Chapter Thirteen
“ B oyfriend!” Trey said, pouring himself a heavy mimosa, ”You get yourself involved with a guy and leave your best friend high and dry, especially with details.” Trey said, a little annoyed and adjusting his sunglasses of the late news.
The last time Trey and I hung out was about two and half weeks ago back at the bar that was hosting the locals, then deciding to ditch me when things got boring and left me with Leo.
A part of me wanted to chew him out for ditching me, and another part—some softer, stupider part—wanted to thank him. So, I decided to take him out to brunch knowing he wouldn’t say no and wouldn’t have to worry about him cutting it short. Brunch is safe territory. Even he wouldn’t bail on mimosas.
The place I picked was one of those quintessential Seattle brunch spots—half café/restaurant, half Instagram set. It smelt like fresh brewed coffee and something sweet baking in the back, maybe cinnamon rolls or scones. Let alone the wafs of bacon and eggs that mixed in.
It had floor-to-ceiling windows to let in the weak gray light of the morning, soft and hazy, like the city itself hadn't quite woken up yet. The walls were painted a deep forest green, probably to match the dozen of hanging plants crowding the corners and spilling over the shelves.
Everyone around us looked exactly how you’d expect—knit beanies, flannel shirts, and puffy jackets draped over chair backs. The tables were mismatched, some made of smooth reclaimed wood, others wobble metal. It felt trendy but not pretentious, the kind of place where all were welcome regardless of your dietary choices.
Perfect, neutral territory.
“Like you haven’t gone off with a guy, to another country I might add, without even telling me and me finding out by Facebook posts of your offshore adventures,”
“I was working,” Trey said, in an attempt to find a cover for his salacious work ethic.
“Yeah, working by securing a seat on a private jet,” I sassily replied with a grin.
“As I said, working. Besides, this is you, and you don’t have boyfriends.”
“I’ve had boyfriends,” I said, in a defensive tone.
“Imaginary and celebrities do not count.”
My eyes rolled dramatically and chuckled, adjusting my sunglasses as I glanced around at the other brunch patrons enjoying their hearty meals and conversation.
“And the sex?! How is it?”
A woman at the next table that was mere feet from us, was mid-sip of her oat milk latte, froze, her eyes darling over the rim of the cup toward us.
My face flushed a deep crimson, avoiding any eye-contact.
“Jesus, Trey,” I said, my voice a low hiss, “Could you have said that any louder, I don’t think the people in the back heard you.”
“Sorry...but spill the tea,” Trey muttered.
“It’s..." I paused, leaning forward in a whisper.
Trey leaned forward as well, tilting his sunglasses down making eye contact. He craved such lusted information like a teenager discovering what sex is through internet porn or middle school health class.
“It’s none of your business,” I told him, plopping back in my chair, sipping down some mimosa.
“Cunt!” my bestie replied, pushing up his glasses with a dramatic pout.
“I kind of want to keep my sex life with Leo private, if that's too much to ask.”
“Have it your way.”
Staying silent, I pursed my lips unsure of how to respond. The last time someone gave me their opinion, it really messed with my head causing a huge uncomfortable conversation between Leo and myself, not saying it was not needed, it was really unwarranted from Em.
Trey squinted his eyes at me knowing I’m holding something back from him. One thing was for sure, our friendship never consisted of hiding things or telling lies to each other and lately, and since Leo’s been in the picture, I feel that’s all I’ve been doing.
“Bitch, the what fuck are you not telling me?”
“Em and her damn opinion I didn’t even ask for, it really placed a bit of tension between Leo and I,” I said, in an irritated voice.
“What was the advice?”
“If I spill, you have to keep this to yourself. You got it?” sternly, I said.
“Scouts honor,” Trey said, holding up two fingers.
“This is a serious ask.”
He shifted in his seat, setting the champagne flute on the table, his posture tightening as the weight of the conversation settled in. Relationships have never been Trey’s thing—his pattern of drifting from one man to the next was practically a lifestyle. He gave just enough, barely ten percent, before boredom inevitably crept in and sent him searching for the next thrill.
“Things have been hitting up between Leo and me.”
“Damn, girl,” Trey said, snapping his fingers with the gay he could, “You snagged yourself a hunky man...does he have a friend?
