Chapter 24
LUC
After over ten years in the lifestyle, I wasn’t expecting the scene to pack such an emotional punch. Kylie’s lack of experience and innocence, compounded with her absolute trust, brought out a primal protective urge.
I found myself unable to avoid getting attached to her. As I held her, I replayed the scene from the playroom. Had our play session been more intense than most doms would start this soon? Fuck, yes.
We were both immersed in play. Something about Kylie called to me. She was my exact opposite.
I watched the clock, unable to sleep because I worried she would wake up and have a sub drop. The drastic decrease in endorphins after playing could sometimes lead to physical and emotional distress. Would Kylie be able to identify it if it happened? If she did, would she wake me?
She clung to me in her sleep. She turned to me when I rolled on my back, seeking heat. Her hands drifted over my body as she slept. The restraint it took not to roll her over, wake her, and fuck her had me counting backward from 1000.
I had plenty of kinks, but somnophilia wasn’t one of them. Any act with dubious consent had me on edge. That didn’t stop me from wanting to wake her.
Throughout my time with Skylar, traveling and being away never seemed burdensome.
We grew used to the long stretches of time spent in different cities, and at the time, I thought it meant we had a healthy balance.
But I wasn’t ready to leave Kylie for this stretch that began with a road trip and ended with the All-Star game.
If I were to decide today, I’d skip Houston.
I checked my phone. 2:00 a.m. meant it was 11:00 p.m. in California.
Me: I might skip Houston.
Jack: No shit? What’s up?
Me: Road trip right before…and after.
Jack: Anything to do with the new woman?
I both loved and hated my brother for his directness.
Me: Maybe a bit.
Jack: Interesting. Would she consider traveling?
Me: We aren’t there yet. And there’s a complication with her sister dating Drummond. She doesn’t want her family to know.
Jack: Is there a story there?
Me: Oh, just me being open and honest about my limitations. I thought it would be best to be upfront that I don’t plan to get married again. She said that she’d rather not do family introductions.
Jack: Ouch. You’re in a secret relationship.
Me: Well, she’s the kind of woman you keep. And since I don’t plan to keep any woman long-term, I’m going to need to let her go at some point.
Jack: Never say never.
Jack had been more than vocal about my convictions, and we would never see eye to eye.
He thought I needed to be open and upfront about our struggles with fertility and let the woman decide.
But people change. She might accept that we couldn’t have kids today, only to regret it in the future.
Even in this short time knowing her, I already knew she would be tough to let go, but if I entertained something long-term?
I couldn’t let myself hope and then lose again.
Kylie stirred and opened her eyes, blinking from the light on my cell phone.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, talking to my brother. West Coast time, he’s still awake.”
She rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I listened while she flushed and refilled her glass of water before returning to bed.
“You good, Ky?”
She nodded and drifted back to sleep.
I finally drifted off to sleep an hour before Kylie’s alarm went off.
Thank God today was just a travel day.
I nudged Kylie after she pressed snooze for the second time.
“Up, Ky.”
“Nine more minutes, please.” She buried her face in my chest in a poor attempt at ignoring the wake-up call.
I sat up, tugging her upright at the same time. She wiped her eyes, unsuccessfully shaking off the night.
“Come on, I owe you a shower.”
I hopped out of bed, and Kylie flopped down again, attempting to bury herself in my comforter.
I threw back the covers and scooped her up, carrying her to the bathroom. I had no choice but to set her down while I turned on the water, but she stayed put.
Once the water was up to temperature, I nudged her in and followed. She woke up as soon as the water hit her and sighed in contentment.
“Are you sore?”
“Um,” she moved her wrists and ankles as a test. “A little. But I’m more concerned about the marks.”
She held up her wrists, and I inspected the faint marks. There didn’t seem to be residual discomfort when I ran my thumb over them.
“Do you have short sleeves for today?”
She nodded and dipped her head under the water to soak her hair. I grabbed a bottle of shampoo and dumped a generous amount into the palm of my hand before lathering her hair.
“I do.”
She groaned as I massaged her head, leaning into me.
“It’s nothing a bracelet or watch wouldn’t cover.”
“Well, I didn’t bring one.” She shrugged, and I dipped her head under the water to rinse the suds.
“I planned to drive you to work. We can drop by your place on the way.”
“Trying to avoid feeding me?”
“Never,” I said, turning her face toward mine and looking directly into her eyes. “It’s my job to take care of you. After our intense play last night, I take full responsibility for whatever you need. That includes food, a shampoo, or a ride to work.”
“I’d like to order a chocolate chip muffin and a dirty chai latte from Amanda’s Cafe, please.”
I laughed, “That’s specific.”
“It’s my favorite part of Monday mornings. Some people like to treat themselves on Fridays. I think it starts the week off right when you spoil yourself on Monday.”
“What do you call what we did last night?”
“Partying on a school night.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped as I grabbed the loofah and switched from Kylie’s head to her body. She groaned as I massaged her tight muscles.
“Any thoughts about what happened last night? Any surprises?”
“I didn’t expect to feel that way. I have always been curious about bondage and knew I would love it. But the high—it was unexpected. That’s the best way to describe it in words.”
I helped her rinse and turned off the shower. Kylie avoided my gaze, and I sensed she needed to say something.
“What’s happening inside your head?”
“Was it good for you?”
“Fuck yes. Did I forget to tell you?”
She met my gaze quickly before dropping her eyes to the floor.
“Kylie, look at me.”
She looked up, wide-eyed and seeking reassurance.
“You’re perfect for me. And not only because of the physical acts, but the trust you put in me. And if I haven’t told you, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
Kylie scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“What?”
“I’ve seen photos of your ex-wife, Luc. I know I don’t compare to her.”
“Kylie, I don’t regret my divorce, and I’m not harboring feelings for my ex-wife.
She’s a beautiful woman, yes. However, being attractive with the help of surgeons, fillers, and infusions is relatively easy.
You’re beautiful inside and out. And don’t you ever compare yourself to my ex again.
I can’t stand the comparative games that women play, and I won’t be part of it. ”
I stepped out of the shower, grabbed two towels, and wrapped Kylie up in one before I dried myself off.
“Oh, and I’m canceling my trip to Houston next week.”
“Why?”
“Because, for once, I’d rather be home than traveling. And if you’re wondering, I never canceled a trip to spend time with Skylar.”