Page 62 of Chosen By Swift

“About what?”

“Voyeurism? Exhibition? Swapping? Swinging?”

None of those words meant anything to her, at least not in the sexual way he meant. “Explain.”

“So, you know about the club where couples can go to let loose.” He had seen her reading about them in the introductory materials, and he had answered a few of her questions. Of course, it hadn’t occurred to her that things described in the information were done out in public in front of a crowd. “Well, sometimes, couples will invite others to watch them have sex or to join them. Some couples swap partners.”

Alys recoiled. “Swap partners? You mean...?” Her blood ran cold. “Swift, I don’t want to do that.”

His expression hardened. “I wouldn’t ask that of you, Alys.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Have you slept with other men’s wives?”

Swift flinched, and before he even spoke, she knew the answer. Eventually, he admitted, “I have.”

Her blood ran even colder. It was like ice water coursed through her veins. “You engaged in adultery?”

“No, Alys. It wasn’t like that. The couples invited me to join them. The man and the woman both wanted me in their bed or their scene.”

“Their scene?”

“It’s just a term to describe an arrangement in public or semi-public.”

“Other people watched you having sex with another man’s wife?” Alys hated how critical she sounded. From the stiff set of his shoulders, she knew she had upset him. “Swift, I’m sorry. I’m trying to understand. I really am. I just—it’s hard for me.”

“I know it is. Please, Alys, understand that all the things I did before you came into my life are things I did as a single man. I’m your mate now. I don’t need those experiences. I only want to do what makes you happy.”

“What about what makes you happy?” She had accepted and believed he found her beautiful and desirable, but what if he found her boring? What if he craved the wild sexual experiences he had enjoyed before her? “What if you need something I can’t give you?”

“Alys.” He gently placed his palm against her cheek and stroked her lower lip. “You’re what I want. You’re what I need.”

“But what if—?”

An insistent and sharp chime interrupted at the worst possible moment. They both made irritated sounds.

“I’m sorry.” Swift kissed her forehead. “I have to take that in my office.”

Alone in the playroom, she touched the swing and watched it sway for a few seconds. No longer in the mood for exploring her sexuality, she left the room, pausing to turn off the lights before she closed and locked the door. She made her way to the parlor and sat on the couch to wait for Swift. He wasn’t gone long, but when he emerged from his office, he wore a frustrated scowl. Worried, she stood up and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I have to go now.” He exhaled roughly. “I’m going to be gone for a few days. It won’t be a quick patrol shift.”

“Oh.” She could see how upset he was. “How can I help you? Do you need me to pack your things?”

“No, my jump bag is always ready to go.” He held out his hand. “Come here.”

She went without hesitation and allowed Swift to draw her into his comforting embrace. She closed her eyes for a moment and listened to the thud of his heartbeat. Indulging in a moment of weakness, she confessed, “I’m really going to miss you.”

“I’m really going to miss you.” He nuzzled her face. “I’m sorry I have to go before we could finish our talk.”

“Please don’t worry about that, Swift.” She leaned back to make sure she could meet his searching gaze. “We’ll figure it out when you get back.”

“What if we can’t?” He asked, suddenly vulnerable. “What if I’ve done something you can’t forgive?”

“I don’t believe that’s possible.” She wasn’t sure what he meant. Some kind of sexual activity? Some sort of violent act during war? Something else she couldn’t imagine? “We’ll work through it. Whatever it is,” she added, certain they could solve any problem together. “I’m not going to cut and run at the first sign of trouble.”

Swift cupped her face and ducked down to kiss her. It was a sensual, tender kiss that left her trembling. He stroked her cheek. “You’re incredible, Alys.”

He kissed her again, this time with more passion. She clutched at his arms, wishing they had more time before he had to leave. She craved his body heat against hers. She wanted to feel his hands on her naked body, to feel him inside her, to feel him shuddering in ecstasy against her.

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