Not Just an Internet Tryst (in progress)

Talia could not get him out of her mind. It seemed silly, but his words heated her blood, made her heart thrum against the back of her breasts.

“I would have loved to be the girl in your last story, David.”  She said shyly on the phone.

“You were.” He informed her in that deep baritone she could feel as much as hear.

It did seem silly to be so infatuated with someone she’d never met before, but it didn’t make it any less true.

“Yeah right.” Talia laughed.

“Those last pictures you sent? You didn’t recognize the black negligee she wore?”

Talia had thought for a moment that maybe she might have inspired his dark tale, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.

“Well, I thought maybe, but -”

“But what?” he coaxed.

“But nothing.” She said quietly.

“You know,” he said after a moment, “if we ever meet you won’t have any choice. You’ll have to talk to me.”

“Really?” She said incredulously. “And how exactly would you make that happen?”

“I think I’ll just let you wonder…for now.”

“Whatever.” She said dismissively, knowing just how much it would annoyed him. “I’ve got to go. I’ve got a night out with the girls.”

“I doubt you’ll enjoy it.”

“And why to do you say that?” She asked as she poured through her closet looking for something to wear.

“I bet the entire night you’ll be wondering just what I would do.”

“David, I’m not going to deny that I thoroughly enjoy our little interludes, but they are just that. They end when I hang up the phone or close my browser.”

“I don’t think so.” He said simply.

“Wow you are arrogant.” She laughed.

“As they come.”

“Until next time?” She said as she prepared to end their conversation.

“Maybe.”

His answer stopped her in her tracks.  She wanted to ask ‘why’, but feared seeming needy.  She meant what she said, or wanted to mean it.  He was just an interlude, a distraction. She still didn’t really know him. Their relationship allowed him to show her only what he wanted her to see.

“Suit yourself.” She said in a voice more strained than she would have liked.  She told herself it didn’t matter if he never called again.  She was probably one of a hundred girls he told that story to already, and it was silly to want more.

“Good night, Talia.” He said. A second later the line went dead.

An hour later she was staring at nothing wondering just what the fuck he meant when she heard Ashley call her name.

“I’m sorry, Ash. What were you saying?”

“Where are you tonight?” Her friend asked in an irritated voice. It wasn’t the first time in the last thirty minutes she’d had to work to get her attention.

She was on her knees in front of a man she’d never met before wondering just what he was going to do to her when she refused to speak, when she refused to do things his way. Damn him.

“I’m sorry, Ash. I’m just tired. I think I’m going to call it a night.”

“I’m disappointed, Tal. I’ve been looking forward to this night for the last month.  What gives?!”

Talia looked back into her friend’s concerned brown eyes as the girl nervously pushed her matching brown hair back over a bare shoulder. Ashley was her friend.  She could tell her, but she didn’t want to let her know she’d been drooling over some stranger two states away. The 5’7″ tall brunette would have no problem telling her just how irresponsible she was being. She felt bad considering how good the girl looked in her red strapless dress fitting every curve of her swimmer’s body perfectly, but there was no point in telling her any of the sorted tale.

“I don’t want to talk about it.  I’m sorry Ash.”

“Yeah, whatever.  I’m tired of hearing you say ‘I’m sorry’. Probably best you go home.” Her friend grumbled.

It stung a little, but she deserved it.

“Call you tomorrow?” Talia said sadly.

“Whatever.” Ashley answered, and headed off into the press of people beyond the bar they’d been sitting at.

Talia headed home feeling stupid. Still, the excuse was as good as any.  As much as she loved Ashley, she hated the tight confines of hundreds of bodies crowded together in such a small space.  She was not a people person where Ashley thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn’t fair that they always do what she wanted to do, but it just worked out that way.  Everything Ashley wanted to do, outside of talking, just didn’t peak Talia’s interest in the least.  It was highly likely their friendship would not last much longer.

The distraught friend didn’t stay on her mind for long. As soon as she stepped in the door of her apartment she pulled out her cell phone. She knew there would be no message but it didn’t stop her from checking. She wanted to type a message but she refrained. It was high time she ended their little tryst. Obviously it was getting the best of her. She stripped off her club clothes and curled under the sheets determined to do just that.

Talia woke late Sunday morning and left her phone in the bedroom.  She read a book and watched TV  and managed to make it to four o’clock in the afternoon before she gave in.  It was just one question and then it would be over she decided. She would just let him go.  He probably had twenty girls to take her place.

‘What would you do?’ She typed into the text box on her phone and hit send.

‘Call me and tell me how your night went first.’ He texted back just a few minutes after she decided he wasn’t going to answer.

Call him. She didn’t want to. He could always tell when she was lying and she didn’t want to let him know that she’d done exactly what he said she was going to do. Damn him.  She stared at the numbers on the touch screen willing herself to just put the damn phone down.

Instead she tapped the contacts icon and scrolled to his name. The not knowing would drive her nuts and he seemed to get that about her from the moment they moved from that chance meeting in a chat room to their daily phone conversations.

“This is it!” She told herself sternly as she waited with butterflies dancing circles in her stomach.

“Lia.” He’d shortened her name once laughingly telling her that Talia was a mouth full and she was the only one that needed her mouth full.  He only used it when he was in a certain mood, though.

“David.” She said slowly, a nervous edge in her voice without him needing to find a way to put it there.

“So how did your night go?” He asked, a smile in his voice.

“Wonderful.  Had some laughs. Had some drinks. Went home.” She said sarcastically.  There was no point in trying to lie but she wasn’t really ready to tell him he was right.

“Yeah, you sound thrilled.” He laughed.

“I wasn’t even out an hour.  You were right. I couldn’t stop thinking about what you might do…so talk.” The words spilled out of her quickly and then she held her breath and waited.

“Think about anything else?”

“I told you how my night went.” She answered indignantly.

“No, you told me what you thought I wanted to hear.  I want details.”

“There are no interesting details.”

“You always get that quiet breathy voice when there are. Thinking about my story?”

“Yes.” She said quietly. She doubted he’d take ‘no’ for an answer even if it wasn’t true but the thought was moot as he had yet to be wrong.

“Details Lia.”

“What? You wrote it. I don’t see the point.” She snapped.

“I want to hear you talk about it.  Be descriptive.” He always shortened her name when he was planning on making her squirm.

“Thought you didn’t do the ‘phone sex’ thing.” She stalled.

“I’ll admit, listening to you struggle with my requests makes me a little hard, but it’s a trade not phone sex. Start talking or I’m not answering. What part were you thinking about?”

“The part where he blind folded her.” She answered quietly.

“Go on.” He coaxed.

“And the ice.”

“You’re not being very descriptive, Lia. Looks like your question is going unanswered.”

“Grrrr.”

“You’re so cute when you’re frustrated.” His rich laugh follow the patronizing comment.

“Yeah, like you never get frustrated.” she grumbled while grappling for the words he wanted to hear just so she could get her answer.

