Chapter 28 #2
“Ry won’t tell me what he really wants.”
“Stop,” I bark.
“I just want…”
“Get on your knees. I want you in the position, now. Clothed. You do not circumvent me by going to another Dominant.”
“I didn’t mean…”
“On. Your. Knees.” She huffs and puffs for a moment before doing as she’s told. I can tell she’s pissed, but I’m proud of her for complying. “Eyes on the floor.”
“Ry.” Flex is grinning from ear to ear. Bastard. “You’ve got your hands full with this one.”
“I’m well aware, Flex. I don’t need you goading her into something she’s not ready for.”
“Can I talk to you in private?” Flex nods toward my office.
“Aspen, you will remain in the position until I return.”
“What if staff come in, Sir?”
“Fine.” I scrub my hands through my hair. Everything with Aspen is complicated. This wouldn’t be an issue with any other submissive. “Go to my private room, strip, and get in the position.”
“Thank you, Sir.” She jumps to her feet and scurries for the elevator.
“Say what you’re going to say, Flex.”
“What are you doing?”
“I’m teaching her to be my submissive.”
“You know what I mean.”
“She says she wants this.”
“What do you want, Ry? All I’ve heard since you met this girl is what’s right for her.”
“I’m in love with her.”
“I get it. I really fucking get it. I never expected to fall for Helena, but she had me by the balls from the first time she submitted to me.”
“And why can’t I have that?”
“I’m not trying to sicken your happiness, Ry. I am just concerned that you’re being too apprehensive with this girl. Sure, she had no idea a place like Venom even existed a few months ago, but tell me you weren’t trying to be vanilla for her.”
“Initially, but it’s different now. She’s learning.”
“And yet you’re still holding back. You are being a lesser version of yourself for this woman.” Now I’m just pissed off.
“It’s easy to be up on your high horse when you’ve got a wife who enjoys being on display for all of Venom to see. You saw her doing all of that before you were together. You have no idea how hard this is for me.”
“I see the toll it’s taken on you. On both of you. That’s why I’m concerned.”
“She saved my fucking life, Flex. What more do you want from her? If taking it slow is what she needs, then I’ll wait.”
“But that’s not what she’s asking. You are imposing how you think she should feel rather than listening to her. The real question is why don’t you want to indulge with her tonight?”
“Because I almost lost her once! I don’t want to push her before she’s ready. Fucking hell! Is it that hard to understand?” I pace the room like a caged animal, my fears given voice.
“If she walks away, she’s not the one for you.”
“Are you really going to bullshit me with that line? I fucking need her, Flex. She’s the one.”
“Then give her what she wants. She asked to see all of you, so show yourself and stop hiding behind the fact that she’s new to the lifestyle. We were all new at one point. We all made a choice to step into the ring.”
“So what? I just throw her to the wolves?”
“You are the wolf! Ry, you have to let go of whatever shit you’ve been carrying since Tessa cheated on you. This isn’t about Aspen being ready to be a submissive. It’s about you being ready to be the Dom you need to be again.”
“What I felt for Tessa was a drop in the ocean compared to how I feel about Aspen. I need her more than my next fucking breath. If she balks, I won’t recover. The lifestyle will mean nothing without her.”
“Then be the Dom you’ve always been and go let your girl see it.”
Without another word, I head for the elevator, my mind made up. I will make Aspen mine tonight. Not halfway. She deserves more than half a man.
When I reach my private room, Aspen is stunning, naked, and waiting for me. I don’t go to her, taking a moment to sit in my viewing chair. I could watch her like this for eternity, and it wouldn’t be long enough.
“You were insolent up there. Are you aware of your mistake?”
“I just want you to…”
“Enough! This isn’t the first time you’ve tried to goad me by speaking about our relationship with a Dom. There is one fucking Dom in this arrangement. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir.” She moves to lift her chin.
“Eyes on the fucking floor. You will remain like this until I say otherwise.” The rapid rise and fall of her chest tell me she’s on the edge of tears, and I’m the asshole who wants to see her cry.
“I’m sorry, Sir.”
“Are you? You don’t seem bothered to belittle me in front of my friends. I am a Dom. You are my submissive. If you want it to stay that way, I suggest you don’t speak to another Dom unless I give you permission to do so.”
“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“What is it you want from me, Aspen?”
“I want to be treated like any other submissive.”
“That’s never going to happen.” She breaks down, tears spilling down her cheeks.
“I understand.”
“Do you? You will never be like my other subs. We live together. Something I’ve never wanted with anyone else. They were all seasoned subs because I never wanted to put in the effort to train a sub. Do you know why I’m doing all of this for you?”
“Why?”
I get up and move to within inches of her, dropping to my knees and cupping her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my gaze.
“Because you are my obsession. I have handed you my heart on a silver platter, and I know one blow will be enough to wreck me when it comes to you. I am terrified that I’m not good enough for you, baby girl.
I was introduced to all of this at nineteen. It’s all I know.”
“May I speak, Sir?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not going to run. I don’t need you, Ryder. I want you just as you are. Let me in. Please. I want you to fuck me upstairs tonight because I want it. It’s not for you or to impress you. I want it. Everything. I want it all with you. What more do I need to do to convince you?”
“You don’t need me?” A small smile cracks the sides of my lips.
“No. I’m a capable woman. I was more than fine before I met you.
I have goals and aspirations that I will achieve with or without you.
But… and here’s the part I need you to listen to…
I moved in with you because my life is better with you in it.
” She leans in, pressing her lips to mine.
“I want everyone to see you fuck me, Ry, because I’m finally confident in the way I look.
You did that for me. You made me see that my curves are something to be proud of.
You taught me to embrace my scars because you see the beauty in them.
We were forged in fire, Sir. I’d say we’re unbreakable now.
So do this for me. Take me upstairs and do everything you said you wanted to do to me. Make me yours in every way.”