Page 55 of James

“I don’t know. Looks like I missed some of the events,” she replied, trying not to pout.

James hummed. “Looks like being tied fulfills some need. You were off in subspace in no time, honey.”

“Was that subspace?” She struggled to sit more upright and to clear the fog in her mind. “It felt a bit likedreaming to me. Like an out-of-body experience. Then, when you carried me, I felt so safe and at peace.”

“Good girl.” James pressed another kiss to her head. “I’m glad your subconscious mind is telling you that you can trust me and let go of your control.”

Before she could ponder that statement or react, he focused her attention on the scene. “What do you think of them?” James asked in a low tone.

Momentarily free from doubts and fears, Laura honestly replied, “I’m amazed by how good they look. Julie is beautiful to see. She’s relaxed, still, and peaceful. It’s such a contrast with the way she usually is.” She took a sip of water and continued, “I’m even more surprised by Mitch. The focus in his gaze and posture. The way he commands the stage and the rope. I don’t have words to describe it.”

James agreed and they continued to talk quietly so they didn’t disturb Mitch and Julie. Laura was positive they were so into the scene and each other, they probably weren’t aware of their surroundings. It was beautiful indeed.

After Mitch had ended the scene, he coaxed Julie from rope-space with body contact, water, and squares of chocolate. Laura watched as Julie accepted these gestures of care, witnessing the tender support offered to help her transition back to a grounded state of emotional well-being.

Laura was content on James’s lap as Mitch and Julie and Kate joined them. Soon after, Chris and Sonja approached, their bodies still radiating the afterglow of their scene. Sonja leaned against Chris, her expression one of contentment and satisfaction.

Henry and Lincoln rejoined the group, their presencedrawing attention. Lincoln, now adorned with clothes and a leather collar secured around his throat, exuded a radiant glow. Chris couldn't help but remark on the new accessory, playfully teasing, "What's this? Going for permanent?"

Henry responded with a smile, explaining, "It's a play collar for now, but we're considering a permanent collaring. Lincoln and I have decided to move in together, and we'll see how our relationship progresses."

Congratulations and well wishes echoed through the room as everyone celebrated the joyous news. As the anticipation grew for the approach of midnight, they all stood, gathering together in readiness for the countdown.

“THREE … TWO … ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” everybody shouted and James claimed her mouth with his, both his hands under her buttocks pulling her into him.

“Happy New Year, honey. These last few months with you have been amazing and I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring.”

Before Laura could answer, Kate came up to them holding a tray with champagne flutes.

“Happy New Year, Kate,” they said in unison, and each took a flute from the tray.

“Back at you both.” Kate kissed them on the cheek before she hurried away to give the others champagne and her good wishes.

A flurry of well-wishers surrounded them, offering warm embraces and heartfelt “Happy New Years.” Laura found herself immersed in a whirlwind of kisses and hugs, realizing it had been quite some time since she had shared such affectionate moments with so many people.The room was alive with laughter, chatter, and the joyous energy of the New Year's Eve celebration.

It was around 2:00 am when they entered James’s condo. They were both exhausted, but James felt he had to address what happened in the bathroom.

Laura sighed. “You noticed that did you? Tonight has been a rollercoaster for me. I realized as I was washing my hands how I almost understood Lincoln’s slave mindset. Then I remembered how much control over my life I’d given Jake and I never want that sort of relationship again.” She placed her fingertip on his lips before he could get a word in edgewise and continued, “However, when I was in subspace, I realized you’d never harm me and would always protect me. You said it was my subconscious talking and you might be right. I realize the actions of one man don’t define how others might behave. I understand it isn’t fair to you or us to keep what Jake did between us.”

James locked his gaze with hers, hoping she could read his sincerity. His fingertips traced gentle, comforting paths along her arms, trying to offer solace. "I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to share this with me," he told her. "I want all of you, but I understand the importance of giving you the time and space to come to terms with your past. Remember, the past has nothing to do with our future together."

“I want what we have together,” she said softly, scarcely above a whisper, “but I’m also scared by the intensity of it.”

James tightened his embrace, showing her he couldand would be her anchor. "I know, honey," he replied equally softly. "But please, promise me that you'll give this, giveus, a chance. Don't shut me out when fear creeps in. Talk to me, share your thoughts and fears. Trust me to be there for you, to navigate through the uncertainties together." Images of what-could-be flashed through his mind, and the tiny hairs on his arms and at the back of his neck lifted.

Tears streamed down Laura's cheeks as she clung to him. "Oh, I do, James. I trust you," she whispered, her voice laced with vulnerability. She clung to him as he held her close. It was as much of a commitment as he could get from her and the unspoken promise made him tingle all over his body and caused his stomach to flutter.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

On a Friday night, approximately two weeks after the bondage workshop, a new sense of anticipation filled the air. James planned to indulge their shared passion in the comfort of his own home. Meticulously, he arranged a tray with an array of small, tantalizing bites. Each morsel held the promise of a delightful feast for his submissive.

The tray, carefully prepared with culinary artistry, sat poised on a nearby table. Bottles of water and a blueberry-flavored sports drink, strategically placed beside the tray, offered refreshment and replenishment. James had gone to great lengths to ensure every detail was in place, ready to attend to Laura's needs.

As soon as she arrived, he ordered Laura to shed her clothing, with a commanding yet gentle tone. And now she knelt obediently in front of his bed. The room hummed with palpable energy. It was a moment of vulnerability and surrender, where the boundaries between dominance and submission blossomed to life.

He walked up to her and teased her exposed breasts and nipples with the rope. The little buds pebbled, andher areolas puckered. He loved the sensitivity of her breasts.

He planned on doing an upper body harness like the one they’d practiced at the bondage workshop, with a hip harness that would leave her pussy nice and exposed for his use. James was glad he was wearing lose sweatpants, his straining dick not as confined as it would be in jeans or leathers.

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