“No.  Why should I? I always get what I want.”

He was right.  Here she was mucking through describing things that turn her red as a cherry just like he wanted.

“I’m waiting, Lia.”

“The way he let the melting droplets trail down her chest. It must have been a shock not knowing what was coming.” She was getting wet just thinking about it.

“And?”

“The way she gasped when he touched the cub to her nipple. Then lying there wondering what the hell was going to happen next. Must be quite a rush.”

“Must be.” he echoed her.

“OK, I was descriptive.  Going to answer me?” Talia asked a little breathless.

“Obviously I don’t need to do anything to make you talk.”

“Ass.”

“It’s really something I’d have to show you.” He said after a few more moments.

“Well, guess it’s a good thing you don’t live close enough to get your hands on me.” She quipped, heart skipping a beat at just that thought.

“So I take it if there wasn’t such a great distance you’d be amenable to a demonstration?”

Talia laughed nervously. Amenable? The possibility plagued her dreams every night. But it wasn’t possible so she thought it safe to egg him on a little.

“David, to be perfectly honest if there wasn’t distance between us I think I’d let you do anything you wanted to me.”

“Now that’s an offer almost too tempting to pass up.”

“Yeah, but…there’s the distance.” she noted, both excited and afraid he was taking her serious.

“Yes, distance is an obstacle.  Still, obstacles can be overcome.”

“I was only joking.” Talia started backtracking.

“But didn’t you say ‘to be perfectly honest’?”

“Well…yeah…but…”

David started laughing on the other end of the line as she stumbled through a reply.

“I’ll leave you to wonder, Lia. I gotta go…buy a plane ticket.”

“David!” she squeaked. “You’re not serious right?”

“Right.”

“That didn’t sound very convincing.”

“Sweet dreams , Talia.” And the line went dead a second later.

“Sweet dreams! Psshh!!” Talia griped at the phone. The man certainly had a flare for the dramatic. There was also no way in hell he was going to drop a grand or so on a plane ticket for one girl, though, so she had no reason to be nervous or hopeful.

Besides, she promised herself this was it.  It was over. So what if she didn’t get her answer. Still it would be something if he showed up on her door step one evening.  Talia shivered, eyed her phone, and then tossed it on the little table next to the door. She was not helping herself give this little whatever it was up by fantasizing on it any further.

She looked around the tiny one bedroom apartment with a heavy sigh, and then flopped down in the little green couch to watch reruns of Criminal Minds. Her mind wandered to his voice, the strength in it and how wet she got every time she did something he asked her to do.  It was strange how stupid the things were, like the day he’d asked her to describe her pussy. The word alone was enough to make her turn several shades of crimson let alone describing it, in detail as he requested, to a complete stranger.  Talia actually would have been fine with just sending him a picture, but he insisted she use words, and he didn’t give up until he’d wrangled every detail he could get out of her, including the fact that she was soaked past her thighs by the time it was all said and done. That was the day he’d shortened her name.

Their conversations weren’t always so blatantly sexual, but the undercurrent was always there. And even as explicit as they were with each other, it still remained conversation. There was no ‘phone sex’ per say. She’d never had an orgasm on the phone with him or vice versa, but he’d once asked her to describe what she’d done the night before. She often wondered why the hell she kept doing it, but she couldn’t help herself. She enjoyed it when he pushed her, and he never missed a chance to. The thought of how far he’d push her if he was in front of her made the distance between them a protective barrier.

What would she do if he showed up on her door step?

She resisted the urge to go find her toys. She needed to.  This guy had way too much on her. Even the most mundane conversations ended with her wanting to touch herself, needing to get off. That thought made her remember the day he told her to enjoy it, because if he had her she’d have to ask. It was an idea that sent shivers down her spine. She wondered what he would do if she disobeyed him. Strangely it was something he’d refused to tell her, only hinted at.

She shifted, pressing her thighs tightly together. The damp cotton of her panties clung to the smooth flesh of her sex, her desire heightening her sensitivity making every sticky brush drive her a little more nuts. Resisting was useless. He turned her on and she did what came naturally.

Talia clicked off the television and headed to the bedroom. She found the simple smooth midnight vibrator she kept in the hidden drawer of her bedside table and set it on the bed beside her. She pushed the waist band of her basic grey yoga pants down the flat plain of her tummy and over the pale soft skin of her hips, letting them drop to the floor once they passed the curve of her ass. She left the underwear on, deep red string bikinis. No matter how plainly she was dressed her panties never were.

She lay back and imagined his strong hands pressing her knees apart, forcing them wide. Talia retrieved  the vibrator and turned it on, teasing a rigid nipple through the thin fabric of her shirt as she slid the humming device against the crimson fabric between her hips soaking it further. The sensation was just enough to drive her towards the edge but not enough to push her over, a small torment she continued until she could take it more.  As she hurriedly pushed the panties off she imagined David watching her writhe beneath his touch, forbidding her release. She gasped as the tapered tip contacted her swollen clit, thrusting her hips and fisting her hand into the sheets beside her body. The fantasy and the vibration pushed her over the edge without warning causing her to arch her back as she cried out softly. She continued the stimulation until the quaking subsided and she jerked away involuntarily, spent.

In the dark she listened to her breathing calm as her eyelids became heavy. It was too early to sleep though so she got up before she gave into the drowsy afterglow, and headed to the kitchen to make herself a snack.

Monday and Tuesday passed without hearing from him. At first she was proud of herself for keeping her distance but by Wednesday she was aching to hear his voice. David had become a drug to her and Talia was starting to think this was what withdrawal must feel like. She promised herself the last time was the last time however and refused to give into the desire to message him. Besides, if he wasn’t going to make any effort to contact her, she certainly did not need to chase him.

Friday evening found her headed home from work. Even though it was casual Friday she chose to wear a black knee length skirt that fit her snuggly with a split in the back and a creamy silk blouse that draped just right to accent her breasts, a nice handful she’d once been told, and slender waist. The piece de resistance was her four inch black stilettos with the bright red soles. The black thigh high stockings  completed the look.  The outfit was her way of distracting herself from the sudden abandonment. It was for the best she told herself, but it still hurt.

She climbed the steps to her third story apartment, her heels clicking on the wooden floor as she plodded towards the door. Talia chided herself for feeling so down over the silly affair.  She’d never even met the man. She concentrated on the dark wood smell of the hallway that lead to each of the indoor apartment entrances.  The complex was old, but it had history and she loved it.  Somewhere nearby she heard another set of footsteps but didn’t care. In a few seconds she’d be in the comfort of her own home.

There was a jangling noise as she searched through her keys for the one that would let her in. As she readied the key to slide it into the lock, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end, her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat. Someone was standing directly behind her.

“Hello Lia.”

***

David let his hand trail along the silky smooth grain of the handrail, the product of decades of other hands doing the same thing.  He could see why Talia liked the place so much just from this. It was a way to be part of the world without actually having to interact with it. She’d been right about the aroma too; old oak and the stain that brought out the wood’s subtle nuances. It was pleasantly warm.

