There was a long, silent pause and she couldn’t hold back a shudder.
“Look at me, Laken,” Duncan said.
She glanced up to see compassion and heat in his eyes.
“Baby, you don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do, Sir.” Her voice shook slightly. “This is what I want.”
“You’re shaking,” he pointed out.
“I’m nervous that you’re going to reject me,” she admitted.
“Oh, sugar.” Leaning down, he cupped her cheek. “Why would you worry about that?”
Somehow, it was almost easier for her to speak to him in this position. It should have made her feel vulnerable, being naked on the floor while he sat above her, fully clothed. But this position had always made her feel safe and secure—because she was handing herself over to him, to his care and protection.
“You’ve drawn away from me,” she told him. “Something happened the other night. You haven’t had sex with me since. I thought we’d talked things through, but instead of taking command in the bedroom, you’ve pulled away from me entirely.”
He leaned back, staring at her thoughtfully. “You need more time.”
“I’ve had three years.”
“Three years in which you never took another Dom, never went to a club. I bet you never even let Ricky tie you up.”
Her gaze skittered away.
“Laken, look at me.” His voice was firm.
She glanced up at him. “I need this. I couldn’t do this with anyone else. I never wanted anyone else, but with you I feel safe. I like giving myself over to you. I trust you. The other night when you started to take charge I felt so at peace. Please, Duncan.”
“Maybe it’s me who’s not quite ready.” He ran his hand over his eyes.
God, how selfish she’d been. She had only thought of her own needs, not his.
Standing, she climbed into his lap, holding him close.
“It’s okay, we don’t need to do anything right now.”
He kissed her forehead. “It’s really something you want? Despite everything that happened to you?”
“I’m not saying I’m ready to get out the floggers and paddles, but I want to hand myself over to you during sex. I trust you, Duncan.”
“We will take this very slowly, sugar. We’ll ease into things, re-explore what we used to love and see what we now both enjoy. Okay????
“Yes, Sir. Thank you.” He rubbed her back soothingly, his body still tense.
“Will you tell me what’s been troubling you, Sir?”
He sighed. “Not tonight, sugar. Let’s leave tonight for ourselves. Tomorrow, we’ll talk.”
She nodded. They sat for a long moment before he stood.
“Undress me,” he ordered quietly. He held out a hand to help her up. With hands that shook slightly she lifted off his t-shirt. She placed her hand against his chest.
“What was your order, baby?” he said in a low voice.
She drew her hand back with a small smile. “Sorry, Sir, you’re just so beautiful.”