“No,” I said, a little hesitant and unsure how to say it, “There’s...another side to him.”
Trey’s smirk faltered, “What do you mean ‘another side’? Like, he’s a murderer or something?”
I let out a sharp exhale and glanced at the ceiling, silently wondering how the hell to phrase this. So, I just dove into it, “Leo owns Wonderland Dungeon,” I said, leveling him with a pointed look, “You know, the very place you oh-so-kindly sent me to.”
Trey’s eyes shot up so high I thought they might get stuck there. He blinked at me, not exactly sure that he heard correctly.
“Wait..." he said slowly, leaning forward in his chair, “Are you telling me things are getting serious with a man who’s into BDSM?”
He opened his mouth, then closed it, his expression somewhere between disbelief and unfiltered glee, “Oh. My. God.” He sat back with a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as if he was wearing pearls. The way he was acting was like I just told I was marrying a movie star.
“You’re telling me that Mr. Tall, Blonde, and Hunky has a freaky side?”
I groaned, burying my face in my hands, “Trey, I’m serious.”
“So am I!” he was grinning ear to ear, clearly loving every second of my awkward confession, “Tell me. I need details. Did he tie you up yet? What’s your safe word? Do I need to start calling you Mistress?—”
Shaking my head, “I know it’s a lot to take in, but he’s been incredibly patient and understanding. This doesn’t define him entirely; it’s just a part of who he is,” I paused, running my fingers along the edge of the table, “At first, he wanted it to stay between him and I. Then Em figured it out pretty quickly, opening a can of worms. But now...he’s okay with me talking about it as he saw that I was struggling.”
I exhale slowly.
“I met the guy once and that was at the bar you dragged me to. Never once did the dungeon master vibe come from him. This is definitely a twist, and major change from the men you usually date. But I really want to know...how does Em fit into all of this?” he asked, laced with curiosity.
Taking a long sip of my mimosa, the fizz ticking my nose, hoping the pause would buy me time to change the subject.
“Well..." Trey dragged the word out.
I still said nothing, smiling awkwardly.
And then it hit Trey like a ton of bricks, “Don’t tell me, Em is part of Wonderland?”
My lips parted but no words came out.
“I fucking knew there was something about her!”
“If she tells you, please act surprised.”
“I’ll give her an Oscar worthy performance.”
“We had a conversation the other day in my office about how dominants have needs and if their current partner cannot fulfill them, either the relationship goes south or a third strictly for those needs will be introduced.”
“Doesn’t she know about your dating/sex history? I’m pretty sure by now, Leo has come to know how vanilla you are. Hell, you trying a dildo for the first time last year was the highlight of your year,” he expressed.
Trey wasn’t wrong. The most I’ve ever done is masturbate with a six inch pink glittered dildo that took several weeks to get accustomed to before actually taking it all and fucking my prostate raw.
So, my sexual track record was very below the bar.
“Did you tell her that it was none of her business what you and Leo do or discuss?” he said, waving finger in front of him.
“I didn’t. I mean she did mean well,” I said.
“If it were me, I wouldn’t have said anything unless you wanted it. It’s like you telling me to act and behave with men when I never asked for your input. That just pisses me off sometimes. She’s a great gal in all, but sometimes she sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong,” he said, clearly upset.
“I appreciate your concerns. Leo and I actually talked it out and eased some of my thoughts.”
“Can I tell you something?”
“You’re going to tell me anyway, Trey.”
Taking off his sunglasses, gently placing them on the table, he softly looked into my eyes, “Fuck what anyone says, including Em. She doesn’t know what you and Leo have. You deserve this, have fun with Leo. If you want to make him your boyfriend, do it. Or not. It’s your choice. You know how Leo feels and where he wants the relationship to go. If it were me, I’d hold off becoming a boyfriend and learn more about Leo and what makes him tick-let alone what makes you tick. You might surprise yourself and him.”
Hearing Trey’s point of view of the matter really made sense, oddly coming from him. I’ve been so focused on what others think about my relationship with Wonderland’s dungeon master that I’ve completely ignored my wants.
Leo has opened up an unfamiliar world to me I’m seemingly becoming more sexually curious about. I’m going to take my time with Leo and see where this goes instead of just jumping in head first.