He hit the top step and glanced at his watch. Half past five so from what he remembered she should be pulling into the parking lot right about now. He turn left and started taking in his surroundings. The address he’d pulled off the internet gave an apartment number to the right and she was pathologically oblivious according to her so she should breeze past him without ever noticing his presence. While he waited he weighed the consequences since he still wasn’t dead set on going through with this.  She could be nothing like the pictures she sent, or he could have an unfortunate up close and personal with a bottle of pepper spray or a stun gun. He wasn’t exactly invited. Or he could finally meet the girl that had managed to bury herself in his psyche with just the sound of her voice, and maybe return the favor.

Yeah he was probably going to risk it.

The staccato sound of stilettos on old wood echoed up the corridor breaking his concentration. He waited, casually leaning against the rail smirking to himself at slight insanity in his plan. He was good but he wasn’t infallible, still he couldn’t resist the possibility.

A few moments later a pretty girl, taller than average though she had a little help, with her head buried in her purse made her way slowly up the last flight of stairs. He recognized the black hair, raven tresses she’d once proclaimed and she wasn’t far off, pulled back into a thick pony tail that hung to her shoulders. He noted her slender neck, a little pale she’d lamented, but he actually didn’t prefer sun kissed skin. He’d often imagined pressing his teeth against the spot where her neck joined her shoulder. He was satisfied with the remainder of his inspection as she fumbled with her keys three doors down. It was time to let the insanity commence.

He closed the distance between them, stifling a laugh at the fact that she honestly had no clue he was there, and came to stand directly behind her. He heard her breath stop in the empty hallway and saw her shoulders tighten as her head snapped up.  So it was that time.

“Hi, Lia.”

Talia dropped her purse and whirled on him to shocked too speak. She recognized his voice immediately but could not process the fact that it was coming from the man standing over her. Even in four inch heels he still easily looked down on her. Half of her was terrified he was a psychotic killer and half of her…well she wasn’t sure about the other half.

“David?!” She finally managed to spit out after several attempts.

“In the flesh.” He answered, stepping back from her and bowing slightly

“Oh my god, what are you doing here?” It was part accusation and some sort of strange mix of shocked elation. He hadn’t abandoned her.  He was right here. What the hell was he doing here? She was desperately trying to decide between running screaming and stopping to take a good look at what she’d only seen pieces of over the last six months.

“I guess I never told you what I do for a living.” He smiled.

“No.” Talia answered a little wide eyed. God she was an idiot. He knew practically everything about her and she really didn’t know shit about him. In between berating herself she couldn’t help but notice he had a nice smile.

“I sell medical equipment to various hospital systems.  I fly downtown all the time. This time I thought I’d drop by.” He seemed completely entertained by her at that moment.

“Really? And you didn’t think that maybe a ‘hey do you mind’ kind of thing would have been appropriate.” She frowned as she sank to the floor to retrieve the contents of her purse.

“No. I wanted to see what you would do if I just showed up on your door step.  Technically you invited me.” He leaned against the far railing now watching her gingerly put her purse back together while trying not to flash him in the short skirt.

Talia stopped. How many times in the last week had she romanticized this moment? Looking up at the slender man dressed in grey slacks and a dark blue dress shirt with the cuffs rolled up she had to admit he looked better in person. He had a strong jaw but the way his dark hair was a little longer than it should be gave him a boyish look that was a little deceptive.  Talia knew better. Even if they had not been talking for the past few months it was still there in his dark eyes. There was nothing boyish or soft about him

“That was when I was under the impression that the three thousand miles between us was a static variable.” She said standing slowly.

“And now you know. We can stand here talking about exactly how and when I should have told you, or we can start over and go out for a drink. Your choice.” David crossed his arms and waited for her answer.

In all her fantasies she’d not actually had a choice in what he did. Suddenly all the intimate little details he knew about her came flooding into her mind and her cheeks turned a deep crimson as she looked at the ground. A drink was probably a bad idea.

“So I have a choice?” She quipped still looking at the ground. Talia considered the possibility she’d been possessed because that wasn’t at all what she intended to say. She didn’t dare look up, nervous and a little ashamed at the slightly reckless question.

“For now.”

His first thought was ‘no’. Forget the drinks; six months was enough fucking foreplay. It didn’t help that she currently looked like the kind of assistant that did her best work on her knees, or that she’d been in that exact position not five minutes ago. He should have helped her retrieve her purse but he was a little caught up in the moment. He decided to consider the drink a price for the slip. He was most definitely better than that.

He started mentally ticking off tomorrow’s itinerary in order to redirect the recent surge in blood flow and waited for her answer. He may want her but the way he wanted her required more trust than coercing her at this moment might forge.

“So?” He coaxed.

“I guess there’s no harm in a drink.” Talia smiled.

“Well…just one, no, but you might be pushing your luck after that.”

“Really…I’ll keep that in mind.” She was playing a dangerous game for all she knew, but the possibilities in that smile were too tempting to pass up. She debated changing. The outfit hinted at a lot more than ‘just a drink’, but she was already being stupid. What was one more nail in the coffin?

“Any place you like in particular?” He asked as he started towards the stairs. If she needed another excuse not to change, the fact that he didn’t even offer to give her the time to do it would work.

“Oh you don’t have a place picked out already?” she smirked, following him down the worn steps. “For some reason I thought you’d be a bit more take charge than this.”

“Hmmm…I think I mentioned something about not liking mindless slaves.”

“Right. Watson’s on 34^th is a nice place. Know of it?”

‘Slaves’ seemed to really stick out when he said it. He did say something about wanting a woman that would speak her mind but still drop to her knees when she was told to. Still seemed like a slave to her.

“No, I don’t get out of the downtown area but I’m sure the cab driver will.”

 “We could just take my car.”

He stopped and turned around.

“First meeting, I thought a cab might be the most neutral ground.”

Talia nodded feeling a little sheepish. He was right. For all she knew he was something along the lines of the Craig’s List killer. He slid a Blackberry out of his pocket and hit a button.

“You have a cab company on speed dial?” She asked, assuming that’s who he was calling.

“I travel a lot.” He laughed.

“So I guess it’d be safe to assume I’m not your only internet tryst.”

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment while the phone rang and then someone picked up. He turned his attention from her and gave the necessary instructions, then turned those dark brown eyes back on her as he hung up.

“Actually you aren’t safe assuming anything about me. If you want to know something, ask.” His tone was serious enough to make her feel like she’d just been scolded. Talia looked away and bit her lip to keep from apologizing. She’d done nothing wrong as far as she was concerned. He continued watching her until she shifted uncomfortably.

“Ummm, am I the only one?” She asked just to break the moment.

He nodded and gave her a smile that made her knees a little weak then turned and continued down the steps. “Come on, the cab will be here in a minute.”

Talia grinned when she thought he wasn’t looking. She was no better than a silly school girl at the moment. He could be lying, but it felt good anyway.

