Page 225 of The First Time
"Yeah. It's called independence. You have heard of feminism?"
He chuckles. "You have heard of my charity?"
"No. That's a douchey thing to say."
"It's for domestic violence victims."
"Oh. That's… less douchey." And unexpected.
"It's okay. I know how I appear."
"It doesn't bother you?"
"Most people's opinions don't matter to me."
"So then why are you—"
"Some people's do." He stares back into my eyes. "I'll send over a credit card tomorrow. Treat yourself. Buy whatever you'll need to feel comfortable."
"I'm comfortable." I'm not exactly sleeping on Egyptian cotton and dining on steak, but I am comfortable enough.
"You're a beautiful girl, Kat. I want to tear off that dress. But there are people in my life who aren't nearly so…"
"They're judgmental assholes?"
He half-smiles. "Exactly."
"And you keep them in your life because?"
"Because they have other traits I value. You're more than welcome to show up to an event in jeans and a t-shirt. She…" He shakes his head. "But you'll get looks. If you don't want that kind of attention—"
"I get it." All his rich friends look down on the poor H&M shoppers. I guess I can do a little shopping spree if it's for keeping up appearances. I could certainly use new clothes. I haven't bought much since the accident.
His fingers brush the hem of my dress. "I'm never going to love you, Kat. But while we're together, I'll make sure you don't want for anything."
"What about… it's not like I can have a secret boyfriend on the side," I say.
"You want to fuck me."
"Yes." My cheeks flush. "Not necessarily today. But eventually."
"This part is real." He leans a little closer. His hands slide over the sides of my chest. Over my shoulders. "But you need to understand something, Kat."
"What?"
His eyes fix on mine. "I do things a certain way."
I swallow hard.
"I'm always in control."
"You mean… with, um…"
"When we're together, you're going to follow every one of my commands."
"Oh. I… um… I've never…"
"You're a virgin?"
