pierce goes to prison?”
“I’ll stand by him.”
“Are you listening to yourself? You won’t have a mentor anymore. There will be no ‘Daddy’ waiting for you at the club. No Pierce to warm your bed at night. Is that really what you want for yourself? You’ve only known each other for a few months.”
“I don’t care how hard it is for me, Cel. He’s the one.”
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Then I’m here for you. I worry for you as my friend, but if you’re all in with Master Harrison, then I’ll support you.”
“Thank you.” We order some coffee and cake. Calories don’t matter today. I’m eating the biggest slice of carrot cake they have and a large cappuccino.
With a weight lifted off my shoulders, I relax back into the leather booth.
“How have you been, Cel?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
She hesitates just long enough to make me uncomfortable. “Are we still friends?”
“What? Of course we are.”
“Other than getting Dalton’s number, we haven’t spoken since the voyeur floor. Since I… got naked for you and touched myself. Since I kissed your breasts.”
“I…” I don’t know what to say, but the memory of that night makes me squirm in my seat.
“Did you not like it?”
“No. I did like it. I’ve just been too embarrassed to mention it. I didn’t know what to say.”
“How about, ‘Hey, Cel, you’re hot when you get yourself off.’ Or maybe, ‘Cel, the way you flicked your tongue over my nipples really turned me on.’ I’d even take, ‘That was weird, let’s never do that again.’ I would take any kind of acknowledgment at this point.”
I hang my head, knowing I’m a shit friend right now. “I’m so sorry, Cel. I know you were just doing it because I wanted to experiment. It was amazing, and I loved every second of it. You were so beautiful and free and open. I really did enjoy everything that happened.”
“I didn’t do it just because of you. I wanted it to happen too. You looked so stunning over your Daddy’s knee. Watching you being punished. Counting for you. That was hot, Frey. Trust me, I was into it for purely selfish reasons, and I’d do it again.” She takes me by surprise.
“You would?”
“If you wanted to. Yes.” It’s the first time I’ve seen Celest look anything other than one hundred percent confident.
“I don’t know how to feel about it. I can’t lose you as a friend, Cel. I know I’m not gay, and I’ve never really considered being attracted to a woman. But I can’t deny that watching you and feeling your lips on me felt good.”
“You’re overthinking it. The beauty of Venom is that there are no strict labels. Just because you watched me get off and liked it doesn’t mean your whole sexual identity is in question. You don’t have to define every little thing. We had some fun. It was hot. End of story. If you want to do it again and it happens, I’m not expecting the three of us to become a throuple. You and Master Harrison have something special. If I occasionally get off or watch you getting off, it’s fight club. What happens at V, stays at V. We’re still best friends regardless of any of that, okay?”
“Okay.” I’m so relieved. I’ve been carrying this around for weeks for no good reason. If I’d just called Celest the next day, she’d have been fine. “I’m sorry for not calling sooner.”
“It’s fine. Let’s just get back to normal. You have enough on your plate right now.”
“I wish I could do more to help Pierce. I’m doing anything and everything he wants at the club, but we haven’t really spoken about the real reason behind this whole thing.”
“Woe is you. Having to submit every night to one of the hottest Doms at Venom.” That makes me laugh. She’s not wrong. Submitting to him in the playroom isn’t exactly difficult. I relish every moment, falling into bed each night completely exhausted. We don’t talk about work, or rather, I don’t bring it up. It would feel like I’m rubbing it in his face.
“If he keeps this pace up much longer, I’m going to need a vaginal repair. I’m in a permanent state of being saddle sore.”
“Bitch,” she jests.
“It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.”
“I volunteer as tribute!” I burst out laughing as she waves her hand in the air.
“Do you have a new Dom yet?”
“No. It’s hard to find a Dom who’s going to get excited about a single mom.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Cel. You’re a catch, and Belle is the cutest munchkin on the planet. The right guy is out there.”
“Is he? Her father sure as hell wasn’t it.”