He wasn’t kidding. A black town car pulled into the parking area only a few moments after they exited the building, it’s freshly waxed surface gleaming in the afternoon sun. David shooed the driver when he started to get out and held the back door open for her as she climbed in.

he watched her bend over slightly, the fabric of the skirt pulling a little tighter against her bottom, a nice curve that led beautifully to a very long slender pair of legs. He found himself wishing he’d tried to convince her to let him in instead of coming out. Still, waiting made things just that much sweeter. He shut the door and made his way around to the other side.

“You know you have a very nice ass if you don’t mind my saying.” He commented as he settled in beside her.

“I should mind. I don’t think it’s PC to say that to a girl these days.” She said with a smirk.

“Really… “David let the word linger a moment before continuing. “I seem to remember you being a little off the PC map.”

Talia flushed at the subtle reminder. Honestly she never thought she’d have to face him. While she was far from disappointed in the look of the clean cut businessman sitting casually beside her, all the bits of dark things he knew about her made things a little uncomfortable.

“That was when I thought there were a few miles between us you know?” she answered with a thin smile.

He frowned at her.

“So you were just playing? You’d rather keep all that bottled up? Why?” He asked casually.

“I guess…” Talia concentrated on her hands as she ran the pad of her thumb against the smooth surface of one red lacquered nail, “I’m just used to hiding it.”

David’s fingers slid beneath her chin and turned her to face him leaving her no choice to but to look into his dark eyes.

“Now you can get used to me finding it.” His tone was even, but laced with a knife edge of seriousness.

Her eyes widened, but his fingers remained firm beneath her chin as he waited for her to take in his little demand. He did mean to take things a little slowly, but he used the moment to let her know that while she may have been timidly testing the waters he had every intention of sinking in completely and dragging her with him unless she put an end to this quickly.

There was no question as to his intentions as Talia tried to shrink away from that intense gaze. He wasn’t there to play games and trade witty flirtations. He wanted her. Her heart raced at the thought of what he might do to her, and she was certain if she didn’t instruct to turn the car around and leave her at her place she was going to find out exactly what that was. Against what some might call ‘better judgment’ Talia decided that was exactly what she wanted to do. Trembling, she bobbed her head slightly in a timid nod.

“Good.” He smiled slightly, releasing her chin, and then looked outside the now motionless vehicle. “Ah, we’re here. Shall we?”

***

Watson’s was quiet for a Friday, but it wasn’t the kind of place you came to for mind numbing base beats and half naked girls drinking candy sweet mixers. It was dark wood and stained glass mirrors with damn good beer on tap. Cigars were lit more often the cigarettes here by a clientele made up of mostly regulars, and the juke box still played CD’s. Strange that was bordering on antique now.

“Talia! Haven’t seen you in a while, luv. What can I get you and your friend?”

And then there was Mac, the English accented owner. Your best friend from the moment you stepped through the door until the second you left. It was hard to tell his age between the grey that peppered his hair and the corded muscle obvious beneath the striped short sleeved dress shirt he wore. Talia would have loved to hear his story. She’d never forgotten those cool grey eyes that missed nothing, even after just one meeting.

“Hey, Mac. I’ll take a black and tan. David?”

“Just a Budweiser. You’re a regular here?” David asked, surprised that she would frequent a bar better suited to the stories old men.

“No.” Talia flashed a smile at Mac as she picked up her glass. “Mac here never forgets a face it seems. I stopped in here once when I ran out of gas on a shitty day and Mac gave me a beer on the house. Guess he likes to make sure he’s never forgotten too.”

“Good for business.” The bartender cut in as he dried glasses and set them neatly on a shelf behind him.

David eyed the older gentleman who inclined his head towards him amiably before heading to the other end of the bar.

“Where shall we sit?” He heard Talia ask bringing his attention to the layout of small white cloth covered tables occupied here and there by various patrons. He randomly chose an empty table and pulled out a chair for her.

“Thank you.” She said shyly, anticipating the dreaded awkward silence as he took the seat across from her. What in the world were they going to talk about now? A hint of red tinted her cheeks as some of the possibilities flitted across her mind.

“Don’t worry.” He laughed. “I do have a little bit of decorum.”

“Damn blushing.”

“I like it. Makes it easier to see what you’re thinking. I like working less.” White teeth flashed in a mischievous grin.

“Oh, well, anything to make your life easier.” She quipped. “So you sell medical equipment?”

“Boring huh?”

“Honestly not what I was expecting.”

“And what were you expecting?” He took a drink, watching her over the rim of his glass.

“I don’t know. Cop?”

“I do already have the handcuffs, but no. Nothing where I have to answer to a boss.”

“So you don’t ever let people tell you want to do?” She asked, trying to ignore the comment about the handcuffs in order to stave off another round of blushing.

“Not unless the situation calls for it. So why the outfit?” He imagined her thighs were crossed beneath the drape of white cloth as she sat across from him, pushing that skirt just a little closer to the line of her black stockings.

“I don’t know. Just wanted to feel pretty today. Like it?” She wasn’t about to tell him he had anything to do with it.

“Me and every other man in this room. Glad I inspired you to wear it.”

“You did not.” She said indignantly.

“Really? Look me in the eyes and tell me that.” He said coolly, resting his chin over his clasped fingers above the little table.

Talia couldn’t do it. The moment her eyes met the mysterious darkness of his, she couldn’t lie to him. It had her wondering if he had that effect on everyone he met.

“OK, fine…you did. I was convincing myself I needed to end our little tryst, and then you show up effectively ruining all my plans.”

“I know, perfect timing.” He grinned. “I’m good at ruining things; plans, inhibitions, resolve.”

“So you plan on ruining my resolve as well?” Talia asked and immediately took a drink trying to hide the nervous tremor that went through her.

“Not really the planning type, but if it happens I won’t be upset.”

“Well, don’t get your hopes up. I’m still not sure I’m the slave type.”

“Not slave, Lia.” The shortening of her name pricked her attention. “Submissive.”

“There’s a difference?” She asked, taking another drink not quite believing she was actually considering this.

“Yes. Slaves lack freedom because they are forced to serve. Submissives find freedom in willingly belonging to another.”

“And you think I would find freedom in belonging to you?”

Did he? He hadn’t seduced her when he met her because he wanted more than just a taste. He gleaned from their time on the phone that they had enough in common keep things easy between them, and just enough differences to keep things interesting. She was beautiful and witty with just hint of innocence, and he couldn’t get her out of his mind. No he wasn’t arrogant enough to tell her that he thought that, but he wasn’t just going to give up on the idea either.

“I’m not sure, but I was hoping you’d try it and see.”

Try it and see? She turned the words over in her head for a few moments. What exactly was she going to try? It was one thing to get a little kinky on the phone, but this wasn’t kink to him. This was his life if he was to be believed.  The idea of possibly being ‘punished’ for something at any given time was absurd, yet she couldn’t just tell him ‘no’ and be done with it.

