Corporate apartments. Work.
“Why didn’t you say you worked for Leashes and Lace?” I didn’t really understand that part.
“When you first started talking about everything, I was really surprised, and I wasn’t sure if you’d believe me. Saying it in my head, it almost sounded like I was making fun of you or something.” He shrugged, looking slightly sheepish. “You just came right out and said it. Telling you that I magically worked for a company that sold that kind of stuff seemed like a terrible idea. Then bringing it up later always felt random.”
Okay, so there was a possibility that it could have gone wrong that first day. “I can see that. I was a little bit—”
“Hostile?” Reece broke in, smiling. “Aggressive? An ass?”
“Someone seems to be in need of a punishment.” The firm look I gave him made him blush, but he didn’t seem worried. “I might have to put you over my knee.”
“That, um, that wouldn’t exactly be a punishment.” His blush only deepened, but he didn’t look away.
“It would be if I didn’t let you come.”
His gaze turned decidedly wicked. “Um, that might be a problem too.”
Things were looking better and better. “Then I might have to getcreativewhen I need to remind you to behave.”
His words came out slightly breathy. “You make ‘creative’ sound very wicked.”
I had to grin. “Thank you.”
Reece shook his head and curled back into my arms. “This is okay? I mean…” There was a short pause before he found the words or the courage to say the words. “I like this. It’s what I want. I want to be your submissive, as long as we click on limits and things, but what about you?”
“Yes. We’re going to discuss limits and safewords, and I’m going to grill you on everything you’re curious about.” Reece groaned, making me smile. “Maybe if you’re very good, and I know you’re being honest with what you want, then I’ll reward you.”
Reece stilled. “What kind of reward?”
Curiosity was clear in his voice, so I kept going. “How far have you gone with a man?”
He stiffened. “Kissing. And…” Embarrassment crept into his voice. “And I was jerked off once.”
There was more to the story than I was getting, because he was reacting more nervously than I’d have expected, considering he’d been calmly naked when I’d walked in. “Did you like it?”
Had something happened that he hadn’t wanted?
“Yes.” His firm voice soothed some of my worries.
“You’re going to have to tell me why it makes you uneasy.” I pulled him tighter against me and let him take his time. I wasn’t going to back down, though, not unless it was something he safeworded over, and even then we’d have to figure out some way for him to get the point across.
Finally, Reece sighed. “I was still fairly new to submission and my…my Dominant at the time took me to a club. It was there that…my Dominant helped me to realize that I wasn’t just straight like I’d assumed.”
It was so carefully and neutrally worded, I wasn’t sure how to progress with the conversation. “Did you like and agree to everything that happened?”
He seemed surprised at the question. “Yes. I had my safewords.”
“Then why is this so awkward for you, Bear?”
“Bear?”
“With those big brown eyes and that startled, quiet expression when I first saw you, you reminded me of a teddy bear.” One I wanted to spank and do wicked things to, so maybe not the conventional bear. Still cuddly and sweet, though.
“Great.” I could hear the smile in Reece’s voice. “Some guys get boy or lover or sweetie…I get a toy. And not even a naughty one at that.”
“So you want me to call you Dildo? Or say ‘Nipple Clamps, kneel’? I can try, but I’m not sure that would come naturally.” By the time I was done, Reece was in stitches, and I was having a hard time keeping a straight face.
“If those are my only options, then I think I’ll stick with Bear.”
