Page 107 of Bound By Words

“Oh.” She grasped my shoulder, leaning her head against mine. “No, not that he’s normally a total bastard or anything,” she giggled, squeezing her hand before stepping back. “He’s always been a little bit reserved at events like these. He certainly never brought along a sub who he looks at like he does you. He adores you, clearly, and I’m sure he’d mess someone up if they touched you. I’ve honestly never seen him like he is with you.”

“Like what?”

“The other night when…” she trailed off with a naughty wink. “He watched your every move. Your facial expressions, everything. I’m sure he would have kicked Emory and me out without blinking if he thought you were uncomfortable. And how he deferred to you when we were all talking almost made me swoon. Nathan isn’t one for much talking, but I can tell he’s comfortable around you. He confided in you before Emory. That right there was sexy. Those two talk about everything.”

“He’s always respectful of me.”

“But in the past, how he checked in on his subs didn’t seem as effortless as he does naturally with you. I’ve never seen him in love before. There was always a strong bond with his past submissives, but I never thought he was in love with one of them.”

My breath caught, my eyes meeting hers in the mirror across the room.

“He…uh…” I nervously picked at the straps on my chest, avoiding eye contact.

“Hmmm. You too?” she grinned, bending forward to tilt my chin. “You should work on those communication skills. Take it from someone who played way too hard to get.”

I laughed, suddenly feeling a little more comfortable.

“You weren’t a fan of Emory in the beginning?”

“No, I was, but some fucked up shit happened when I joined this community, and I didn’t have someone like Nathan to protect me. I hid from my feelings for Emory for a long time because of what another man did, and I hated myself when he finally told me how much it hurt him. We don’t have any secrets now, but it took me a long time to trust myself enough to let him in.”

Chills ran up my spine as I thought about everything happening to me. Predators were everywhere, it seemed, and someone in her past had targeted Talia.

“I know we’re about the same age, but I was much younger than you are when I went diving right into the kink community with the naivety that only a twenty-five-year-old can. I understand your worry. You should be a little cautious, but most of the people you’ll meet are amazing. And I promise that dick harassing you back in Chicago won’t touch you here. We won’t let him. This community protects its own.”

“He told you about…?” I asked as I started unclipping the garters, moving back to sit in the chair. Talia helped me get everything pulled off, talking as I got redressed.

“That fucker who threatened you? Yeah, but not because he wanted to abuse your trust or privacy. He knew I could relate, and he wanted you to have someone else to confide in. So, I’ll tell you that myself. You can tell me anything, and I won’t judge you. I won’t tell Emory if you ask me not to, but don’t let someone else’s actions keep you from living your life and embracing love because you can’t get that time back.”

“Do you think Nathan knows that I…?”

“That you love his heart as much as his dick?” she laughed, handing me the lingerie once it’d been returned to its hangers. “Yeah, I think he does, but he’s scared, just like you. Give him the benefit of the doubt. His actions toward you speak much louder than his words ever will. He’s a good one. And he deserves someone who loves him just as much. So please don’t hurt him. Because I’d hate to choose between him and your family.”

“Don’t want to lose Chase?” I laughed, but she shook her head.

“No, strangely enough, I think I’d miss Evan. He’s such a sweetheart. He’s still nervous as fuck around all of us, but he’ll come around. And now we have you,” she grinned. “But I will cut you. And not in a fun, kinky way.”

“Noted,” I chuckled nervously, pulling my borrowed skirt back on. Knowing I had someone like Talia in my corner made me feel better. And that she was just as willing to protect Nathan. Kristine was probably my only friend who would threaten bodily harm to someone if they hurt me.

We quickly made our purchases, things feeling a little calmer as I buckled myself into the passenger seat of the convertible.

“Let me know if there’s anything else I can find you before Friday. I know Nathan told you what I do for a living. I’d happily guide you in the right direction with the fun stuff, too. Nathan’s got a pretty vast collection, but I’m always getting freebies.”

I smiled, looking over at her as we idled at a stoplight. “Actually. There is something you can help me with. I want to surprise Nathan.”

“Sounds fun. Tell me more,” she grinned, and I knew she could help me piece together some of my plans for after the party.

Nathan beat us back to his apartment and lounged on the couch as Talia helped me carry my purchases inside, along with the things she’d given me from her stash of new toys once I’d told her about my plans.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to discuss tomorrow night. See you at the studio tomorrow, sexy.” Talia winked in my direction as she walked into the kitchen. Nathan’s eyebrows rose, and I blushed as his eyes followed his friend and returned to me. She laid my garment bag over the back of the barstool at the kitchen island, passing me on her way back toward the front door.

“Good luck,” she whispered as she kissed me on the cheek, disappearing with a wave.

“You two seem to be getting along well,” Nathan said with a smirk as he stood from where he’d been stretched out on the couch, pulling me into his arms.

“We had fun. Thank you for arranging that. I know you were trying to help me feel a little bit more comfortable after the other night.”

“And because Talia begged me to hang out with you,” he laughed, and I felt my cheeks heat. “I think her friendly crush on me may have shifted to you. Not that I can blame her.”

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