“Does he know you’re in the lifestyle?”
“No. He’s not around, and I need it to stay that way. He’d try to take Belle if he knew. Not because he wants to be a father to her. He’d do it out of spite.”
“Could he really gain custody, though if he’s been absent this whole time?”
“I don’t think so, but it doesn’t stop me being terrified he’s going to show up and cause problems for us. ”
“I’m so sorry, Cel. I hate that for you. For both of you.”
“Thanks. It’s what I get for always picking the bad boy.”
“What happened with your last Dom, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“He found out I have a kid.”
“Seriously?”
“I can’t blame him. He wanted low maintenance, not a ready-made family.”
“So, are you casually seeing anyone at the club?”
“Not really. I’m not in the mood for friends with benefits right now. It wouldn’t be fair to a Dom for me to get involved. My head’s all over the place.”
“Why have you let me prattle on about my crap when you’re going through so much?”
“We all have problems, Frey. I’d say you’ve got more than a little ‘crap’ going on.”
“Promise me you’ll talk to me, and if there is anything I can do, you’ll let me know.”
“Yes, and the same goes for you. Master Harrison is a good man.”
“I promise. No more burying our heads in the sand. We’re friends who sometimes watch each other get off, and that’s… kinda awesome.”
Celest throws back her head and laughs. “I’ll take it. Some girls braid each other’s hair. We trade orgasms. I’m good with that.”
We sit for a while longer, moving on to lighter topics and making plans to have drinks at the club later this week. I lose all track of time, only realizing when my phone rings that I’m late to meet Pierce.
“Hey, little one. Is everything okay?”
“I’m so sorry, Daddy.” Celest makes a love heart sign with her hands. “I’m with Celest. I didn’t realize the time. I’ll be at the club in ten minutes.”
“Don’t rush. It’s fine. We’re not staying at the club tonight anyway. I have other plans for you. I’ll just grab a drink and wait at the bar. Come find me when you’re done. ”
“Okay. Only if you’re sure.”
“Of course. See you soon, little one.”
When I hang up the phone, Celest gives me that wicked smile of hers.
“God, every time I hear you call him Daddy, it makes me all hot and bothered.”
“It just sort of slipped out one night. I had been calling him Sir, but I got caught up in a spine-tingling orgasm and blurted out, ‘Yes, Daddy.’ He loved it. Part of me feels like it’s weird, and don’t even get me started on my clear daddy issues, having never had one.”
“Who cares why we like what we do? So you get wet for Daddy. That’s no one’s business but yours and his.”
“We spend all this time talking about my kinks, but what about yours?”
“Don’t you have to go meet Daddy?”
“He told me to take my time. So, what are you into?”
She sits back, considering her answer. “Obviously, I like getting myself off in front of other people.” I know that all too well, and she looks hot doing it. “I enjoy a little girl-on-girl action, but I could never go without cock. I love giving head while others watch. It makes me feel… powerful. With the right Dom, you can feel his pride as you take him deep, moaning while he shoots his load down your throat.”
“Holy shit, girl. That does sound hot.”
“I love that you understand what I mean when I say being submissive is empowering.”
“Me too.”
“I love wax play. Have you and Master Harrison done that yet?”
“No, but I want to try.”
“Go straight for the nipples. It stings like a bitch, but when he tears the hardened wax off and sucks your nipple into his mouth… you can come just from how fucking good it feels.”
I’m officially bumping it up the list.
“You’re making me wet right now, Cel.”
“Then what are you waiting for? Go tell your Daddy what you want. ”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I need to get going. My mom has Belle. I need to get her home, bathed, and ready for a bedtime story.”
“Thank you for today. I really needed this,” I say as I slide out of the booth.
“Me too. I’ll catch up with you at Venom later in the week.”
“Love you, Cel,” I say as I lean over and hug her.
“Back at you, Frey.”
