16. Favorite Dessert
16
FAVORITE DESSERT
EVAN
I n the mansion’s foyer, Tessa magically appears in front of me like a goddess. She looks the part too.
Her silky, dark hair is in loose curls, and she’s wearing a red wrap dress that hugs her luscious curves. Her makeup is expertly done. I only notice because she rarely wears any. I’m honored she felt that our date merited the effort, although it isn’t needed. She’s stunning, no matter what.
My eyes fall to her lips, which are painted a deep red to match her dress, and all I can do is imagine that color on my cock.
Fuck. This isn’t about sex. Unfortunately, that’s my default. My mind sexualizes almost everything. It’s how I’ve been bent and shattered.
That’s why I like BDSM play, because it gives me rules to follow. A guide to make sure I don’t cross lines. I enjoy negotiating what is and isn’t allowed. It keeps me honest and present in the moment. It keeps me from hurting someone. Or being hurt.
But if I plan on being in fully realized relationships with Tessa and Kurtis, I need to be willing to break some of my rigid rules that helped me remain emotionally detached in my past.
“Is this okay for what you have planned?” She swishes her hips back and forth, making her skirt fly up and expose more leg. “You hadn’t mentioned what we’d be doing.”
“It’s perfect,” I say, just above a breath. “ You’re perfect.”
Her cheeks pinken. “Evan,” she warns, like I’m being naughty. “Don’t overdo it. I’ll think this is a prank.”
“I’m not overdoing it. If anything, I’m under-doing it.” I step closer, invading her space. We’re so close that full breasts skim my suit jacket. I gaze down into the deep pools of her honey brown irises. “If I had my way, I’d explain to you exactly how hot you are, but then we’d never leave the bedroom.”
Her breathing picks up and her pupils dilate. She swallows and asks, “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise, wildcat.” I wink and give her a satisfied smirk when she laughs at my nickname.
Her hand lands on my chest, and my heart explodes with giddiness. I love her laugh. And now I want to recreate that sound from her as much as her moans of ecstasy.
I offer her my elbow and lead her outside to my vintage convertible Corvette that I brought to the front steps. The top is up since it’s a little chilly tonight. I remember how much she loved the rumble of the engine. In a way, we had our first genuine moment alone together in this car.
She beams at me when I open the passenger door for her and help her in.
I’m sure with her horrible history of dating, she didn’t have many guys in her life with manners. Dante is alright and better with emotions than I am, but he probably doesn’t do the little things like this. It will be what I can offer her. The caring details of life.
I slide into the driver’s seat and start up the car. I’d preset the car audio system from my device’s playlist, made up entirely of songs that I remembered she likes. Yes, I’ve been paying attention for the last couple of months.
She smiles appreciatively and bounces her head with the beat of a classic rock song.
“How have you been getting on at the new job?” I ask.
“It’s not that bad. I suppose I’m sort of built for that kind of work, being in my DNA and all.”
I sense she feels apprehensive about confessing that. I want to understand it. Does she think I’d have a problem with her being a reaper?
“So it doesn’t upset you—seeing people’s last moments in life?” I wonder out loud. It feels like such a big deal to me.
“Actually? It was harder working for Instant and doling out retribution and sometimes being downright cruel.” She picks at her dress hem. “I’ve been riding along with Megan and haven’t gone on a solo one yet. Death isn’t all that scary to me. Life is more frightening most of the time.”
I hum, considering her words. “You have a point. We are all headed toward death, but we aren’t always embracing life while we can.”
She looks at me with appreciation, and I feel like I’ve won the lotto.
“There are a lot of reasons for holding back,” she agrees. “None of them are easy to get over.”
“That’s why I pushed for us . For this.” I grasp her hand that’s settled on her thigh and squeeze her fingers lightly. “I didn’t want to come to my last day on Earth and realize I never really lived.”
Tessa glances at my hand on hers and then at my face. “I get that, maybe better than most. Dante gets it too, and I think that’s why he’s trying his best to be okay with me dating you and Kurtis.”
I try not to bristle at hearing their names. I led us down this path of discussion, after all.
“Yes, I suppose we all know how quickly we can lose everything.” My heart aches thinking about how I almost lost my chance to have this moment so many times.
There’s a lull in our conversation, where we both take time to acknowledge the close calls with death we’ve had in our lives.
Finally, she breaks the silence. “How are things going with Karma?” she asks, sensing the need to change subjects.
“Good.” I shrug. “I feel better. More balanced. I’m still uneasy about having my private session.”
“I can understand that.” She stares out her window and watches the city lights whiz by. “I’m going to ask her for a session once you have all had yours.”
I’m momentarily shocked that she would put herself through therapy on purpose, then I remember not everyone is as adverse as I am. “Do you really feel you need it?”
Tessa turns back to me with a wry grin on her face. “I’m far from perfect, even if I love hearing you say it. I’d like to know what my blind spots are in healing.”
