I’ve known Cree since our second year of college, and he’s a good guy. He’s actually a great listener as well, and I have no doubt he’ll make a good therapist. He has this way of looking at you that makes it seem like he’s figuring out your darkest secrets, and I don’t want to be analyzed all the time.
“I’m looking out for him,” Cree says. “We do have a relationship even if it isn’t a sexual one. I’m protective, and you know that.”
Cree finishes his cigarette and tosses the butt in a nearby bucket. He starts to head back inside, but I grab his arm, suddenly feeling desperate.
“I really want to work with him, Cree.” I sound like I’m begging, and I hate myself for it. “I won’t hurt him. I just want to get to know him better. I…I like him, Cree. Come on and help a bitch out.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Just ask him if he’d consider working with me. Tell him I’m getting good with rope, and I need the practice. You’ve got a new girl, and you know you won’t have as much time to tie with him if you’re starting some new romance bullshit.”
Cree narrows his eyes at me but also considers what I’m saying.
“Fine,” he says bluntly. “You do have a point there. I guess I can talk to him, but I don’t know how he’ll respond. He isn’t usually open to talking to new people.”
“What is his issue, anyway?” I ask.
“Not for me to say,” Cree says. “You’ll have to ask him yourself. I can make introductions and get you set on the right path, assuming he’s open to anything.”
“Cool. Thanks a bunch, Cree, really.”
“I’m not making any promises. I’ll talk to him first, and then it’s completely up to him if he wants to engage with you at all. Don’t be surprised if he says no.”
I tear the orange band off my wrist as I watch Cree walk away. For the rest of the night, I observe other groups but don’t talk to much of anyone. I pay close attention to Cree as he ties Rocco in a quiet, dark corner but don’t dare to get too close.
The night goes on. The music annoys me, but Ivan refuses to consider a new playlist. The impact guy continues to demonstrate his craft, and Cree ties up his new girl while Rocco sleeps on a mat nearby. Hours after our initial discussion, as the dungeon party is about to end, Cree finally comes back over to me.
“Rocco is willing to discuss it,” Cree says, “but not here. It’s too busy tonight. How about we meet at my place tomorrow afternoon?”
My heart skips a beat or two.
“Yeah, that will work.” I smile and reach out to shake his hand. “Thanks, Cree.”
“Yeah, you’re thanking me now,” he says, “but you might want to think more about what you’re getting into. I meant what I said about not hurting him. He’s a good friend.”
“I swear, Cree,” I say softly, “I will be careful. I don’t want to hurt him at all.”
Cree nods once before turning around. I watch him wrap his arm around Miss Vanilla as they start to head out of the dungeon. Rocco shuffles behind them, head down.
Tomorrow.
I have to wait until tomorrow.
Patience isn’t my thing, and I’ve been remarkably accommodating
tonight. I suppose I can handle a few more hours.
After that—with a little luck and sweet talk—Rocco will be mine.
~~End Book 1~~