“Really this is a moot point.” She said after taking a sip of her drink. “There is three thousand miles between us.”

“You like to keep reminding me of that.” He laughed. “There isn’t right now.”

“Right, but there-“

“Just ask.” He interrupted.

“Ask what?”

“Anything you want. No kinky shit, no innuendos, no flirting, just a straight clinical talk.” Though it wasn’t so straightforward. She was teetering on the edge and the more she talked about it the stronger her curiosity would get and the harder it would be to tell him ‘no’.

“I…I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“You’ve got six months’ worth of phone conversations to draw on, Lia.”

“But…I mean…not here.” She said the last bit in a whisper.

“Yes. Here.”

It was final. Talia fiddled with her drink trying to separate the clichés from what he would really want to hear from her, but she had nothing. Then again this wasn’t about doing what he wanted. This was about figuring out what she really wanted. Fuck it! Clichés it was.

“So do you wear…costumes?” She asked timidly.

“You mean like a gimp suit.” The face she made was priceless. “No, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have you dress a certain way sometimes.”

“Like a slut.” She said flatly.

“My prerogative.”

“See that just doesn’t sound right. The way I dress shouldn’t be dictated to me.” The words tumbled out a little fast as her tone turned defensive.

“I didn’t say it would be, Lia.” He answered patiently. “I just said sometimes I might have you dress a certain way. What’s wrong with pleasing your lover regardless of the life you choose to live?”

There was no arguing with that logic. More people should go a little out of their way for the one they were with.

“And punishment?” She asked after nursing her drink for a moment.

“Elaborate.”

“Do you…spank?”

David remembered fondly her uneasiness during that conversation, and it was still there coloring her pretty cheek bones. He had to resist the urge to smile, willing himself to remain completely emotionless during this little interview.

“Sometimes.”

“You’re not really answering me.” She snapped. The idea was not something she relished and yet…

“No, I answered exactly what you asked. If you want more information you need to be more specific.” He instructed.

“Why would you spank mm…someone?”

He caught the slip, and the ever darkening color beneath her eyes. He had to grit his teeth hard to keep the calm façade he portrayed now.

“I have rules, Lia. If they are not obeyed then there are consequences. Sometimes that might involve spanking.” He let the word linger for a moment. “And other times I just might want to.”

“Well that doesn’t seem very fair.” She said with a frown.

“You haven’t ever tried it dear. How do you know you wouldn’t like it?”

Talia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. It hadn’t even been a fantasy until he mentioned it to her. While the idea of his hand across her ass still hadn’t crossed that threshold she’d be lying if she said it didn’t intrigue her, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. She failed to realize the evidence was written all over her face.

“Well…I can’t…I mean…why would anyone like that?” The volume of her voice edged louder causing a patron or two to look their way. He found her frustration cute. Even the way she ducked down when she noticed the attention she drew threatened to bring a smile to his face. Dammit he was smitten, and he was going to enjoy introducing her to his way of life if he ever got the chance.

“No need to get flustered, Lia. You’re under no obligation here. I’m just answering questions. You can walk out any time you want.” He did smile just a little then. “Unless of course…”

Screw it. She wasn’t a child. She did what she wanted when she wanted and no one was going to punish her for it in any way. This was ludicrous right? But the decision refused to be that simple. Instead Talia gave into the desire to ask more questions.

“Right. Just questions.  So, what’s your…safe word? Or do I get to pick that? I mean…if I…you know…”

“No safe word.”

“What? What if you push someone too far? What if you are hurting them?”

“Safe words are for scenes. For games people play. I guarantee I will push you. You might even think it’s too far. Occasionally I will hurt you, but I promise no scars. There is something in someone’s eyes when you’re about to cross that line. A good Dom knows when to quit.”

“And someone would willingly sign up for this?”

The disbelief was plain in her tone, but he hadn’t sugar coated anything. David didn’t want her walking into this with any blinders on. That only led to hurt feelings, or worse. He was kind and patient and honorable, but this was the life he preferred. If she wasn’t with him 100 percent, than there was no point in wasting any energy on this relationship.

“It doesn’t matter what other people do. This is just about you.” David answered.

“And how do I know you’re a ‘good Dom’? I don’t even know what that is really.”

 “Therein lays the crux of the matter.” David took a deep breath before answering. “You have to trust me.”

Talia set the edge of the glass against her bottom lip and took a long slow drink. This wasn’t anything like she’d expected. Of course not every phone conversation they’d had was a randy verbal romp, but where had David gotten the idea that there was more to it?

Was there?

And how exactly was she supposed to trust some man she’d known for all of an hour now?

Talia looked at him over the rim of her glass before setting it down. She knew his favorite color, the fact that he favored cats over dogs, and that he was a wine connoisseur that preferred beer and his home made hot wings. His mother and father had just celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary at Disneyworld because they were still very young at heart, and he lost his brother to leukemia fifteen years ago. He was 37 and would be 38 in just over 3 weeks; tidbits of information that had slipped through here in there that added up to a lot more than she’d originally thought. As she started retracing all the little conversations kept at a distance when there was nothing more to this than some sort of tryst destined to be just a memory it became apparent that the only thing she didn’t know about him to this point was what he did for a living.

If he wasn’t lying that is.

“You’re insane.”

David arched an eyebrow unsure if it was a rebuke or something else. “You’re not the first to say that to me.”

“You ever killed anyone?” Talia asked as she folded her hands in front of her on the table just below her breasts.

The random question caught David off guard.

“No.”

“Ever wanted to?” she continued.

“Yes. You?”

Talia blinked, one corner of her mouth rising slightly as she reflected on something and then it was gone as she grasped at a new question.

“Answer.” David instructed before she could even open her mouth to ask.

Talia frowned for a moment, and then let out a soft breath.

“Yes.”

“Yes you killed someone?” David asked, mostly joking.

“Yes I wanted to.” She answered without skipping a beat where most people would have at least been taken aback.

“And suddenly I find myself wondering who should be concerned about whom.”

Talia had no qualms about watching him closely as he spoke. She was, as crazy as it seemed to her, seriously considering this and she was doing her best to make sure it wasn’t a completely idiotic move. With her heart racing now she definitely did not miss the irony in his comment.

“Nothing to worry about from me. I’d be in jail if I were to go through with anything…questionable.” She said quietly. “I always get caught.”

“Yes but most people consider killing someone more than ‘questionable’.”

“True.” No point in trying to explain that she was using it as a blanket term meaning she also didn’t speed, steal, or even lie really. See, ‘illegal’ wouldn’t have worked. She did consider killing someone more than just a questionable act, but it was kind of nice having him on more even ground.

“So why am I insane?” he asked interrupting her train of thought.

“Because I never gave any thought to this actually being a relationship, yet you decided to fly out and surprise me on my front door step. Only an insane person would do something like that.”

“Never gave it any thought or never thought it was an option?”

Talia stayed quiet since the question hit entirely too close to home.

