Lexi
She’d gotten wrapped up. She couldn’t tell if they were still talking about the rules or the fights or something else. The smells of fresh paint and new mats laid on the floor of the ring were comforting. They reminded her of her gym; her home.
“Go with your gut,” he said. “This is important, Alessandra. What is your gut telling you?”
Indecision ran rampant, and she was horribly uncomfortable with it. Her entire life had been taking care of whatever came; overcoming whatever challenge was in front of her, and on to the next. What came next? What came next? If he’s my Dom, I want…
Staring up at him, a strange new feeling stole through her, riding up her spine to give her chills. Even though the logical side of her brain was screaming at her to get up, it didn’t feel like embarrassment. You don’t just drop to your knees in front of a man you’ve just met.
Some part of her relaxed; a part she hadn’t really realized was even there. Was this feeling… relief? It was so intense she had to close her eyes; it was making her head spin.
“Was that right?” she asked, unable to look him in the eyes. She felt - she knew - it was right for her. But what if he wanted something else? What if she looked insane? What if-
“That was perfect, Alessandra. You read me perfectly.”
She kept her eyes closed, but her shoulders relaxed. She reveled in the feeling of being able to breathe. It almost felt like she’d never taken a full breath before right now. But why?
“Can you tell me why?” she asked, her voice small and uncertain. If anyone would know, it should be him, right? Why she felt this way? What the hell was going on with her?
He didn’t move, but she heard his small satisfied sigh from well above her.
“Why? Why what?”
“Why I…” she hesitated and couldn’t find the words. Why I want this. Why I’m on my goddamn knees in front of a guy I barely know. What’s wrong with me. “I’m almost… relaxed.”
“You’re relaxed because I’m in charge now.”
She looked up at him, confusion plain across her face.
“I don’t understand what-
“Shh,” he whispered.
Lexi fell silent. They stared at each other a long minute or two before he crouched down to be near eye level with her. He played with a few strands of hair by the side of her face.
Grayson smiled a little and said, “You’re submissive, Alessandra. It’s okay. Breathe.”
She automatically inhaled a deep breath, and he raised his eyebrows as if to say see? He offered his hand, and she took it without thinking.
Standing up with him, she felt the blush stain her cheeks and tried to step away from him. But he didn’t let go of her hand, so they stood feet apart, holding hands.
“I should probably get going,” she said, looking past him towards the door.
Escape. She wasn’t even thinking about the words coming out of her mouth at warp speed.
“I still have a lot of things to take care of at the gym, and I need-”
“Alessandra. Stop running from me.”
Grayson cut her off. He stepped up to her, forcing her to look up at him.
“What am I feeling now?”
Lexi stared. Looked all over his face. His green eyes waited, and while they were waiting, they stared into her soul.
“You...”
“Go with your gut,” he reminded her.
She spoke quietly and put her eyes down- she was about to die from embarrassment if she was wrong.
“I think you want me.”
He pulled her in by her waist and tilted her head up to kiss her.