Page 62 of Crimson Flames

“Wow, that should be on a billboard or something,” I say, only partially sarcastic. This time, I think she might actually reach out and hit me. “Hey, wait, you taught Damien how to use kink to help him take back control in his life. Could we do the same with Nessa?”

Not going to lie, I had zero interest in seeing the shrink until Damien told me about how she’s a real life dominatrix. Apparently, when working with children stopped being possible for her, she dove into the world of BDSM and kink. She has a blog of videos online that millions of people pay to see, and that was how she gained her footing while running from her own demons.

Her whole persona online was anonymous, but it worked well for her. The devil horned hood mixed with the black mask and leather bodysuit was alluring even to me. I wonder if she still does any of that stuff, or if it was just a means to an end for her.

“It could, but practicing those things takes time and is learned best when everyone can trust that when safe words are used, it will never result in punishment or shame.”

I nod my head because, duh. I don’t know a lot about that world, but I’ve dabbled with toys and taken a few shibari classes where it’s important to have safe words.

“I can do that, what else?”

“I will give you some starting points. Exploring a BDSM or kink checklist is typically my first step. After that, build on the things you all seem to have in common. I can send you all an email with the information, and I will give you and Boris a list of affirmations that help people dealing with trauma. Using these when there is vulnerability can help someone heal quicker.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, think of it like this. I told Nessa and you that you cannot heal in the same environment that hurt you. To her, right now, pregnancy hurt her. So, in order to help her heal, try taking her away from that thought process and remind her that pleasure is the focus. It can help her learn to trust your words of affirmation when doubt creeps in, instead of listening to the little voice that tries to haunt her mind.”

Well, holy shite balls. That is fecking genius.

“Okay, let’s do it.”

“Perfect, because I recently suggested you three take a vacation. I think I know just the thing to help her feel better.”

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One perk of having a big time ex-mafia don in our relationship is that the funds are unlimited and the influence to get what hewants is effortless. All the man has to do is snap his fingers at someone, and it's done.

Random vacation plans a day in advance? No problem, we already have a room reserved in our private hotel on the beach in Barcelona. Need last second plane tickets? Don’t worry about it, we’ll just take the private jet.

Need some clothes for the hot as feck weather you’re never prepared for? Daddy B has a black card.

And for your information, no, I will never get tired of that nickname. Also, for the record, I have my own money, so I didn’t use his black card for myself. I just used it to get Nessa a ridiculous amount of stuff and maybe like ten new toys.

Okay fine… twenty new toys.

Shite on a pickle. You caught me. I used his black card to get sixty-nine new toys because there is no better number, and I am not ashamed of it, so stop looking at me that way. *heavy sigh* You romance readers are something else.

Anyway, getting back to the story at hand. Get it, because it’s literally in your hands… Okay, I’ll stop now.

With packed bags in hand, we’re heading out to the cars when a frantic voice stops us.

“Wait!”

We all turn to see Kai running towards the door, tears in his eyes. Instantly, I drop my things, panic hitting me the moment he stops in front of us.

“What is it?” I practically growl, looking around for a threat. I see Boris out of the corner of my eye, moving as if to shield Nessa and she grabs at the new gun he got her on her side.

She gave her other one to Kai, and he has had it on him ever since. I think the kid actually sleeps with it.

“You guys are leaving already?” He looks so hurt that I can’t help but pull him into a hug.

“Hey, kid, it’s okay. We are coming back. Besides, I’ve hidden a few packs of Twizzlers around the house for you to hunt down while we’re gone.”

He squeezes me tight, almost desperately. Nessa quickly comes to his side, and he pulls her in too.

“Promise you’re coming back?”

“I swear it. We are just going to go get some time to clear our heads a bit. The shrink says it will be good for us.”

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