Page 81 of James

She held up her hand when he opened his mouth.

“Please, let me finish this first.”

James nodded. A flicker of disappointment danced across his face.

She continued, her voice trembling with vulnerability. “I'm not ready for love, but I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose what we have. I want to find a way to navigate this together.”

She broke off, searching for words.Why isthis so hard?

If she couldn’t explain it, she had to show him. She slid to the floor and knelt, knees apart and hands on her legs, palms up.

“Please, Sir, let me be your submissive again,” she whispered and bent her head.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

James stared down at the woman kneeling at his feet.

His heart wavered between conflicting desires. Losing her was a thought he couldn't bear, yet he yearned for more than what they had before. The weight of his emotions threatened to choke him, but he knew he had to find the right words.

He couldn't help but notice the rapid flutter of her pulse in her neck and the slight tremor in her hands.

Silence hung heavy in the air, causing Laura's throat to work as she swallowed, her emotions laid bare for him to see. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she met his gaze, searching for any sign of acceptance or rejection. The seconds stretched into eternity.

She stretched out her hand tentatively.

A glimmer of hope appeared on her beautiful face when James curled his large fingers around her cold little hand.

James gazed into Laura's eyes, searching for the depth of her desires and the meaning behind her request. “Whatwould being my sub mean to you, Laura?” he asked, not daring to hope.

Laura's breath hitched, and she bit her lips as she gathered her thoughts. She met his gaze, her eyes shining with compelling vulnerability. “I would like to go back to what we had before all the mess happened,” she replied. “Being together most nights, but having our own places. Our privacy. Spending time together, both in the presence of others and in intimate moments. Going to the club and munches as a united front, embracing the lifestyle we both cherish.” Laura peeked at him under her lashes.

James's heart swelled and a warm sensation filled the emptiness inside his chest. He pulled her gently to her feet, his strong arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. “Honey, I long for you and I miss you,” he confessed, his voice filled with raw honesty. “But I want more than just a casual arrangement. I want a genuine relationship with you, one that goes beyond the boundaries of BDSM. I understand your reservations. I know a permanent relationship scares you and you’re not ready for a declaration of love. But you’re right, maybe it’s a good idea to step back, find our footing, and see where it leads when we’re not being bombarded by…” He waved his free hand, summing up the events of the last couple months, then dropped it and smiled. “I’ll agree to your request and your terms for now.”

Laura let out an audible sigh of relief. Her features relaxed as a weight lifted off her shoulders. Her eyes remained locked with his. James held up his index finger and continued, “But I ask that you also be open to the possibility of a deeper commitment, to consider a moreserious relationship, both vanilla and BDSM, because that’s what I want and that’s not going to change. I can go slow and respect your boundaries, but please don’t say yes now if you are never going to see a future with me.”

Laura's gaze softened, her nod conveying her willingness to explore the possibilities. His heart leaping with joy, their lips met in a passionate union that spoke of the unspoken promises they held for each other.

Home!

Warmth and relief rushed through his body as his lips met Laura's, their bodies coming together in a perfect fit. The kiss spoke of longing, desire, and a promise of something deeper. Breaking away slightly, he gazed into Laura's eyes, searching for the unspoken connection between them. The mix of vulnerability, trust, and anticipation pleased him. The deep desire to submit made his blood heat and his hope soar. His dominant nature roared to life.

Without breaking their gaze, James spoke in a low, commanding voice, “Well, then, let's address the issue of your communication failures and running away.” He paused for emphasis and the weight of his words hung in the air. “Again.”

Laura nodded in understanding, her expression reflecting her contrition.

James ordered. “Over my knee, sub.”

Laura obediently positioned herself, offering herself to him in a submissive posture. As he gently caressed her buttocks, James's voice carried a hint of both reprimand and affection. “You’re also being punished for trying to handle the loan shark by yourself.”

He landed the first firm blow and relished the stingin his hand and the red mark on her creamy-white globe, as he began the disciplinary action. He wasn’t going to drag this out. They needed plenty of time for make-up sex.

Much later, James and Laura sat together at the breakfast table. They’d emptied their plates but their hearts were full.

With the threats of Jake, John Smith and Donatelli out of the way, James and Laura slipped back into an easy routine. It was almost like their break hadn’t happened. They spent as much time as possible together, but still lived in their own places.

Sometimes it was just the two of them, but they also hung out with their friends and Laura’s family. James loved spending time with the children and Tim seemed especially happy to have a father-figure in their midst.

Of course, Chris, Dan and Beatrice were also a big part of their strange family. Little Abby was over the moon to have a grandmother-figure and two new uncles in her life.

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