“I know I need to delve into my shit too, not just because I want to be a better man for you, but because I need to be for me.”
Her head tilts back to lean against the headrest and she sighs. “But why me ?”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“I’m not sure why all three of you are fighting over me when there are plenty of other options in the world.”
I shake my head slowly. “No. I don’t think so. You’re unique.”
“I’m not the ‘special’ girl.” She blushes and laughs it off.
With my keen senses, I know she wants to feel special—finally loved. I can do that for her.
“Okay, less about me, more about you.” She bounces in her seat, shaking off her melancholy. “We know each other already, but we could dive deeper. Should we run down the dating basics? Favorite things? Biggest fear? Longest relationship? Bucket list? Most embarrassing moment? Body count? You know, well, maybe murders, too.” She says the last bit with a smirk.
My mind whirls with all the questions. “To be honest, I never really went on a lot of normal dates.”
“What kind of dates did you go on?” She quirks her eyebrow and gives me a once over. I can see the question in her mind.
“I know you’ve picked up on it before. I am into the lifestyle… BDSM. I played with a few submissives occasionally, but I never found anyone who really felt like the right fit for me.”
“How did you find people to play out scenes with?” she asks, keeping the gender neutral. I suppose her intuition is picking up my preferences.
“So, are you familiar with that world?” I glance over to see her shrug.
“Not really. I’ve read some spicy books. I’ve never had anyone I actually trusted tie me up, and I’ve never given over my control if I could help it.”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “Unfortunately, there are dominants who think they’re great at it, but they aren’t paying attention to their partners. Or they don’t understand that the sub is supposed to have the ultimate power.”
“I don’t know if I can play like how you might want.” Her voice is soft and full of pain. Before I can ask her why, she answers, “I’ve been assaulted. I’ve seen the underbelly of the world.”
“Do you think you could ever trust me despite your past?” I ask. “Your trauma?”
“I don’t know what I can handle yet. Do you want to hurt me?” she questions, without judgment, I notice. “Or do you just want to tie me up and spank me a little bit?”
“Something like that.” I give her a wink. “I don’t need to inflict a lot of pain, it’s more about control. If you decide this is something you want to explore with me, we can go over my consent list to see what you would like to try and find out what your hard limits might be.”
Tessa sits with that quietly for a moment, and I wait for her to digest that as we speed down the highway. “What if I didn’t want to be spanked or ordered around?” she asks with all seriousness. “What if I only wanted vanilla sex?”
I expected this.
“Do you mean… Will I want to have sex with you without a Dom/sub scene?”
“Yes. Or is that the only way you will be happy sexually?” She turns in her seat to watch me.
I grip the steering wheel, diving deep into my emotions and needs. I ponder her question. “I believe we could find a middle ground that would work for both of us.”
“And what does this middle ground look like?” Her voice comes out raspy, sounding as though she’s getting turned on.
When I look over from the road, I see her licking her lips and her eyes hooding. Fuck, I want to take her right now.
“What do you enjoy, Tessa?” My tone is a rumble of need. “What turns you on?”
“Maybe I’d like to try out some activities on your list and see,” she says playfully.
“Do you trust me?” I ask.
She nods, but I demand, “Use your words, love.”
I usually use the nickname pet or slut , but that sort of talk is for another day. I think Tessa might be more of a praise slut than into degradation. That’s fine, I can be her pleasure Dom.
“I trust you… sir .” She smirks after adding sir. I have a feeling she’s a brat on purpose, and I can easily be her brat tamer.
My cock stands at attention, pressing against my Armani slacks.
“Tell me your favorite things,” I command as I place my hand on her bare knee. My hand slowly slides up her skirt.
She eyes my hand that’s creeping up her soft thighs toward her center.
“Uh…” She sucks in a breath when I finger the edge of her lace panties. “I…”
As she pauses, and I pause. “Keep talking, love. Let’s see if you can be good for me.”
Her body flushes with heat. Her legs part slightly for me. She fucking loves this.
“Favorite color, purple. Favorite fast food, street tacos. Favorite dessert…”
My fingers sweep under the thin fabric and brush over her clit. She gasps.
“Dessert?” I ask her to continue.
Damn, she’s already so turned on.
“Warm cookies.” She moans as I sink my two fingers into her wet heat.
After a few blissful pumps in her slick pussy, I remove my hand and suck the juices from my digits. Then I give her my answer. “My favorite dessert is now you.”
“Fuck.” She hisses and squirms with need.
I pull into a dark parking lot to a quaint but upscale restaurant and park.
“We’re here already?” She sounds disappointed.
I lean over and nuzzle her neck. Why shouldn’t I press my luck? I just had my fingers deep inside her pussy.
“Do you need me to take care of you now?” I purr, my voice coming out gravelly and needy. “Or do you want to wait a bit?”
