Page 59 of Always

“Have you considered bringing her to therapy with you?” he suggests.

I shake my head. “This is for me. I won’t share it with anyone. I’ve told you things I’ve never told anyone.”

He nods. “Yes, but if you love her as you say you do, you can’t keep her in the dark.”

I pause a moment. Then, “She told me she had a therapy session yesterday. While she was in her hometown in Kansas.”

“So she wants to work through this.”

“Yes, she seems to.”

Doc drums his fingers lightly against the armrest of his chair. “Maybe Skye needs something from you that isn’t part of theDominant and submissive dynamic.”

“I need to help her face her demons.”

“Without using your lifestyle as a crutch or an escape,” Doc adds. “And what else?”

Realization hits me like a punch in the gut. “I need to let her help me face mine, too.”

Doc offers a slight smile. “Exactly, Braden. Being vulnerable with one another might be the one thing you both need.”

I lean back into the recliner, my mind churning over the idea. It’s not something I’ve ever allowed. I’ve always maintained control, not just in the bedroom, but in every aspect of my life. To release that control, to this woman…

It’s not something I’ve ever contemplated.

But the other night…

The sex…

The touching…

The lovemaking…

It was satisfying in a way I’ve never imagined.

Because it was Skye. Skye, who I love. Her strength and independence, her feisty spirit and sharp intellect, her bold heart. And yes, her stubbornness. She matches my dominance with a determination that’s uniquely hers.

“Thanks, Doc.”

“Always glad to help.” Doc stands.

“See you next time,” I say.

And as I leave, my heart feels lighter than it has in a long, long time.

Chapter Twenty-One

Before and after one week of Susie skincare. My skin is more even-toned and it feels great! #sponsored. #susiegirl #anyonecanbeasusiegirl #susieglow

Skye looks fresh as sunshine in her latest post for Susie Girl. Apparently no longer being in a relationship with me hasn’t hurt her following, and I’m ecstatic about that.

Frankly, I feel Skye’s talents are more suited to her ultimate goal of taking photos forNational Geographic, but influencing is an excellent start. It gets her name out in the world, and it also shows her gifts as a photographer.

After a harrowing week of business, I finally return to Boston on Saturday—the day Skye was originally supposed to return from Kansas.

We’ve spoken on the phone every day, just checking in. Yesterday, though, she told me she needs to talk to me about something important, so she invited me over to her place for dinner tonight.

Is she going to answer my question about why she wants me to bind her neck?

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