“I may be a little reckless, Talia, but I’m not insane. I generally know exactly what I’m getting into.”

“I don’t.” It was a cold hard truth and no amount of questioning would change it. “Not this time.”

“I know.” He said after a moment. “And there is only one way for you to find out isn’t there.”

His dark eyes were as inescapable as any grasp he could have had on her at that moment. It didn’t help that the only thing between her and whatever plans he had for her was a fading rational light. So this was why Eve was dumb enough to grab that apple. Heaven help her she wanted to find out, and she knew leaving would only leave her wondering for the rest of her life. Talia downed the rest of her drink and stared at the table for a few minutes trying to summon the ability to speak.

“You’ve got me…for one night.” She said finally without looking up.

“Reasonable enough but look me in the eyes and say it, Lia.”

She held her breath and lifted her gaze to meet his trying to think of reasons to back out. Temptation rarely gave you a second chance. Since the serial killer angle hadn’t worked she contemplated the possibility of this being some lame role playing scene she’d end up giggling her way through and never tell a soul about out of sheer embarrassment. Six months’ worth of experience with him told her otherwise. Temptation had only given her the chance for the satisfaction of hearing her say it again.

“I’m yours for one night, David.”

A night. It wasn’t like him to negotiate but it also wasn’t like him to go outside of his circle for a girl so he was learning a few things about himself. He had a night to either get her out of his system or become an inescapable part of hers. He’d be a childish fool to try and tell himself he was going for the former. He wanted more than just sex and trained girls seemed to be there for no other reason. In his observation if he wasn’t actively dominating the girl he’d taken on her interest seemed, at best, mild and, at worst and most often, faked. To the casual observer a Dominant might appear to be using a submissive, but, in a truth is stranger than fiction sort of way, it was very often the other way around. Of course there was the other side of the coin; the overzealous servant who would rather have her neck beneath your heel than stand up and take any sort of responsibility for herself. Then again he was also picky, probably too picky, but everyone has a character flaw.

This girl was intriguing. She’d made his mind stand at attention before anything below that took notice. From her curiosity in regards to the little details of his life and the way she filed them away to keep him at a distance, to her playful flirting, to the way she hesitated but never turned him down, this girl had him hooked. Now, how to proceed?

Her eyes were cast low as she fiddled with the little puddle of water from the condensation on her glass. There was an uncomfortable silence now, but then what had she expected? The mild mannered David would rip off his shirt and become DOMINATION MAN? God she was glad he couldn’t read her mind right then.

“What are you thinking?”

Talia jumped. She’d been really lost in that nutty thought. What should she do now? Say nothing? Tell him the truth and get it over with because he never quit until he got it anyway? Second guess every fucking thing she was going to do until this night was over with? Tonight was going to suck if she couldn’t get a handle on herself.

“Are you sure you want to know?” She asked.

“Hmmm…I asked didn’t I?” He laced his fingers together and rested his chin on his hands.

“Right. I was wondering why nothing had happened yet and then picturing you morphing into some sort of domination version of Superman and I can’t believe I’m telling you all this…” Talia shook her head. She was babbling like a damn school girl.

“That’s pretty funny.” He chuckled and dismissed the comment about leaving his super suit in his other pants. “This is a little new for me to be honest.”

Had she found Domination Man’s kryptonite? Suddenly he sounded like your ordinary everyday average guy.

“Usually the girl I take on is already trained.”

Never mind.

“Trained?” She choked a little on the drink she’d just taken.

“Remember the Story of ‘O’?” He watched Talia’s eyes widen in panic.

“But…but…you said…”

“That it was the story of a slave that never believed she had a choice and something I definitely did not agree with? Yes and I still hold to that, but the underlying structure of the society…” He sat back and drummed his fingers on the table lightly for a second to form his thoughts. “There are groups like that. It makes things a little easier because both parties know what to expect from the beginning and there is no wondering as to whether or not the other will accept your chosen style of life.”

“Like now…” She said softly.

“Actually you’re committed now so we are past the point of acceptance, we’re just battling with what to expect.” He smiled and she immediately went back to fiddling with the little puddle of water in front of her. He needed an icebreaker. “Actually I need to restate that: you are waiting to hear what I expect of you.”

Her first reaction was to roll her eyes and scoff, but she’d agreed to be his so of course it would involve certain expectations. He’d told her before that his life was more than just sex. Instead she nodded and waited patiently for him to continue.

“First, don’t stop being you. Don’t focus on trying to please me. I will tell you how to do that.  I like hearing you talk. I like your opinions even when they differ from mine. Of course make sure you express them respectfully which, from a few of our conversations, you’ll have to learn the hard way.”

“What!? I-“ David shot her a withering look and she closed her mouth, chewing on her bottom lip a little.

“Just so we are clear respect is not raising your voice like you just did or letting your temper get away with you. I don’t care how many ways you want to spin it temper does not equal passion. Think before you speak. There are consequences now.”

Talia swallowed hard as only one consequence came to mind.

“Second, if I ask you to do something you may refuse for whatever reason. If I tell you to do something you do it, no questions asked.”

No denying the thought scared her and turned her on at the same time. She finished her drink, heart racing and acutely aware of the heat and moisture between her crossed thighs and wondering what the hell his other expectations were going to be. After a longer silence than she expect she lifted her eyes to find him smiling softly at her.

“Is that it?” she inquired timidly.

“Yes. Any questions?”

“No. Pretty straight forward.”

“Good. Come over here and sit down.” He patted his lap as he moved back from the table.

 “Here in the bar?” She wanted to add ‘are you insane’ but she remembered his bit about being respectful and that didn’t seem to fit.

“Yes.” He said sternly.

Crap! No questions asked. Talia stood up on wobbly legs and walked around to him. She turned to sit where he indicated swearing every set of eyes in the bar must be on her now. She was embarrassed but whether it was due to the public display or how unbelievably wet she was she wasn’t sure. She was a trembling mass of nervous energy as her legs came to rest across his and she couldn’t help jumping when she felt his hand brush the side of her thigh.

“I do like pushing you out of your comfort zone.” He whispered down at her.

“I know.” She loved the little thrill it gave her every time he did and the dimension it added with him actually being here was more than she could have hoped for. She felt him dip his head towards her ear and her entire body tingled as his hand came to rest across her ass.

“You realize that’s two.”

Talia didn’t need to ask what he was referring to, and there was no room for surprise. As far as that part went she knew exactly what she was getting into. She had no one to blame but herself…for anything that was about to happen.

David’s fingers encircled her waist a moment later and gently began to lift up signaling it was time to stand.

“I need to take care of the tab.”

So they could go. She cast a glance at the entrance and then discreetly around the room as she walked behind him on trembling legs. The bar was sanctuary. The moment they left it she might as well be in chains. It was his cab that brought them here. Maybe it should be her cab that took them back to her place. The walls weren’t exactly thick there. Of course it could also be problematic if she didn’t want someone to interrupt them.