Tessa lets out a carefree laugh and pushes me away playfully. “I can wait… a little while.”
“That’s my sweet queen,” I praise.
“Queen? Ha!” But I can tell my words of affirmation are working on her. “I might revel in being a queen too much to be your submissive. I enjoy being in control.”
“Even the mighty of us need a break, don’t we, love?” I tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear.
I can see when the appeal of letting go clicks for her. “I suppose we do. That includes you , love ,” she says with a raised brow. “What if I wanted to Domme you?”
“It never hurts to try new things.” I wink at her and then hop out of the Corvette and race around to get the door for her. “Well, unless you’re spanking the fuck out of me. That will hurt.”
She laughs again, but I know I’m luring her to the dark side with that image. I’d let her welt my ass if she loved it, if it helped her heal, if it allowed her to let go of the reins sometimes.
I hold out my hand to help her to her feet. She takes it gracefully, but jokes. “You know I can just pop into the restaurant from the mansion now?”
“Where’s the fun in the journey, though?” I ask. “That’s like just having an orgasm without being edged with foreplay beforehand.”
“Edged?” She almost doubles over in laughter. “Most guys don’t even know what the word foreplay means.”
“Then it’s a good thing you have me to make sure your needs are met.”
I allow her to take the lead that she so badly needs and watch the seductive sway of her hips as she approaches the entrance. Right before she gets to the door, I race ahead and open it for her.
“You and Dante are so chivalrous.”
I don’t know what compels me to inquire about their dynamic, but I ask. “Does he satisfy all your needs, my love?”
She narrows her eyes at me and doesn’t say a word. Did I go too far?
Then she frowns. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned him,” she says. It surprises me that she’s apologizing. “I should focus on you right now, not compare you to the others.”
Before the hostess can make it to us, I whisper in Tessa’s ear. “No. We need to be open and okay with the others. We all need to communicate freely.”
“But I shouldn’t compare either,” she says.
“Table for two?” the hostess asks.
“We have a reservation.” I give her my name, and we’re shown to a dark, quiet corner in the restaurant with a view of the city lights. Fortunately, we’re seated at a booth, and she’s sitting to my immediate right.
“This place is so fancy.” Tessa shifts uncomfortably in her seat, adjusting her dress.
“You deserve the best,” I say and pick up the drink menu. “Do you enjoy wine or cocktails with your dinner?”
“Wine?” she says with a wince and a shrug.
“Are you uncomfortable here?” I ask, ready to leave if she hates this place.
“No. This restaurant is wonderful. It’s just that being homeless or on the run for most of my life always makes me feel awkward in fancy places.”
I turn to her and cup her cheek. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You are the epitome of power. Do not let dollar signs intimidate you. You are better than every rich asshole who has ever crossed that threshold. Do you understand me?”
Her eyes widen, and she swallows the compliment down like the medicine it is. “Thank you, Evan.”
A server sidles up to our table and smiles. “Hello, my name is Matthew. I’ll be your server tonight. May I start you off with some drinks?”
“Yes, I’d like a dirty martini and…” I look at Tessa, and she orders a mojito. I thought she might order her go-to drink.
“Excellent.” Matthew rattles off the specials for the night and gives too much attention to my date. I’m irritated enough that I might ask for another server, but I don’t want to appear like a possessive dickhead to Tessa.
As soon as Matthew leaves to place our drink order, Tessa giggles.
“What?” My nerves are already on needles because of Matthew. Why doesn’t the idea of Tessa with Dante and Kurtis upset me as much?
“Matthew has a crush,” she singsongs.
“I noticed,” I grumble.
“What, you don’t think he’s cute?” She grins, prompting another question about my sexuality beyond my D/s kinks.
“I don’t like that he was eye fucking you,” I huff.
She laughs a bit too loud for a place like this, but I find I love her defiance of social norms. “Aw, sweet summer child, he likes you. And I thought I was oblivious when it came to someone’s interest.”
“What?” I scoff. “No. He’s into you .”
“Who has woo-woo psychic abilities? Me. I’m one hundred percent right about this.” She waggles her eyebrows. “So you really didn’t pick that up?”
“I didn’t.” My gaze locks onto hers and I realize she doesn’t feel comfortable bringing up what’s on her mind. “Are you trying and failing to ask if I’m bi?”
“Maybe?” She looks repentant, but still curious.
“Okay, I’ll let you off the hook. I’m mostly into women, but I’m not opposed to men. But the right men and women.”
“And those would all be submissives?” she asks.
I smirk at her fishing. “Yes. But I’m curious about you. My guess is that you’ll end up being a switch.”
“And are you a switch?”
“I could try, but I’d likely try to top from the bottom when I do.”
Tessa chuckles, and the drinks are set in front of us. I wait patiently to continue our discussion. There is something I need to say and now is the time to do it.
I just hope she won’t be upset.