“Sure. I just need to grab my bag first.”

I slide into the passenger seat and buckle the old-fashioned seatbelt, grateful that my hair is tied back since the convertible top is down.

“This car is gorgeous!”

He grins. “Thanks. It’s been a labor of love getting her restored to all her glory.”

Fifteen minutes later, we pull up to a stately mansion. No one would ever guess from the outside what lies within. He helps me out of the car, then grabs my bag before taking my hand and leading me around to a back entrance and entering a code to unlock the door.

“Here we are. We have the place to ourselves today.”

Once inside, I look around, taking in the expansive space as Brennen gives me a quick tour.

“Ladies room is down the hall to the right. There’s a kitchen and break area with snacks and drinks, and several private play spaces. We’ll use this one.” He opens a door and turns on a dim light. “Why don’t you get comfortable and meet me back in here?”

I retreat into the ladies’ room to get ready. Since Brennen and I know each other intimately, I’m planning to have him tie me with as little clothing as possible. Rather than a swimsuit or sports bra, I’m wearing an emerald green lacy bra and pantiesset under my dress that makes me feel sexy. Even though today is not about sex, I want to feel desired. I want tofeel.

I remove the hair tie and brush out my hair to give it a silky and slick sheen, then moisten my lips with a lip balm that has a slight shimmer. After covering up with a kimono and putting on slippers, I head across the hall.

While I was changing, Brennen prepared the room with soft lighting and Japanese music. The subtle scent of essential oils makes for a relaxing and peaceful environment. I look around and see a platform bed, various comfortable chairs and chaises, and several pieces of suspension equipment. Different types, colors, and lengths of rope are on display on a tabletop. One look at Brennen, and I’m already anticipating his touch. He’s shirtless and wearing comfortable black pants that hug his lean hips but leave room for him to move around. He commands the space with the dark scruff of his beard and vivid brown eyes, leaving no doubt he’s in charge. He absolutely is. I’m ready to surrender.

He points to the bed. “I thought we could start here; it’s probably the most comfortable place.”

I nod and approach the edge of the bed, slipping out of the kimono and footwear before sitting.

He kneels at my feet so he’s at eye level as he speaks. “I want to start slowly, letting you feel the rope first. And Jos, I have to say, you look beautiful.”

I whisper, “thank you,” as he takes a soft green rope, the same color as my lingerie, and begins caressing my skin with it. I close my eyes as the sensation of butterfly kisses flit across my shoulders, down my front, extending down my arms and legs. It feels heavenly. I sigh in contentment.

“Brennen. Tie me. Please.” I hold out my wrists to him in offering.

He begins wrapping my wrists in a handcuff tie, knotting the rope in the middle. As he knots the rope tighter, the restraint actually relaxes me, like a soft hug.

“How does that feel? Too tight?”

“No…perfect.”

He reaches out and slides a hand down my hair, gently caressing the strands. My eyes drift closed.

“Tell me what you want. Trust me to give you what you want.”

“My hair. Tie my hair.Please.”

“I’d love to play with your hair.”

He sits behind me, straddling his legs on either side of mine. I lean back, melting into him, loving the feel of his chest against my back. He laughs softly.

“Jos. Baby. I can’t work with your hair unless you sit up.”

I sit up straighter. It’s all I can do to remain upright as he threads the rope through my hair, like foreplay before tying. He then grabs the length of it in his hand and pulls it up so he can fasten the first knot. With each tightening of the rope and tying of a knot, I feel more relaxed. I’m able to let go of the worries and stresses of being accepted by the people I left behind. I zone out in a meditative state until he ties the last knot in my hair and gives my ponytail a gentle tug.

A moan escapes my lips.

“Good?”

“Good. More.”

Brennen tugs more firmly, pulling me back into his chest, restoring our skin contact. The contact with the rope is not enough. I want to be closer to him, touching him. Since my hands are bound in front of me, I can’t do that. He must be able to sense the noise in my head.