Six months of fore-play and, really, the fear was just adding to it. Time to stop kidding herself; she was walking out of here with this guy.

“Done for the evening?” Mac’s British accent interrupted her nervous thoughts.

“Yes. I’d like to settle the tab.”

Talia felt the tender’s eyes on her but kept hers on the floor. They were probably wide and wild as nervous as she was.

“And you’re sure you wish to go with him?”

She looked up to a friendly smile while her escort stood quietly with his arms crossed.

“I really don’t see how…” she started in an indignant tone until David cleared his throat effectively silencing her.

“I take care of my patrons, love.”

“Yes. I’m sure I wish to go with him.” She answered, tone a little more surley than it should have been. She should have been grateful someone with more sense was looking out for her, and she was but she wasn’t fond of having her foolishness pointed out to her.

“Come back and have a drink tomorrow…on the house. Delight an old man with the sordid details.”

Talia blushed but immediately most of the butterflies in her stomach, carnivorous the way they’d been gnawing at, her subsided. If the guy next to her had any plans to do anything particularly evil he’d be stupid to do it now.

“Sure…but I don’t think there will be any sordid details.”

“If you say so.” He turned to David handing him a receipt. “Take care of her.”

“A gentleman first, sir.”

Talia heard the note of respect and the way he addressed the simple barkeep. It was a little strange. While David dialed the cab company she tried to plan out how to ask about it ‘respectfully’.

“May I ask what that was with, Mac, back there?” she said quietly after he ended the call.

He shook his head and smiled to himself for a moment. “I guess you just have a knack for attracting, or finding, a certain type of person. He and I travel in the same circles.”

“So he’s…like you?”

He nodded. “An interesting twist.”

“Wait, how did you know? You barely spoke.”

“Magic.” He answered with a playful grin causing Talia to give him a dramatically doubtful look. “The ring he had on his right hand.” He amended in a more serious tone showing her his own.

Around his middle finger was a simple gold band with links of a chain engraved into its surface. What would have been the final link of each end was the head a serpent and the tail in its mouth.

“I assume he knew about you too so why did he do what he did?”

“He may know about me but he does not know me and it’s not exactly normal to take someone on that isn’t already in on the whole thing. Besides, you looked like a scared little mouse. Now you have less to worry about.”

Less?

“Um, shouldn’t I have nothing to worry about?” The carnivorous butterflies decided to reawaken as the car pulled up in front of them.

David held the door open for her. “If you wanted ‘nothing to worry about’ than I’d be someone else and we’d be headed back to your place for nothing more than a little groping and poking. Vanilla sex as it were.”

She slid into the black town car and he shut the door leaving her alone with her thoughts while he headed to the other side.

“What are we headed back to my place for then?” she said into the silence that settled over them once he’d taken a seat beside her.

“If I remember correctly I think I said it was something I’d have to show you.”

Not that she didn’t have a ton of mental images to choose from after the multitude of conversations they’d had.

“So I’ll just have to wait and see then?”

“Why wait?”

Talia’s head turned with a snap, her eyes shifting between David and the driver before she answered.

“We’re not alone!”

“Still raising your voice.”

“But…you can’t-“ She continued more quietly.

“Actually you’ve given me permission to, Lia. And it’s not like you didn’t know I enjoy…showing off. ”

Talia unconsciously backed against the side door. This was a mistake. What the fuck had she been thinking? It was one thing to get a thrill out of the role play when he was three thousand miles away, but when he was here and his probably sick need for control could actually hurt her it was a different animal altogether. Stupid fucking hormones!

“I’m sorry.”

The two words halted her downward spiral of self-loathing stupidity and she looked up to find his form slack and thoughtful look on his face.

“Are you fucking with me?!”

David just let the comment go. She needed to form her own opinion on that one, he was busy realizing just how complicated this would be. Talia may have the desire but it did not occur to him until that moment that desire and acceptance were two very different things. He accepted himself and the women he took on accepted themselves but Talia was still very much at war with who she was. That and he was very used to ‘here are the rules, let’s go’. This is why you don’t go outside your circles.

Unless you are want to learn something.

“What do you want, Talia?”

Things switched. She was suddenly angry that he asked that question. He was the so-called Dom wasn’t he? He was supposed to have those answers. Like he said, “a good Dom knows”. Obviously she wasn’t going to put on a show for some random stranger. She wasn’t a piece of meat to be shown off as he pleased. And he’d talked to her for six months so he should know just by that at which point in time it occurred to her that she’d mentioned more than once how much the thought of being watched turned her on.

Fuck!

“This was a bad idea. I’m not…you don’t want me. I don’t know what I want.”

“First, you can’t tell me what I want. I know what I want. You do too you’re just afraid of it.”

“Okay, so I’m afraid of what I want. Same thing.”

“No. It’s not.” He smiled gently.

“So what is it then?” She scowled.

“Often something you’ll regret not doing.” The backs of his fingers glided along the edge of her jaw sending shivers down her spine.

 “Why are you saying sorry anyway? I thought you were supposed to be in control here.” She blurted out in frustration as she pulled away from him.

“I’m also human and I make mistakes. If I could not admit that then I would be merely a child playing at being a man and certainly not worthy of having any kind of power over another. You are not comfortable with me so my pushing you is a bad idea…right now. I can’t really mess with your comfort zone if there isn’t one to begin with now can I?” He said with a soft laugh.

Talia shook her head ‘no’ slowly, her heart rate dropping as she started to relax.

“Now, answer me honestly. I’m not asking what you should do, or what you want based on what you’re afraid will happen. I want to know what you want.”

What did she want? Things that no self-respecting should want: to beg, to kneel, to feel pain. She was weird and there was something wrong with her. The picture in her head of David dragging her across his knees, pushing her skirt up over her hips, and pulling down her panties leaving her bare and exposed in a nearly helpless position to whatever he might wish was alarmingly erotic.

She told this man she would walk to the edge of a cliff with him knowing full well when she got there he was going to tell her to jump, and now she refused. This wasn’t a game. It was just the beginning, and she was scared of losing herself. It was a terrible thing to risk, but there was freedom in free-falling wasn’t there? Talia moved away from the door, inching towards him slowly.

“I want to find out how deep this part of me goes.”

For a few moments he was afraid he’d made a mistake, but the statement allayed any further fear he might have as far as taking her on. They had the same goal, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever wanted anything more in his life.

The cab came to a stop where it had picked them up only a few hours ago. David took out a few bills and handed them to the driver saying, “Alas, my friend, no show today.”

“Hey, the day’s not over yet. There are definitely perks to driving this cab. Have a good time you two.”

Talia exited the door David held open for her, trepidation still nipping at her heels, but now it was mixed with excitement and curiosity. David wrapped his arm around her shoulders possessively as they made their way to her apartment, stepping away finally when they reached her door so she could dig for her keys.

“Here we are.” She laughed as she opened the door. “It’s not much but it’s home.”