I walk the three blocks to the club, knowing that Pierce will probably be annoyed that I didn’t call for his town car or hail a cab. By the time I arrive, I’m more than a little worked up after my conversation with Celest. There are so many things I still don’t know if I like. It’s exciting. I want to try giving Pierce a blow job in the voyeur lounge, but I also want to test out wax play. Maybe Pierce could drip wax on me while I give him head. The thought makes me laugh. If I could have everything at once, I would, and then I’d probably die of sensory overload. At least I’d die with a smile on my face.
As soon as I set foot in the bar, he turns to meet my gaze, leaving Flex hanging as he strides toward me with that effortless swagger of his. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulls me in for a kiss, leaving me breathless. “I missed you today, little one.”
God, I’m so turned on already, and we haven’t even done anything. “I missed you, too, Daddy. Do you want me to go and get in the position?”
“Fuck,” he growls, pressing the length of his erection against me. “I want that so bad it’s not even funny, but I made plans outside the club. I’m taking you out on a proper date.”
My pussy clenches with the need to be sated at the same time as my heart skips a beat. We live together, and yet this will be our first non-playroom date. “Really? Where are we going?”
He offers his hand which I gladly take. “You’ll see. Trust me.”
“I do.”
When we step outside, Pierce’s town car is waiting. He ushers me in before sliding in beside me and pulling a blindfold out of his pocket. “I think you’ve seen enough for now. ”
I love when he takes my sight. All of my other senses heighten. This is the first time he’s done it outside the playroom, so I’m a little nervous as the car pulls into traffic. He doesn’t speak as he caresses my skin—my cheek, my neck, across my collarbone, along my arm, sending a shiver down my spine. He leaves a trail of kisses where his fingers were, leaving me panting as the car comes to a standstill.
“We’re here.”
“I… please tell me we’re back at the club,” I whisper breathlessly.
“Not tonight.” He gently helps me out of the car and leads me to wherever we’re going. I feel a blast of air conditioning as we enter a building and the familiar lunge of an elevator.
“When do I get to see where we are?”
“Patience, little one. We’re almost there.” He leads me from the elevator and out into the night air. Positioning me, he runs his fingers up my arms, leaving me breathless and crying out for his touch elsewhere.
I’m giddy as he loosens the blindfold, but I’m not prepared for the scene before me. We’re on a gorgeous rooftop, with twinkling lights creating an ethereal canopy above us and a single table set for two sitting in the center of the space. A bottle of champagne is waiting in an ice bucket and two glass flutes.
“Oh my, God, Daddy. It’s… so beautiful. You did this all for me?” Tears well in my eyes. No one has ever done something this romantic for me. I’ve never let anyone close enough.
“I wanted to show you how much I appreciate your love and support. I know life isn’t exactly all moonlight and roses right now.”
“I like the whips and floggers,” I quip.
“Oh, I know, but you didn’t sign up for prison handcuffs and the suspension of your mentor. It means so much to me that you’re by my side through all of this. I just wanted you to know how special you are.”
I push up onto my tiptoes and plant a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome, little one.”
He pulls my seat out like the gentleman he is and pours us both a glass of champagne, lifting them in a toast. “Here’s to a long and happy future together. I hope.”
I clink my glass to his and take a sip. “That is going to happen. I have faith in your lawyer. Nad wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
“Her friend, Jenna, the private investigator, has pieced together the footage from that night. I’m hopeful this will work in my favor. One of the security cameras has a decent angle of the altercation. It looks like he threw the first punch.”
“That’s amazing.”
“Yeah, I just hate that it’s all a little fuzzy in my mind. I remember putting myself between the boy and his father. He was shouting all kinds of obscenities, and then one of the security guards was pulling me off him.”
I reach across the table, resting my hand on his—so large compared to mine. “We know that can be a trauma response. Something he said clearly triggered you.”
“Yeah,” he mumbles, pulling back his hand and taking a long swig of champagne. “It could still cost me my career. There’s no excuse to act that way as a doctor.”