After brunch with Trey, I found myself at home instantly changing into my thin running shorts, roaming about shirtless. Since having sex with Leo, I’ve started to see my body in a whole new way. I’m not built like him, but that doesn’t make my body any less beautiful.
I used to catch myself avoiding mirrors or looking too long at photos with my shirt off. But lately, I've noticed the little things I like—things Leo seems to like too. The way his fingers trace my hips when he thinks I’m not paying attention, the way he looks at me like I’m something worth savoring. It’s hard not to let that sink in after a while.
And honestly? My calves and ass are on point, if I do say so myself.
Feeling bold, I decided to do something a little naughty. And I still owe Leo a picture.
Stepping into the secondary bathroom down the hall with the best natural lighting. I tugged my shirt over my head and angled my phone just right to catch the curves and contour of my chest and hips. The light was soft, illuminating everything just right. My face had a soft glow and I couldn’t help smirking as I looked at the screen. I placed a thumb in my waistband allowing gravity to do the rest, showing just enough skin and start of my pubes—just enough to tease Leo.
Snap.
Snap.
Snap.
Looking over the photos, most of them turned out well but one stood out. In it, my lips tugged slightly to the right, transforming a normal smile into something seductive and little devilisht—it won hands down.
“And send.” I said to myself, feeling quite pleased with myself, knowing he’d appreciate the view.
Within a minute a ding came through.
My face lit up like a firecracker knowing exactly who it was.
“This seems like an invitation.” he text.
A small chuckle escaped my lips, pressing my fingers lightly over my lips.
“Down, mist. I;m just feeling myself—thought I’d let you in on the fun.”
“Had me drooling over here.”
“Mission accomplished.”
I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a mix of pride and playful satisfaction. There was something thrilling about knowing that Leo found me just as attractive as I found him.
Another buzz came through.
“What are you doing tomorrow night?”
“Nothing in the books. What did you have in mind?”
The three bubbles appeared telling he was writing and for about 45 seconds they disappeared. What if he’s having second thoughts? I don’t blame Leo, I did kind of not give him an answer when he asked me to be his boyfriend.
Whoosh.
The sound of a reply came through, “There’s a black tie benefit tomorrow and would like to have you accompany me.”
I stared at the message as my heart skipped a few beats. A black-tie benefit? That’s serious. The kind of event you don’t just invite anyone to. My thumb hovered over the screen, frozen indecision.
Are we ready for this?
What if he’s expecting more from me after this party? I mean, I practically dodged his question about being boyfriends. Deep down, I knew I wanted to go. I wanted to be with him.
”I’d love to, what time should I be ready?”
As soon as I hit send, I could feel such butterflies ignite in the pit of my stomach. There was not going back or opting out. I watched the screen, waiting for those three little dots to be replaced with his response.
“Pick you up at 7?”
Seven. It was enough time to get my head straight. I needed to stop overthinking every little thing about us. Even Trey said it, I need to just have fun with Leo. Something like this doesn’t happen to everyone.
I typed back, “Can’t wait.”
The movement the message sent, though, the familiar swirl of doubt started creeping back in. What if tomorrow night was too much? What if this was a step too far, too fast? I put the phone down and leaned back on my couch, trying to focus on the positive. The benefit was about being there for Leo. He wanted me there at something important to him. That had to mean something. I needed to let myself enjoy a glammed up night with him.
Ding.
Leaning over a bit, Leo replied.
$1000 has been sent via Apple Cash.
What the fuck!!
“My treat,” he says.
My eyes still widened.
Was this Leo’s way of ensuring I looked the part at the benefit? I mean, I knew he was well-off, but this was next level.
“For what? You didn’t have to do that. I’ve got something in my closet.”
Another message shows up.
“I know you do. I want you to feel like a million bucks tomorrow night. As I said, my treat.”
“You mean feel like $1000 dollars, lol” I quickly sent back.
“Lol. However you want to feel. I want to take care of my man. Rather go through your closet, buy something new.”
A grin grew on my face. This was really happening. A black-tie event, dressing to the nines, and spending a night with Leo. Aside from everything, it’ll be nice doing something other than him filling my hole with his dick hitting my prostate and seeing Nirvana in the back of my eyelids.
”You’re spoiling me,” I responded.
“The feeling is very mutual.”
This man is going to drive me insane.
I swear.