It wasn’t much, at least nothing like David was used to. Of course he’d spent his early days in little apartments like this, but they were much colder. Here all the floors were hard wood that could honestly use a little TLC. The ceilings were vaulted with worn rafters. A wall jutted out from the side with a smooth half-moon cut out of it for the bar separating the tiny kitchen from the quaint living room. The furniture was mismatched and she could have picked up a little, but it was all very warm and inviting which was strange for the antisocial creature that she was. He could tell by the look in her eyes she loved the place. It was the most personal view he’d gotten of her yet.

“No, it’s not much, but I love it.” He smiled.

Talia set her keys and purse on the little table by the door and turned toward him.

“Have a seat. I’m going to go change.”

“No, you’re not.” He said, grabbing her wrist and dragging her around to the front of the couch.

“Ummm…okay.”

“Good girl. Sit.”

She did as he directed while he sat on the edge of the coffee table in front her, his knees to either side of hers pressed against the edge of the couch. Like this she couldn’t easily get away from him and it was a bit unnerving.

“There’s one more thing we need to talk about.”

More?! She’d already agreed to submit to him but part of that was because she was under the impression there were, technically, no surprises left. She knew his rules, his proclivities…how could there be more?

“But I thought you’d told me everything.”

“I have, technically. This is more about words, or a word. One you might be uncomfortable with so I haven’t used it.”

Talia fought back the knee jerk reaction to be accusatory and tried to think how to put her fears in a respectful manner.

“It was you who said I need to trust you. How can I if you keep dumping things on me after I think you are done?”

“Very good Lia. You’re going to take all the fun out of me training you, you know.” He gave her a quick smile then continued. “But I’m not dumping anything on you. I’m just giving you a different perspective.”

He pushed off the coffee table tipping his knees over the edge of the couch so he rested on them as he straddled her thighs making any escape not only difficult but pretty much impossible. When she tried to ask what he was doing he silenced her with a kiss…their first. It was not the timid or over eager kiss she was used to, just perfect. It didn’t hurt that she’d been fantasizing about this kiss for six months. She felt like melting into him as her arms came up around his neck until he stopped her. Grabbing her wrists he wrapped them behind her so he could cuff her forearms in one hand. His free hand came to rest between breasts where she was sure he could feel her heart racing at the pace of a tiny bird. The realization of just how much power he had over her at that moment only served to increase the already dizzying pace.

David’s kiss moved to the hollow of her neck, his teeth grazing her flesh causing her to squirm beneath him. His gentle nip elicited a soft whimper and obliterated any thought as to what he might have wanted to talk to her about. Anything to do with her neck always drove Talia nuts, a fact that had sadly escaped the few lovers she took in the past. With adrenaline fueled desire she panted, struggling against the precarious position desperately wanting to draw closer to him, when he bit down.

Hard.

He knew exactly what he was doing. He meant only to leave a bruise that would fade within a day, to start slow, but the way she cried out and arched against him made his control slip. David’s teeth bit deeper into the base of her neck and he let her hands go, tugging at her blouse and fumbling with the buttons. In his haste he sent the last few buttons flying as he stripped the silk fabric baring more of her pale skin. He released her neck, eager to taste more of her. He bit her shoulder once more and felt her nails dig into his back through the thin dress shirt.

With every taste she gave him more. Her reactions were intoxicating, not the scripted compliance of desensitized subs he was used to, a compliment to his own proclivities.

Talia’s senses were overwhelmed. David had her propped over the back of the couch now, her chest bare to him with his mouth attached to her nipple in what could most definitely not be classified as a gentle nibble. Heat radiated from the small of back as he drew his nails across it. Her breath came harder, her muscles tensing in an impending release and, suddenly, she panicked.

“David! David! Stop!”

He heard the anxiety in her voice and unceremoniously dropped her to the couch, hands gripping the back as he touched his forehead to hers, eyes closed, breathing hard through flared nostrils.

“Why…did you stop me?”

She had no clue how to answer him. She was trembling, fighting the urge to run, or cry, or something. All she knew was that what she felt wasn’t right.

“I’m…I’m sorry.” She whispered.

It took an act of will to pull away, but was dealing with something foreign to her, or worse, and needed to be handled delicately. He did glance at her neck as he returned to his perch on the edge of the coffee table and had to subdue the little thrill that coursed through his veins. That mark wasn’t going away any time soon.

“You’ve nothing to be sorry for Lia. You’ve done nothing wrong, but you do have to talk to me.”

He watched her hug herself and retreat into the couch, closing herself off as she shook her head no. He would lay money it was shame, not shock, which caused her to put on the brakes.

Damn!

“That’s not the first time pain caused you to climax is it?” He pried gently, risking a blunt approach instead of waiting for her to open up to him.

Talia would not look at him, choosing to grab her shirt and put it on while baring herself as little as possible.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She tried to get up but he held his hand out to stop her.

“We’re done. I’ll even leave if you want me to, but we are not leaving like this. Talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” She insisted, still refusing to look him in the eyes.

“Then look at me, Talia.”

She met his gaze reluctantly. She had a chance to talk about something she’d hidden for ten years, and he didn’t seem exactly disturbed by what had happened. Not like…she shuddered at the memory.

“What do you want me to talk about, David? Yeah, I’m fucked up. There, I said it.”

He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, on multiple levels, silently cursing social standards. She was anything but fucked up, a rare gem amidst so much colorless glass as far as he was concerned. That was something she’d have to decide for herself though.

“You know hiding something in shame will keep you from fixing it.”

“See, even you and all your alternative bullshit think I need to be fixed.”

David shook his head.

“You should not assume what I mean by ‘fix’.” He brushed a wayward strand of hair from her face. “Personally I see absolutely nothing wrong with you. What needs to be fixed is how you see yourself.”

Talia took a deep breath and did something she thought she’d never do.

“My mother walked in on me when I was seventeen. I’ve never been able to get the look of horror on her face out of my head.”

He didn’t need her to elaborate further. Yeah that would do it, something he knew from personal experience.

“I know the feeling.”

“You get off on pain too?” She was reaching for a tenuous connection, one she thought impossible until this moment. It was also an attempt steer him away from talking about that memory any further.

“Yes,” he paused for a moment, trying to gage what her response might be since she obviously missed the connection here, “but not mine.”

“Oh.” She sounded crestfallen until what he meant registered.  “Oh!”

She’d been so wrapped up in herself his part in all of this had gone completely unnoticed. Her initial reaction was to recoil from him in horror, but other than the admission he had not given her reason to. Even though he’d hurt her, up until the point she panicked she was enjoying it. When she did panic he stopped without a moment’s hesitation which was…different. The only other time she’d asked a guy to stop, she had to convince him to do so.

“Sadist.” She said finally. “That was the word you were referring to before…we got carried away wasn’t it.”

He nodded.

“And you’re comfortable with that?” she asked with a frown.

“The philosophy on that could take all night.”

“If I’m not mistaken I think we have all night.”