“We’re all human, Pierce. You never give yourself grace.”
He shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “Do you want to take a look at the menu?”
He hands it to me. We’re on the rooftop of the Four Seasons. Holy crap. I don’t even want to know what it must have cost him to rent this place out for the evening.
“What would you recommend?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never brought anyone here before.”
“But you’ve dated other women?”
He casts his eyes to a mundane spot on the table. “I’m ashamed to say no. I’ve treated women like my own personal playthings. I never made any room for dates or feelings. Certainly not for love.”
“Don’t be ashamed. You’ve never professed to offer more than a consensual trainer/trainee, Dom/sub relationship. Every woman you’ve been with knew what she was getting.”
“Except you.” He picks at a piece of lint on the table linen. “I blindsided you with so much. Too much.” There’s a pain in his eyes that crushes me.
“You’ve given me a love I never knew was possible. Acceptance of anything I ask to explore. A life I want. We’ll get through this.”
“What if I never operate again?”
“That won’t happen,” I reassure him.
“But if it does?”
“Then you’ll find another way to fulfill your life and use your talent. We’ll talk about it over dinners in our home.”
“This isn’t what you signed up for.”
“Pierce. Daddy. I love you. I’m in love with you. It’s not contingent on how many surgeries you perform or your accolades.”
“I’m supposed to be your mentor. I can’t bear the thought of taking that away from you.”
“What I can’t bear is the thought of losing you. The man, not the surgeon. My Daddy. My Dom. My lover and friend. And one day… my husband.”
His eyes shoot up to meet mine. “What?”
“You heard me. I want to be your wife. I want you to be my husband. There’s no one else I want to explore and experience this life with.”
“You’re saying yes?”
“I’m saying yes.” Within seconds, he has me out of the chair and in his arms, twirling me around under a twinkling fairy tale in the heart of Manhattan.
“I love you so much, Freya. You’re making me the happiest man in the world.”
“I love you too. No matter what comes our way, we’ll face it together.”
Pierce kisses me with a passion so fierce it overwhelms me. I never thought I was capable of a love like this. I always felt out of my element. That I didn’t fit in with the ‘norm’ when it came to dating. Now, at this moment, I know I was holding out for something that’s so much more than ‘normal.’ I found the other half of my soul. He sees me and accepts me—my flaws, my kinks— everything that I’ve been holding in for so long, fearful I’d be judged and never believing I’d be loved.
“If I’d have known this was where tonight was going, I’d have brought your ring with me,” he says between kisses.
“What? You have a ring? But when you asked me, it was so spur of the moment.”
“I’ve had the ring since the day after we met.” My heart takes flight, a swarm of butterflies filling my chest as his lips crash down on mine.
I was so worried that he proposed in a knee-jerk reaction to everything that’s going on. The thought he knew long before I did that we were meant to be—it’s more than I could ever hope for. “Really? You didn’t even know my name or if I’d ever come back to the club.”
He sets me on my feet, cupping my face in his strong hands with a smile that could melt a glacier. “The second I laid eyes on you across the room, your soul called to mine, little one. I knew I had to know you, love you, and make you mine. You’ve always been the one, Freya, even before I saw your face. I fell in love with your vulnerability and willingness to take the leap and let me worship your body. I’m hook, line, and sinker in love with you, Dr. Freya Perrington.”
“That’ll be Dr. Freya Harrison to you.”
“Are you kidding me?” His eyes become glassy, his demeanor so serious I worry he doesn’t want me to change my name.
“No. You’re my home, Pierce. We’re family now.”
“I don’t remember what it’s like to have a family. Are you sure you want to take my name?”
“Yes. I’m proud to be yours, and I always will be. It’s you and me from here on out, okay?”
“Okay? I’m… I don’t deserve…” His lips press so tight against mine it hurts, pouring every ounce of overwhelming emotion into this one kiss.
Sealing our forever, no matter what comes our way. I am his, and he is mine.