Page 84 of On the Line

And if this is what she wants? And it’s something I can easily give her?

“I’ve never done that before, but I’m willing to try just about anything if it means doing it with you, baby,” I finally say, hoping my smile is a reassuring one.

The way she beams in response to my answer feels like a gut punch. It leaves me yearning for more. More of her, more of this. More and more and fucking more.

“Thank you,” she gushes, but then her smile drops. “One more thing though.”

I laugh, resting my forearms on my thighs. “Lay it on me.”

“I want you to—” She clears her throat, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her silk shorts. “I want you to do whatever you … want with me, even if I say no.” Her voice dips lower with every word she says until it’s almost a whisper. I know what she’s implying, I’ve used safe words before. As if reading my mind, she says, “I’ll just say red if I actually want you to stop.”

I let the words settle between us. A different kind of pride than before blooms inside of me. This time it’s for her, and how self-assured she’s becoming lately—like right now, brazenly asking for what she wants.

I crave to give her everything she’s ever wanted.

My gaze turns slightly predatory. “Jimbo’s done her research I see?”

Her cheeks pinken and my cock twitches. “So that’s a yes?” she presses.

“Yes, princess.” I extend my hand toward her. “We can definitely try that together.”

She stands up, a small victorious grin pulling at thecorners of her perfect lips. When she places her hand in mine, I curl my fingers and give it a quick reassuring squeeze.

“So when are we doing this?” she asks, excitement twinkling in her eyes.

“Let me decide when. I’ll need a key.”

Her eyebrows jump in surprise, but she nods animatedly as if electrified by the thought.

“Okay,” she says a little breathlessly. “Deal.”

Tugging her arm toward me, she falls on the bed with a shrieking giggle. I bury my face into her neck and pepper her with kisses, her bright laughter tickling my eardrums.

Popping my head up, I take a moment to stare, immersing myself in her glittering blue eyes.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, followed by a quick kiss on her lips. “I brought some gnocchi with that rosé sauce from work.”

Her expression turns pensive but she keeps her thoughts to herself, simply smiling and nodding.

“Great,” I say, giving her a final kiss on the forehead before helping us off the bed, and into the kitchen.

Three days later,I’m slowly creeping up the stairs to James’ apartment at two in the morning. The key she gave me is burning a hole in my pocket. It’s as if I can somehow feel the outline of it against my thigh. I idly trace it with my fingers as my heartbeat accelerates with every step I take.

I needed a few days to think through how I’d initiate her little plan. To let my mind drift to the most indecent parts of my brain. Allow myself to wonder what role I’dplay, andwhatexactly I’d do with her when she actually was at my willing disposal.

It’s now Sunday, and I’m ready, practically buzzing with anticipation. In a roundabout way, I made sure she was alone tonight when she texted me goodnight a few hours ago. She confirmed that she was home alone and that her roommate was staying over at his girlfriend’s. The few hours I had left at Orso were painfully slow, now that I knew what was waiting for me.

Finally arriving at her front door, I stand still for a few seconds, frozen in the anticipation of what will follow when I let myself in. I carefully pull the key out of my pocket. Holding it in front of me, I feel like a plebian version of King Arthur holding up the fucking Excalibur.

My movements are slow and calculated, trying to make as little noise as possible while unlocking her door.

I step inside.

Close and lock the door behind me.

One step.

Two steps.

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