Page 90 of The Assignment: Room 3

“What?” She finally meets my gaze, and it melts my heart even more.

“She’s not a complication. You being a mother is not an issue. I want you to take this contract home and make whatever alterations you see fit, but before that, I need you read this paragraph.” I point to the last clause on the page.

Celest trembles as she takes the paper from me. The silence is fraught with anticipation. Will she think I’m dumb? Maybe she won’t want more than my body.

“I don’t understand, Master.” Her eyes search mine for—I’m not sure what.

“I’m offering you a twenty-four-seven contract, Celest. I am asking for a chance to get to know you outside of this club. Essentially, outside of the lifestyle.”

“You don’t want to fuck me?” Her voice is small and unsure.

I cup her face, lifting her chin so she’s forced to look at me. “I want you, Celest. The sex is… phenomenal.”

“Then why write this clause?”

“Because I think we need it.”

“You want a contract that takes sex off the table for the next three months?”

“Yes.” Fuck, I’m beginning to think I’ve set myself an impossible task. “I want to get to know you. I can make you scream my name or drop to your knees for me, but I need you to understand that I want more. Let me get to know you. To know Gracie. I know you’re a package deal, and she will always come first. I have no intention of vying for the number one spot in your life. I’m pushing hard for that second spot.” I press my lips to hers, soft and slow.

“I’m scared.”

“Put your trust in me, pet. Give me a shot. Giveusa try.”

A twinkle of mischief dances in her eyes. “What if I want the physical? No orgasms for three months?”

I claim her with a kiss. “Then, I’ll drop to my knees and sate your desire with my head buried between your legs.”

“Flex.” My name is a plea on her lips. I know what comes next. I’ve never given any woman a reason to put their faith in me outside the bounds of a sexual Dom/sub contract. Why should she put her faith in me now?

“Let me do this for you, pet. Forus. I am capable of affection outside of sex.” Am I? I want to be.

“Okay.”

“Okay to the contract?”

“To all of it. It’ll take time with Gracie. I don’t want to overwhelm her, but maybe you could come over for dinner this week?”

“We will go at whatever pace you want. Hanging out sounds… really good.” In earnest, I don’t remember the last time I sat down to dinner in someone’s home, including my own. It’s a sad indictment of the walls I’ve built for myself over the years, defenses I will need to learn how to lower if I want a chance to have a real relationship with Celest.

This is what I want. Since the day I enlisted, I’ve denied myself any emotional entanglements with women. In my experience, they’ve brought nothing but heartache. Forher, I want it all—thesex, the companionship, maybe even a family. That might be the scariest part for me, but I love her.

It wasn’t until Jenna said those words to me earlier this evening that it finally made sense. I’ve been walking around with an uneasy feeling in my chest this week, and I couldn’t quite figure out what it was—I wouldn’t admit it to myself. As I sit with Celest bundled in my lap, there’s a stillness that I haven’t felt since I was a child.

I want to be her calm in the storm—the person she can rely on to always have her back and fulfill all of her darkest desires.

“If Gracie struggles with any of this… you and me… I’ll have to walk away, and I need you to promise that you will let me.” That scenario can’t happen. Whatever comes up, I’ll deal with it. I can make this work.

“I understand, but it won’t come to that. As long as we are honest with each other, we can figure things out.” She stiffens in my arms. I’m moving too fast. “If Gracie is upset by any of this, I’ll walk away, Celest.”

“Give me your word.”

Pressing my lips to the top of her head, I reluctantly promise, and I will remain true to my word if the time comes. “I give you my word.”

“Then I will be your twenty-four-seven sub for the next three months. No sex.”

“You don’t sound so thrilled. I’ve never had a twenty-four-seven before, Celest. This is a steep learning curve for me.”

---