Page 47 of The Assignment: Room 3

Celest Monroe: Why do I feel like I do?

Me: I can’t answer that. Only you can. We’re not contracted.

Celest Monroe: I know.

Me: Maybe friends with benefits is a bad idea.

I wait for her reply, but it doesn’t come. It’s a lesson in self-control not to push for a response.

Dropping my phone on the couch, I head for my bedroom and start peeling off my clothes. When I turn the dial on the shower, the glass starts to fog, and tendrils of steam snake their way to the mirror. I stare at my reflection as it begins to fade. I’m not sure who the guy in the mirror is. He’s not the Dom I purport to be, and he’s not the commander I was in another life.

I don’t recognize myself as I wipe my hand across the mirror, only to have the steam engulf it almost immediately.

Stepping into the shower, the water is so hot it hurts, but I stand beneath it, taking every scorching drop, forcing myself to feel something.Anything.

Maybe I made a mistake. I need complete control in all aspects of my life. It’s how I get up every morning and breathe in and out. Structure is essential. It’s why I joined the Navy straight out of school. I had no rules as a teenager. No one who gave a damn aboutme. I knew I was heading down a path that would end with me in jail or dead.

When I met Dalton, I was harsh—hardened by so many losses. He became my family, and I thank God every day that he and his mom came into my life. Now that his mom is gone, Dalton is the only family I’ve got.

I brace my hands on the steamed-up shower glass, pushing down the emotions fighting to break through.

Calm. Controlled.

The second I step out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my waist and run my hands through my hair. I’m still agitated after my interaction with Celest. The Dom in me is on the prowl without giving her the care she needed. I’m like a caged animal, full of primal energy and ready to pounce.

Throwing on a pair of low-slung gray sweatpants, I pad down the hall and back into the living room, where my phone sits taunting me. Grabbing a beer from the refrigerator, I head for the couch and put on the television, pretending I don’t want to check to see if Celest responded to my last message. It’s pathetic.

I get twenty minutes into an episode ofBrooklyn Nine-Ninebefore I give in and pick up my phone.

Fuck!

Celest Monroe: I don’t need aftercare from a friend. I need you to fuck me hard and punish me harder. No feelings.

My cock is rock solid in seconds. Jesus, I was not expecting that. I’m going to have to rub one out because the ache in my dick is way too intense to let it subside. I know Celest has a dirty mouth in the club, but fuck me, she just made me intent on getting her back in my playroom.

Me: And if I insist on aftercare?

Celest Monroe: Depends.

She’s a feisty little minx.

Me: On what? You can tell me what you want, pet, but I’ll take care of you because I’m in charge here. Contract or not, I’m the fucking Dom, and don’t you forget it.

I await the flashing dots. They come and go, but nothing comes through. I certainly won’t initiate any further interaction on the matter. If she can’t agree to my terms, then this arrangement is a non-starter.

I’m still hard when I set my phone down and slide my hand beneath the waistband of my gray sweats, taking my cock in hand.Fuck!I imagine how good her lips are going to feel wrapped around my dick because, make no mistake, shewillbeg me for it.

I fist the base, letting out a hiss as sensation takes over. I drop my head back against the couch, my other hand pushing my sweats down just enough to let my erection spring free. As I close my eyes, I picture Celest on the voyeur floor, gloriously naked with her legs spread wide for everyone to see. She’s such a filthy little submissive in need of punishment.

Picking up the pace, I remember how fucking good she looked over my knee in the car. How she let go, happy to give my driver a show. I know a lot of guys get jealous when it comes to lovers, but I fucking love having other people know what’s mine. They can look, but they can’t touch without my permission.

Her pretty little pussy tasted so good. I imagine lying beneath her, letting her ride my face with wild abandon. I’m so fucking close.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I ignore my phone, chasing release to alleviate the aching desire.

“Fuck. I’m going to make you pay for this, little pet. Christ!” I come harder than I ever have at my hand. My cum surges up my chest as I ride out the aftershocks. My breathing is still erratic when I lift my phone to see Celest’s name.

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