"Immensely.” She held his gaze in a way she never would have done when they first met. “Nothing happened I would change. I've never experienced anything so intense in my life. Well, except for the way you left."
He knelt in front of her and took her hands. “I didn't sleep last night contemplating what happened."
Reed joined her on the couch, rested his hand on her thigh, and squeezed, aware of her breath whooshing from her lungs. The reaction didn't shock him—his presence would unravel her. Now submissive, her mind would be drawn back to the events between them. Memories, he imagined, of what she had experienced. It pleased him to see her react so intensely, because he had the same feelings too. “There is something about you—something I want to lose myself in.” He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “After we completed the scene and I held you, I didn't want to let go."
"You didn't?"
"No, I didn't.” He'd never told anyone this. “You're the first woman I've had sex with since my relationship with my lifestyle submissive, the woman I loved, ended two years ago."
"You haven't been with anyone in that long?"
He chuckled at the surprise in her eyes—she had no idea what she did to him—and he inclined his head. “You, Marley, make me want to break my rules. I know enough to declare it now, or I'll forever regret it. I'm not a man who loves easily.” He gave her a stern look. “My heart has been broken once, and since then I've never wanted to be attached, nor have I ever met a submissive I wanted to call my own—to control more out of a need for myself than a duty to the sub. Do you understand the difference?"
Happiness shone in her expression, and she smiled. “I do, but—"
He raised his hand to stop her next words of why and how. Of course, he expected her to doubt him. Hell, he'd doubted himself for the last eight hours, but in the end, she remained on his mind. “We don't have to rush into anything—all I'm asking for is a chance and some time to get to know each other outside of the lifestyle."
"You want to get to know me?"
"I do.” Reed wanted to know all of her—every little piece that made up Marley. A spark had been lit, one he didn't understand and one he'd never experienced before—he refused to waste it.
The confusion showing in her gaze indicated her inability to accept what he said as true. “Are you saying you want to date me?"
"That's the idea.” Date, love, dominate—he wanted it all.
"And what about in the lifestyle?” Excitement lit her beautiful eyes, and her cheeks flushed.
Reed squeezed his hand tighter around her face in a show of domination. “Last night you gave yourself to me and I accepted you. It would be my honor to show you more of what the submissive role could bring to your life."
"So you want to be my dom too?"
Reed shook his head. So much she needed to learn, but he was more than happy to teach her. “It's not a matter of want. I already am.” He gathered her in his arms. “Where is your bedroom?"
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Chapter Six
Marley tried to get a grip on all this but failed. When Reed showed up on her doorstop, she'd tried to stay angry with him, but in truth she was blissfully happy he'd come. This all seemed like a big dream—one she waited to wake up from. Yet as he proceeded into her bedroom, kicked the door closed behind him, and set her down, she hoped if she was dreaming, it'd last forever.
The gentle man she'd seen minutes ago had vanished, replaced by the dominant one she'd witnessed last night. “Undress yourself."
Marley removed her clothing without hesitation, eager to please him, and waited for further instruction.
The silence drew on until finally Reed broke the awkward moment by arching his eyebrow. “I would hope I do not need to remind you of protocol."
Marley dropped to her knees, comprehending his statement. His gaze said it all; he now controlled the moment, and she understood what he meant about the difference between in a scene and out of one. A moment ago, he'd shown no signs of dominance, but here Reed was her dom. Not to be questioned, and by God, she relished his control.
She laced hands behind her back, stared at his knees, and remained that way even when he turned toward her dresser. He took something off the top, but she never saw what he had.
He strode back to her and stopped when his feet touched her knees. “Look at me.” She glanced up to find he had wrapped her hemp belt around both hands.
Reed smiled. “I love how your eyes burn like they are now. It was my intention to arouse you by using this on that sweet ass of yours, yet you've pleased me by already getting there. Stand before me."
Marley did as he asked, instantly met by soft fabric against her breasts as he ran the belt over her taut nipples. Reed placed his hand around her nape to draw her close while he pressed his lips against hers. Marley sighed, parting her mouth to allow his tongue entry. His hand tightened to deepen the kiss to a point Marley had never experienced before. More than a statement to bring forth arousal—meant more to steal her thoughts and stop time.
He backed a
way, nibbled along her jaw, and treated her skin in the splendid embrace of his mouth. The swagger he possessed and the physical attraction she held for him set her aflame, but the confidence in which he kissed, as if he knew all her hidden places that made her tingle, was what sent her arousal to a level she could hardly control.