She runs a gentle hand over my dark locks, looking down at me with a Madonna-like smile.
“I need you too, Bo,” she says simply. “I didn’t know it before, but it’s true.”
With that, I kiss her again where it counts, unable to shake myself from this cocoon of need and desire, and not wanting to either. But everything has to end at some point, and we’re hungry after a night of loving. After I’ve got her dried off, I seat her at the kitchen counter and put bread into the toaster. Then, I put on an apron and start frying up some eggs.
“I had no idea you were such a breakfast guy,” she giggles from her seat.
I turn to flash a charming grin at the beautiful brunette. It feels right to be with her like this. We’re familiar and comfortable, and the air between us is easy.
“You have no idea,” I growl. “But I’m not just a breakfast guy. I can also do lunch and dinner.”
Haley giggles. “But then why were you so insistent on finding a cook? I swear, you were going to turn the world upside down looking for a chef.”
I waggle my eyebrows at her. “Because I adore eating what you put on the stove, honey. It tastes even better if it’s got some love and care in the food.”
With that, she giggles again as I plate the eggs and then join her at the counter. It’s nice actually. We’re oddly comfortable with one another, although we only met two days ago, and there’s a familiarity in the air that I’ve never experienced with another woman. But then I grow silent for a moment. There are big secrets to be tackled, and I don’t want to hide. After all, I’ve never liked deception, and really, there’s no need to conceal anything from a woman like this.
“So sweetheart,” I begin. “What did you think of last night?”
Haley colors but continues eating.
“It was amazing,” she says with a shy smile. “You know I loved being with you. Why do you ask?”
I shrug.
“What would you say if there was more coming? Like a lot more?”
Haley giggles again.
“You mean, you have another box?” she teases. “I really like that box, come to think of it. It’s got so many delicious surprises and unexpected treasures.”
I laugh.
“Good, I’m glad because I have more than a box, sweetheart. I have an entire club. A BDSM club, to be exact.”
At that, Haley stops eating and looks confused. “What do you mean? I thought you were acclaimed bestselling novelist Bo North.”
I shrug.
“To be honest, writing is only a hobby for me. It’s one that I’m good at and that’s made me a ton of money, but like you mentioned, people are multi-faceted and have many interests. One of my interests happens to be BDSM, and as a result, I’m the owner of a club in Portland called Club Om. It’s on the outskirts of town, and it’s tailored especially for people with predilections like my own.”
Haley stares at me, putting her fork down.
“Predilections like yours?” she echoes.
“Yes,” I say in a smooth voice. “People who like to explore their boundaries and to engage in power exchange. Men and women who enjoy scening, along with some exhibitionism and voyeurism thrown in. Club Om is where the true Bo Nielsen comes out. Bo North is merely a persona,” I say lightly. “It’s a pen name that my agent and I shaped for the world.”
Haley stares at me for a few moments, those brown eyes wide.
“So you own a sex club in order to indulge in your predilections,” she says in a low voice.
“I do,” I confirm. “Of course, I don’t have to own a club to indulge, but the club was looking for a new owner about ten years ago, and I stepped in. I had the money, after all,” I say with a shrug. “But it’s been an amazing experience and I don’t regret buying Club Om for one moment.”
Haley pauses for a moment.
“Do you have a special name when you go?” she asks. “And do other people know about your club? Like your Bo North fans?”
I shrug.
“I don’t think my fans know because the club is very exclusive. You can’t just pay and walk in. Guests must be invited by a current member and go through an extensive vetting process, including reference checks and interviews. Plus, it’s very discreet, so only people in the community are in the know. But no, I don’t use a fake name. Everyone knows me as Bo from Club Om,” I say simply.
“Wow,” Haley breathes. “Holy cow. I never would have guessed.” Then, she bites her lip. “Well, maybe I should have known.”
I grin.
“No, because how could you have guessed, sweetheart? If you’re not involved in this world, then you likely have no idea that Club Om even exists. But it does, and it’s a big part of my life. I want you to be a part of that life too, which is why I’m telling you.”